Falling leaves and dropping temperatures mean winter is right around the corner. As your property begins to close down its outdoor pool and amenity areas for the winter, don’t forget to add an important task to your to-do list: winterize your outdoor furniture.
At Furniture Leisure, we’re proud to say our commercial pool furniture is built to last. Made with non-corrosive, weather-resistant materials and tested to meet ASTM standards, our poolside chairs, tables, lounges, and cushions are designed for years of use in commercial environments. When you order from us, you know you’re getting quality through and through.
To get the most out of your purchase, we recommend you winterize your outdoor furniture before the harsh winter elements hit your area. By following these three easy steps, you’ll not only extend the life of your pool furniture, but you’ll also ensure it’s ready to use come springtime.
Step 1: Clean
Commercial pool furniture is typically constructed of three main materials – metal, plastic resin, and fabric. Here are our tips on cleaning each material type before you store it for the winter:
Metal – Our cast aluminum and aluminum frame furniture doesn’t require heavy cleaning but should be washed with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse it with a hose and then hand dry it to make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies so as not to have water residue that can cause problems in storage.
Plastic – Furniture made from marine-grade polymer, recycled plastic, and plastic resin is virtually maintenance-free, which is why these materials are popular choices for pool furniture. And while they are durable and low maintenance, it’s still best practice to clean off any dirt and residue at the end of the season. Wipe these plastic-based materials down with mild detergent and water and either air dry or hand dry.
Fabrics – All our furniture fabric – from Sunbrella acrylic to marine-grade and sling fabric – should be cleaned at least a few times a year to help it maintain its beauty and keep it free of mold and mildew. First, vacuum or shake off cushions to remove surface dirt and remnants. Next, hand washes or hose down the fabric with mild soap and water. If you have any stains, try a bleach/detergent mix to remove them; do not use bleach on printed or cotton fabric. Allow your cushions to air dry completely before storing.
Step 2: Repair .jpg)
Once you’ve properly cleaned all your furniture and cushions, and made sure they are completely dried, inspect each piece for any repairs that may be needed. If you see any exposed metal where the finish has been scratched or chipped, lightly sand the area and apply touch-up paint to seal it. Aluminum tubing furniture must be kept dry inside and out to prevent cracking. If water does get into the tubing and freezes, it can cause the frame to crack and leave a gaping hole.
After checking the frames, look for loose or broken straps and missing feet protectors on your pool chairs, and inspect your cushions for damaged fabric. If you aren’t able to fix them yourself, call us at Furniture Leisure for assistance. Having your pool furniture in tip-top shape before you store it will save you time and headaches when you bring it back out for pool season.
Step 3: Cover and Store
Once you’ve properly cleaned all your furniture and cushions, and made sure they are dried and repaired, now you’re ready for storage. Ideally, you’ll want to stack and store your pool furniture inside a building to keep it dry and safe. But if you don’t have the space or means to do that, use a tarp or furniture cover to protect your pieces from the elements. Furniture left outdoors should be checked periodically during the winter months. Brush off any snow or water on the covers to prevent buildup and potential damage. Pooled water could result in moisture on the inside of your cover, and it will have a harder time evaporating.
Get your staff together to spend a day prepping your pool furniture for winter storage. Working as a team, they’ll ensure your furniture is clean, dry, and ready for guest use as soon as Mother Nature brings back the warm weather.
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