Shopping notes ·
Before you put the backyard away for winter
A practical end-of-season check for furniture, poolside storage and the bits you will want to find next spring.
Measure the storage, not just the furniture
Before buying a cover or a storage box, measure the item in its stored shape. Fold chairs, remove loose cushions and note the protruding parts. A box that fits the seat pads but not the back cushions is not much help. Keep fabrics dry before storing them and follow the care label; a weather cover is not a substitute for ventilation.
Keep pool care separate from furniture care
Pool closing depends on the pool type, equipment and local climate. Use the manufacturer’s winterization instructions or ask a qualified local pool professional. Do not apply a generic drain-down rule to every pool. Store pool chemicals only as directed on their labels, away from living spaces, children, pets and incompatible substances.
Make a next-season list before buying
Check for missing feet, damaged straps, corroded fasteners and torn fabric while the furniture is still accessible. Record the model name and photograph the part. Ask about a replacement before replacing the whole piece. For new furniture, compare packed dimensions, assembly, material care and return freight as carefully as the headline price.
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