We’re finally starting to see some “cooler” weather… which brings the topics of winterizing in Arizona to many residents’ minds! Winterizing refers to getting your pools, pipes and plants prepared for winter. Our winters here in metro Phoenix aren’t so extreme, but we do have some higher elevations in Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree and North Phoenix that can see temperatures below freezing at times. Still, it’s important for all Arizona residents, including Tenants, to take the necessary precautions.
Pipes
If you have exposed pipes outside your home, and most people do, they must be insulated from the cold. Here’s a great article from the DIY Network on how to do so. Not only does it prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, but it will also prevent condensation from freezing and help save on energy bills. Another tip is to leave a tap inside the home ever so slightly open on freeze nights. This keeps water moving through the pipes and helps prevent them from freezing solid.
Pools
Even though pool use drops in cooler months, pools still require some winter maintenance. Chemicals and cleaning schedules should be adjusted and residents should also check with their pool service provider to see if any pipes need additional protection from the elements. Another common mistake is not keeping up on pool safety precautions in the winter. “Watch your kids around water” is a common summer theme, but pools can be just as dangerous to little ones in winter months. Take extra measures to ensure that even when a pool is not in use it still has every safety feature present. Consider a pool cover or net and be sure it is installed correctly. Make sure pool fences are in good repair and that gates are self-closing and latching.
Landscaping
Have you ever seen Styrofoam cups on your neighbor’s cacti in winter? Landscaping is another area that needs to be tended to in the winter months. It is necessary to adjust watering times, frequency and duration. Residents also need to cover sensitive plants on freeze nights (cups on some types of cactus, sheets on less hardy shrubs and plants). Here’s a great list of plants to take special precautions with, especially watching out for annuals and tropical plants. You should also find out the right time to prune away dead growth when freeze damage does happen. Now is the perfect time to consult a landscaper on these issues to find out what’s right for your specific situation.
If you have any questions or need any assistance in regard to winterizing or any property maintenance or valuation, contact us now.