Beat the Freeze: The Phase One Landscapes Guide to Denver Fire & Water Features Winterization

Winter in Denver isn’t just cold, it’s unpredictable. Sudden snow, wild temperature swings, and freeze-thaw cycles can quickly turn your outdoor oasis into a springtime headache. If you’ve invested in a custom fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or water feature, you know these elements are more than upgrades—they’re the heart of your outdoor lifestyle.

At Phase One Landscapes, we’ve spent over 35 years helping Denver homeowners protect and enjoy their outdoor spaces, no matter the weather. This winterization guide offers practical advice, real-world strategies, and expert insights drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Our goal is to keep your investment safe, avoid costly repairs, and ensure your outdoor space is ready to shine as soon as the snow melts.

The Necessity of Winterization:
Protecting Your Investment

The biggest threat to your outdoor fire and water features in Denver is the climate. Winterization isn’t a chore, it’s essential protection for your high-end, custom installation. Proper winterization preserves your investment in premium materials, intricate craftsmanship, and the overall aesthetics of your space.

Why Winterization Is Critical in Our Area:

• Freeze-Thaw Damage: Water expands as it freezes. Even a small amount trapped in a crack or crevice can cause major damage.
• Material Spalling: Porous materials like limestone and custom concrete are especially at risk. We’ve seen beautiful features ruined by one harsh winter.
• Plumbing Risks: Un-drained lines can burst, leading to expensive repairs and water waste.
• Aesthetic Preservation: Stains, mineral deposits, and algae can set in over the winter, making spring cleanup a nightmare.

Water Feature Winterization:
The Critical Checklist

Water features like koi ponds to bubbling fountains are often the crown jewel of a landscape. But they’re also the most vulnerable to freeze damage. 

This comprehensive, step-by-step process to keep your water feature safe all winter long.

1. Drain Everything (The Porous Material Risk)

The single most important step is to remove all standing water. That means every basin, bowl, pipe, and crevice. Freezing water expands quickly, and if it’s trapped in porous materials like custom concrete, limestone, or high-end stone, you could be facing cracks, spalling, or even total replacement.

Our Process:

• We start by shutting off the water supply and draining the main basin.
• Using submersible pumps and, in some cases, compressed air, we make sure every pipe and hidden pocket is dry.
• For intricate features with multiple levels or hidden reservoirs, we check each section individually.

Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure whether you’ve gotten every drop, give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through the process or handle it for you.

2. Pump Protection is Paramount

Your pump is the heart of your water feature, and it needs special care:

• Remove the pump from the water feature.
• Clean it thoroughly and remove any algae, mineral buildup, or debris.
• Store it indoors, submerged in a bucket of clean water. This keeps seals and gaskets from drying out and cracking.

3. Clean Before You Cover

Before you cover your feature, give it a thorough cleaning. This prevents stains and makes spring startup a breeze.

• Remove all debris, leaves, and organic matter.
• Scrub away algae and mineral deposits.
• Rinse all surfaces and let them dry completely.

Why it matters:
Leaving organic material behind can cause staining, encourage mold growth, and create a much bigger job in the spring.

4. Use a Secured, Breathable Cover

A heavy-duty, waterproof, and breathable cover is essential:

• It must be securely fastened; Denver winds are notorious for carrying off poorly secured covers.
• The material should be breathable to let trapped moisture escape, preventing mold and mildew.
• It must be waterproof to keep out snow, ice, and sleet.

What We Recommend:
Custom-fitted covers are available on the market for all types of water features. If you’re not sure what you need, reach out, we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit.

5. Inspect and Maintain Surroundings

It is essential to attend to the environment surrounding your water feature:

• Prune plants and shrubs to minimize the accumulation of debris.
• Examine nearby drainage systems to ensure that melting snow and ice do not collect around the base.
• Remove decorative elements that may be susceptible to damage from snow or ice.

Fire Feature Winterization & Safety:
Integrating into the Outdoor Kitchen

Fire features and outdoor kitchens are built for year-round enjoyment, but winter brings special considerations, especially in our climate and with the investment you’ve made in custom finishes and advanced components.

1. Mandatory Gas/Fuel Shutdown

Safety is very important when winterizing your fire features:

• Identify and shut off the main gas supply to your fire pit or outdoor fireplace.
• For propane systems, disconnect the tank and store it in a secure, protected location indoors.
• This procedure helps prevent leaks, corrosion, and protects sensitive electronic ignition components from potential damage.

2. Component Removal & Storage

Interior media, including lava rock, fire glass, and ceramic logs, can absorb moisture during the winter months. When reignited, trapped water may cause dangerous “popping” or even cracking.

• Remove all loose media from your fire feature.
• Store the media in a dry, covered container indoors.

Additional Considerations:

• Prior to reinstallation in the spring, inspect all components for signs of moisture absorption or damage.

3. Sealing Custom Finishes (Advanced Care)

If your fire feature includes custom stone, stucco, or concrete surrounds, consider applying a breathable, stone-safe sealant every 1–3 years. This protects against:

• Moisture infiltration
• Salt and de-icer damage
• Freeze-thaw cycles

An extra layer of protection goes a long way. A good sealant can mean the difference between a quick spring clean and a costly repair.

4. Safe Winter Use

Your fire feature can still be enjoyed throughout the winter season when proper precautions are taken:

• Always remove snow or ice from the feature before ignition.
• After use, allow the feature to cool completely, then replace the cover to protect against moisture intrusion.
• Never leave the feature unattended while in operation, particularly in windy conditions.

Additional Recommendation:

• Consider installing a wind guard or screen to enhance both safety and comfort during winter gatherings.

5. Check Electrical Components

For fire features or outdoor kitchens equipped with lighting or electronic ignition systems:

• Inspect all wiring for damage before winter.
• Cover or disconnect any exposed outlets or switches.
• If you notice any issues, schedule a professional inspection.

The Phase One Full-Service Commitment

At Phase One Landscapes, our commitment doesn’t end when your project is complete. We’re dedicated to helping you protect and enjoy your investment, season after season. That’s why we offer comprehensive winterization and spring startup services for all our fire and water feature clients.

Simple Spring Startup

Proper winterization isn’t just about surviving the cold, it’s about making spring a breeze. When you follow these steps, or let us handle them for you, you’ll be able to turn on your feature and get back to outdoor living without delays, repairs, or surprises.

What We Recommend:

• Detailed inspection and cleaning
• Reinstallation of interior media
• System checks for leaks or winter damage
• Advice on any needed repairs or upgrades

“At Phase One Landscapes, we’re not just in the business of landscaping, we’re in the business of peace of mind. Our clients know they can call us anytime, for anything, and we’ll be there. That’s the Phase One Landscapes difference.”

Full-Service Confidence

Whether you want a completely hands-off experience or just need expert advice, we’re here to help. Our maintenance plans are fully customizable, designed to fit your lifestyle, your space, and your expectations for quality.

Why Clients Trust Us:

• We have over 35 years of local Denver landscaping experience
• Our staff is certified, trained, and passionate
• We offer personalized, white-glove service, and a commitment to “building lifetime relationships”