The Outdoor Plus · Winterization
The Outdoor Plus Fire Pit Winterization + Off-Season Storage
A TOP fire pit will last decades if you winterize it right. The big three: purge the gas line, remove media so water doesn't pool inside, and cover it. 30 minutes of work in fall saves 3 hours of spring troubleshooting.
By Ash · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- A cover (TOP canvas or stainless)
- A bucket for media
- Dry cloths
- Shop vacuum (optional)
Step by step
Turn off gas at the source and purge
Close the LP cylinder valve or the NG shutoff. With the gas off, light the pit and let it run until it goes out — the small amount of gas in the line between the shutoff and the burner burns off safely. Any residual gas trapped at the burner during winter can leak past the valve.
Remove decorative media into a sealed container
Lava rock, fire glass, and ornaments all into a dry bucket or bin. Water collecting under the media during winter will freeze, and next spring the first burn turns that frozen water into steam explosions.
Dry the pan interior and vacuum any debris
Shop vacuum or soft cloth. Any debris left under the burner invites rust and nesting insects.
Protect the ignition system
On electronic/spark ignitions: pull the AAA batteries so they don't leak in the control box. On -EKIT Plug & Play: unplug the 110V cord and coil it dry.
Disconnect the LP tank and store separately
LP tanks should NOT stay connected during winter. Disconnect, cap with the valve dust cover, store outside the enclosure (never in a garage or indoor space).
Cover with a TOP canvas or stainless cover
Covers have a 1-year warranty of their own. Don't improvise with a tarp — tarps trap condensation. Invest in the TOP-designed cover sized to your pit.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the propane tank connected over winter. Valves can seep. Tanks can freeze and vent. Neither is good — disconnect and store.
- Using a tarp instead of a fitted cover. Traps moisture against the pan. Spring opening reveals surface rust.
Hands-on tips
- Label the bucket of stored media so you don't dump it with yard debris come spring.
- Keep the tank cap in a labeled zip-top bag inside the storage bin — they're easy to lose.
Questions people ask
Do I need to winterize if I live in Southern California?
Even mild climates benefit — months of marine air without flame operation still drive condensation and corrosion. Shorter version in warm climates: remove media, disconnect tank, cover. Skip the purge if freezing isn't a risk.
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