Cooler temps mean the water in your backyard pool needs to be drained to ready it for winter. Instead of draining the water out completely, you can recycle and reuse it to hydrate your lawn and garden areas. Since most pools are chlorinated, the first step is to remove chlorine tablets and allow your pool to sit untreated for at least a week. This will help your pool get to the desired pH level acceptable for watering. Then use a siphon or water pump to use the water to hydrate your garden, lawn and landscaping. This tip does not work for saltwater pools, and that type of water should not be used for watering your yard.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

People who use a wood-burning fireplace, listen up: Don’t scoop the ashes out of the fireplace into the trash. Instead, invest in a fireproof metal tin where you can scoop your warm ashes and let them completely cool down naturally. Save these ashes over the winter months and use them as nutrient-dense soil amendment for your garden, lawn or compost in the spring. It’s as simple as sprinkling the ash everywhere and mixing or tilling it into the lawn, garden soil or compost. Wood ash is loaded with calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and aluminum.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Some of the biggest culprits for massive energy loss in the winter months are window-mounted air conditioner units. When improperly installed and insulated (plastic shutters usually cover the gaps on the left and right sides), it’s like having a fist-sized hole in your wall that lets cold air breeze right into your home. To keep your home warm in the winter, take the time to remove the unit and store it until next year. Or invest in an air conditioning cover, which can help insulate and reduce the amount of cold air flowing into your home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION