As the cold days and dark nights roll in, we start to make our preparations - the big coats come out, the heating goes on, and the garden furniture goes away. However, one thing that often gets overlooked amid our arrangements is the garden playsets.
Covering and preparing your swing for winter is one simple way to ensure it stays in good condition during the winter when it’s not being used as much. That way, it’ll be ready to swing into action when spring comes around.
In this guide, we’ll explain why it’s important to cover your swing, show you how to do it, and share some top tips for ensuring your swing set survives the winter weather in tip-top shape.
Why should you cover your swing in winter?
From frost to heavy rain and even snow, the British winter brings a whole array of challenges. These can be tough on outdoor toys like swing sets. Here are a few reasons why it’s advisable to cover your swing:
1. It protects your swing set from frost
Frosty nights can be your swing set's worst enemy. Moisture can get into small cracks and freeze, causing wood to crack, metal to rust, and plastic to weaken. Covering your swing helps to stop moisture from settling on surfaces and causing frost damage.
2. It keeps rust and rot away
Rust can damage metal on things like garden furniture and bikes in wet and damp conditions. Swing sets are no exception; an uncovered swing is susceptible to rust damage. Dampness can also damage wooden frames, leading to rot and mould.
A cover can help block out moisture and reduce the chances of rusting or rotting, especially for swings made from metal or wood.
3. It extends your swing set’s lifespan
Covering your swing set in winter extends its lifespan by protecting it from the wear and tear caused by harsh weather. You’ll avoid having to make repairs and ensure you don’t need to replace components or the whole swing sooner than expected.
4. It keeps your swing set safe
A well-maintained swing set is a safe one. Cold and wet weather can make surfaces slippery, increase the risk of splinters, and weaken structures. Covering your swing and properly preparing it for winter will mean it’s ready to use when the sun comes out.
This is just one way to keep your swing safe; for more, read our guide, Swing Safety 101!
How to cover a swing in winter
Now you know why covering your playset is important, let’s get into the swing of things and look at how to cover a swing, step by step:
Measure your swing set
Before investing in a cover, start by measuring your swing set's length, width, and height. A good cover should be the frame's length, width, and height, plus about 30cm on each side. This way, it’s big enough to fit the frame but snug enough to stay secure through blustery weather.
Choose an appropriate cover
When choosing a cover, look for a material that’s waterproof and durable enough to handle frost, wind, and rain. Tarp is the best option, but covers made from vinyl or polyester blends are also excellent choices, as they’re waterproof and resistant to UV damage.
Secure the cover over your swing set
Many playset covers come with built-in fasteners, buckles, or ties. Use these to secure the cover to your swing and keep it firmly in place.
If you’re making your own cover, place it over your swing set and secure it to the ground with zip ties, pegs, floor anchors, or rope. Or, for a low-fuss solution, opt for a bigger cover and use heavy weights like rocks to hold it down.
Preparing your swing set for winter
Covering your swing set is one great way to prepare it for winter. Here are some more steps you can take to ensure your playset comes out of hibernation in top shape.
Clean it down
Start by wiping down the swing with a damp cloth and mild soap. This helps remove dirt, grime, and any mould spores that might lead to mould or mildew build-up in damp conditions.
Check for damage
Before you cover your swing, check for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, loose bolts, rust spots, or anything that seems weakened. Fixing small issues now can prevent them from turning into bigger problems due to harsher weather.
Apply protection
For wooden swing sets, a protective oil-based stain can keep moisture out of the wood, minimising the chances of mould, cracks, or rot developing. A commercial rust-proofing spray or paint can also be applied to any metal parts to prevent rusting. Finally, using a weather-resistant lubricant on areas like chains or joints will help keep everything working smoothly.
Remove the seats
Plastic or rubber seats can crack in the cold, and ropes might weaken when they get wet. Many swing sets have detachable seats, so consider removing them. Storing these parts indoors is a simple step to extend their life and make spring maintenance easier.
Tips for refreshing your swing set after winter
As the frost melts and the spring blooms peak their heads, it’s time to take the cover off and bring your swing set out of hibernation!
Before you let the kids back out to enjoy the benefits of swings for another year, here are some maintenance tips to help you make sure your swing is safe and ready for the fun and games:
Inspect, clean, and repair
Inspect for signs of rust, rot, or mould and wipe down the swing set with warm soapy water. Relubricate moving parts and touch up any rust-proofing as needed. Check the entire structure for signs of winter damage, like cracks or loose bolts, and repair these.
Reattach seats
If you removed swing seats for winter, now’s the time to bring them back out and reattach them. Give everything a quick clean first, then attach the seat(s) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Safety check
Before you let your kids loose on their dearly missed playset, carry out a final safety check. Double-check for loose parts, test weight-bearing areas, and ensure everything feels sturdy and stable.
Find winter-proof swing sets and more at Outdoor Toys
Here at Outdoor Toys, you’ll find durable swing sets to withstand everything a great British winter could throw at them!
Our single, double, and triple swing sets are crafted from pressure-treated timber for maximum strength and longevity. For an extra boost of fun, check out our swings with monkey bars and swings with climbing frames! Plus, if the winter hasn’t been too kind to your swing set, find replacement seats and other swing accessories to restore it to its original glory!
With 48-hour delivery and 0% finance on orders over £99 with Paypal, there’s never been a better time to swing into action!