To protect your fire pit from rain, install a cover or store it inside after use. Waterproof covers are suitable for both permanent and fixed fire pits, while you can also install a temporary tent to protect the fire feature from rain.
4 Ways to Keep Your Fire Pit Safe from Rain
It is better to keep the fire pit from getting wet or rainy than to let it rust and cause more trouble. See the tips below for easy and helpful ways to keep the fire pit from getting soggy:
Cover your fire pit:
Covering your fire pit is the safest way to keep water from getting into it. A vinyl or metal cover is easy to find and put on. Also, they keep the air from getting too dusty and wet. Lastly, a fire pit cover will keep the pit clean and dry until the next gathering.
Clean for maintenance:
If you use the fire pit more, you might want to clean and dry it more often. But if you do not use the fire pit often, you should clean it and wipe it down every three weeks. Wiping it with a dry cloth will stop the moisture from building up and keep it dry.
Put up a tent:
If you do not have the cover or can not find it, you can use a tent as a makeshift one. Once the fire pit is done, it’s time to set up camp. It will not stop water drops from getting into the fire pit, but it will help by giving shelter.
Store It Away Inside:
Choose this option only if you have a portable fire pit. Once the fire pit is cooled down, it is best to keep it inside your home. It will also keep moisture away from it.
[You may like: Can I put my fire pit on the grass?]
What Type of Fire Pit Covers are Good for Rain?
The best type of fire pit cover is a fabric cover made of solution-dyed polyester, For example- Top Notch® 9. This fabric protects against UV, water, air humidity, snow, rain, etc.
According to material type, there are two types of fire pit covers; metal lid and fabric type.
A fabric fire pit cover is made to keep the top and sides of a fire pit safe from the weather when it is not in use or being stored. Most fabric covers for fire pits are made of polyester, polypropylene, or reinforced or lined vinyl. A metal cover that only goes over the top of the fire pit is another type of fire pit cover. Its main job is to put out a fire in a safe way.
Also, it keeps the top of the fire pit safe when it is not used. You can use both types of covers at the same time. Use the metal cover to put out the fire and the fabric cover to protect the fire pit.
Do Gas Fire Pits Need a Cover?
Yes, all fire pits, including gas ones, do need to be covered. Most fire pits are metal, steel, aluminum, or cast iron. So, metal will eventually rust even if it does not get directly wet. Also, the moisture in the air will corrode the metal, so this is the best way to make your gas fire pit last longer and be more durable.
Covers for fire pits keep the fire from getting wet when it rains suddenly and protect the fire pit from humidity and moisture in the air. Make sure to buy a cover that protects against UV and water both.
What to Do if My Fire Pit Gets Wet?
If the fire pit is wet, your next step is to wash and dry it as quickly as possible if your fire pit is wet. It is best to keep water from the fire pit, but accidents happen. You should not worry too much about how long your fire pit will last if it gets rained on for two to three hours. But leaving your fire pit out open can significantly cut its lifespan for a long time. If you let water get into a fire pit, two main things will happen rust formation and gas line clogging( in gas fire pits).
So, below is a quick and simple way to clean and dry your fire pit if it is wet:
- Scrub the inside of your fire pit with a soft cloth and warm soapy water.
- Rinse the soap and water very well.
- Wipe the fire pit down with a dry cloth. After cleaning it, do not let water sit in a metal fire pit because it could cause rust.
- Let the fire pit dry for about 48 to 72 hours. Please do not use it before it gets dried up.
Should I Leave My Fire Pit Outside After Use?
No, you can not leave a fire pit outside, whether it burns propane or wood. If you put a propane gas fire pit outside available and it catches in the rain for a long time, it will start to break down. Gas burners will be the most common place where damage will happen. Fire pits that burn wood will make a swamp of ash and water hard to clean, and the fire pit will rust quickly. Also, you will not be able to utilize the fire pit until it’s scorched, which usually takes between 48 and 72 hours.
If there is no rain, the air humidity can cause rusting of your fire pit alone. Snowfall or heavy wind may also leave it damaged. However, if you have a fire pit cover and put it on when you have finished using it, then it is okay to put the fire pit on the outside. But it is better to store the portable fire pits indoors after usage.
You can read our full article on can you leave your fire pit in the rain here.
