Should I cover my gas fire pit when it is not in use?
Yes — a fitted cover is the cheapest insurance you can put on a gas fire pit. It keeps rain, snow, leaves, and pollen out of the burner and igniter, which is exactly where moisture does its damage, and slows rust on every metal part. Just make sure the pit is completely cool first, and use a breathable cover so trapped condensation doesn't defeat the purpose.
What the cover is really protecting
The visible bowl isn't the point — the burner, the ports, and the igniter are. Those are the parts that rust and corrode when rain and snowmelt collect in them, and they're the parts that turn a fire pit from 'lights on the first click' into a spring service call.
A cover keeps water, leaves, and our heavy spring pollen out of that assembly, and it keeps media dry so you're not lighting a burner sitting in a wet bed of lava rock. For what a decent cover costs, it's the highest-return thing you can do.
Breathable beats airtight
There's a right way to cover it. A cover that seals like plastic wrap traps whatever moisture is already underneath and holds it against the metal — you can actually cause the rust you're trying to prevent.
A fitted cover made to let a little air move underneath lets condensation escape while still shedding rain and snow, which is what you want in a humid, wet climate like ours. And always let the pit cool completely before covering; a warm pit under a cover on a cool night makes its own condensation.
Cover plus a couple of habits
A cover does most of the work, but pair it with the basics. Keep the burner draining and its ports clear, brush off any surface rust when you spot it, and for long idle stretches shut off or disconnect the fuel.
Portable pits can come inside a garage or under a porch instead of relying on a cover alone. If your pit is part of an outdoor kitchen and awkward to cover fully, focus on shielding the burner and igniter. Questions on the right cover or setup? Call (828) 545-0525.
How we can help
Related questions
- How do I winterize a gas fire pit?
- Can a gas fire pit stay outside all winter?
- Should I disconnect the propane tank from my fire pit for the winter?
- How do I keep rain and water out of a fire pit burner?
- How do I protect an outdoor fire pit's igniter from moisture?
- How often should a gas fireplace be serviced?
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