Courtyard and patio: The right equipment for a perfect summer

1. Outdoor lighting: Safety and ambiance in the courtyard

Good courtyard lighting enhances aesthetics, creates a pleasant ambiance, and improves safety. Here are your options: 

• Solar lamps: Easy to install, low lighting, and limited lifespan. 

• Electric lamps: More powerful, require wiring. 

• LED bulbs (recommended): Consume little energy, do not heat up. Good intensity and long lifespan (about 50,000 hours). Opt for warm white (around 2700k) to evoke natural light. 

Tip: Add a timer to automate lighting and save energy. 

2. BBQ: How to choose the perfect model?

Charcoal barbecue, gas barbecue, electric barbecue, pellet barbecue? Each type offers distinct advantages. For a durable purchase, check these key elements: 

• Material: Prefer grade 304 stainless steel. 

• Grates: Models with cast-iron or stainless-steel grates are the most robust and represent a better choice. Porcelain-enamelled steel grates are more affordable but more fragile. 

• Burners: Do not rely solely on BTU; design influences performance. 

• Cooking chamber: It must be solid and resistant. 

Also, consider the flavours you like and the number of people living under your roof (for choosing the size). For more information, read our guide Buying a BBQ: Let us help! 

3. Patio heater: An ally for cool evenings

There are four models of patio heaters: 

• Freestanding patio heaterr (propane): Ideal for large spaces of about 10m² (up to 48,000 BTU). Not suitable for covered areas. 

• Hanging or wall-mounted patio heater (electric): More eco-friendly. Heating capacity from 1500 to 5000 watts. Sometimes requires an electrician for installation. 

• Tabletop patio heater (propane or electric): Perfect for a small space. From 10,000 to 15,000 BTU. 

Tip: Choose a model with a heat adjustment system and automatic shut-off in case of tipping. 

How to determine the BTU for a patio heater?

You need to consider several factors to determine the number of BTUs for your patio heater, such as: 

• The orientation of the patio 

• Dominant winds 

• The presence of one or more walls 

• Covered or uncovered space 

4. Outdoor speakers: Guaranteed musical ambiance

To enjoy your music by the pool or on the patio, you have two options: 

• Wired speakers: Stable connection but fixed installation. 

• Portable Bluetooth speakers: Wireless, with a battery life of 8 to 12 hours (fully charged batteries). You can also connect them to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. 

Tip: Choose weather-resistant speakers with bidirectional sound for better diffusion. 

The number of speakers needed depends on the area to be covered and … the proximity of neighbours! 

Musical playlists to discover this summer

Fully enjoy the summer with inspiring music! 

Listen to Evening on the Patio with CAA-Quebec on Spotify and explore our playlists for every moment: swimming, BBQ, relaxation… 

5. Timers for pools and spas: Energy savings

Pool timers and spa timers allow you to regulate the pump and reduce energy consumption. You could save up to 45% on filtration costs. 

Other tips to maximize the energy efficiency of your above-ground or in-ground pool:

• Cover your pool every night with a solar cover to prevent heat loss and extend your swimming season. 

• Reduce the heat pump temperature by 2°C (save up to 25% on water heating). 

• Select the spa’s sleep mode to reduce water temperature when not in use. 

Special thanks to the experts from Lumen, Maison Adam, and BBQ Prestige for helping to write this article.