Owner intel
Why this week matters
Service calendars fill, humidity creeps, and small fixes become big invoices when holiday guests arrive or long-lets roll over. Yesterday we suggested a quick "flip to heat" test; today we go deeper on comfort, damp control, and the bits that quietly protect value, pace, and sunlight.
The fall checklist (thirty-minute blocks, tops)
Caldera — boiler — service: pressure, flame, seals, and a CO alarm battery. Book the annual if it's due.
Thermostat sanity — set weekday/weekend programs; use a gentle night setback so rooms don't swing between hot and cold.
Drafts you can fix — door sweeps and window seals do more than heroic heating. Stand by the frames at night; if you feel a draft, seal it.
Radiator reset (if you have them) — bleed until air stops; recheck system pressure after an hour.
Humidity plan — aim for fifty–fifty-five percent. Dehumidify bedrooms and wardrobes; leave doors ajar after showers; wipe away the first signs of mould quickly. Dry beats warm.
Chimney & fireplace — book a sweep; stack wood off the terrace; keep a spark guard if guests are present.
Terraces & drains — clear leaves; check for leaves falling toward drains; no standing water near thresholds.
Water heater checks — ensure safe temperature setting; check for corrosion; note the anode date.
Gas bits (if you use butano — bottled gas) — check hose date stamps and regulator; replace if out of date.
Community peace — review quiet hours and obra menor (minor works) rules—a two-line note to the comunidad — homeowners association — before noisy jobs to prevent theatre.
Air movement — if your AC passed yesterday's heat test, circulation wins over cranking the dial. Set ceiling fans to winter mode (slow, clockwise) to push warm air down; no fan? Use split-unit Fan mode for ten minutes with doors ajar.
The pool, your way (and yes, beaches are always open)
Not everyone has a private pool. Many community pools dial back or close in autumn. That's fine: the Mediterranean is year-round, and early mornings can be glassy. Three paths, pick yours:
Beach-year-round
Check the flag on the day; bandera verde — green flag — means safe swimming.
Go with a buddy; enter slowly; keep swims short after storms.
Warm-up ritual: coat, hot drink, walk home in the sun—cheap joy.
Private pool, no heater
Keep circulation daily to avoid algae; skim after windy days.
Consider a bubble cover to hold a few extra degrees and keep leaves out.
Cold-plunge routine? Add a non-slip step/mat and a warm towel station. If you have heart or blood pressure issues, check with your doctor first.
Private pool, with heater
Set a realistic point (twenty-four to twenty-six °C); cover when not in use.
Run the pump a little longer on sunny days; test pH weekly.
Heater throwing codes or water going milky? That's a call-a-pro moment.
Community pool realities
Many communities close or reduce hours off-season; ask your presidente — community president — or caretaker for the current plan. No lifeguard usually means swim at your own risk. Keep noise and rinsing gear tidy to stay popular with neighbours.
Live like a vecino
Book the humans now.
Heating techs, chimney sweeps, and pool people fill up. A one–to two-week lead time buys calmer visits and cleaner work.Log the basics.
Inside a cupboard door: filter sizes, thermostat model, boiler pressure, pool chemical brand. Future you (or a guest) will thank you.One quiet money win.
Check the contracted power on your electricity bill. If it’s higher than you actually use, a small step down trims the monthly fee. Pair that with off-peak laundry and dishwasher runs.
Spanish-lite
"¿La piscina comunitaria sigue abierta fuera de temporada?" — Is the community pool open out of season?
"¿Hay bandera verde hoy?" — Is there a green flag today?
Need a hand?
Black Book — reliable pros, zero faff.
Heating/AC tech, chimney sweep, or pool service — bilingual, insured, responsive. We introduce, you approve the scope and price. No pay-to-play, just good work. Request a vetted intro →
Reply with your neighborhood and we'll cover it next week.
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- Not bad for a Tuesday. See you on the paseo — A and the WayPoint Sur Team
