If you’ve never experienced a mildew-covered pool float, you’re going to want to keep it that way. Some pool owners don’t know how to store pool floats, and they quickly get … grody. To keep your inflatables from becoming homes for mold spores, follow our advice.
In this article, you’ll learn the best way to store pool floats. When you get them out next summer, you’ll be glad you listened!
What To Do Before Storing Pool Floats
First, you have to wash, dry, and clean your pool floats after they’re used. It doesn’t matter what material they’re made from, this is universally true. Learning how to clean pool floats is essential, because dirt, moisture from the environment, sweat, and other gunk can breed mildew and mold.
Before storing pool floats, make sure you have the right place for them. If you’re used to keeping your floats right next to the pool, you might wonder where to store pool floats to keep them dry. You’ll have to create space in a dry, temperature-controlled area to keep them safe.
6 Best Tips on How To Store Pool Floats Properly
Unfortunately, pool floats are often seen as disposable and not worth preserving. This creates waste. Most pool floats are made from materials that are difficult to recycle. With a little bit of thought and care, they don’t have to end up in landfills.
The fact is that a quality pool float can last years if it’s cared for properly, so learning how to organize pool floats is indeed a good idea. If you want to keep your pool floats in great shape for many years, follow our advice. With our proven storage ideas for pool floats, you’ll save money by not having to buy new ones constantly!
Tip 1: Deflate and Fold
Get all of the air out of your pool floats and fold them neatly. Don’t crumple them! Try to fold them along seams to prevent wrinkles. To make sure you get the air completely out, you can use a reversible pump.
This step is particularly important if you are wondering how to store large pool floats. With some models accommodating several adults, even a small percentage of air trapped inside the float can make it very hard to store. Make sure to deflate your large pool float properly so you’re not stuck with a bulky item.
Tip 2: Prepare Storage Space
As mentioned earlier, you’re going to need space in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. If you have an air-conditioned and heated garage, make some room on a shelf for your floats.
Floats should be folded loosely or placed in ventilated containers, like a basket with a loose-fitting lid. Despite your best efforts to thoroughly dry your floats, some moisture may remain, and sealing your folded float in an air-tight container will increase the risk of mold or mildew.
Make sure the containers you get are large enough to hold your floats comfortably. If they’re too tight, it’ll put pressure on the floats, potentially damaging seams or other fixtures. You want your floats to relax in their containers.
Tip 3: Don’t Leave Floats in The Sun Too Long
Outside is not where to store pool floats. This may seem odd because floats are generally used when it’s sunny. However, prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can fade and crack your pool floats. In extreme heat, seams may even start to separate, ruining your float.
With that being said, the sun can be your best friend for effectively drying your float before storage. Right after you’ve cleaned your floats, it’s a good idea to leave them in the sun to dry. Just don’t let them stay out for more than a few hours at a time.
Tip 4: Wash Them Properly
We mentioned that you should wash and dry your floats, but let’s discuss how you should do that.
- Wipe off dirt
- Spray off with a garden hose
- Use warm water, dish soap, and a washcloth to scrub the floats
- Rinse with the hose, getting rid of all soap
- Dry them with the power of sunlight
Now, they’ll be clean and ready to store.
Tip 5: Repair Before Storage
When summer hits again and you’re ready to get back into the pool, you want your floats to be ready! It would be disappointing to pull them out of storage and realize they don’t hold air. Test your pool floats before you put them away. Check for leaks and learn how to patch a pool float if it has any holes or tears.
Tip 6: Prepare for Storing Pool Floats for Winter
The end of the warmer season may leave you wondering how to take care of your pool floats so they stay in great shape for the following summer. So, how do you store pool floats for the winter? First, your pool floats should be completely dry and clean, so it's a great idea to leave them out for a few hours in the sun to avoid mold.
The second step is properly storing your pool floats. But should you deflate pool floats for the winter? The short answer is: yes. Deflating your pool floats allows you to fold and keep them in containers, which is convenient if you have a small storage space, and it is a much safer option. Consider a dry storage place such as a garage or basement.
Let's summarize the steps: clean, dry, deflate, fold and store your pool floats properly. We're sure that now you know how to store pool floats for winter and are fully ready for the off-season!
How to Store Inflatables: Additional Practical Tips
Ensuring the durability and readiness of your pool inflatables for future use requires proper storage techniques. Here are essential tips on maximizing storage solutions, protecting your floats from environmental damage, and employing protective materials for their upkeep.
Optimize Storage with Clever Hacks
To master how to make pool float storage effective, consider installing large hooks or a pegboard in your designated area to suspend pool floats off the ground. This method not only maintains their condition but also conserves space. Repurposing over-the-door shoe organizers or spacious bins as storage solutions allows for the deflated and neatly folded pool floats to be categorized and stored. Such approaches optimize space utilization and ensure your pool accessories are neatly organized and easily accessible.
Use Protective Materials
Wrapping your pool floats in protective materials before storing them can prevent them from scratching or puncturing. Lightweight, breathable fabric covers or old bedsheets can protect against dust and pests. For added protection, consider placing a desiccant packet within the storage container to absorb residual moisture, ensuring your pool floats stay dry and intact until subsequent use.
How NOT to Store Pool Floats
Now that you know how to store your pool floats appropriately, it’s essential to know what to avoid doing too:
- Don’t store your pool floats when they’re still wet.
- Don’t put your pool floats under direct sunlight.
- Don’t store pool floats near sharp and damaging objects.
Take Care of Your Pool Floats, So They’ll Take Care of You
Having pool floats that last for years of fun is possible — you just have to care for them. It helps to start with good quality, long-lasting, durable floats. And learning how to store pool floats is a step you shouldn’t miss if you want your pool floats to serve longer!
If you want a pool float that’ll serve you summer after summer, then you need a float from Floatie Kings! The coolest part is that Floatie Kings can make you a custom pool float. Have a design in your mind? Then make it a reality with Floatie Kings!
