Now that autumn has started for real, swimming pool owners will be closing up for winter. Pool toys are best put away for winter, ideally in a spot where they will stay dry and clean. It’s also a good idea to keep pool toys out of direct sunlight when you’re not using them, as they can deteriorate quickly.
Check over your pool toys before storing them for winter
Make sure water toys with multiple parts are kept together. While you’re preparing your pool toys for storage, check for leaks, cracks and splits and repair them if that’s possible. Some water equipment – for example, life jackets or buoyancy vests – is safety critical, and any wear and tear needs to be taken seriously.
Look out for rust and discolouration on dive sticks and rings, and check for splits on balls.
What’s the best way to dispose of swimming inflatables?
When your inflatable pool toys no longer hold air and cannot take another repair, dispose of them responsibly. It can be hard to find ways of recycling inflatable rings, dinghies and lilos; but there are some schemes out there that will take old inflatables.
Inflatable Amnesty can take redundant inflatable pool toys (with a CE mark) and turn them into bags and accessories.
Cleaning pool toys for storage
Many floats and inflatables can be cleaned with simple household products like soap and water or a weak solution of bleach. But check the manufacturer’s instructions before starting to clean your pool toys.
Look out for signs of mould on your water toys. Black spots, slime or musty smells on water equipment merits serious attention. Scrub off as much as you can and treat it with mould remover or a little bleach (if the manufacturer’s instructions permit that). Air the toy thoroughly and ensure it is dry before you store it.
What are the best containers for storing swimming pool toys?
Some water toys come with their own boxes or pouches, and you could use these for storage. Otherwise, a sturdy plastic box or bin is ideal for corralling dive toys and aqua balls. You could even use it during the summer to encourage your family to tidy up their water toys!
How do I store inflatable water equipment over winter?
Get all the air out of your inflatable completely and dry it thoroughly. Then pack it all away in its box or storage bag.
Can I keep swimming pool toys in my storage unit?
Your storage unit is the ideal place to keep pool toys over winter. It’s secure and dry, and you can be assured that your water toys will be in good condition next summer. Self-storage lockers will keep your water toys and safety equipment away from pests like mice and rats, too.
You may be thinking about your budget and wondering how much does storage cost monthly. Your pool toys and other domestic goods will be covered by self-storage insurance from Store and Insure. The cost of self-storage varies, so the best way to work out how much your monthly storage costs will be is to get a few quotes. We’ve got a blogpost with more detailed guidance on how to cost up self-storage. And remember to get a quote for your self-storage insurance, too. It’s worth shopping around.
Looking forward to next summer
With your pool and inflatables secured for the winter, you can look forward to enjoying the water when the warmer weather returns.
