Caring for swimming pool inflatables

Floating and relaxing in a swimming pool is a great way to spend a sunny day. But what are you doing to make sure your inflatables last long enough to get your money’s worth out of them? To care for them properly, you need to clean, dry, and store them the right way.

Cleaning your pool inflatables

It’s a good idea to inspect, clean, and dry your pool toys and inflatables to increase their lifespan.

To start with, it’s always a good idea to brush off any dirt that has collected on your inflatables. Follow that up by rinsing them with slightly soapy water. Eco-friendly dish soap is fine—so you don’t damage your yard—or you could try adding a cup of baking soda to a gallon of water to make your own cleaning solution.

You can also use a light bleach mixture to clean your inflatables. While it is the most effective way to kill germs, it also requires gloves and safety glasses. And if you’re not careful, it can damage your clothes or items around the cleaning area.

Your pool inflatables should also be dried before you store them. This will help keep mold and mildew from growing on them, which could damage them.

Storing your pool inflatables

Deflating your pool inflatables before storing them will help you save space. If you’re just putting them up for a few days, you may not want to bother. But if you are deflating them, you can actually put a plastic straw in the air valve to let the air out. That way you don’t have to pinch the valve open the entire time.

Some people prefer to vacuum sealing pool items in space saver bags to maximize storage capacity. If you’re storing them for the winter, it can be a good idea to use an airtight storage solution. If your storage area isn’t temperature controlled, that will go a long way toward providing additional protection and extending the lifespan of the inflatables.

Taking good care of your inflatables will help them last longer and make your pool enjoyable for years to come.