Are you having a hard time finding a way to store pool floats where they won’t get damaged or carried away by the wind? If so, I can relate. I never imagined storing my little ones’ pool floats and toys would be so difficult. Even though they’re light, pool floats can take up a lot of space. So, I went on the hunt for a fix. Here are the pool float storage systems that are practical, easy, and won’t stop your poolside fun.
What To Look For in a Pool Float Storage Solution
Inflatable floats might look adorable floating in your pool, but if the wind kicks up they’ll end up all over your yard. They might even fly over the fence! So, every pool storage system should be secure enough that it keeps the floats where they’re supposed to be.
It’s also essential to choose a storage system that won’t put holes in your pool toys. Delicate inflatables and soft pool noodles are easy to damage. So, every storage solution I considered had to keep the pool toys in tip-top shape.
- Secure pool floats so the wind won’t blow them away.
- No sharp edges or hooks that puncture inflatable floats.
- A system that makes it easy to retrieve floats and put them away again.
Finally, it’s essential to use a pool float storage system that’s easy to use. It must be simple to get the floats out of storage and into the pool. Similarly, I decided it was important to choose a system that made cleanup a breeze. A complex organization system that takes ages to put away floats isn’t practical. With these criteria in mind, I tested and selected my top pool floaties storage ideas.
6 Best Ways to Store Pool Floats
Let’s get into the essentials here. I’ve tested a lot of solutions but these are the pool toy organization systems that will actually make your life easier.
Rolling Poolside Organizer
A wheeled rack with slots and spaces for floaties is ideal for pool toy storage. I chose this rolling pool float organizer because it has ample space for toys of all shapes and sizes. It can fit inner tubes, raft floats or noodles. Plus it has compartments for smaller toys.
My favorite feature of a wheeled pool storage solution is the fact that you can store it anywhere. You can wheel it into the garage when you’re not using it, then take it out poolside when it’s time for a swim. However, if you plan to keep your organizer outdoors, I recommend using a few bungee cords to prevent air-filled floats from blowing away.
Prefabricated Pool Shed
The first time I lived in a house with a pool, my siblings and I enjoyed the pool shed almost as much as the pool! In addition to storing all our pool toys, the shed became a playhouse during all seasons. If you’ve got a lot of floaties to organize, this pool storage shed is the perfect option. It will make cleanup a breeze thanks to the ample space inside.
Another big benefit of a pool shed is that you can store all your pool maintenance equipment inside. Your skimmer, pool vacuum, and the liquid chlorine you add to your pool can all live inside. This creates a space for all things pool-related.
Outdoor Storage Cabinet
If you don’t need all the space a dedicated pool shed has, then this outdoor cabinet is an excellent solution. It’s tall enough to fit plenty of pool floaties and noodles, but it’s more budget-friendly than an entire shed. For most families, this is all you need for pool toy storage.
Outdoor cabinets are one of my top pool hacks. They check every box: toys are secure inside, there are no sharp edges to damage floaties, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, a storage cabinet won’t stand out. You can put it against a wall or a fence and it’ll blend right in.
DIY PVC Float Storage Rack
You don’t need to invest in an entire poolside organizer if you make one yourself! With a few lengths of PVC pipe, fittings, and caps you can create a storage rack with slots for all your pool toys. Just search “PVC pool float storage” and look at the images for an abundance of awesome ideas to get you started.
I love DIY projects (which explains why I run this site), so this idea is my favorite. PVC pipes are easier to put together than Ikea furniture, so anyone can tackle this task. Plus, you can customize the design to fit your needs. Consider adding a tall, upright PVC post that can go through the center of inner tubes to keep them in place. Alternatively, you could create a PVC pool float rack that mounts onto your fence!
DIY Pallet Pool Float Storage
Used wooden pallets are cheap to find and easy to craft into bins, racks, and other pool storage solutions. The best part is that with a coat of paint, a pallet creation will look like pro carpentry! Try an image search for “pallet pool float storage” to see what I mean.
I was hesitant to include this solution at first because most pallet pool storage solutions are small racks that are best for noodles and small toys. However, I’ve seen some awesome bins made from pallets that are just as good for pool float storage as any store-bought organizer.
Storage Nets
If you don’t want to tackle a DIY project and you’re working within a budget, storage nets are the way to go for pool toy organization. This pool float net is far less expensive than an outdoor cabinet or organizer but it does the job just as well. Nets keep pool toys where you put them and there’s no danger of a punctured pool float with soft netting. Plus, they’re so easy to use that little ones can get their toys and put them away.
I highly recommend using storage nets if outdoor float storage is a must. Just hang a few storage nets on your fence and you’ve got an instant organization system! These nets will solve your pool float storage problems quickly, with very little work, and at a low cost.
How to Easily Store Pool Floats and Toys
The best systems I’ve found for storing pool floats and other toys are:
- Poolside organizers with wheels for easy storage.
- A pre-made shed for storing pool toys and pool maintenance equipment.
- Outdoor cabinets that are tall enough for your floats.
- Creating a pool toy organizer out of PVC pipes.
- Modifying and painting pallets to create pool storage racks and bins.
- Using storage nets for a quick, cost-effective way to store pool floats.
Once you’ve chosen your storage system, it’s time to focus on fun! So, pick a solution that fits both your budget and your floaties. Then, you’ll quickly be able to get back to enjoying your pool.