Summer blues
We all know the feeling. Where can all the outdoor toys be stored so that the yard and pool are not in shambles? Weather-resistant storage boxes can hold anything from pool toys to outdoor cushions, protecting your investment from deterioration from the elements. Tight-sealing containers and proper ventilation are key to mold-free storage of all swimming pool toys, and floats during the summer, but what about the winter months?
Winter blues
We all dread the departure of summer and packing away the pool and yard toys from the season. The first step to making sure that water inflatables and other pool toys remain in good condition through the winter is to wash away all debris, and allow inflatable toys and pool floats to dry naturally in the sun before deflating them.
As you deflate, make sure to push out all the air and carefully roll or fold each item separately. Sponge, vinyl, and latex swimming pool toys will crack in freezing temperatures; store these items in heated garages, basements, and attics, using tight-sealing containers with proper ventilation. |  |
Methodical madness
Simplify storage and make access easy. Shelving is the best way to catalog storage bins. Clean and repair any pool toys or floats before packing, pack like items together, and label containers. Tight plastic wrap keeps items from breathing and breeds mold; use breathable nylon bags when possible. Humid storage areas may need a dehumidifier.
Mold alert
Molds are fuzzy or slimy fungi that can be green, black, white, brown, or orange. Mold spores can begin to grow in 24 hours, and they reproduce rapidly. Exposure to mold can cause allergic and asthmatic reactions. In the early stages, mold can be removed with bleach and water. The musty smell associated with mold and discoloration cannot be easily removed from inflatable pool toys and pool floats if left undetected.
