Backyard pools typically see the most during summer, with the cover going on just in time for the leaves to start dropping in fall.
But don’t leave maintenance there – there are some pool items to declutter before the end of summer to make cleaning your yard for fall a breeze.
From worn-out floaties to chemicals, there are five categories professional organizers and pool experts recommend addressing to declutter a backyard as the weather begins to cool.
5 pool items to declutter before the end of summer
Pool maintenance goes beyond cleaning and balancing chemicals. Decluttering can help to make your pool ideas look a little more luxe while maintaining tidy backyard storage.
1. Damaged pool inflatables
Melanie Summers, professional organizer and owner of I Speak Organized, begins, ‘As families start closing down their outdoor spaces for the season, I always recommend a simple poolside sweep to clear out anything that doesn’t serve a purpose going into fall.
‘Deflated or damaged pool inflatables should be at the top of your pool decluttering list. These take up a ton of space and rarely make it through storage without more damage. If they don't hold up this summer, they won’t next year either – plus, most families collect far more than they use.’
For any you keep, deflate and store them securely in a weatherproof deck box, from Walmart, to keep them safe from pests and weather fatigue between now and next summer.
Be sure to clean pool inflatables before storing them. Much like cleaning an inflatable pool, cleaning with vinegar (such as the Great Value White Vinegar, from Walmart) is your best bet here, helping to kill mold and algae without harsh chemicals that could damage the material before storing.
2. Expired pool chemicals
Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, warns, ‘If you aren't regularly using some pool chemicals, it's almost always a better idea to dispose of them safely than to keep them around. Not only can they expire, especially when exposed to big temperature swings, but they're also potentially hazardous if spilled or swallowed.’
John Uhle, founding partner and product expert at Discount Salt Pool, adds, ‘Remember, liquid chlorine lasts about three to six months, сlarifiers and enzymes last one year after opening, algaecides (especially copper-based) can last for one to three years (some lose effectiveness or separate over time, becoming unstable or slimy, if it looks chunky, separated, or smells off, throw away).
'If stored properly, chlorine tabs can last up to three to five years unopened, one to two years opened, shock powder one to two years, pH increasers and pH reducers last for more than three years, and alkalinity increaser up to five years. And the gem is stabilizers, their lifespan is indefinite if dry and sealed.’
Pool chemicals are one of the items to never store in a shed to prevent premature expiration and avoid the risk of accidental poisoning (to both children and animals). Instead, keep them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.'
It is especially important to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. This is where a large lockable box, such as this 31-gallon lockable deck box from Amazon, can come in handy to keep your family safe.
3. Pool test kits
Testing pool water is an essential part of summer pool maintenance so stocking up makes sense. However, they do not last forever.
As a result, John suggests, ‘Pool test strips and reagent-based kits quietly expire or degrade, especially if they’ve been stored in a humid pool shed or garage. That means inaccurate readings and the risk of overcorrecting with chemicals you didn’t need in the first place. Toss anything older than 12 months or with faded labels. Invest in a fresh liquid test kit or consider upgrading to a digital smart tester for next year.’
For chlorine pools, the Clorox Multi-Use Smart Strips test kits, from Lowe’s, are a great, affordable option, with over 300 five-star reviews. Or, for saltwater pools, consider the Hofun digital salinity meter, from Amazon, which over 4,000 people bought last month alone.
4. Musty towels
Although you likely keep them inside your home, pool towels should also be sorted through as summer winds down.
Melanie continues, ‘ Towels that have gone stiff from sun and chlorine often get skipped anyway. If they’ve been at the bottom of the pile all summer, they’re not worth storing. Keep the soft, absorbent favorites and donate or recycle the rest.
When working out what to do with the items you’re decluttering, consider donating old, clean towels to pet shelters, or cut them up and reuse them as cleaning rags around your home to avoid creating unnecessary trash at home. Pinking shears, from Walmart, cut fabric in such a way as to avoid excessive fraying.
5. Degraded cleaning tools
John concludes, ‘Nets, brushes, and vacuum heads that have seen one too many summers can crack, rust, or warp, especially if stored in the sun. You don’t want to discover a snapped telescopic pole when opening the pool next spring. If it squeaks, sheds bristles, or has duct tape on it, it’s retirement time.’
If you need to revamp your pool cleaning supplies, Lowe’s offers a six-piece pool maintenance kit, complete with nets, brushes, and hoses. For an upgrade, the Dolphin Nautilus Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner from Amazon promises wall-scrubbing capabilities for thorough cleaning on any pool surface.
What to shop
Crafted from Turkish cotton and finished with piped trim, this simple yet bold pool towel is a summer must-have.
This pool maintenance kit is ideal for cleaning and maintaining pools, spas, and ponds, and features a 6" deep ultra-fine nylon mesh netting for skimming the finest debris.
This storage box is made out of durable, weather-resistant resin, keeping items in excellent shape by keeping them dry and ventilated.
With thousands of five-star reviews, you can schedule regular cleaning with this Wi-Fi in-ground pool vac. Effortlessly maintain a clear pool with the user-friendly top-load filter basket, and remove debris for crystal-clear water.
These multi-functional tablets work hard to keep your water clear from both bacteria and unsightly algae. Each tablet dissolves slowly and contains stabilizer for a long lasting clean.
This four-piece 100% cotton beach towel set is the perfect choice when you want to wrap up in comfort after a shower or a dip in the pool.
Meet the experts
After you have decluttered these pool items in summer, it’s time to start looking at winterizing a pool to prevent damage and make cleaning next spring easier.
