Let’s put a pool in the yard, they said. It will be great, they said. I was privileged to grow up with a pool in my backyard, and my goodness, my parents made sure I knew it. From Memorial Day till Labor Day, I cared about the pH level of a body of water in my backyard so much that I literally put it to bed each night with a special “solar blanket” that was essentially an expensive, giant sheet of bubble wrap.
And there was always a chance I might drown in the process. That’s why my mom hated it when we’d insist on swimming the length of the pool with solar cover clenched in fist. “Don’t get trapped under there or you’ll drown; and take it easy on the solar cover!” she’d lovingly remind us. Whether you’re planning to renovate the house to include a pool, or simply need better storage options for your existing pool, I’ve got some helpful tips for easy pool supplies storage that will last you summer after summer.
Best Outdoor Storage Box for Pool Supplies
Also known as a deck box, outdoor storage boxes are what most people use for pool supply storage in combination with an outdoor shed. These are best used for storing pool toys, outdoor furniture cushions, goggles, and pool covers. While they can be expensive, usually around $60 to $200, they are very useful due to being waterproof and easy to place right next to your pool.
A deck box can vary in size, medium being the smallest (51-100 gallons), then large (101-150 gallons), and X-Large (151+ gallons). I would recommend most people, depending on how many people use your pool, should purchase the large deck box which will cost around $100. Wayfair and Amazon provide the most variety and cheapest options to purchase.
Where Should I Store My Pool Stuff
Finding the best space to store your pool supplies can be dependent on which supplies you are looking to store and for how long. Almost all items are best stored in a clean, dry container, especially pool chemicals and inflatable plastics that can pop and wear thin easily. Outdoor storage boxes can work perfectly well for homes located in dryer regions where you won’t see a lot of snow and rainfall during the off-season, but that is not the case for everyone. If you live in a rainy area, sheds or self storage units might be the solution for you.
Storing Pool Chemicals Safely
Unless you have the luxury of owning a saltwater pool, The CDC recommends the chemicals needed for pool upkeep, like chlorine, need to be stored in a safe location. An outdoor shed can work well for chemicals as a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space.
If you don’t have a shed your garage can also work, but only if the chemicals are locked in a storage bin or cabinet. This is because oxidizers and strong acids corrode metal and can cause rusting of any pool, electrical, and other equipment stored in the area. Also, never store your chemicals by gasoline as it can cause harmful vapors like chlorine gas.
When accessing the chemicals, make sure you wear gloves and eye protection, and always store the chemicals in the container you got them in. If you put the chemicals into a different container, you may inadvertently cause a chemical reaction.
When putting the chemicals back into storage, close the containers tightly and store them at floor level to keep them dry. Don’t stack the containers as it can cause them to be in unstable conditions. Chemicals should also be stored far away from any electrical sources, heat, and areas prone to flooding. If you do not have an indoor area to store your chemicals, we recommend using a waterproof outdoor storage solution to keep your chemicals dry.
All chemicals should be used within two summers, but oxidizers like chlorine and bromine, are best used in one summer. Never use a product that has separated liquids, badly discolored, or has a bad smell.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
While it’s safe to store chemicals in a shed or storage bin, you still need to make sure to avoid extreme temperatures or else they will have negative effects on your supplies. If you go the shed route, it’s a good idea to install insulation if you don’t have any already. In cold weather, liquids can freeze and separate, making them unusable. In contrast, storing chemicals in extreme heat can cause liquids to expand and release gases, which can cause leaks and spills and worst-case scenario – fires or explosions.
Sheds for Waterproof Outdoor Storage
A large portion of people who have a pool also have an outdoor shed, but if you don’t, it’s a great investment. In addition to pool storage, sheds can be great for families with little ones to keep their backyard baby-proof. You can make a fun project of building your own, buy one from Tuff Sheds, or hire a contractor to build it.
Tuff Sheds are owned by Home Depot. They offer a large variety of sheds with no extra cost for installation and range from around $600 up to $5,000 depending on the size and paint job. As mentioned above, sheds are your best bet when it comes to storing pool chemicals, covers, and supplies. Don’t cheap out on a shed though, getting a good shed that can last you years – even decades – can be worth the spend in the long run.
Pool Supplies Storage With Our Storage Experts
While a deck box and sheds can be helpful; they can’t always hold everything, and you might not have the yard space for one. To help free your backyard of toys and floaties everywhere, try out the Self Storage Calculator to see which unit fits your needs best, and rent online today for exclusive online deals.