'They’re not worth storing' – 5 pool items you need to declutter before the end of summer

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.

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Meet the experts

Melanie Summers

Melanie is a Professional Organizer, Decluttering Expert, and ADHD Organizing Specialist. She likes to 'speak organized' to give clients the tools to conquer their clutter, live with more purpose, and learn about the business of tidying.

Rafi Friedman

Rafi Friedman is the president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, a pool building, construction, and cleaning company based in Florida. Coastal Luxury Outdoors provides a five-star service to over 1,000 clients, building more than 100 pools annually.

John Uhle

John Uhle is a founding partner and product expert at Discount Salt Pool. John has personally worked with tens of thousands of pool owners over the last decade to achieve a low-maintenance, low-expense swimming pool. John has hands-on experience with a wide range of types of swimming pool equipment.

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.