Having a pool can be a great way to relax and beat the heat on those scorching summer days. Like all good things, however, swimming season comes to an end every year. As the temperatures begin to cool down, many pool owners begin preparing to close their pools for the winter. This entails taking apart equipment, cleaning and gathering supplies, and properly storing chemicals. As any pool owner knows, pool equipment and chemicals do not come cheap, so it’s important to take the right steps to ensure these items are properly stored during the winter months. The last thing you need is to be rebuying equipment next spring. In order to maximize the life and performance of your equipment and ensure your chemicals are stored safely, consider the following tips for properly storing your pool equipment.

Storing Your Pool Equipment During Winter

Now that fall has arrived, it’s time to begin preparing to store your pool equipment for winter to ensure it is ready for use next year. Here are a few tips to consider when storing your pool equipment.

Clean the Pool Vacuum Hose

Before you put your pool vacuum in storage, you need to be sure there is no residual water. Try to drain as much water as possible from the hose prior to storage. Otherwise, any residual water could end up freezing, expanding, and eventually breaking the hose.

Keep the Vacuum Hose Straight or Take it Apart

Try to store the vacuum hose straight, as opposed to coiling it. Coiling it could lead to kinks and this can make it difficult to straighten out next year. If possible, it is even better to take the hose apart piece by piece. This ensures all water is completely drained and it prevents kinks. If you choose to take the hose apart, be sure and store all of the pieces together in a sealed, plastic box.

Storing the Pool Vacuum

Once you have drained all of the water from the pool vacuum, store it upside down in a space that is safe from the outdoor elements. You also want to be sure the space doesn’t get too cold or too hot. A storage unit or storage container is ideal, as this will keep the vacuum safe from outdoor elements and extreme temperature fluctuation.

Storing Pool Floats and Toys

Swimming season isn’t complete without rafts, floats, inflatable toys, masks, dive toys, basketball hoops, and other pool toys. Be sure and deflate all floats and toys prior to storage. You also want to clean them off and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew. Store smaller toys in an airtight container and place all floats and toys in a dry location that is away from the outdoor elements.

Storing Pool Chemicals Properly

Pool ownership also comes with a big responsibility in regards to safety, and this includes the proper storage of pool chemicals. Proper storage of pool chemicals can reduce the likelihood of an accident, and the Centers for Disease Control suggest the following practices when storing pool chemicals.

• ●Store chemicals in a cool, dry location that is well ventilated and away from direct sunlight.
• ●Keep chemicals closed and in their original container so the label is visible.
• ●Store different chemicals away from each other to avoid accidental chemical reactions. Chlorine should never be mixed with acid and liquids should never be stored above or near powders, as they could leak and cause a reaction.
• ●Make sure all chemicals are locked away and out of reach of children and pets. If ingested, chemicals could cause serious injury and poisoning.
• ●When choosing a location to store your pool chemicals, always follow your local fire code. For example, never store chemicals near a grill, firearms, or any other flammable materials.
• ●Do not store chemicals on the ground and never stack them on top of each other.

When storing any pool supplies or equipment, be cognizant of freezing temperatures, moisture, humidity, and outdoor elements, as all of these conditions can cause damage to your equipment. If possible, consider storing your pool equipment in a climate controlled storage unit for superior protection. Following these storage tips and guidelines will keep your pool equipment in tip top shape and your family safe.