6 Off the Hook Pool Storage Ideas

Keeping a pool area tidy is a constant struggle. That’s because a swimming pool tends to attract all sorts of stuff over time.

Here are just a few examples of the things that tend to clutter up your poolscape:

  • Floats and Toys
  • Safety Equipment
  • Tools
  • Hoses
  • Chemicals
  • Miscellaneous Backyard Junk

Items like these are continually threatening to clutter up your poolscape – and worse, turn your pool deck into an accident waiting to happen. That’s why it’s important to put some thought into storage, preferably while you’re still planning your new pool. Good organization makes it easier to keep track of everything without having it strewn all over your pool area.

Fortunately, there are tons of outdoor storage options available. No one solution is likely to work for all those bits and pieces, so a little mixing and matching is in order. The right combination depends on what you’re storing, how much space you have, and of course, your budget. Here are some of the top pool storage ideas to consider:

1. Storage Bins

One of the most obvious and economical choices, an outdoor storage bin works well for just about anything you might want to keep near the pool. They’re particularly suited to holding pool toys, and many of them are specially designed for this purpose. Storage bins can be made of durable plastic or nylon mesh (which allows items to air dry). On the downside, storage bins typically don’t offer a lot in the looks department. Fortunately, many of them come with wheels, so you can roll them out of the way when not in use.

Modern Blue Storage Bin
Modern Blue Storage Bin – more info

2. Racks

The beauty of a rack is that it keeps items close at hand, without being obtrusive when not in use. They’re excellent for holding towels, pool floats, and larger toys like noodles. Racks can be movable standalone pieces, or mounted on a wall or fence.

Outdoor Lamp Company Portable Towel Rack
Outdoor Lamp Company Portable Towel Rack – more info

3. The Pool Deck

Having storage space in the deck itself is ideal. It gives you an enviable amount of room that’s completely out of view. However, unless you have an elevated deck, this may not be a feasible option. If you’re building a new pool, you may want to talk to your builder/designer about ways to incorporate storage space directly into the pool area.

4. Hooks

Okay, not all of these pool storage ideals are truly “off the hook.” Hooks are perfect for things like skimmers and safety equipment – in other words, unwieldy items that you nevertheless want to keep close at hand. They’re also handy for hanging towels and clothing. Of course, for hooks to work well, you need something close by to mount them on – a wall of your house, wooden fence, etc.

5. Storage Benches

With deck space at a premium, the idea of a bench that doubles as storage space makes a lot of sense. However, while this might seem like the perfect solution, it does have its limitations. For one thing, good storage benches – whether purchased off the shelf or custom-made – can be pricey. Also, depending on what the bench is made of and whether it drains, it might not be the best choice for putting things away wet.

Keter Westwood Plastic Deck Storage Container
Keter Westwood Plastic Deck Storage Container – more info

6. Sheds and Other Structures

Okay, enough messing around. A shed or other dedicated structure provides the ultimate storage space. The ability to lock a shed is ideal for storing chemicals, valuable equipment, and any other items you would normally have to keep in the garage. Of course, not everyone has the space for a shed, especially since the swimming pool and deck themselves are such yard hogs. Of course, the other downside is that installing a spacious and attractive shed can be expensive.

Suncast Everett Storage Shed
Suncast Everett Storage Shed – more info

Looking over these options, you can see why it’s useful to think about pool storage when you’re still planning your new pool. Is the pool near a wall or fence where hooks can be mounted? Are there nooks to keep unsightly supplies hidden away? Is there enough room for a shed? Considering these sorts of questions during the design stage can make your pool a lot easier to keep organized in the long term.

That said, even if you already have a pool, storage options come in so many different forms that you can likely find something that works for you. It’s never too late to get organized, and if it makes your life as a pool owner easier, it’s worth the investment.