Keeping your pool area tidy and inviting requires regular effort. However, decluttering your pool area can be incredibly simple, with a system. By implementing a routine and encouraging everyone in the household to participate, you can maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of your pool area with minimal fuss.
Pool Area Decluttering: From Shallow to Deep Cleaning
Swimming pools are synonymous with relaxation, fun, and quality family time. However, without proper organization, your pool area can quickly become a cluttered mess of inflatables, towels, toys, and maintenance equipment, taking away from the overall enjoyment of your pool. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of decluttering and organizing your pool area, whether it’s a compact backyard pool or a sprawling resort-style oasis. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with a solid plan to ensure your pool area remains tidy and inviting throughout the swimming season.
Understanding Your Pool Area: Size, Layout, and Function
Every pool area is unique. It’s vital to understand your pool area’s dimensions, layout, and primary use before embarking on your decluttering and organization journey. Start by assessing the size, layout, and primary use of your pool area. Is your pool area primarily for family fun, or do you host elegant pool parties? Does it double as an outdoor dining or lounging area? These factors significantly influence your organization strategy and the types of storage and organization tools you might need.
Gather necessary supplies like trash bags, storage boxes, and organizational tools. There are various tools designed specifically for pool areas, such as pool accessory organizers, deck boxes, or towel hooks.
During this stage, you should also think about what improvements you can make to the pool area. Consider replacing outdated furniture or introducing new storage solutions to maximize space. For instance, a cute garden shed can act as a pool house, providing plenty of storage for pool toys and maintenance equipment.
Some online resources, such as House Beautiful, offer a wealth of inspiration for organizing pool areas of various styles and sizes.
Preparation: Gathering the Right Tools
Before diving into the decluttering process, you’ll need to gather a few essential supplies. These include:
- Trash bags: For collecting and disposing of unwanted items.
- Cleaning supplies: Including a broom and dustpan, outdoor furniture cleaner, and a pool skimmer net.
- Organizational tools: Consider pool float organizers, deck boxes, or towel hooks depending on your needs.
Step-by-Step Decluttering and Organization
The decluttering process involves systematically organizing various elements in your pool area. This process will be unique to each pool, as every pool area has different items and furniture. However, you can use the following guide to aid in your decluttering journey:
Pool Toys and Floats:
- Sort and Store: Begin with all pool toys and floats. Remove any damaged items and decide which items you want to keep. Those that are in good condition but no longer used can be donated to friends, family, or local charities. Store the remaining items neatly in a pool float organizer or a deck box.
Towels:
- Collect and Clean: Next, focus on pool towels. Gather all towels from the area and give them a thorough wash and dry. Once cleaned, fold them neatly and store them on a towel rack or in a dedicated storage bin. This ensures that towels are always on hand when needed, and they don’t become part of the clutter.
Furniture:
- Assess and Clean: Inspect your pool furniture. If it’s broken or doesn’t suit your needs, consider replacing it with new outdoor furniture. Websites like Wayfair or Overstock also have extensive outdoor furniture collections. Once you’ve decided on what to keep, give each piece a thorough cleaning.
Maintenance Equipment:
- Organize: Finally, turn your attention to pool maintenance equipment. Items such as skimmers, brushes, and chlorine tablets should be stored together in a designated storage area. This could be a small storage shed, a large storage shed, or a storage cabinet. Keeping these items in one place ensures they are always at hand when needed and prevents them from becoming tripping hazards.
Ongoing Maintenance: Keeping Your Pool Area at its Best
Keeping a pool area organized requires regular maintenance, and while it may seem daunting, it’s a simple process once you establish a routine. Here are some strategies for ongoing maintenance:
- After-Use Cleanup: Each time you use the pool, take a few minutes to put away toys, floats, and towels. This simple habit prevents clutter from building up and maintains the inviting atmosphere of your pool area.
- Daily Cleanup: Encourage swimmers to put away pool toys, floats, and towels after use with a poolside organizer or a pool deck storage box.
- Weekly Check: Each week, do a quick scan of your pool area. Collect any stray items or trash and ensure everything is in its designated place. You can also use this opportunity to restock any depleted supplies, such as towels or pool chemicals.
- Deep Cleaning: Periodically, your pool area will benefit from a thorough cleaning. Consider using a pressure washer for an effective deep clean.
- Seasonal Maintenance: As the swimming season ends, invest some time in thorough cleaning and storage. Clean pool toys, floats, furniture, and equipment before storing them for the off-season. This will ensure they stay in good condition and are ready to use when the pool season rolls around again.
- Organizing Party: Make the opening and closing of your pool a family event to make maintenance tasks more fun.
With Clutter Out of View Everything Else is Better
By maintaining a decluttered and well-organized pool area, you can significantly enhance your enjoyment of your pool, transforming every swim or pool party into a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Although the process requires a little effort and discipline, the benefits – a serene, well-ordered outdoor oasis – make it worthwhile.
If you’re ready to start, check out these top picks for pool organization on Amazon: Deck Box, Pool Float Organizer, and Towel Rack. Happy decluttering and enjoy your renewed outdoor oasis!
By following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can ensure your pool area remains a clutter-free, relaxing oasis for you and your family to enjoy throughout the swimming season. Remember, the key to a tidy and inviting pool area is consistency in maintenance and a place for everything. Happy swimming!
Interested in other areas of the house? Read our other decluttering guides for exterior spaces outside the home: such as the office, the car, shed, yard and outdoor areas, or our ultimate guide to decluttering and organizing every area of your house.
Interested in working with us?
