How To Clean Pool Floats The Right Way
If you ask us, swimming in a pool on a hot summer’s day is incomplete without a few (or a ton) totally awesome pool floats to accompany you and your pals. Inflatables can really liven up your water fun and add to the summer experience, but just like how your pool needs regular inspection -- so do your floats.
Not exactly sure how to clean your inflatables? We’ve got your back. In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know so you can properly clean your pool floats -- the right way.
Step-By-Step Guide to Properly Clean Pool Floats
Prior to cleaning your pool floats, it’s a good idea to inspect them thoroughly at the start of summertime. If you happen to notice any damage that isn’t exactly fixable or any other issues, it’s best to just replace them. However, use your best judgment! Your inflatables have been hibernating for many months and may just need a good clean to liven them back up again.
Follow these simple steps to clean your pool floats:
Step 1: Deflate Your Float
Have you ever tried to clean a float while it’s inflated with air? If you haven’t, trust us when we say it’s no walk in the park as the curves and folds in the float make it rather challenging to clean the whole thing properly. So with that in mind, simply deflate your pool floaties to make life a little easier.
All of FUNBOY’s pool floats have a dual-action valve for quick deflation. All you have to do is pull the entire valve out of the float body, and air will quickly escape the float.
Now for the cleaning portion!
Step 2: Clean Your Pool Float
We prefer to stay far, far away from harsh chemicals whenever we can, so our methods below donotcontain any bleach or other questionable ingredients.
Before we dive into the actual cleaning methods, you should first understand the three necessary steps involved:
- Removal of all the excess water from the deflated float
- Brushing the float with the cleaning agent (this will be discussed in the methods below).
- Drying the pool float.
So, without further ado, here are the best methods to clean your pool float:
Method 1: Using Soap Solution
For this method, all you’ll need is a little bit of soap (dish soap will do just fine), a sponge, warm water, and a mug.
Begin by mixing one part of soap and three parts of warm water to make a solution in a mug. Dip your dry sponge in the solution and start scrubbing the surface of your float. With a little bit of elbow grease, you will eventually be able to remove all those pesky dirt stains to make your inflatable look brand new again.
Once you’re done, use a garden hose or bucket to throw some clean water on the soapy float and then sit it out in the sun to dry.
Method 2: Using Vinegar Solution
Vinegar isn’t only useful in the kitchen -- it also makes a great natural cleaner and disinfectant because it’s made from acetic acid. The acidic nature of vinegar is so powerful that it can dissolve dirt, grease, grime, and even bacteria.
For this method, you will need white vinegar, clean water, a sponge, and a 16-ounce spray bottle.
Begin by mixing one portion of white vinegar and two parts of clean water in a spray bottle. When the solution is prepared, spritz your inflatable and use your sponge to scrub off all the dirt. Then, rinse your floaty with a hose and sit it out in the sun to dry.
Method 3: Using Baking Soda Solution
Baking soda has been used for years as a natural cleaning agent because it is a mild alkali and can cause dirt and algae to dissolve easily in water. It also deodorizes by bringing both acidic and basic odor molecules into a neutral, more odor-free state -- okay, so we won’t bore you with the details, just know that a baking soda solution is a great way to clean your favorite pool floaty!
Here’s how to do it:
For this method, you will need baking soda, warm water, a sponge, and a bucket.
Begin the process by mixing about 1 quart of warm water with ¼ a cup of baking soda. Soak your sponge in the solution and start scrubbing over the surface of your float. (If your floaty is small, it’s recommended to soak the entire item in the solution for maximum cleaning effect.)
Once you've adequately scrubbed, rinse the surface with a hose and set the float out in the sun to dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you understandhow to clean your pool floats let’s dive into some additional frequently asked questions to keep your floaties in tip-top shape.
How often should you clean your pool floats?
The most important part about cleaning floats is to do it after each use. Once it’s gotten really old and dirty, it’s much more difficult to clean up.
After each use, be sure to always remove the water from your floaty and rinse with fresh water. At the end of the swimming season, deep clean all of your pool toys prior to storage and let them dry thoroughly.
How do you store pool floats for the winter?
After you properly clean your pool float, it’s important to dry it thoroughly prior to storing it. Water damage will cause unnecessary wear and tear.
You should also make sure that your pool floats aren’t stored outdoors or in really cold temperatures—if they’re folded, they might end up cracking in the cold.
How do you store pool floats for the summer?
Having adequate storage space for your pool floats is important as a swimming pool owner. If you live in an area that experiences wind, rain, and other harsh weather conditions during the summer months, you’ll want to ensure that your floaties don’t fly away or get damaged. After cleaning your pool floats, try to store them in an enclosed, dry space until the next use.
Plus, make sure that you don’t leave your floats out in the sun for days at a time. We already know how bad UV rays are for our skin, but did you know that they’re harsh on pool floats, too? That’s right: remember to wear your sunscreen and protect your floats by keeping them out of direct sunlight when not in use.
Why does my pool inflatable deflate in the sun?
Air expands when it’s warm and contracts when it’s cold. An inflatable sitting in the hot summer sun can seem fully inflated. However, after sitting overnight in the cool air, it can seem to have lost a little pressure. Simply use your FUNBOY Air Pump to quickly reflate your floats to perfection.
Where is the best place to store my pool float?
We recommended that once you are done enjoying your float, you deflate it, dry it off, and store it in a cool, dry place. Keeping your floaty inflated overnight won’t be a disaster, but we do suggest that you avoid storing them in direct sunlight for long periods of time, so your float can hang around for a few seasons!
Are pool floats dangerous?
For tiny tots and non-swimmers, a pool floaty can turn into a dangerous trap if they were to slip off and can’t pull themselves back up. Parents -- take this as a reminder that even if your little ones are lounging on inflatables, younever want to take your eyes off of them when in the pool. In fact, the recommended age forFUNBOY floats is ages 14 & up. FUNBOY floats are not a life-saving device, and children should never be left unattended while in use.
A Bottom Line
When it comes to swimming in the pool, there are many awesome floaties like FUNBOYs Clear Pink Glitter Unicorn and Pink Banana Tube Float that will add an extra element of fun to any poolside bash. Just keep in mind that the items that you’re using in the pool need to be adequately maintained to improve their longevity. After all, you don’t want to face a situation where all your pool floats are messed up once you plan a pool party next summer!
For the best pool floats on the market, check out FUNBOY. From beautiful loungers and floating daybeds, FUNBOY has everything you need to make this summer your best one yet.
Sources:
Extreme Weather on Earth | National Geographic
Types of Life-Saving Equipment Onboard Ships | Marine Insight
