How to Store Pool Supplies During the Off-Season
Sep 4, 2026 / Public Storage
To store pool supplies during the off-season, rinse and dry nonchemical equipment, drain hoses and pumps, and organize permitted items in labeled containers. Keep pool chemicals, liquid test kits and other hazardous materials out of your storage unit.
Preparing your equipment now can make it easier to inspect and organize when swimming season returns.
Which Pool Supplies Can Go Into a Storage Unit?
| Item | Storage guidance |
|---|---|
| Skimmer nets and brushes | Clean, dry and store without bending |
| Telescoping poles | Retract and support horizontally |
| Vacuum heads and hoses | Drain, clean and coil hoses loosely |
| Pool covers | Clean both sides and dry completely |
| Floats and toys | Clean, dry and deflate when permitted |
| Cover pumps and cleaners | Drain and pack according to the manual |
| Pool chemicals | Do not place in a storage unit |
| Liquid test kits | Do not place in a storage unit |
| Fuel or propane | Do not place in a storage unit |
An item that still contains water, chemical residue or another prohibited substance is not ready to enter storage.
Why Should You Clean Pool Equipment Before Storage?
Pool equipment can collect dirt, leaves, sunscreen, salt, chlorine residue and standing water. Cleaning and drying each item makes it easier to inspect and pack while limiting odors and residue during storage.
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. A mild soap-and-water solution may work for some nonchemical tools, but it may not be appropriate for every material or component.
Before packing:
- Remove visible leaves, dirt and debris.
- Rinse equipment as directed.
- Clean each item with an approved product.
- Drain hoses, pumps and hollow components.
- Allow everything to dry in a shaded area.
- Inspect equipment for cracks, leaks or worn parts.
- Separate items requiring repair or replacement.
Do not perform chemical cleaning or drain equipment inside the storage unit.
How Should You Store Pool Brushes, Nets and Poles?
Rinse and dry skimmer nets, brushes and telescoping poles. Retract adjustable poles completely and confirm that their locking mechanisms work.
Store long poles horizontally on a stable freestanding rack or raised support. Do not lean them loosely against a wall or install hooks in the storage unit.
Avoid placing heavy boxes on brushes or nets, which may bend the frames or bristles.
How Should You Store Pool Hoses?
Drain the hose completely and rinse it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lay it in a shaded area until both the exterior and accessible interior sections are dry.
Coil the hose in broad loops without creating sharp bends or kinks. Use soft reusable straps rather than tight zip ties.
Store the coil flat in a suitable container or on a stable shelf. Do not place heavy equipment on top.
How Should You Store a Pool Vacuum?
Clean and dry the vacuum head, hose, pole and other removable components. Follow the manual before taking apart a robotic, battery-powered or electrical pool cleaner.
For an electrical or robotic model:
- Unplug and power it down.
- Drain retained water.
- Clean filters as directed.
- Dry the housing and cord.
- Coil the cord loosely.
- Follow battery-storage instructions.
- Pack detachable parts separately.
Do not store a cleaner that still contains chemicals, standing water or debris. Do not plug in or test the equipment inside the storage unit.
How Should You Store a Pool Cover?
Clean both sides of the pool cover according to its care instructions. Remove leaves, dirt and standing water, then allow the cover to dry completely.
Fold or roll the cover as directed by the manufacturer. Avoid sharp folds when the material could crease or crack.
Place the dry cover in a clean container or storage bag. Keep it raised from the floor and do not stack heavy belongings on top.
How Should You Store Pool Floats and Toys?
Rinse away pool water, sunscreen and dirt. Clean and dry each item before deflating it.
Deflate floats only when their manufacturers permit it. Fold or roll them loosely to avoid sharp creases around seams and valves.
Store toys and floats in a clean, labeled container. Do not pack damp towels, wet swimsuits, food or liquids with them.
How Should You Store a Pool Cover Pump?
Disconnect the pump and drain all water according to its instructions. Clean filters, hoses and removable components, then allow the complete system to dry.
Coil the power cord without sharp bends and pack the pump upright when directed. Keep the pump and its dry accessories together in a labeled box.
For battery-powered models, follow the manufacturer’s charging and storage instructions. Do not store damaged, swollen, leaking or recalled batteries.
How Can You Organize Pool Equipment?
Sort clean, dry equipment into practical categories:
- Cleaning tools
- Hoses and fittings
- Pool covers
- Floats and toys
- Electrical equipment
- Replacement nonchemical parts
- Manuals and equipment records
Keep small fittings and hardware in labeled containers. Do not mix chemical products or liquid test supplies with permitted equipment.
A “pool-opening” box could include a clean skimmer net, brush, dry cover pump components and the equipment manuals. Purchase or retrieve permitted chemical supplies separately when it is time to reopen the pool.
Can Pool Chemicals Go Into a Storage Unit?
No. Pool chemicals and other hazardous materials are prohibited at Public Storage. This includes products such as:
- Chlorine
- Bromine
- Shock treatments
- Algaecides
- Acids
- pH-adjusting chemicals
- Liquid test reagents
- Chemical cleaners
- Fuel and propane
Do not place these products in a storage box, vehicle or unit—even when the containers appear closed.
Keep chemicals in their original manufacturer-labeled containers and follow the product label and applicable local requirements. Never combine leftover chemicals or transfer them into food, beverage or unlabeled containers.
Contact the manufacturer or your local household hazardous-waste authority for instructions about damaged, deteriorating, unwanted or unidentified chemicals. Do not place them in household trash or pour them onto the ground or into a drain unless an appropriate local authority specifically instructs you to do so.
Review the complete Public Storage storage policies before moving in.
Can Water-Testing Supplies Go Into Storage?
Some water-testing kits contain liquid reagents or chemical tablets, which cannot be placed in a storage unit. Test strips and other supplies may also have expiration dates or specific storage requirements.
Review each product’s label and keep chemical-testing supplies out of the unit. Store only permitted, clean and dry nonchemical testing equipment.
Do not assume that placing chemicals inside a sealed bin makes them acceptable for storage.
Where Should You Place Pool Equipment in a Storage Unit?
Place bins, pumps and folded covers on stable shelving or a raised platform. Keep long tools supported and clear of the door.
When organizing:
- Keep everything off the floor when practical.
- Leave a walkway to frequently used equipment.
- Avoid stacking heavy boxes on covers, floats or hoses.
- Store electrical equipment upright when directed.
- Keep cords and hoses loosely coiled.
- Label containers on multiple sides.
- Maintain a digital inventory.
- Keep all chemicals and liquids out of the unit.
A unit with Drive-Up Access may reduce the distance required to move bulky covers, poles and equipment. Availability varies by location.
Should You Choose Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for permitted electrical equipment, soft pool-cover materials or supplies stored for an extended period.
These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage spaces. They do not guarantee the condition of stored pool equipment.
Cleaning, draining and drying the equipment remain important. Learn more about climate-controlled storage.
What Should You Check During the Off-Season?
Inspect stored equipment periodically for:
- Moisture in containers
- Cracked or compressed hoses
- Bent nets or brushes
- Damaged electrical cords
- Changes in batteries
- Pressure on folded covers
- Pest activity
- Unstable box stacks
Remove equipment from the unit before cleaning, repairing, charging or testing it. Public Storage spaces are intended for storage only.
What Should You Do Before Reopening the Pool?
When the next season arrives:
- Remove equipment from storage.
- Inspect hoses, poles, nets and brushes.
- Check covers for tears or damaged seams.
- Examine electrical cords and plugs.
- Confirm that filters and fittings are present.
- Replace damaged equipment when necessary.
- Follow manufacturer instructions before operation.
- Obtain appropriate pool chemicals separately.
Do not use equipment that appears damaged or still contains residue from an unidentified substance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store pool chemicals in a storage unit?
No. Pool chemicals are hazardous materials and cannot be stored at Public Storage.
Can chlorine tablets go into a storage unit?
No. Chlorine products are prohibited even when they remain in their original containers or a sealed bin.
Can pool-testing kits go into storage?
Do not store liquid reagents, chemical tablets or other chemical testing products. Review each kit’s label and facility policies.
How should you store a pool hose?
Drain and dry the hose, then coil it in broad loops without kinks. Store it where heavy belongings cannot compress it.
Can you store a pool cover?
Yes, if it is clean, completely dry and free of chemical residue. Fold or roll it according to its care instructions.
Can pool floats go into storage?
Clean, dry pool floats may be stored. Deflate and fold them only when the manufacturer permits it.
Can you store a pool pump?
A permitted pump may be stored after it has been disconnected, drained, cleaned and dried. Follow its electrical and battery instructions.
What size storage unit do you need for pool supplies?
A small unit may hold basic cleaning tools, hoses and floats. Large covers, long poles and multiple pieces of equipment may require more room. Compare options using the Public Storage Size Guide.
Clean, dry and clearly labeled equipment can make the next pool-opening process easier to organize. Find Public Storage near you and compare available unit sizes and access features.
Features and amenities vary by location, facility and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared with non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Confirm which features are available before renting.
