Help with Raft/Toy Storage for Salt Pool

[lardo5150]

So below is a screenshot of my pool from Nest.
Under the Nest and to the left is my pool equipment. I have the brush handle hanging on the fence right there.
I am looking for something for the kids rafts and other pool toys.
We have a 150g Deck Box that you might be able to see, underneath all the rafts right now. Right now we are just throwing them there.

I would like to figure out a nice way to store these better, without killing my grass, and without letting them sit on the travertine or belgrade pavers. I am not sure what the constant salt water would do if they were just sitting on the stone every day.

Just looking for some ideas. Seeing if anyone else has a home made pvc pipe shelf or something made.

Any ideas?

 

[Yev]

Just to help me and others understand little bit, where do you envision these being stored? Sounds like you don't want them on the grass or on the decking, and there does not appear to be anywhere else for them to go?

In general, I have seen 3 basic ways. A PVC rack somethign like this

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/56/86/1a/56861addc17aa556d49b5c40138729af.jpg

Or something on the fence such as this

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a1/8f/de/a18fdee7303a39a32d8227a4fd0fc9f3.jpg

And I have seen something like this done with nets. BUt I like how this one uses some baskets to just be catchalls.


But with either of these, you are going to have the water drip down on whatever si underneath, so that coudl kill grass or teh tavertine.

 

[jblizzle]

The pavers are concrete, so I do not think they are in any danger. Plus the sitting pool toys are going to dry out quickly and introduce less water than all the splashing and walking around.

 

[Thasista]

Thanks for posting this topic. I too have been researching deck boxes and storage and would love to see how people store their pool toys tools and umbrellas. I’m contemplating a horizontal deck box where the front doors will open as well as the top. My fence will be 5ft tall and I don’t want it taller than that. I need function and not ugly.


I got these hooks for the brush handle and hose

And these for brushes and skimmers

They will hang in the fence out of the way

 

[zea3]

Pintrest is a really good source for ideas to buy or make. DIY Pool Toy Storage - Easy to make solution for storing pool toys. | DIY Projects | Pinterest | Pool toy storage, Diy pool and Toy storage

 

[bmoreswim]

We have a Suncast low shed and a Lifetime deck box. We like both. Relatively inexpensive compared to more permanent solutions but both are well made.

 

[Thasista]

We have a Suncast low shed and a Lifetime deck box. We like both. Relatively inexpensive compared to more permanent solutions but both are well made.

Is that big one two separate or one?

 

[bmoreswim]

Is that big one two separate or one?

It's a single big one. The line on the walls is the two panels. The top is so that the front section slides back over the rear section. Even though the deck is slightly sloped down where it sits, even wind driven rain doesn't seem to get in via the over/under section. The lower fixed roof portion has a lip on the front edge to keep the water out. I'm quite pleased with it in its second pool season.

 

[Dirk]

I've seen pics from others here, who have built "pool toy corrals." They cordon off a section of their yard with a fence and gate, and just stash stuff behind it. You could give up a bit of your lawn in the corner, (either back corner) and build an L off your existing fence, out of the same material, and stash the big toys behind that. With or without a gate. It wouldn't use up or impede any deck or walkway, and you could line the bottom with drain rock, which would help keep draining water away from the grass, but not impede a heavy rain. Couple of posts set in concrete, some 2x4s and the fencing. Weekend project. Permanent solution. Virtually invisible in your yard. And it'd cost you less sq ft of your yard then the toys are taking up now!

 

[kimkats]

Dirk, both of these homes have kids. Can you please share the boxes you use for your muriatic acid?

Muriatic acid should not be stored by chlorine. They do not play well together. You also do not want it near metal as the fumes can cause rust. Some people get a stand alone box just of the acid to put off in a corner that can be locked to keep little hands out of it.

Kim

 

[Dirk]

Sure, from Suncast, no metal parts. I know they still make the little ones, not sure about the big one. Chlorine on the left, acid on the right, misc. pool gear in the middle (toys are elsewhere, no storing toys anywhere near chem's!):

Trouble Free Pool

Here's how I lock them up:

Getting ready for SWG - Page 5

 

[Thasista]

It's a single big one. The line on the walls is the two panels. The top is so that the front section slides back over the rear section. Even though the deck is slightly sloped down where it sits, even wind driven rain doesn't seem to get in via the over/under section. The lower fixed roof portion has a lip on the front edge to keep the water out. I'm quite pleased with it in its second pool season.

I’m going to try to find one of those. Thanks!

 

[Thasista]

Sure, from Suncast, no metal parts. I know they still make the little ones, not sure about the big one. Chlorine on the left, acid on the right, misc. pool gear in the middle (toys are elsewhere, no storing toys anywhere near chem's!):

Trouble Free Pool

Here's how I lock them up:

Getting ready for SWG - Page 5

Those chem storage boxes are super smart. Now I’m going to have to have one of those pouring thingys. That’s just plain genius! I also like the idea of a small fenced in cage for pool toys. I think I’ll have so. In law design this pit angst to it off the pool fence and construct a lid out of the same picket material with a hinge. Adults could lift the lid to load it all up and the littles could open the gate and take out what they want. Double genius! I think I may have a crush on your mind sir!

 

[Dirk]

See how I snuck that in there? Did you happen to see this most important paragraph?

I'll be taking orders and ramping up production soon. Based on materials and labor for the prototype, I think I can let them go for the low, low price of only $595.99. Comes in Great White, Arctic White or Pearly White. Quantity discounts available upon request.

I suppose I'll have to share some commission with Kim...

 

[Thasista]

Sure, from Suncast, no metal parts. I know they still make the little ones, not sure about the big one. Chlorine on the left, acid on the right, misc. pool gear in the middle (toys are elsewhere, no storing toys anywhere near chem's!):

Trouble Free Pool

Here's how I lock them up:

Getting ready for SWG - Page 5

So do you keep your MA outside? Any problem with degradation? Right now I have new jugs in my basement where it’s cool

 

[chayne]

i keep my MA outside all the time. it is in the shade, but here in Texas right now it is just as hot in the shade as it is in the sun. i have not had any problems with its potency.

here what i use to keep all my floats together. it is simple PVC and a couple of 90 degrees bends and some caps. hopefully you can see it in the photo

 

[kimkats]

Chlorine inside, cool, dark area aka basement

MA anywhere it is safe from little hands. Outside if fine. I keep mine at the back of the barn where no critters go.

Dirk's mind is something else for sure AND he is nice and he likes to help!!!

Kim

 

[Thasista]

I’m going to get one of those small suncast boxes and store it at the barn I think. I’ll put a lock on it to deter little hands.

 

[Dirk]

I trusted what I learned here that MA could be stored outside. Mine is in the shade, but does that matter on a 110° day? So far, I've seen no ill effects.

And the reason that I store it outside, and would even if that dinged the potency, is because I've been told that the caps on MA jugs vent. So I translated that to mean there would be some MA fumes floating about, regardless of how tight you twisted the cap. Corroborated by stories I"ve read (anecdotal evidence) that folks that stored MA indoors experienced mysterious deterioration of everything metal within the room, only to discover it was the MA, though tightly sealed. That was enough for me.

So MA lives outside, in a box that is 100% non-metal. Plus it's handier there than stored elsewhere.

It is probably a bit too close to my chlorine box, for ultimate safety, but I felt the tiny risk worth it as the two boxes are 3' apart and subject to very good ventilation.

I lock them down when others' kids are present. When mine are at the pool, I don't take my eye off them anyway, because of the pool, so the unlocked chem boxes are a minimal risk compared to the pool itself. You can always increase safety measures, and there will alway still be risk. At some point you decide your comfort level, then take your chances...

Thasista, I would get them out of your basement.

 

[Thasista]

I trusted what I learned here that MA could be stored outside. Mine is in the shade, but does that matter on a 110° day? So far, I've seen no ill effects.

And the reason that I store it outside, and would even if that dinged the potency, is because I've been told that the caps on MA jugs vent. So I translated that to mean there would be some MA fumes floating about, regardless of how tight you twisted the cap. Corroborated by stories I"ve read (anecdotal evidence) that folks that stored MA indoors experienced mysterious deterioration of everything metal within the room, only to discover it was the MA, though tightly sealed. That was enough for me.

So MA lives outside, in a box that is 100% non-metal. Plus it's handier there than stored elsewhere.

It is probably a bit too close to my chlorine box, for ultimate safety, but I felt the tiny risk worth it as the two boxes are 3' apart and subject to very good ventilation.

I lock them down when others' kids are present. When mine are at the pool, I don't take my eye off them anyway, because of the pool, so the unlocked chem boxes are a minimal risk compared to the pool itself. You can always increase safety measures, and there will alway still be risk. At some point you decide your comfort level, then take your chances...

Thasista, I would get them out of your basement.

Thanks for the info. They are outside now. I’ll get that box this weekend. Kiddos are too young to be allowed to explore without mom and dad so it is safe for a day. I appreciate the info!