May 2012
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5 Tips for Planning the Season’s First Pool Party
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It’s Pool Season, But Don’t Forget about Your Hot Tub
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Pool Safety: 7 Essential Tips
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Pool Workouts: Start Slow, Stay Strong
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There’s nothing like relaxing on an inflatable lounger or watching your kids playfully wrestle with foam noodles. Pool toys can really liven up your water fun and add to the summer experience, but just like your pool needs regular inspection, so do your toys. The last thing you want is for your family to play with damaged or dirty pool toys. But with a little planning—and scrubbing—it’s easy to keep your toys fresh all season long.
Start with a clean slate
When you debut your pool toys at the beginning of the season, it’s a great preventive measure to soak them in POOLIFE® Tile Cleaner Rx for five to 10 minutes in case they got dirty during the storage period, says Jane Merritt, owner of Anchor Pools in Easley, S.C. “If the pool toys are new and came in plastic wrap, this step is probably not necessary,” Merritt says. “But if they weren’t wrapped when you bought them, I definitely recommend it.”
Major Moss, product knowledge and training specialist with Arch Chemicals, says it’s a good idea to inspect your pool toys before every use to ensure they’re sturdy and safe. Before using inflatable toys, check that all plugs are secure and that there are no holes that could cause air leaks. If there is wear and tear or weakening of the material, you could patch it, but Moss recommends just replacing the toy.
Keeping toys clean
“If you’re using your pool toys regularly, the chlorine in your pool should do a good job of keeping them clean,” Merritt says. But they still might start to feel grimy with mildew or mold from time to time due to the wet pool environment.
“Sometimes, pool toys will get a slimy, slippery feel to them,” Moss says. “That stuff is usually algae or a form of mold.”
When your family comes into contact with dirty toys consistently, the bacteria can cause a cold or an earache, Merritt adds.
The best way to clean your toys is with POOLIFE® Tile Cleaner Rx or a solution of bleach and water. Before you get started, make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves and protective eyewear, such as splash goggles. Also, take steps to avoid splashing the solution because it could damage your clothes. In a pail, carefully add 16 ounces of household bleach to a gallon of water, Moss says. Then dip a scrub brush into the mixture and lightly wash the affected area.
“Be sure to do this on a concrete surface or gravel area because the solution of bleach water will damage a lawn,” he warns. Once you’re finished, use a garden hose to rinse the toy and work area thoroughly of any leftover solution.
Merritt says you have to be extra careful with foam toys. Because the material is porous, any bacteria or mold will grow quicker and be harder to see. She recommends cleaning foam toys three to four times a year. But if you see signs of mold or the foam starts to break off, it’s time to replace the toys. You can treat plastic toys on an as-needed basis because any bacteria will be easy to see.
Storing them away
If it’s the end of the pool season or if you won’t be using your pool toys for a significant amount of time, it’s important to dry them completely so leftover moisture does not cause bacteria to grow—which will happen in warmer weather, Merritt says. Moss recommends wiping toys down again with a bleach-water solution before putting them into storage, and be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly. Then deflate the inflatable toys, and store everything in an enclosed, dry space so it’s ready for your next round of pool fun.
