Store pool floats slightly inflated in a cool basement — not a dry attic

To prevent cracking and leaks, the most important thing is to store inflatable pool floats partially inflated, clean, and in a place that stays above freezing but not bone-dry.

Here’s the thing about vinyl: it gets brittle when it’s cold and dry, and sharp creases from folding it flat act like fault lines. Come spring, those creases have turned into cracks. The trick is to avoid ever letting the material fold sharply under pressure.

My routine: Wash them down with mild soap, rinse, dry completely (even a little trapped moisture can grow mold over winter). Then deflate to about 50% — just enough air so they hold their shape without being tight. Store them standing up or laid flat without heavy weight on top. A cool basement or garage works fine as long as it doesn’t hit freezing. Bonus: I spray a bit of 303 Aerospace Protectant or sprinkle baby powder on the seams to keep the vinyl from sticking to itself.

Avoid attics (too hot in summer, too dry in winter) and avoid rolling them up tight like a burrito