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Nothing beats a sunny day by the pool, but a cluttered pool deck can quickly ruin the fun. That’s why I tested eight different pool toy storage solutions that simplify pool cleanup. They’ll keep your floats, kickboards, goggles, and swim rings neatly organized.
From stylish and practical deck boxes to versatile mesh organizers, these pool toy storage options can help reduce clutter and ensure all your pool essentials stay in one place. Among the products tested, the Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box emerged as a top choice because of its combination of style and practicality. Made with a durable, weather-resistant resin, it’s both attractive and functional. The box is also easy to assemble, spacious, lockable, and includes built-in handles for easy portability, with the added benefit of a sturdy lid that doubles as a bench.
Whether you need a durable solution for large inflatables or a compact option for smaller toys, this guide will help you navigate the key features to consider when choosing pool storage for toys. I provide detailed reviews and recommendations to help you find the ideal organizer to meet your needs, ensuring you get the best pool toy storage solutions for a more enjoyable pool experience.
- BEST OVERALL: Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Suncast 73-Gallon Medium Deck Box With Seat
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Keter Java 230-Gallon Deck Box
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE POOL TOYS: Step2 Vero Poolside Organizer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL POOL TOYS: Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box With Storage Seat
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR DIYERS: Seven Sparta 5-by-7-Foot Bungee Cargo Net
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LOCKABLE: Lifetime 116-Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 1 month |
| Tests performed | 7 to 8 |
| Price range | $36 to $350 |
Our Top Picks
Here are some of the top pool toy storage options I tested firsthand. These recommendations feature a variety of organizers made from different materials and in various sizes, designed to help you find the best solution for your outdoor pool storage needs.
Best Overall
Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Design 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 25.35 inches tall by 61 inches wide by 28.5 inches deep
- Capacity: 150 gallons
- Material: Resin
What We Like
- Simple assembly with predrilled holes and minimal tools required
- Holds small to medium-size pool toys
- Built-in handles for easy moving
- Lockable lid provides additional security
What We Don’t Like
- Box is heavy and requires 2 people to move
- Dark-colored lid doubles as a bench but gets hot in direct sunlight
The Keter Eastwood 150-gallon deck box offers a durable storage solution with a wood-look finish that is actually made from weather-resistant resin. For a box this large, assembly is straightforward, and it took me about 30 minutes using just a screwdriver. In fact, it would be virtually impossible to assemble this container incorrectly since the pieces are designed with predrilled holes that help prevent assembly errors. However, a rubber mallet would make the setup go a lot more smoothly.
Despite the claim of a soft-close lid mechanism, my unit’s lid slams shut, but this might have just been a flaw with my hydraulic lifts. On the positive side, the lid stays open securely, and the ample box holds various small to medium-size pool toys, including floats, pool noodles, boogie boards, squirt guns, and more. The lid is lockable, which isn’t a must when storing inflatables but is a nice feature if you want to keep small kids from getting into your pool accessories.
The box is heavy (a little over 41 pounds), so moving it requires two people, but it includes built-in handles that make portability easier. Although the sturdy lid can be used as a bench, the dark faux wood top becomes uncomfortably hot under direct sunlight. You will want some extra cushions if you plan to use this for seating.
Get the Keter Eastwood pool toy storage at Wayfair, Walmart, or Keter.
Best Bang for Your Buck
Suncast 73-Gallon Medium Deck Box With Seat
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Design 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 25.5 inches tall by 46 inches wide by 23.75 inches deep
- Capacity: 73 gallons
- Material: Resin
What We Like
- Easy assembly with no tools required
- Durable lid doubles as a bench for extra seating
- Integrated wheels and pull handles provide easy portability
What We Don’t Like
- Will not store large inflatables
The Suncast 73-gallon deck box is a great way to add some extra seating and storage space to your pool deck. Assembly is simple, taking about 15 minutes with no tools required. Because of the basic design, all pieces snap together easily, with no small parts to worry about.
The sturdy lid also doubles as a bench that’s capable of holding up to 300 pounds. That gives you seating for one or even two more people. Even after sitting on the lid for an extended period, it still felt comfortable and secure, though it would be nicer with a cushion added.
One of the best features is the integrated wheels and pull handles, which make it very easy to move the box around. The container weighs about 27 pounds but was pretty simple to move from place to place because of the wheels—making me wish all the boxes I tested came with wheels!
With a 73-gallon capacity, the deck box is perfect for storing small toys and a couple of medium-size inflatables, such as smaller swim rings, pool noodles, life jackets, flippers, and beach balls. This would be an excellent option for families with small kids, offering a practical outdoor toy storage solution while also providing extra seating.
Get the Suncast 73-gallon pool toy storage at The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Suncast.
Upgrade Pick
Keter Java 230-Gallon Deck Box
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Design 4/5; Durability 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 33.8 inches tall by 57.8 inches wide by 32.6 inches deep
- Capacity: 230 gallons
- Material: Resin
What We Like
- Massive capacity easily accommodates small and large pool toys
- Durable, weather-resistant resin mimics the look of wicker
- Assembly is straightforward and requires limited tools
- Lockable lid provides additional security
What We Don’t Like
- Box arrived with missing parts, a commonly noted issue
- Heavy storage container can be challenging to move
- Lid collected water after heavy rain
- Small toys may be difficult to retrieve at the bottom
The Keter extra-large deck box offers a substantial 230-gallon capacity and can hold an impressive amount of pool items. The box is made of weather-resistant resin that resembles a classic wicker or rattan texture.
Assembly was pretty straightforward, taking me about 45 minutes with just a screwdriver. The process was mostly smooth, though I encountered an issue—one piece was missing, so I had to call the manufacturer for a replacement. While the missing piece was sent within a few days, the color was slightly off when it arrived. I noticed several online reviewers had similar issues with missing pieces and instructions, meaning this is a recurring problem for Keter.
It’s a shame because the box’s functionality is excellent. It features an easy-lift lid with a soft-close mechanism that works well. The box also features a lockable lid for added security and built-in handles for easier maneuverability.
On the downside, this box is huge—almost too big for pool toy storage. While it fits many pool toys, from small beach balls to large floats, everything is scattered inside. If you’re of average height, like me, reaching small toys that fall to the bottom of the box may be difficult.
The dark-colored box gets very hot under direct sunlight. The lid also collects water after heavy rain, though the inside stays dry. Weighing a little over 43 pounds, the box itself is very heavy, and I had a tough time moving it even with two people while empty. It would be extremely hard to lift while filled with pool supplies.
Get the Keter Java pool toy storage at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Keter.
Best for Large Pool Toys
Step2 Vero Poolside Organizer
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Design 4/5; Durability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 37 inches tall by 28 inches wide by 46 inches deep
- Capacity: 12 cubic feet
- Material: Resin and stainless steel
What We Like
- Made from stylish, durable plastic
- Holds both small and large pool toys
- Open design allows wet items to air-dry quickly
- Organizer can be weighted down with sand in the bottom
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller toys may get lost or blow away if not secure
- Lacked predrilled holes during assembly
The Vero poolside storage organizer can hold an impressive array of pool toys. I was able to fit almost all my pool floats—both small and large—in this organizer. The stainless steel bars are a good place to clip life jackets or hang towels. The side notches are also convenient for drying goggles. I had a few small inflatables blow out of this organizer on a windy day, but it was because they weren’t fully secure.
While some reviewers noted assembly times as short as 10 minutes, it took me about 25 minutes with a screwdriver. That’s because there were no predrilled holes, and I had to puncture them myself. Despite this small challenge, the structure is sturdy and reliable and has the feel of Step2’s other high-quality outdoor toys. It weighs about 29 pounds and is easy for one person to move, though you may need two people if it’s filled with floats and you’re moving the organizer a long distance.
I loved the open design, which allows for excellent airflow and will help wet inflatables dry quickly. If you’re worried about the organizer blowing away, you can add sand in the bottom to weigh it down. However, I didn’t notice any issues with the unweighted organizer moving around the pool area, even in windy conditions.
Get the Step2 pool toy storage at Amazon or Wayfair.
Best for Small Pool Toys
Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box With Storage Seat
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Design 5/5; Durability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 20.5 inches tall by 22 inches wide by 17 inches deep
- Capacity: 22 gallons
- Material: Resin
What We Like
- Easy assembly in less than 10 minutes
- Adds extra seating around the pool
- Sturdy construction will last many summers
- Lightweight and easy to move around the pool area
What We Don’t Like
- Will only fit very small pool toys
The Suncast 22-gallon deck box had the easiest assembly of all the outdoor toy storage boxes I tested. It took me about 7 minutes to click together the pieces of the Lego-like bin, following the simple instructions and using no extra tools. The durable resin box doubles as a bench, which can hold up to 200 pounds, providing extra poolside seating.
The biggest con of this storage option is that the inside of the box is so tiny it only fits small pool toys such as dive rings, goggles, squirt guns, or small life jackets. You probably won’t be able to fit an inflatable in here unless it’s around the size of a beach ball. If you have young kids with many little items scattered around, you might consider purchasing one or more of these boxes to keep toys tidy. Because these containers are lightweight (about 11 pounds), they’re easy to move, which makes them a great way to add extra seating and storage around your pool.
Get the Suncast 22-gallon pool toy storage at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best for DIYers
Seven Sparta 5-by-7-Foot Bungee Cargo Net
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Design 4/5; Durability 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 7 feet long by 5 feet wide
- Capacity: Stretches to 14 feet long by 10 feet wide
- Material: Nylon, rubber, and aluminum alloy
What We Like
- Easy to set up in multiple configurations
- Low price point makes it simple to replace or buy multiple
- Great for air-drying any size inflatable
What We Don’t Like
- Not designed for pool use, so elasticity may not hold up over time
- Small pool toys may slip through the netting
The Seven Sparta cargo net is made from durable bungee material with ¼-inch-thick elastic, though the netting isn’t explicitly designed for pool items. I attached the net to my deck railing to air-dry large floats, and it worked great, even on windy or rainy days. The net can also hold smaller items, but it’s best for inflatables. It’s a very flexible pool float storage option that doesn’t require floor space—it can be used attached to fencing or walls, depending on your needs. I tried two different layouts before settling on a solution I liked. The cargo net comes with 16 sturdy aluminum D-clip carabiners and a handy drawstring bag for off-season storage.
Aware that bungee material can lose its elasticity over time, I left the netting hanging in the sun and rain stuffed with giant inflatables for about a month. At the end of that period, the net had lost some of its original elasticity, but not enough to affect its performance and ability to hold pool floats. The low price point on this item may also make long-term durability less of a concern. You may feel it’s worth it to replace the netting after a few seasons if sun or chlorine starts to break down the rubber.
Get the Seven Sparta pool toy storage at Amazon.
Best Lockable
Lifetime 116-Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box
Our Ratings: Assembly 2/5; Design 4/5; Durability 5/5; Portability 3/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 26 inches tall by 25.2 inches wide by 50.3 inches deep
- Capacity: 116 gallons
- Material: Resin
What We Like
- Weather-resistant interior stays dry even during storms
- Large capacity can store small to medium-size pool toys
- Lockable lid provides additional security
- Spring-hinge lid won’t slam shut
What We Don’t Like
- Very difficult assembly requires multiple tools
- Heavy box is challenging to move
- Will not store large inflatables
The extra-large deck box from Lifetime is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic with powder-coated steel hinges. With hydraulic hinges on the lid, this box won’t slam shut, making it safe and convenient for daily use by the pool.
However, of all the storage items I tested, this box was by far the most difficult one to assemble. Putting it together required a full set of tools, including a rubber mallet, a wrench set, and a drill with an impact driver. Unlike other deck boxes, this one had no predrilled holes, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive. I ended up accidentally scratching the lid during assembly because of all the drilling. An average DIYer might struggle with this project. It took me almost an hour and a half to assemble, and I’m still not confident that all the pieces are correctly aligned since the lid still makes a weird clicking noise every time it closes. The box is also quite heavy, about 42 pounds, so moving it, especially when filled, requires two people.
Despite these issues, the size is ideal for holding lots of small to medium-size inflatables, pool noodles, and other toys. It also offers good value for its price, considering its durability and storage capacity. While the box isn’t fully waterproof, the interior remained dry after heavy rain. The lockable lid provides additional security, which would make it a nice option if you’re looking for a place to store pool chemicals away from a child’s reach. If you have the skills to tackle assembly, this box is still a great outdoor bin for toys.
Get the Lifetime pool toy storage at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Also Tested
I also tested the Improvements Modern Blue Pool Storage Bin, which held an impressive amount of items—both large floats and small pool toys. However, the bin is made of thin plastic pipes, which are unstable and prone to falling apart. Its lightweight construction causes it to roll in strong winds. The bin ended up in my pool twice on a windy day.
Or, DIY Your Own Pool Storage
While I only tested pool storage options made of plastic and mesh, you can also purchase wood organizers for your goggles and inflatables. However, those are pretty pricey (starting at around $300), so DIY is a good option if you are interested in a wood organizer.
If you’re handy when it comes to woodworking, it’s fairly simple to make your own customized wooden storage bin using a circular saw and drill. The best types of wood to use are the same as those you would use for swimming pool decking, such as redwood, teak, cedar, ipe (an exotic hardwood), or pressure-treated pine. Most designs include a front storage section for holding small pool accessories and a back section for oversize items like pool noodles and floats. When finished, make sure to seal your project with a high-quality outdoor finish or varnish to protect the wood from the elements.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Pool Toy Storage
To determine the best pool toy storage solutions, I evaluated eight different organizers made from various materials, including plastic resin and mesh fabric. Over the course of a month, I assembled each item following the manufacturer’s instructions, taking careful notes on assembly time and any additional tools needed. I then placed each organizer outside to test its durability, noting any fading or weather damage after exposure to rain and wind.
I also assessed each storage bin‘s ability to keep items dry and checked how well they managed various pool toys. Each organizer was filled with as many items as it could hold—floats, inner tubes, life jackets, kickboards, flippers, dive rings, beach balls, goggles, rubber duckies, and even my 7-foot-long inflatable lobster!
I carefully reviewed the ease of access, capacity, and storage efficiency. For organizers that claim to double as benches, I tested their comfort and sturdiness by sitting on them and observing how they performed under direct sunlight. Additionally, I evaluated portability by moving each organizer, noting the ease or difficulty, especially for heavier models that required two people to move.
What to Consider When Choosing Pool Storage
Need more ideas for pool storage solutions? Every house is different, so it’s essential to consider your specific needs before deciding on an outdoor pool storage system to contain all the toys cluttering up your swimming area. Read on to learn more.
Size and Storage Capacity
Before purchasing an organizer for your pool area, look around and see what items you need to store. Do you have lots of giant inflatables or long rafts? Or is your pool deck overflowing with smaller items like life jackets, diving rings, and kickboards? Large open-style containers without lids are ideal for big floats, while deck boxes work well for smaller items. Deck boxes vary in capacity; those over 200 gallons can hold several large floats, while smaller ones (less than 30 gallons) might only fit a beach ball.
If you have young children, you might want to consider a lockable deck box. This is a handy place to store pool accessories and chemicals away from tiny hands. Locking up toys also ensures kids aren’t tempted to use floats without adult supervision, a safer option for little ones who are still developing their swimming skills.
Material
Pool organizers come in various materials, each with its benefits and drawbacks:
Mesh: Lightweight and affordable, mesh organizers provide excellent visibility and ventilation, allowing wet items to air-dry quickly. Unfortunately, the material tends to tear over time.
Metal: Metal organizers are sturdy and durable. However, they may rust or corrode when exposed to water and chlorine and can become very hot in direct sunlight.
Plastic: Plastic or resin organizers are lightweight, easy to move, and typically more affordable than wood or metal. But, over time, plastic organizers can fade, crack, or break down with lots of sun exposure.
Wood: Offering a classic and durable look, wooden storage organizers require regular maintenance to prevent rot or drying out. Wood is also heavy; expensive; and prone to warping, cracking, or insect damage over time.
Portability
Once your organizer is set up, you may want to move it occasionally. The lightest organizers I tested weighed just 5 or 6 pounds, while the heaviest were over 40 pounds and required at least two people to move.
Consider how you’ll use the organizer. Will you need to wheel it around the pool to pick up toys, or will it stay in one location all season? Lightweight organizers are great for wheeling around the pool deck but can also be blown around by the wind, potentially ending up in your pool. Heavier organizers offer more stability but are more challenging to move without help. Think about whether you’ll have a second set of hands to help you move a heavier deck box or if you’ll need to empty it when it’s time to move it inside at the end of swim season.
FAQs
Still have questions about pool toys and how to store them? Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
After everyone is done playing in the pool, it’s best to rinse off any toys with water from the hose and let them fully dry. Storing wet toys in a damp, dark location will encourage mold growth. You can deep-clean your floats and inflatables with a bucket filled with gentle soap and water. Sanitize small plastic pool toys like goggles, dive rings, or squirt toys with a solution of two parts water and one part vinegar.
No. Most pool toys and floats are made of plastics, which break down when exposed to sunlight and chlorine. Your pool toys will last longer if they’re stored up and out of the water. Not only that, but storing pool toys outside the pool is much safer for children. Little ones may be tempted to venture into the water unattended if they see fun inflatables floating on the surface of the pool.
Meet the Tester
Lisa Galek is a writer and editor with over 20 years of experience. As a busy mom of three, she oversees her family’s daily routines, including maintaining a 24-foot-round above-ground pool during the short Ohio summers. She loves testing products and writing reviews because it helps her find new, high-quality, user-friendly items for her home.