If you’re tired of tripping over pool floats or watching them slowly deflate in a messy pile, you are not alone. Pool float storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of backyard organization. Whether you’re working with a small patio, a large deck, or a poolside shed, having practical storage makes your space safer, neater, and more inviting. This guide offers 20 pool float storage ideas DIY fans can easily replicate at home, using affordable tools and materials.
We’ve curated a list of simple, effective storage solutions that not only help extend the life of your inflatables but also make your outdoor area look clean and well-maintained. From PVC racks to wall-mounted hooks, these pool float storage ideas are perfect for beginners looking to organize their pool gear without expensive products or complex tools.
1. PVC Pool Float Rack
We recommend building a DIY rack using standard PVC pipes and connectors because they are waterproof, rustproof, and lightweight. This method allows you to customize the height and number of shelves based on how many floats you store. PVC pipe projects are ideal for pool float storage because the open design allows for airflow, which helps prevent mildew and drying issues. It’s a great entry-level project for anyone interested in hands-on pool float storage ideas DIY-style. 
2. Mesh Laundry Bag Hanger
Using a large mesh laundry bag is a simple and cost-effective way to keep pool floats off the ground. Hang the bag on a fence or hook so the floats can drip dry after use. We suggest this option because mesh allows air to circulate, which prevents mold and mildew. It also keeps everything visible, making it easy to grab what you need before jumping into the pool. This solution works best for smaller inflatables or floaties.
3. Wooden Pallet Float Corral
Repurpose a wooden pallet as a vertical storage unit by attaching it to a fence or exterior wall. We use this method for larger pool items since pallets provide wide open slots for tucking in pool floats. This DIY pool float storage solution is environmentally friendly and adds a rustic charm to your outdoor decor. Be sure to sand and seal the pallet to prevent splinters and weather damage.
4. Bungie Cord Wall Grid
By screwing in eye hooks and weaving bungee cords in a crisscross pattern on a fence or wall, you can create an elastic grid that holds floats in place. This technique works because the cords stretch to accommodate different shapes and sizes while holding them securely. It’s an ideal DIY pool float storage idea for families with multiple float types and limited space.
5. Overhead Garage Pulley System
If you store pool floats in the garage, consider a pulley system or overhead storage attached to ceiling beams. We recommend this solution because it keeps the floor space open and uses vertical real estate effectively. Floats are light, so even a basic rope-and-pulley setup will work. This is one of the smartest pool float storage ideas DIY fans with garages can build in under an hour.
6. Vinyl Fence Float Slots
Cut vertical slots into a section of your existing vinyl fence and slide floats into the spaces like mail in a mailbox. We love this idea because it turns your fence into a storage solution without needing extra space. It works particularly well for flat inflatables and foam floats, making it one of the more creative and space-saving DIY float storage ideas available.
7. Pool Noodle Storage Bin Pool Float Storage Ideas
Create a square frame from 1×4 boards or PVC and attach mesh or chicken wire around the sides. This bin allows you to toss in noodles and small inflatables without stacking them on wet concrete. We use this idea because the open frame promotes drying and keeps everything organized in one place, making retrieval fast and frustration-free.
8. Tall Tarp Tube Cover Pool Float Storage Ideas
Roll up floats and secure them in a standing position inside a tall vinyl tarp that you’ve attached to a wall with grommets. We suggest this idea for off-season storage or when you need to keep items protected from sun exposure. It also works as a DIY float storage idea when you want something more discreet or hidden from view.
9. Outdoor Deck Box With Vents
Use or modify a deck box by drilling ventilation holes along the sides to encourage airflow. We recommend adding mesh lining to the interior so that wet floats don’t sit directly against the plastic. Deck boxes are a popular choice for pool float storage ideas because they offer protection from sun, rain, and critters while maintaining a tidy appearance.
10. Poolside Towel Rack Repurpose
Repurpose a towel rack by widening the rails or spacing them farther apart to hold rolled-up pool floats. This DIY idea is great for small patios where you need multi-use furniture. We like this method because it allows for easy grab-and-go use and doesn’t require new materials if you already have a rack in place.
11. Wall-Mounted Cargo Net
Attach a cargo net to a wall or fence using screws and washers for a durable, stretchy holding area. We use this idea often for soft-sided floats because the net molds around the shape and holds them securely. It’s a low-cost, nautical-themed option that blends well in beach-style or lakehouse settings.
12. Milk Crate Stack Tower
Stack milk crates vertically and zip-tie them together for a customizable, modular storage tower. We recommend this DIY pool float storage method for organizing toys, goggles, and small floaties. The open design allows water to drain and air to flow, making cleanup and maintenance easier during pool season.
13. Hanging Pool Float Ladder
Screw heavy-duty hooks into a wooden ladder and hang it horizontally along a fence or under a patio cover. Drape floats over the rungs or hook them directly. This is one of our favorite rustic DIY pool float storage ideas, and it requires minimal construction while offering an attractive and functional storage solution.
14. DIY Storage Hammock Pool Float Storage Ideas
Sew a giant hammock out of mesh or canvas and attach it to four anchor points under a patio roof. We suggest this approach for soft inflatables or foam mats because the hammock conforms to shape and supports the weight. This idea is great for keeping everything off the ground while providing easy access and quick drying.
15. PVC Float Tree Pool Float Storage Ideas
Create a vertical tree by anchoring a tall PVC pipe into a heavy base and adding arms made from smaller pipes. Each arm can support a float or noodle. We love this method because it uses a compact footprint while holding multiple items. It’s a visually interesting way to display and organize floats near the pool area.
16. DIY Wheeled Float Cart
Build a rolling cart with slatted sides using treated lumber or PVC. Add lockable casters for mobility. This pool float storage idea is perfect if you need to move gear in and out of storage or reposition it for sunlight and drying. It’s one of the more advanced DIY float storage ideas but still manageable for beginners with basic tools.
17. Pegboard Float Station Pool Float Storage Ideas
Mount a pegboard on an exterior wall and use durable plastic hooks to hang your inflatables and accessories. We suggest this method because pegboards are easy to customize and rearrange as your storage needs change. This is a particularly effective float storage solution for organizing by type or size.
18. Rain Gutter Float Shelf
Use clean, repurposed vinyl rain gutters mounted horizontally on a fence to hold rolled-up floats or pool mats. We find this idea efficient because the gutters act as shallow shelves and provide a quick-dry environment. It’s a smart, low-cost use of materials that keeps your floats off the ground and tidy.
19. Rope and Hook Hanging System
Install multiple lengths of rope across a shaded area and attach S-hooks to hang floats by their handles or straps. This is one of the easiest DIY pool float storage ideas and requires almost no tools. We recommend it for renters or those who prefer not to drill into walls or fencing.
20. Inflatable Wall Pockets
Sew or purchase wall-mounted storage pockets using waterproof fabric and Velcro. Attach them to a fence or shed to insert deflated or small floats & accessories. This pool float storage idea DIY-style is perfect for keeping small and medium inflatables dry and contained without piling them in a heap.
