Drain That Water—Fast
First things first drain all the water out. Most inflatable pools have a drain plug somewhere along the bottom edge. If yours doesn’t just tip that sucker over.
I’ve spent way too much time in the past trying to scoop water out with buckets. Total waste of time!
But yeah don’t just dump it anywhere. Your grass actually likes pool water as long as you haven’t gone crazy with chemicals.
Understanding pool levels and what to expect can help you manage this better. According to cleaning experts at The Spruce you should direct the water to areas that need moisture—garden beds, flower patches, whatever.
Once it’s empty check for any leaves, bugs, or other junk that’s stuck to the sides. Sometimes those little plastic toys sink to the bottom too. My kid once left a popsicle in there. Not ideal.
Quick Scrub Down
Grab a soft sponge or cloth—nothing scratchy! Mix some mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket.
Don’t use harsh cleaners or bleach, they can damage the vinyl and nobody wants a leaky pool mid-summer.
Wipe down all the surfaces with your soapy water. Pay extra attention to the waterline where that gross ring forms.
That’s actually a combo of sunscreen, body oils, and whatever else was floating around. Kinda disgusting when you think about it.
Anyway, I’ve found that a microfiber cloth works way better than regular towels for this part. They grab all that scummy stuff without just pushing it around.
Rinse Super Thoroughly
This is where people mess up. You have to rinse all that soap off or you’ll end up with a bubble bath next time you fill it. I usually use the garden hose on a gentle setting and just spray everything down.
Make sure you get all the corners and creases. Soap loves to hide in the seams and those little inflation valve areas. If you’re using hard water for rinsing you might notice some spots forming as it dries—that’s just mineral deposits and they won’t hurt anything.
Some people actually use a squeegee to remove excess water which sounds fancy but actually saves a ton of drying time if you’re in a hurry.
Dry It Out (Yes Really)
I know it’s tempting to just refill right away but trust me on this—let it dry completely. Moisture trapped between fills is how you get that weird mildew smell and those suspicious looking black spots.
Just wipe it down with a clean towel and let it sit in the sun for maybe 30 minutes. Sun works as a natural disinfectant too which is a nice bonus. If you’re really pressed for time you can use an old beach towel to speed things up.
Actually wait let me back up a bit. If you notice any stubborn stains while it’s drying mix a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it on those spots. Works like magic for sunscreen marks.
Maintenance Between Cleanings
Look nobody has time to drain and clean these things daily. So between full cleanings use a small pool skimmer net (or honestly just a kitchen sieve works fine) to remove bugs, leaves, and whatever else ends up floating around in there.
Some people use those floating chlorine dispensers, but if you’ve got small kids, I prefer the essential care tips for your above-ground pool. Just refresh some of the water every day or two by draining a bit and adding fresh water.
Also, make sure everyone rinses off before jumping in. Sounds obvious but it makes a huge difference in how quickly your pool gets gross. Sunscreen, sweat, and yard dirt are the main culprits.
Storage When You’re Done
When pool season is over make sure you clean it one last time before putting it away. Then dry it COMPLETELY. I’ve ruined more than one pool by storing it slightly damp—mold city.
- Fold it loosely to avoid creating creases that might crack
- Store somewhere rodents can’t get to it (learned that one the hard way)
- Keep it away from sharp objects
Don’t overthink the folding part. As long as it’s clean and dry it’ll be fine for next year.
The whole process seriously takes like 15 minutes once you get the hang of it. Way less time than setting up a new pool because you let the old one turn into a science experiment!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get Mildew Out of an Inflatable Pool?
To get rid of mildew in your inflatable pool, try mixing equal parts vinegar and water. Scrub the affected areas with a soft brush, rinse well, and let it dry completely before refilling. Easy peasy, right?
How Do You Clean Dirty Inflatables?
To clean dirty inflatables, just grab some warm water, a mild soap, and a soft cloth. Wipe it down gently. Rinse well and let it air dry. Avoid harsh chemicals—those can mess things up. Simple, right?
Can You Put Vinegar in an Inflatable Pool?
Yep, you can put vinegar in an inflatable pool! It helps with balancing pH and keeping the water clean. But don’t go overboard—too much can mess with your pool’s chemical balance. A little goes a long way!
Is It Okay to Put Chlorine in an Inflatable Pool?
Totally okay to put chlorine in an inflatable pool! Just make sure you use the right amount so it doesn’t damage the material. Keep it balanced to avoid any weird stuff growing in there. Safety first, you know?
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