To prolong the life of your pool floats, you should store them in a cool, dry, and shaded area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. UV rays are the primary cause of plastic "brittleness" and color fading. Many pool owners use outdoor storage bins or mesh "float caddies" that allow air to circulate, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. If you have large inflatables that you don't want to deflate daily, an upright pool float rack or wall-mounted hooks in a garage or shed are excellent options to keep them off the ground where they might be punctured or chewed by pests. If you are storing them for the winter, it is essential to deflate them completely, wash them with mild soap to remove chlorine or salt residue, dry them thoroughly, and fold them loosely in a plastic tote to prevent the vinyl from sticking together or cracking over the off-season.