Pool Accessories You Can Make Yourself
One thing you definitely have to have is a net for cleaning leaves and things which float on the water. An old broom stick or pole of any sort works well to begin making the net but a lightweight plastic pole will prove the best choice. You’ll need a circular ring-type object to give the net something to attach to, and you’ll find what you’re looking for at a craft store. They have metallic rings for making things like dream catchers, or plastic rings for making wall art. The plastic ones are lightweight and perfect. Be sure and choose a large one.
Purchase netting at a fabric store or look at dollar-theme stores for hampers and other things made from the netting. The net items are much cheaper than purchasing netting by the yard. After removing the net from the item you’ve purchased, or after having cut a piece of netting to fit the ring, spread contact cement onto the ring and attach the net all the way around. Gather the ends of the netting and tie or sew them together. Trim closely. This seamed part becomes the inside of the net. Now you can skim the water to remove leaves and such. Make a smaller version, with a smaller pole, for smaller pools or quick leaf removal next to the edge.
Make a side-scrubber in a similar manner. To remove traces of algae and dirt on the sides of the pool, make these scrubbers in two different sizes. The first should be made to go on a pole so that the cleaning can be done without entering the pool. Purchase a plastic pole at a hardware store or buy a cheap mop and remove the mop head.
We’ve all seen those plastic rugs or mats, meant for wiping mud from your feet before entering a home. The plastic mats have small loops or soft spikes and are used outdoors. These are perfect for cleaning the pool sides. Fold the rug in half, use contact cement to affix it to the pole, then use the pole to gently scrub the sides of the pool. Make a smaller version to use when you’re in the pool by drawing around your hand, and cutting two mitten shapes. Stitch the mitten shapes together and you have a handy cleaning glove while you’re in the pool.
A child’s plastic toy box with lid makes an ideal place to store some of your pool equipment. Attach a hasp and lock to prevent children from getting the chemicals. For tall equipment, such as a pole net, a garbage can works great. Stand other outdoor implements in it, too, like a garden rake or hoe. Weight it down with a couple of rocks or bricks and set it near the pool.
It’s especially easy to make accessories that fit an above-ground pool. S rings are the ticket to making all sorts of accommodating supplies. Place several of the hooks along the top ridge of the pool for hanging towels and cover-ups. Purchase a plastic bin, with slits in it, and hang it on two S hooks for holding goggles, watches, wallets and more. If you use square or rectangular ones, they’re great for holding drinks as well.
A drawstring net bag is great for holding pool toys when the pool is being cleaned or chemicals added. Hang the drawstring on an S hook and place the balls, ride-ons, and other toys in the bag. The netting will allow the water to drain from them and will keep them up off the ground.
Buy a small sieve to hold chlorine tablets which can float on the water. Line the upper edge with velcro and attach a small bowl with no holes. The sieve will allow the chlorine tablet to be dispensed into the water while the bowl on top will not only prevent the entire arrangement from sinking, it will also keep small children from reaching in and touching the chlorine.
Save hundreds of dollars, literally, by making your own pool accessories and equipment. And, the next time you realize you need any type of pool implements, stop and think if you can make it yourself, before running out to purchase it. You’ll likely be able to make something similar for a fraction of the cost.
