Summertime is here, and that means splashing around in the pool! Whether you’re a kid, an adult, or somewhere in between – we all enjoy those hot days lounging by the water. And what better way to show your spirit for summer than with some fun pool toys? From under-the-sea creatures like sharks and dolphins to giant beach balls and cool floats, there are plenty of ways to make a splash this season.
But when swimming time is done for the day, and it’s time to pack up these floating friends, how do you easily deflate them so they can be stowed away (or used to decorate other items!) without taking forever? Fear not: we have all the tricks of the trade when it comes to safely deflating your favorite pool toys!
Read on to find out exactly how to deflate pool toys safely and effectively!
What Will You Need?
For most pool toys, you will need the following items to get started:
- A pair of scissors
- An air pump
- A flat surface (such as a table or the ground) for laying out your toy
Once you have everything gathered, it’s time to get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Deflate Pool Toys
Step 1: Preparing the Toy
Start off by carefully removing any tags or stickers from the toy. This will make deflation easier and keep the toy from being punctured by sharp objects. If you’re deflating a large toy, it may also help remove any air valves or plugs.
Step 2: Locate Air Vents
Locate all of the air vents located on your pool toy. These are usually located at the base or along the sides of the toy but can vary depending on the type of pool toy you have. Additionally, some toys may have more than one air vent.
Step 3: Cut Open Vents
Once you’ve identified all of the air vents, take your scissors and carefully cut them open to expose their contents. Make sure not to cut too deeply so as to avoid damaging any inner components of your toy. Don’t forget to open any valves or plugs that may have been removed earlier.
Step 4: Insert Air Pump
Take your air pump and insert it into one of the air vents you have just cut open. Make sure it is firmly inserted and secured in place. Otherwise, the air pump may come loose and lose its suction.
Step 5: Turn on Air Pump
Once the air pump is securely in place, turn it on and watch as the air begins to escape from the toy. This should start happening almost immediately. You can adjust the pressure of the air pump to deflate your toy more quickly or slowly, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Monitor Deflation Progress
As the air continues to escape, monitor your toy’s deflation progress. If it is close to being completely deflated, turn off the pump before it becomes too flat and risks tearing or puncturing itself while still inflated. Be careful not to over-deflate your toy.
Step 7: Remove Air Pump
Once your pool toy has reached its desired level of deflation, remove your air pump from the vent. This is important as it can cause the toy to become over-deflated if left in place. Another way is to keep the air pump connected and then turn it off.
Step 8: Close Open Vents
Once all the air has been released from your pool toy, take your scissors and carefully close off any open vents you cut or opened. This will help keep any dirt or debris out while securing the deflation process. Try to check each vent for any remaining air that may still be present.
Step 9: Fold the Toy Up
Fold up your deflated pool toy into a neat and compact shape, ensuring not to leave any creases in its material that could weaken it. Doing this now ensures that your toy can be stored away easily when the time comes! It will also prevent it from taking up too much room in the storage area when not being used.
Step 10: Store Away Until Next Use!
And there you have it! You’ve successfully deflated your pool toy in just ten simple steps and can store it away until the next time. Now go out and show off your swimming skills in style! Just remember to deflate your pool toy before you take it out of the water and store it away after each use. This will help keep your toy in good condition for longer.
By following these easy steps to deflate pool toys, you will have no trouble when it comes time to pack them up. With these helpful tips in your back pocket, you can spend less time worrying about deflation and more time enjoying the sun! So go ahead – grab those pool toys and prepare for a fun summer!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you have an air compressor, you can use it to deflate pool toys quickly. Make sure the pressure is set to a lower level, so you don’t accidentally cause damage to the toy.
- Another option for deflation is a manual hand pump specifically designed for pool toys. This will take more effort but may be preferred if an air compressor is not available.
- For inflatable toys with valves, make sure you close them tightly before attempting to deflate them. That way, no air escapes, and the process goes smoothly.
- To avoid puncturing or damaging your pool toy during deflation, do not use sharp objects like scissors or knives near the toy while you are trying to remove excess air from it.
- Lastly, store your inflatable pool toys properly when they are not in use to ensure that they last as long as possible. This could include cleaning the toy and lightly coating it with talcum powder or air drying it before storing it away.
Following these tips will help you deflate your pool toys quickly and safely, so that you can enjoy them all summer long!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t inflate the pool toy beyond what is recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. This can cause damage to the toy and injury from over-inflating.
- Don’t avoid deflating your pool toy completely. Leaving some air inside the toy can cause it to become over-inflated and explode when in use.
- Never use a power drill or compressed air to deflate your pool toys; these methods are too aggressive and likely won’t work anyway.
- Avoid puncturing your pool toys with pins or needles; this will also create holes and make them useless quickly.
- Don’t attempt to pour water onto the surface of an inflated pool toy when attempting to deflate it; this can be dangerous and could cause the toy to burst.
When it comes time to deflate your pool toys, remember these tips to ensure that you don’t end up with damaged or unusable items! With proper care and storage, you can enjoy your pool toys for years to come. Safe and happy swimming!
How Do You Deflate Floaties Without a Pump?
If you don’t have access to a pump, there are other ways you can deflate floaties. Firstly, make sure the valve is tightly closed and then roll it up like a carpet or mattress in order to remove as much air as possible. You can also press down firmly on the sides of the pool toy while at the same time using your fingers to push out any extra air that may still be present.
Another option is to place a sturdy container over the pool toy and briskly rub it back and forth, which will help create suction that will pull some of the air out. With all these methods, ensure that you are careful not to puncture or tear your pool toys in any way!
Overall, deflating pool toys is easy with the right tools and techniques. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your floaties are ready for summer fun in no time!
Conclusion
The process of deflating pool toys isn’t as intimidating as one may think. It can be easily achieved by pressing the air out, using a pump, unscrewing the valve cap and pressing on it, or even squeezing the air out by hand. There are various methods for deflation depending on the size and shape of your pool toy.
Ensuring you know how to deflate pool toys is key to preventing any significant damage from inflating and using them. Taking simple measures like this can go a long way in helping you create lasting memories with your pool inflatables! After all, what’s more fun than piling into a hilarious-looking pool float with friends?
Deflation is just one essential element to enjoying carefree summer days at its best when it comes to everyone’s favorite backyard pastime: splashing around in the cool waters of a private pool!
