Pool Ladder Organizer

Jennifer Cline
by Jennifer Cline
9 Materials
$60
6 Hours
Medium

I converted an old pool ladder into an attractive and useful organizing system for chairs, rafts and towels.

What a wreck!


This before almost needs no words.

The area around my pool was always a cluster of a mess littered with lawn chairs, wet towels, rafts and noodles.

Worse yet, any high winds would send some of the items into my neighbors' yards and I'd have to go searching for them constantly.

Old pool ladder


I already had a small but very tired looking pool ladder on hand and considered taking it to recycling many times. One day I took a look at it in a new way and saw the potential to use it as storage. The first step was taking it apart. Many of the nuts and bolts were rusted, so I needed to be careful.

Fresh coat of paint


Once disassembled, I got to work covering the faded blue plastic with bright yellow spray paint. Make sure to use a product that is approved for plastic.

Tape off areas on the pool ladder as needed
Fresh coat of white paint


I brightened the rails with a fresh coat of white spray paint since much of it was dingy and rusted in areas. Make sure to use paint approved for metal.

Reassemble the ladder


Once completely dry, I reassembled the ladder.

Creating a base


Because I'm a flag builder, I always have a good supply of pallets laying around. I took several planks and painted them with outdoor white paint. Whatever base you choose, make sure it will hold up to being left outside unless it is to be stored under a roof.

Next, I put the base together


When designing a base, be mindful to map out where the ladder feet will attach. It would've been a real bummer to build this and realize the ladder attached at points where the slats were open!

I used 13 slats and my base measures 40 X 50" and 12" high (15" with casters).

The ladder is 46" long at the base.

Adding casters


Because my organizer is in my yard during the summer months, I added 3" casters to make it easy to move when mowing or storing during the winter.

Secure ladder to the base


This can be accomplished easily by using U bolts.

Taking shape


I added hooks to the top platform for wet towels or suits to dry.


Trying out my invention
Finished product!


To my delight, everything that was once scattered across my lawn is now neatly organized using this system.

A breakdown: Lawn chairs and pool noodles tuck neatly underneath, rafts are stored securely in the center, towels are hung on the ladder rungs, items can be hung on the hooks, a basket at the top corrals sunglasses and lotions, the net slides down through the top row of slats and rests on the bottom row. It's kept securely in place by angling one set of hooks.

*See humorous video set to Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by Brian Hyland

Itsy Bitsy Pool Organizer
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  2 questions
  • San87tx San87tx on Jul 24, 2020

    Great idea Jennifer!! You are super smart. Is there any way instead of a pool float being blown up could you fold it and put it at the bottom of the pallet?

  • Cynthia McInnis Cynthia McInnis on Aug 02, 2020

    You are smart young lady! Great Idea cant wait to make one!!

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