If you own a pool, that means you own (or should own!) at least a thousand pool towels, right? Well, maybe it’s less than that, but it’s a lot. But where should you store all the towels to keep your home and poolside clutter free?
We are pool owners, and we understand your challenge. So, that’s why we crafted this article on the best pool towel storage ideas for in your home, by your pool, and taking the towels to your pool.
Read on below to find out more!
How Many Pool Towels Do You Need?
Pool towels are a summer essential. But how many do you really need? We did the math and came up with a few scenarios to help you plan for pool towel storage.
Our rule of thumb is at least 2 for every person in the house. Why? Because pool days are the best, and no one wants to run out of towels. Here are a few things to consider:
Do you like to lay out by the pool? You’ll need 1 towel for your lounge chair and 1 for your body.
Do you have kids who love to swim? They’ll need 2 towels because they will likely dry off too many times with the first towel, so you will need another.
Do you often have guests over to enjoy the pool? Make sure to have 2 extra towels on hand.
Do you host pool parties? Consider how many people you can fit in your pool at once; you should have a towel for each person (even though they might bring their own).
What if a towel gets wet? This way, you’ll always have a dry one to use.
Now that you know how many pool towels you need, it’s time to start thinking about storage.
Best Ways to Fold or Roll a Pool Towel
The best way to store pool towels really depends on your storage type and how many pool towels you have. If you have a small space, you might want to try the hotel method or roll your towels. If you have a larger space, you might want to try the spa style.
Folded:
There are two major ways of folding a pool towel:
The hotel method
Spa-style
To fold a towel using the hotel method, start by folding the towel in half lengthwise. Then, fold the towel in half again, making sure the folded edge is at a right angle to the first fold. Finally, fold the towel in half one last time, creating a long, thin rectangle.
To fold a pool towel spa-style, start by folding the towel in half lengthwise. Then, fold the towel in thirds, making sure the folded edge is at a right angle to the first fold. Finally, fold the towel in half again, creating a long, thin rectangle.
Rolled:
Rolling a pool towel is a great way to save space, especially if you have a lot of towels. Start by folding the towel in half lengthwise. Then, fold the towel in thirds, making sure the folded edge is at a right angle to the first fold. Finally, roll the towel up from one of the short ends.
Common Places to Store Pool Towels
If you’re ready to get your pool towel situation under control, we’ve got some great storage ideas for you. Check out these common places to store pool towels:
Inside the home:
The benefits of storing towels inside are that it protects them from the outdoor elements such as wind and rain. This can help keep them in good condition for longer. Another benefit is that it can free up space outside, such as on a shelf or in a cabinet.
Some of the most common indoor places to store your towels include:
Bathroom
Closet
Mudroom
Buffet tables/hutch
Free-standing shelves
Outdoor storage:
Some people prefer to store their pool towels outdoors, so they’re always within reach when they need them. This can be a great option if you have a lot of pool toys and accessories, as it frees up space inside your home.
Some of the most common outdoor places to store pool towels include:
Garage
Storage box/shed
Pool house
Store when using the pool:
Temporary storage options are great for when you are getting in and out of the pool. This ensures that your towels are in an easy-access place, so you can grab one when you need it and put it back when you’re done.
Some of the most common places to store pool towels while you are using the pool include:
Towel rack
Towel hooks
Bucket / Carrier
Now that we’ve discussed the three main places you can place pool towel storage, let’s take a look at some specific storage ideas.
15 Best Pool Towels Storage Ideas
Here are 15 of the best pool towel storage ideas to keep your summer days running smoothly.
Inside the Home:
#1: Storage Bins for Inside Cabinets or on Shelves
Storage bins are excellent as stand-alone storage options or for tucking into a cabinet or shelving system for convenient access.
DECOMOMO Storage Bins
Highlights:
- Comes in a 3-pack
- Made of linen
- Features an elegant design with over a dozen color schemes
- Multi-purpose bins
- Durable side handles
The DECOMOMO Storage Bins are a great option for storing towels on shelves or cabinets. They’re made with durable, high-quality linen materials and feature a beautiful minimalist design. The fabric is also foldable and easy to clean, and the bins come in a variety of colors to match any décor. These are great for pool towel storage because of their versatile, easy-access nature.
#2: Buffet or Sideboard
We love buffet cabinets because they make fantastic pieces of furniture to put right next to your doorway to the pool to hold towels and other pool items.
PHI VILLA Kitchen Sideboard Buffet Cabinet
Highlights:
- Holds up to 6 towels per door
- Made of durable, high-quality wood
- Easy to clean
- Decorative and sleek
We love the Kitchen Sideboard Buffet Cabinet because it’s made of durable, weather-resistant engineered wood. It also features 3 doors and 3 drawers, making it a versatile storage space option. As such, we think it’s an excellent option for pool towel storage!
#3: Free Standing Shelves
Free-standing shelves are a great, versatile way to store pool towels as they come in a variety of sizes, materials, and some are even adjustable!
BON AUGURE Industrial Ladder Shelf
Highlights:
- Easy assembly (less than 30 minutes)
- Ladder design for easy access to stored items
- Made of durable, powder-coated PVC
- Adjustable legs and feet to provide stability
This industrial ladder shelf is a great option for those looking for a stylish and functional way to store their pool towels. It features an adjustable design that allows you to customize it to fit your needs, and it comes in a variety of materials and finishes to match any decor. It also has a sturdy construction that ensures your towels will be safe and secure.
#4: Small Cabinet
Small cabinets are great for pool towel storage because they don’t take up much space and can be easily tucked away in your bathroom or by your pool door.
VASAGLE Bathroom Floor Storage Cabinet
Highlights:
- Double shutter doors
- Adjustable interior shelf
- Made of high-quality wood
- Comes in 3 different colors
- Small and compact size
We love the small cabinet from VASAGLE due to its size, material, and convenience. Its double shutter doors for easy access to stored items and an adjustable shelf for customized storage. The small and compact size makes this cabinet perfect for small spaces.
#5: Towel Storage Rack
Towel storage racks are an excellent addition to a room to help organize and store towels because they generally come with multiple racks or shelves.
OYEAL Towel Rack with Tower Bars
Highlights:
- Wall mount
- Made of rust-proof stainless steel and MDF board
- Easy installation
- Comes in rustic brown and pristine white color schemes
This towel rack is a great option because it is made of rust-proof stainless steel, comes with all the necessary hardware for installation, and has a sleek and modern design with two color choices to match any decor. Additionally, this rack has two shelves and a towel bar, perfect for storing and displaying towels in any bathroom.
Outside:
#6: Storage Box
Outdoor storage boxes are a great way to keep your pool towels organized and easy to access. They are typically made of durable materials like plastic or metal and can be weatherproofed to protect your towels from the elements. Some boxes come with added features like wheels for easy transport or locking lids to keep pests and animals out.
Bluu Deck Box
Highlights:
- Durable resin construction
- Weather resistant
- 120 gallons of storage
- Locking lid to keep pests and animals out
The Bluu Deck Box is a great option for outdoor pool towel storage. It’s made of durable resin, so it will stand up to the elements. The weather-resistant design will keep your towels dry and protected from the sun and rain. The box includes a locking lid to keep pests and animals out.
#7: Storage Shed
A storage shed is an excellent option for towel storage because it is typically made of weatherproof materials, so you don’t have to worry about your towels being damaged by the rain or snow.
Mrosaa Horizontal Resin Storage Shed
Highlights:
- Made of weatherproof HDPE resin material
- Has a capacity of 8.6 cubic feet
- Features two shelves for storage
- The floor is included
The Mrosaa Horizontal Resin Storage Shed is a great option for those looking for a weatherproof storage shed for their pool towels. This shed is easy to construct, and the HDPE resin material is durable and will protect your towels from the elements. This shed is ideal for outdoor pool towel storage because it has a capacity of 8.6 cubic feet and two shelves for storage. The floor is included, so you don’t have to worry about your towels getting wet or dirty.
#8: Storage Bench
A storage bench is a great option for pool towels because it can provide a lot of extra storage space. This is a great option because it is easy to access the towels, and the bench can also be used as seating when needed.
Keter Solana 70 Gallon Storage Deck Bench
Highlights:
- Can hold up to 70 gallons of storage
- Easy access
- Seating option
- Made of waterproof resin
The Keter Solana 70 Gallon Storage Bench Deck Box is a great option for pool towels because this storage bench is easy to access and can also be used as seating when needed. The bench is made out of durable plastic and has a brown finish that will look great in any outdoor space. This storage bench has a 70-gallon capacity, so it can store a lot of pool towels, making it ideal for large families or for those who love to host pool parties.
#9: Pool House Storage Rack
A pool house storage rack is a great option for storing towels if you have limited space. Racks like this can be used in an outdoor pool house, underneath a permanent awning, or even in your bathroom.
Soduku Towel Rack
Highlights:
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Rust-proof and corrosion resistant
- Features 8 hooks
- 3 color options
This Soduku towel rack is a great option for storing towels if you have limited space. The six shelf levels provide ample space to keep towels neatly folded and organized. This rack can be used indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile storage option. This makes it the perfect storage solution for your family.
#10: Hanging Storage Baskets
Hanging storage baskets are fantastic storage solutions that take advantage of unused space. They are perfect for pool towels because they can be hung on a fence or on the side of a shed or garage.
AOZITA 3 Set [Extra Large] Hanging Wall Storage Baskets
Highlights:
- Heavy duty, high-quality steel
- Comes with everything you need to install
- Durable and rust-resistant
- Easy installation
These AOZITA 3 Set Extra Large Hanging Wall Storage Baskets are perfect for pool towels. They’re made of high-quality steel, are a perfect size, and come with everything you need to install them. They’re also rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged by the pool water. And they keep towels off the ground and away from dirt and debris.
Storage when using the pool:
#11: Tote
Tote bags can be great for storing towels when bringing towels from permanent storage to the poolside to keep them dry and easily accessible.
Tupelo Large Waterproof Tote Bag
Highlights:
- Easy to clean lightweight EVA foam construction
- Large straps for convenient carrying
- Waterproof
- Fold-away handles
- Comes in 5 bright colors
The Tupelo Large Waterproof Tote Bag is large enough to store multiple towels, making it great for family days at the public pool or the beach. Its lightweight and waterproof construction make it easy to keep the towels dry, while the large handles make it convenient to carry. The bag also features fold-away handles and comes in five bright colors.
#12: Portable Storage Bins
Portable storage bins are another excellent option for moving towels from your permanent storage area to the pool area.
Hinwo 2-Pack Extra Large Canvas Storage Baskets
Highlights:
- Durable and breathable cotton canvas
- Two handles for easy carrying
- Foldable for easy storage
- Fabric is treated to resist mold and mildew
- Variety of colors and designs
These Hinwo 2-Pack Extra Large Canvas Storage Baskets are a great option for moving pool towels to and from your home storage area. They are made of durable and breathable cotton canvas material, so they are lightweight and washable. They are also equipped with two handles for easy carrying and can be folded for easy storage.
#13: Poolside Towel Tree (Towel Valets)
Poolside towel tree (towel valets) are wonderful for convenience and for helping your pool towels get multiple uses out of one pool session due to the all-around drying they receive from sitting in the sun and being exposed to the air on all sides.
Milliard Freestanding Portable Outdoor Towel Tree
Highlights:
- Free-standing
- 6 arms that can hold up to 12 towels
- A weighted base that you can fill with water, sand, or gravel
- Made of durable plastic
The Milliard Freestanding Portable Outdoor Towel Tree is a great option for a poolside towel rack because it is free-standing and easy to move around your pool area. It is also made of durable plastic, making it a long-lasting, perfectly rust-free option. It can also be used to hang swimsuits, goggles, floaties, and more, making it perfect for families with lots of pool accessories!
#14: Poolside Rack
A poolside rack can help keep your towels dry, organized, and off the ground.
VEVOR Pool Towel Rack
Highlights:
- Free-standing towel rack
- 8 bars for draping items
- Durable PVC construction
- Large, steady base
VEVOR offers an option for pool towels that takes advantage of a free-standing plastic rack and matching hanging clips. This Dual Towel Rack is UV resistant and rust proof to create excellent durability. This rack is able to store up to 16 towels at once!
#15: Outdoor Hooks
Outdoor hooks are generally easy to apply to any surface and are designed to withstand changes in weather.
McCabe Custom Metal Towel Rack With Shelf
Highlights:
- Customizable lettering, color, and size
- Comes with up to 9 hooks
- Made from sturdy, rust-resistant metal
- Has a top shelf for additional storage
The McCabe customizable metal towel rack is one of our top choices for towel storage. Not only does it come with the option to choose between 6 and 9 hooks, but it also has a great additional storage shelf for more towels or pool accessories on top! The customizability makes it unique for any interior or exterior wall, and the high-quality material means it will last a long time.