Pool Storage Boxes for Toys, Floats, and Chemicals: Five Deck Box Picks

By mid-July the pool deck usually looks the same: noodles under the lounger, goggles in a cup holder, a skimmer pole across the fence, and a pile of towels that never quite dries. A pool storage box fixes that by giving everything a lidded home beside the water, and the main decision is capacity. Too small and the floats stay on the grass; too large and it eats the walkway.

This guide looks at five resin-style deck boxes sold in clearly stated gallon sizes, so capacity can be compared fairly. It includes a comparison table, four rules to check on any listing, short reviews drawn only from each product name, and common mistakes. As of 2026, chlorine, sun, and humidity remain the three enemies of poolside storage, so material and venting matter as much as size.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Match gallons to what you actually store

A rough guide: 50 gallons holds a handful of pool toys and several towels, 70 to 80 gallons handles floats, goggles, and cleaning supplies for a family of four, and 120 gallons or more suits inflatable loungers, a large cushion set, and a pool vacuum head. Measure your largest item, such as a folded float, and check that it fits the interior length and depth.

Choose weather-resistant material and UV protection

Resin and polypropylene do not rust or rot, and UV-stabilized plastics resist fading in strong sun. Look for wording about UV protection, because untreated plastic can turn brittle and chalky over several summers. Avoid metal hinges and latches near salt or chlorine, which corrode quickly.

Check ventilation and lid design

Damp towels and cushions grow mildew in a sealed box, so look for vented panels or a lid that does not seal airtight. A lid with a lockable hasp keeps chemicals away from children, and hydraulic or gas lift supports make heavy lids easier to handle. Never store pool chemicals together in a closed box with wet items.

Think about seat capacity and site placement

Many deck boxes double as seating with a weight rating of around 250 to 400 pounds, but check the limit before you sit on one. Place the box on a level surface at least 3 feet from the water’s edge, so splashes do not run in, and keep the lid clear of overhanging branches or umbrellas. A raised base helps airflow underneath.

Our Picks Reviewed

Suncast 73 Gallon Deck Box

The name gives a clear capacity of 73 gallons, which is a mid-range size for storing pool toys, towels, and a few cushions. That balance of capacity and footprint suits many family decks.

• Pro: a mid-size capacity holds a family’s seasonal pool gear without dominating the deck.
• Pro: a stated gallon size makes it easy to compare with other boxes.
• Con: 73 gallons may feel tight if you add inflatable loungers or large cushions.

Skip it if you store big inflatables or have a very large pool with many guests. It is also not the best choice for very small balconies, where a smaller box would leave more walking room around the lounge chairs. If you do pick it, empty and air out the contents at the end of each weekend so damp towels do not sit inside for days, and wipe the lid before closing it.

Suncast 50 Gallon Medium Deck Box

This one is labeled Medium and 50 gallons, so it targets smaller spaces and lighter storage needs. It fits patios, townhome decks, and small above-ground pools.

• Pro: a medium footprint leaves room for seating and walkways.
• Pro: smaller boxes are easier to move around and to empty at the end of summer.
• Con: 50 gallons runs out of space quickly with a growing collection of floats and towels.

Skip it if you want one box for chemicals, toys, and cushions together; chemicals should be separate in any case. Anyone with a sizable in-ground pool will probably need something bigger. Think about the end-of-season job too: a medium box is easy to carry into a garage, and a smaller lid is simpler to lift with one hand when the other is holding a wet towel.

Keter Westwood 150 Gallon Deck Box

At 150 gallons, this is the biggest capacity on this list. Westwood is a Keter model name, and the size fits large gatherings and bulky items such as folded loungers.

• Pro: a 150 gallon capacity swallows large floats, cushions, and cleaning gear.
• Pro: one big box can replace several smaller bins around the pool.
• Con: it takes up considerable deck space and is heavy to move once loaded.

Skip it if your pool area is compact or if you only need a few toys and towels. Measure the spot first, since a box this size can block a walkway or crowd a lounge area. Because the lid on a box this large is also bigger, make sure there is clearance to open it fully and that it will not swing into a chair, a fence, or the pool water itself.

Keter Brightwood 120 Gallon Deck Box

Brightwood is another Keter model, with a 120 gallon capacity that sits between the mid-range and large options. It is a practical choice when 73 gallons is not enough but 150 feels excessive.

• Pro: 120 gallons gives room for loungers and a full set of towels.
• Pro: the size is large enough to double as a bench in many layouts.
• Con: it is still a sizable box, so a small deck may feel crowded.

Skip it if you live in a small yard or only store a handful of items. If you need more than 120 gallons, the 150 gallon model is the logical step up, and the 73 gallon model is the sensible step down. Think about whether you plan to sit on it, because a bench use calls for a flat, level spot and a weight limit that is stated clearly on the product page.

Lifetime 80 Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box

The name gives 80 gallons and Outdoor Storage, so it focuses on capacity and weather exposure. Lifetime is known for outdoor storage and furniture, which fits the pool setting.

• Pro: 80 gallons is a flexible size for towels, toys, and pool accessories.
• Pro: an outdoor storage label suggests it is built for exposure to sun and rain.
• Con: the name does not specify the lid, lock, or venting details, so read the listing.

Skip it if you need a specific lock or ventilation feature that is not stated. Buyers who want maximum capacity should look at a larger box instead. Since this one is described only by size and general purpose, compare its interior length against your longest item, such as a skimmer pole or a folded float, before ordering.

Which One Fits

• Small deck or townhome patio: Suncast 50 Gallon Medium Deck Box.
• Typical family pool: Suncast 73 Gallon Deck Box or Lifetime 80 Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box.
• Larger family with inflatables: Keter Brightwood 120 Gallon Deck Box.
• Large pool and many guests: Keter Westwood 150 Gallon Deck Box.

One organizing trick is to split storage by frequency. Daily items like goggles, sunscreen, and a few towels deserve the easiest access near the steps, while seasonal gear such as covers, extra floats, and spare hoses can sit in a bigger box farther from the water. Two modest boxes often work better than one huge one.

It also helps to think about who will use the box. Children can usually open a light lid by themselves, which is convenient for toys but not for anything hazardous, so keep adult-only supplies in a separate, lockable spot and use the deck box strictly for the fun stuff.

If a box is not enough and you need walk-in space for mowers and pool equipment, look at resin storage sheds, and for a shaded spot beside the water consider the chairs in our outdoor reading chair guide.

Common Mistakes

• Storing wet towels in a sealed box and getting mildew.
• Keeping pool chemicals in a shared box with toys.
• Placing the box right at the water’s edge where splashes run in.
• Sitting on a box without checking its seat rating.
• Buying by looks and forgetting to measure the biggest float.

FAQ

How many gallons do I need?

About 50 for a few toys, 70 to 80 for a typical family, and 120 or more for inflatables and cushions.

Can a deck box hold pool chemicals?

Only if it is designed for that and kept separate from wet items and children. Many people use a dedicated locked container instead.

Will a resin box fade in the sun?

UV-stabilized resin resists fading better, but all plastics age over many summers. Darker colors tend to absorb more heat, which can make the lid hot to the touch and the contents warm, so lighter tones or a shaded spot are a sensible choice in strong sun. A quick rinse with mild soap each season keeps chlorine residue and sunscreen film from dulling the surface.

Can I use a deck box for something other than the pool?

Yes, it works for garden tools and cushions too, similar to storing planters and supplies for an herb garden.

Where should I put it?

On a level, well-drained surface a few feet from the water, in partial shade if possible. A shaded spot slows fading and keeps the contents cooler, and a gap of an inch or two beneath the box helps air circulate. Avoid placing it directly under a downspout or sprinkler, since constant moisture on the lid and base can leave stains and encourage algae.