Drain before you clean
Empty water from basins, chambers, hoses, valves, and removable parts using the product’s instructions. Rotate or reposition only as directed so trapped pockets can escape. If an item cannot be drained, opened, or cleaned as intended, contact the manufacturer rather than drilling holes or improvising a repair.
- Disconnect the water source before handling.
- Open designated drains and valves.
- Account for caps, plugs, and small removable pieces.
- Keep children away during cleaning and inspection.
Clean only with permitted methods
Use the current care instructions for the material and product. Stronger is not automatically safer: unapproved chemicals, heat, pressure washing, or prolonged soaking may damage surfaces, seams, coatings, valves, or printed warnings.
- Remove visible debris before storage.
- Use only cleaners and concentrations permitted by the manufacturer.
- Rinse when directed and keep different products from mixing.
- Pause use if residue, slime, staining, or odor persists.
Dry the hidden surfaces
Dry both faces of mats and inflatables, spread folds apart, and give seams and valves extra time. Loose accessories should be separated rather than piled into a closed container. Sun may help surface drying, but prolonged exposure can be restricted by the manufacturer and is not a substitute for cleaning.
- Turn flat items so both faces receive airflow.
- Separate nested cups, scoops, and hollow pieces.
- Do not seal damp items in a deck box or tote.
- Confirm creases are dry before folding.
Inspect before the next use
Storage is part of the maintenance cycle. Before reuse, check for odor, trapped water, surface changes, damaged seams, loose plugs, brittle plastic, or missing pieces. When cleaning cannot restore an item or damage affects intended use, retire it according to local disposal guidance.
- Inventory accessories before and after play.
- Store dry items away from sharp edges and extreme conditions.
- Recheck long-term storage during the off-season.
- Follow manufacturer support advice for unresolved problems.