When Does Costco Mark Down Pool Accessories?

The cost of summertime swims can really start to add up, whether you have a pool in your backyard or are a member of a local swimming club. Between maintenance fees and pricey annual memberships, pockets take a hit in the name of cooling off. But what is a pool day without a fruit-shaped floaty, a water hammock, or a robotic pool cleaner to tidy the bottom while you lounge above? Costco offers members a wide selection of pool equipment and lounge essentials, and you might not even have to splurge on them if you time it right. So, when should you be on the lookout for marked-down pool accessories at Costco? Late summer is the best time to find sales on this type of merchandise.

This has to do with changes in demand and stocking needs. In spring and early summer, there is a higher demand for swim accessories since everyone is opening up their backyard pools or gearing up for pool days. Toward the end of the summer, people are getting ready to close their pools for the season, and many outdoor swim clubs shut their doors around this time as well. Thus, people may stop buying pool items — why purchase something now that you won't be able to use until next year? This mentality gives sale-hunters a leg up. Like many retailers, Costco often puts out Halloween and fall decor a couple of months early, so they need to get pool accessories and other summer inventory sold quickly. That's why late summer is a great time to pop by Costco to check on potential sales.

While late summer is likely the best time to find pool accessories for cheaper, the exact time they go on sale ultimately depends on your local Costco warehouse's inventory and need to start selling fall merchandise. Early August is a safe bet to start looking for deals, but in the r/Costco subreddit, one user remarked that they found closeout sales on pool toys as late as September. Shopping around holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day could also be helpful for discovering sales on outdoor gear, potentially including pool accessories. 

Another potential Costco hack that could save you money on swim accessories? Going right when the store opens on weekdays. This will ensure you can check for any markdowns before the midday rush. Plus, you'll skip the weekend shopping chaos.

In addition to strategically planning your Costco trips, checking the website and mobile app is another great way to spot pool-related sales in the late summer, some of which might be online only. Go to the Patio, Lawn, & Garden section of the Savings tab to search for offers on pool-related items. You also shouldn't bypass your monthly savings booklet. Review the June, July, August, and September issues in case there are deals on floaties, beach towels, equipment, or water toys. Just be mindful that your closest warehouse's markdowns might not be the same as those in the booklet, so going in person is the best way to ensure you don't miss any pool accessory sales.