diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp
index 3e7df9195b..1d7d315419 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp
@@ -1135,7 +1135,7 @@ void ExecuteServiceArgument::dump_to(std::string &out) const {
   dump_field(out, "string_", this->string_);
   dump_field(out, "int_", this->int_);
   for (const auto it : this->bool_array) {
-    dump_field(out, "bool_array", it, 4);
+    dump_field(out, "bool_array", static_cast<bool>(it), 4);
   }
   for (const auto &it : this->int_array) {
     dump_field(out, "int_array", it, 4);
diff --git a/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp b/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp
index 7e2a805793..7df1334aec 100644
--- a/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp
+++ b/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp
@@ -14,7 +14,23 @@ namespace esphome {
 
 static const char *const TAG = "scheduler";
 
-static const uint32_t MAX_LOGICALLY_DELETED_ITEMS = 10;
+// Memory pool configuration constants
+// Pool size of 10 is a balance between memory usage and performance:
+// - Small enough to not waste memory on simple configs (1-2 timers)
+// - Large enough to handle complex setups with multiple sensors/components
+// - Prevents system-wide stalls from heap allocation/deallocation that can
+//   disrupt task synchronization and cause dropped events
+static constexpr size_t MAX_POOL_SIZE = 10;
+// Maximum number of cancelled items to keep in the heap before forcing a cleanup.
+// Set to 6 to trigger cleanup relatively frequently, ensuring cancelled items are
+// recycled to the pool in a timely manner to maintain pool efficiency.
+static const uint32_t MAX_LOGICALLY_DELETED_ITEMS = 6;
+
+// Ensure MAX_LOGICALLY_DELETED_ITEMS is at least 4 smaller than MAX_POOL_SIZE
+// This guarantees we have room in the pool for recycled items when cleanup occurs
+static_assert(MAX_LOGICALLY_DELETED_ITEMS + 4 <= MAX_POOL_SIZE,
+              "MAX_LOGICALLY_DELETED_ITEMS must be at least 4 smaller than MAX_POOL_SIZE");
+
 // Half the 32-bit range - used to detect rollovers vs normal time progression
 static constexpr uint32_t HALF_MAX_UINT32 = std::numeric_limits<uint32_t>::max() / 2;
 // max delay to start an interval sequence
@@ -91,9 +107,15 @@ void HOT Scheduler::set_timer_common_(Component *component, SchedulerItem::Type
     // Reuse from pool
     item = std::move(this->scheduler_item_pool_.back());
     this->scheduler_item_pool_.pop_back();
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+    ESP_LOGVV(TAG, "Reused item from pool (pool size now: %zu)", this->scheduler_item_pool_.size());
+#endif
   } else {
     // Allocate new if pool is empty
     item = make_unique<SchedulerItem>();
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+    ESP_LOGVV(TAG, "Allocated new item (pool empty)");
+#endif
   }
   item->component = component;
   item->set_name(name_cstr, !is_static_string);
@@ -327,6 +349,8 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
     if (!this->should_skip_item_(item.get())) {
       this->execute_item_(item.get(), now);
     }
+    // Recycle the defer item after execution
+    this->recycle_item_(std::move(item));
   }
 #endif /* not ESPHOME_THREAD_SINGLE */
 
@@ -759,18 +783,19 @@ void Scheduler::recycle_item_(std::unique_ptr<SchedulerItem> item) {
   if (!item)
     return;
 
-  // Pool size of 8 is a balance between memory usage and performance:
-  // - Small enough to not waste memory on simple configs (1-2 timers)
-  // - Large enough to handle complex setups with multiple sensors/components
-  // - Prevents system-wide stalls from heap allocation/deallocation that can
-  //   disrupt task synchronization and cause dropped events
-  static constexpr size_t MAX_POOL_SIZE = 8;
   if (this->scheduler_item_pool_.size() < MAX_POOL_SIZE) {
     // Clear callback to release captured resources
     item->callback = nullptr;
     // Clear dynamic name if any
     item->clear_dynamic_name();
     this->scheduler_item_pool_.push_back(std::move(item));
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+    ESP_LOGVV(TAG, "Recycled item to pool (pool size now: %zu)", this->scheduler_item_pool_.size());
+#endif
+  } else {
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+    ESP_LOGVV(TAG, "Pool full (size: %zu), deleting item", this->scheduler_item_pool_.size());
+#endif
   }
   // else: unique_ptr will delete the item when it goes out of scope
 }
diff --git a/esphome/core/scheduler.h b/esphome/core/scheduler.h
index 50cc8da366..300e12117d 100644
--- a/esphome/core/scheduler.h
+++ b/esphome/core/scheduler.h
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ class Scheduler {
   // Memory pool for recycling SchedulerItem objects to reduce heap churn.
   // Design decisions:
   // - std::vector is used instead of a fixed array because many systems only need 1-2 scheduler items
-  // - The vector grows dynamically up to MAX_POOL_SIZE (8) only when needed, saving memory on simple setups
+  // - The vector grows dynamically up to MAX_POOL_SIZE (10) only when needed, saving memory on simple setups
   // - This approach balances memory efficiency for simple configs with performance for complex ones
   // - The pool significantly reduces heap fragmentation which is critical because heap allocation/deallocation
   //   can stall the entire system, causing timing issues and dropped events for any components that need
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_pool.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_pool.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e488f38e2e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_pool.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+esphome:
+  name: scheduler-pool-test
+  on_boot:
+    priority: -100
+    then:
+      - logger.log: "Starting scheduler pool tests"
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler debug logging
+
+host:
+api:
+  services:
+    - service: run_phase_1
+      then:
+        - script.execute: test_pool_recycling
+    - service: run_phase_2
+      then:
+        - script.execute: test_sensor_polling
+    - service: run_phase_3
+      then:
+        - script.execute: test_communication_patterns
+    - service: run_phase_4
+      then:
+        - script.execute: test_defer_patterns
+    - service: run_phase_5
+      then:
+        - script.execute: test_pool_reuse_verification
+    - service: run_phase_6
+      then:
+        - script.execute: test_full_pool_reuse
+    - service: run_complete
+      then:
+        - script.execute: complete_test
+logger:
+  level: VERY_VERBOSE  # Need VERY_VERBOSE to see pool debug messages
+
+globals:
+  - id: create_count
+    type: int
+    initial_value: '0'
+  - id: cancel_count
+    type: int
+    initial_value: '0'
+  - id: interval_counter
+    type: int
+    initial_value: '0'
+  - id: pool_test_done
+    type: bool
+    initial_value: 'false'
+
+script:
+  - id: test_pool_recycling
+    then:
+      - logger.log: "Testing scheduler pool recycling with realistic usage patterns"
+      - lambda: |-
+          auto *component = id(test_sensor);
+
+          // Simulate realistic component behavior with timeouts that complete naturally
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 1: Simulating normal component lifecycle");
+
+          // Sensor update timeouts (common pattern)
+          App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, "sensor_init", 10, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "Sensor initialized");
+            id(create_count)++;
+          });
+
+          // Retry timeout (gets cancelled if successful)
+          App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, "retry_timeout", 50, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "Retry timeout executed");
+            id(create_count)++;
+          });
+
+          // Simulate successful operation - cancel retry
+          App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, "success_sim", 20, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "Operation succeeded, cancelling retry");
+            App.scheduler.cancel_timeout(id(test_sensor), "retry_timeout");
+            id(cancel_count)++;
+          });
+
+          id(create_count) += 3;
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 1 complete");
+
+  - id: test_sensor_polling
+    then:
+      - lambda: |-
+          // Simulate sensor polling pattern
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 2: Simulating sensor polling patterns");
+          auto *component = id(test_sensor);
+
+          // Multiple sensors with different update intervals
+          App.scheduler.set_interval(component, "temp_sensor", 100, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "Temperature sensor update");
+            id(interval_counter)++;
+            if (id(interval_counter) >= 3) {
+              App.scheduler.cancel_interval(id(test_sensor), "temp_sensor");
+              ESP_LOGD("test", "Temperature sensor stopped");
+            }
+          });
+
+          App.scheduler.set_interval(component, "humidity_sensor", 150, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "Humidity sensor update");
+            id(interval_counter)++;
+            if (id(interval_counter) >= 5) {
+              App.scheduler.cancel_interval(id(test_sensor), "humidity_sensor");
+              ESP_LOGD("test", "Humidity sensor stopped");
+            }
+          });
+
+          id(create_count) += 2;
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 2 complete");
+
+  - id: test_communication_patterns
+    then:
+      - lambda: |-
+          // Simulate communication patterns (WiFi/API reconnects, etc)
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 3: Simulating communication patterns");
+          auto *component = id(test_sensor);
+
+          // Connection timeout pattern
+          App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, "connect_timeout", 200, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "Connection timeout - would retry");
+            id(create_count)++;
+
+            // Schedule retry
+            App.scheduler.set_timeout(id(test_sensor), "connect_retry", 100, []() {
+              ESP_LOGD("test", "Retrying connection");
+              id(create_count)++;
+            });
+          });
+
+          // Heartbeat pattern
+          App.scheduler.set_interval(component, "heartbeat", 50, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "Heartbeat");
+            id(interval_counter)++;
+            if (id(interval_counter) >= 10) {
+              App.scheduler.cancel_interval(id(test_sensor), "heartbeat");
+              ESP_LOGD("test", "Heartbeat stopped");
+            }
+          });
+
+          id(create_count) += 2;
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 3 complete");
+
+  - id: test_defer_patterns
+    then:
+      - lambda: |-
+          // Simulate defer patterns (state changes, async operations)
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 4: Simulating heavy defer patterns like ratgdo");
+
+          auto *component = id(test_sensor);
+
+          // Simulate a burst of defer operations like ratgdo does with state updates
+          // These should execute immediately and recycle quickly to the pool
+          for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
+            std::string defer_name = "defer_" + std::to_string(i);
+            App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, defer_name, 0, [i]() {
+              ESP_LOGD("test", "Defer %d executed", i);
+              // Force a small delay between defer executions to see recycling
+              if (i == 5) {
+                ESP_LOGI("test", "Half of defers executed, checking pool status");
+              }
+            });
+          }
+
+          id(create_count) += 10;
+          ESP_LOGD("test", "Created 10 defer operations (0ms timeouts)");
+
+          // Also create some named defers that might get replaced
+          App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, "state_update", 0, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "State update 1");
+          });
+
+          // Replace the same named defer (should cancel previous)
+          App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, "state_update", 0, []() {
+            ESP_LOGD("test", "State update 2 (replaced)");
+          });
+
+          id(create_count) += 2;
+          id(cancel_count) += 1; // One cancelled due to replacement
+
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 4 complete");
+
+  - id: test_pool_reuse_verification
+    then:
+      - lambda: |-
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 5: Verifying pool reuse after everything settles");
+
+          // Cancel any remaining intervals
+          auto *component = id(test_sensor);
+          App.scheduler.cancel_interval(component, "temp_sensor");
+          App.scheduler.cancel_interval(component, "humidity_sensor");
+          App.scheduler.cancel_interval(component, "heartbeat");
+
+          ESP_LOGD("test", "Cancelled any remaining intervals");
+
+          // The pool should have items from completed timeouts in earlier phases.
+          // Phase 1 had 3 timeouts that completed and were recycled.
+          // Phase 3 had 1 timeout that completed and was recycled.
+          // Phase 4 had 3 defers that completed and were recycled.
+          // So we should have a decent pool size already from naturally completed items.
+
+          // Now create 8 new timeouts - they should reuse from pool when available
+          int reuse_test_count = 8;
+
+          for (int i = 0; i < reuse_test_count; i++) {
+            std::string name = "reuse_test_" + std::to_string(i);
+            App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, name, 10 + i * 5, [i]() {
+              ESP_LOGD("test", "Reuse test %d completed", i);
+            });
+          }
+
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Created %d items for reuse verification", reuse_test_count);
+          id(create_count) += reuse_test_count;
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 5 complete");
+
+  - id: test_full_pool_reuse
+    then:
+      - lambda: |-
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 6: Testing full pool reuse after Phase 5 items complete");
+
+          // At this point, all Phase 5 timeouts should have completed and been recycled.
+          // The pool should be at or near its maximum size (10).
+          // Creating 10 new items should reuse all from the pool.
+
+          auto *component = id(test_sensor);
+          int full_reuse_count = 10;
+
+          for (int i = 0; i < full_reuse_count; i++) {
+            std::string name = "full_reuse_" + std::to_string(i);
+            App.scheduler.set_timeout(component, name, 10 + i * 5, [i]() {
+              ESP_LOGD("test", "Full reuse test %d completed", i);
+            });
+          }
+
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Created %d items for full pool reuse verification", full_reuse_count);
+          id(create_count) += full_reuse_count;
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Phase 6 complete");
+
+  - id: complete_test
+    then:
+      - lambda: |-
+          ESP_LOGI("test", "Pool recycling test complete - created %d items, cancelled %d, intervals %d",
+                   id(create_count), id(cancel_count), id(interval_counter));
+
+sensor:
+  - platform: template
+    name: Test Sensor
+    id: test_sensor
+    lambda: return 1.0;
+    update_interval: never
+
+# No interval - tests will be triggered from Python via API services
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_scheduler_pool.py b/tests/integration/test_scheduler_pool.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..bd878be180
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/test_scheduler_pool.py
@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+"""Integration test for scheduler memory pool functionality."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import asyncio
+import re
+
+import pytest
+
+from .types import APIClientConnectedFactory, RunCompiledFunction
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_scheduler_pool(
+    yaml_config: str,
+    run_compiled: RunCompiledFunction,
+    api_client_connected: APIClientConnectedFactory,
+) -> None:
+    """Test that the scheduler memory pool is working correctly with realistic usage.
+
+    This test simulates real-world scheduler usage patterns and verifies that:
+    1. Items are recycled to the pool when timeouts complete naturally
+    2. Items are recycled when intervals/timeouts are cancelled
+    3. Items are reused from the pool for new scheduler operations
+    4. The pool grows gradually based on actual usage patterns
+    5. Pool operations are logged correctly with debug scheduler enabled
+    """
+    # Track log messages to verify pool behavior
+    log_lines: list[str] = []
+    pool_reuse_count = 0
+    pool_recycle_count = 0
+    pool_full_count = 0
+    new_alloc_count = 0
+
+    # Patterns to match pool operations
+    reuse_pattern = re.compile(r"Reused item from pool \(pool size now: (\d+)\)")
+    recycle_pattern = re.compile(r"Recycled item to pool \(pool size now: (\d+)\)")
+    pool_full_pattern = re.compile(r"Pool full \(size: (\d+)\), deleting item")
+    new_alloc_pattern = re.compile(r"Allocated new item \(pool empty\)")
+
+    # Futures to track when test phases complete
+    loop = asyncio.get_running_loop()
+    test_complete_future: asyncio.Future[bool] = loop.create_future()
+    phase_futures = {
+        1: loop.create_future(),
+        2: loop.create_future(),
+        3: loop.create_future(),
+        4: loop.create_future(),
+        5: loop.create_future(),
+        6: loop.create_future(),
+    }
+
+    def check_output(line: str) -> None:
+        """Check log output for pool operations and phase completion."""
+        nonlocal pool_reuse_count, pool_recycle_count, pool_full_count, new_alloc_count
+        log_lines.append(line)
+
+        # Track pool operations
+        if reuse_pattern.search(line):
+            pool_reuse_count += 1
+
+        elif recycle_pattern.search(line):
+            pool_recycle_count += 1
+
+        elif pool_full_pattern.search(line):
+            pool_full_count += 1
+
+        elif new_alloc_pattern.search(line):
+            new_alloc_count += 1
+
+        # Track phase completion
+        for phase_num in range(1, 7):
+            if (
+                f"Phase {phase_num} complete" in line
+                and not phase_futures[phase_num].done()
+            ):
+                phase_futures[phase_num].set_result(True)
+
+        # Check for test completion
+        if "Pool recycling test complete" in line and not test_complete_future.done():
+            test_complete_future.set_result(True)
+
+    # Run the test with log monitoring
+    async with (
+        run_compiled(yaml_config, line_callback=check_output),
+        api_client_connected() as client,
+    ):
+        # Verify device is running
+        device_info = await client.device_info()
+        assert device_info is not None
+        assert device_info.name == "scheduler-pool-test"
+
+        # Get list of services
+        entities, services = await client.list_entities_services()
+        service_names = {s.name for s in services}
+
+        # Verify all test services are available
+        expected_services = {
+            "run_phase_1",
+            "run_phase_2",
+            "run_phase_3",
+            "run_phase_4",
+            "run_phase_5",
+            "run_phase_6",
+            "run_complete",
+        }
+        assert expected_services.issubset(service_names), (
+            f"Missing services: {expected_services - service_names}"
+        )
+
+        # Get service objects
+        phase_services = {
+            num: next(s for s in services if s.name == f"run_phase_{num}")
+            for num in range(1, 7)
+        }
+        complete_service = next(s for s in services if s.name == "run_complete")
+
+        try:
+            # Phase 1: Component lifecycle
+            client.execute_service(phase_services[1], {})
+            await asyncio.wait_for(phase_futures[1], timeout=1.0)
+            await asyncio.sleep(0.05)  # Let timeouts complete
+
+            # Phase 2: Sensor polling
+            client.execute_service(phase_services[2], {})
+            await asyncio.wait_for(phase_futures[2], timeout=1.0)
+            await asyncio.sleep(0.1)  # Let intervals run a bit
+
+            # Phase 3: Communication patterns
+            client.execute_service(phase_services[3], {})
+            await asyncio.wait_for(phase_futures[3], timeout=1.0)
+            await asyncio.sleep(0.1)  # Let heartbeat run
+
+            # Phase 4: Defer patterns
+            client.execute_service(phase_services[4], {})
+            await asyncio.wait_for(phase_futures[4], timeout=1.0)
+            await asyncio.sleep(0.2)  # Let everything settle and recycle
+
+            # Phase 5: Pool reuse verification
+            client.execute_service(phase_services[5], {})
+            await asyncio.wait_for(phase_futures[5], timeout=1.0)
+            await asyncio.sleep(0.1)  # Let Phase 5 timeouts complete and recycle
+
+            # Phase 6: Full pool reuse verification
+            client.execute_service(phase_services[6], {})
+            await asyncio.wait_for(phase_futures[6], timeout=1.0)
+            await asyncio.sleep(0.1)  # Let Phase 6 timeouts complete
+
+            # Complete test
+            client.execute_service(complete_service, {})
+            await asyncio.wait_for(test_complete_future, timeout=0.5)
+
+        except TimeoutError as e:
+            # Print debug info if test times out
+            recent_logs = "\n".join(log_lines[-30:])
+            phases_completed = [num for num, fut in phase_futures.items() if fut.done()]
+            pytest.fail(
+                f"Test timed out waiting for phase/completion. Error: {e}\n"
+                f"  Phases completed: {phases_completed}\n"
+                f"  Pool stats:\n"
+                f"    Reuse count: {pool_reuse_count}\n"
+                f"    Recycle count: {pool_recycle_count}\n"
+                f"    Pool full count: {pool_full_count}\n"
+                f"    New alloc count: {new_alloc_count}\n"
+                f"Recent logs:\n{recent_logs}"
+            )
+
+    # Verify all test phases ran
+    for phase_num in range(1, 7):
+        assert phase_futures[phase_num].done(), f"Phase {phase_num} did not complete"
+
+    # Verify pool behavior
+    assert pool_recycle_count > 0, "Should have recycled items to pool"
+
+    # Check pool metrics
+    if pool_recycle_count > 0:
+        max_pool_size = 0
+        for line in log_lines:
+            if match := recycle_pattern.search(line):
+                size = int(match.group(1))
+                max_pool_size = max(max_pool_size, size)
+
+        # Pool can grow up to its maximum of 10
+        assert max_pool_size <= 10, f"Pool grew beyond maximum ({max_pool_size})"
+
+    # Log summary for debugging
+    print("\nScheduler Pool Test Summary (Python Orchestrated):")
+    print(f"  Items recycled to pool: {pool_recycle_count}")
+    print(f"  Items reused from pool: {pool_reuse_count}")
+    print(f"  Pool full events: {pool_full_count}")
+    print(f"  New allocations: {new_alloc_count}")
+    print("  All phases completed successfully")
+
+    # Verify reuse happened
+    if pool_reuse_count == 0 and pool_recycle_count > 3:
+        pytest.fail("Pool had items recycled but none were reused")
+
+    # Success - pool is working
+    assert pool_recycle_count > 0 or new_alloc_count < 15, (
+        "Pool should either recycle items or limit new allocations"
+    )