School is done for our kids on Wednesday, and we have three pool parties on the calendar. Even though the water is still a little cool, it won’t stop my kids from taking full advantage. My kids love to swim and love being at the pool. Arguably more so than any other body of water.
Now, outside of sunscreen and good goggles, stocking for trips to the pool is a quick and easy exercise. You don’t need much, but there are some necessities for some good, long afternoons watching cannonball contests.
Here’s how we do it:
From top left:
1. A Fun Visor: Long days at the pool mean plenty of sun, and what better way to fight the rays than with a killer visor? There isn’t. It’s not really a flex, so have some fun.
2. Pool Toys: The boys have grown out of the fish toys and nets, etc. They are all about sports. We always start the season with a massive Amazon order, and by the end of the season, we’ve cycled through all of it. Lost some, some in our friend’s bags, and some of theirs in our bag. It’s all good.
3. Dry Bag for Electronics: Often overlooked, a dry bag provides cover for the electronics and other valuable items, but is also a reminder to live in the moment. Get off your phone.
4. Oakley Frogskin Sunglasses: Sure – we all have nice Persols, Randolphs, and Garrett Leights. But not for the pool. Go with something a little more rough and tumble – especially if you are with kids. I’ve been wearing Frogskins and Goodrs for years, and they haven’t let me down yet.
5. Adidas Adilette Slides: Because they are super cool. And actually great around the water. I’m on my third pair.
6. Big Beach Towels: Don’t skimp on towels. Go big.
7. Yeti Lunch Bag: This is a trick: we like to use this to pack some snacks and lunch for the kids. It holds a small ice brick, and we pack in Uncrustables, some fruit, yogurt pouches, etc. The Yeti is small enough to fit in your pool bag and will save a bunch of money from the snack stand, as well as save the vibe from some hangry kids.
8. Turtlebox Ranger: At this point, most of you are adding your second Ranger to the rotation. Which is perfect for party mode.
9. G-Shock Glide: I’ve stopped wearing nice watches at the pool. Too much unneeded risk. Instead, I wear this G-Shock or a Swatch. They take to the concrete a little better than some of the steel options.
10. Rugged Road 25L Cooler: My go-to when some cooler real estate is needed. These coolers are the best: super lightweight, they hold ice for longer than any human being needs, and they float upright.
11. Yeti 36 oz. Water Bottle: Hydrate, people. In style.
12. Duck Camp Medium Mesh Tote Bag: I’m on season three with this bag, and it is fantastic. The structured bottom keeps it sitting upright, and the two sets of handles are a nice touch. It’s also easy to clean, which is important towards the end of the season. It can get pretty gross down there.
What did I miss?
