Nothing says “sweet summertime” quite like a relaxing day at the pool. The combination of fresh air, vitamin D and cool water makes even the most stubborn stressors fade away.
As enjoyable as it is, spending time by the water at the peak of summer also brings a few risks and factors to consider, from sunburn to bug bites to dehydration, all of which can detract from the relaxing vibe. That’s why you’ve got to make sure you’re armed with the essentials that will help you enjoy it all without worry.
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Food and Drink
Staying well-fed and well-hydrated is a critical part of your pool day strategy, as it prevents you from getting tired and replenishes the moisture lost as you sweat in the sun and water. Fire up the grill and break out the grill tools or pack a hearty picnic for the whole family.
- A protein-packed lunch that keeps everybody full while burning calories and sweating in the sun. Sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs are always great.
- Nutritious snacks like meat, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit and granola bars to fuel the body. Skip the salty snacks that can lead to or worsen dehydration.
- Plenty of water to help offset the risk of dehydration. Make sure you know the signs and stages of dehydration, which include dizziness, fatigue and nausea for mild dehydration.
- Adult drinks (optional). Margaritas and cold beers are requisites for many pool-goers, but make sure you’re sipping responsibly and chugging water along the way. It’s also a good idea to skip the glass bottles for extra safety!
- Other beverages for the kids (optional). Juice and soda are favorites among kids on swim breaks, but make sure you don’t deter them from drinking water! Keep sugary drinks in moderation and make sure to balance them with H20.
- Koozies or tumblers to keep your beverages ice-cold all day.
Comfort and Safety
Before we get to the fun stuff like outdoor lounge furniture and décor by Martha Stewart, it’s important to make sure you’ve packed your pool bag or equipped your space with the safety basics you need to ensure that your day is more relaxing than risky.
- Water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen safe for every member of the family, including spray-on and lotion options that are easy to re-apply. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends an SPF of 30 or higher for prolonged outdoor activity.
- Sun protective clothing to wear when you’re not in the water, including sunglasses, a sun hat and a swim cover-up that shields your shoulders and legs.
- Clean, dry towels for everyone in attendance. You may also want to bring a change of clothes for yourself and the kids so they’re comfy after swimming.
- High-traction sandals or flip-flops you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. Slick, traction-less footwear could cause you to slip on the wet pool deck and risk serious injury or falling in the pool.
- Personal flotation devices and life jackets for the kids and those who aren’t as comfortable in the water.
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Environment and Décor
Break the cushions out of storage and string the bistro lights because you’re going to need a comfortable place to rest in between jumps off the diving board. Make sure you have enough seating for everyone in attendance as well as plenty of shady spots to chill when the sun is blazing.
- A relaxing pool day playlist that suits the vibe you’re going for. Make sure to pre-stock your playlist with all the best summer songs, whether you’re going for relaxed reggae, hip-hop for hanging out or chill Portuguese jazz.
- Comfortable outdoor lounge furniture that fully reclines so you have a comfy place to dry off and nap between laps. Drape your lounge furniture in plush beach towels to protect them from the moisture and add comfort.
- Pool and environmental lighting that provides plenty of brightness to guide you and your guests around the space as the sun goes down.
- A shady area big enough for all your guests so you can take breaks from the sun. If you don’t have a covered patio space or an awning, consider installing table and pool umbrellas to create pockets of shade.
- Large, comfortable rafts with built-in cupholders and pillow supports so you can sink into a deep state of relaxation while you float.
- Rafts and noodles for the bigger kids who may not need a life jacket but don’t want to spend all day floating on a raft.
Fun and Games
As we learned from the safety section above, a good pool day is not all fun and games. But it’s definitely some fun and games! That’s why you want to make sure you’ve got plenty of entertaining extras to engage the kids and grown-ups alike.
- Water-safe sports gear, such as pool basketball or a floating football. For a rousing round of water polo or volleyball, consider installing a net across the length of the pool and setting up a tournament.
- Out-of-water activities for those guests who may not be as keen on swimming. Spikeball, cornhole and other lawn games are great for dry entertainment, as are board games like monopoly, and mahjong.
- Essentials for a game of catch, including frisbees, footballs and even baseballs and mitts for the kids and grown-ups to enjoy. If you’ve got water-loving pups in attendance, make sure to bring them something to retrieve.
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Safe, Comfortable and Entertained
Ultimately, creating the perfect pool day comes down to packing a bag or designing a space with the stuff that keeps you comfortable, safe and entertained all day long. Naturally, your family or friend group may have a different idea of what’s entertaining than others, so it’s important to tailor your packing list and strategy to your unique preferences and cater to everyone in attendance.
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