Planning a day to lounge and swim around in a pool is one of the best parts of summer. But it can be a little stressful without the right pool day essentials.
Knowing what to pack means you’re prepared and can actually kick your feet up on the sunbed and relax. When I think about staples for a day chilling by the pool (whether you’re at the neighborhood pool or running around Italy), a few things come to mind. My list usually includes a fabulous bag to carry your towels, a reliable sunscreen for you and the kids, and a water-resistant pouch for your summer beauty routine, among other things.
There are also several essentials for the kids to keep in mind. You want them to be comfortable in their swimwear for several hours and have plenty of entertainment, whether it’s a great pair of goggles for splashing around or a cute pool float. So, before you head out for some fun, here are the best poolside staples to have on your packing list.
Pool Essentials for Adults
Pottery Barn Pool Towels
Poolside towels have to be two things: cute-looking when spread out on a sun chair and absorbent enough to keep you comfy and dry after a dip. Pottery Barn’s towels definitely take the cake. Their simple strip pattern feels coastal chic, and they come in tons of nice colors so you can get a different shade for each member of your family. I also appreciate that there are beach and pool sizes (the beach one is slightly bigger), meaning you’re covered for any outdoor adventure by the water.
Quince Italian V-Neck Bikini
Pool day, of course, calls for a great swimsuit, and I’ve been loving Quince’s range of bikinis and one-pieces! This light blue options is such a pretty choice for summer. I also love the coral, red, and white colors, too. This specific style is great because it comes with adjustable straps and removable padding. In general, Quince always impresses me with its super high-quality items that are really well priced. If you’re looking for a few great swimwear items, I also have an entire guide on the best swimsuits for big busts.
Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50
I love Supergoop!’s Glow Oil, and while I usually reach for the original formula, this new limited edition fragrance caught my eye. It smells of yummy coconut, vanilla, and fig, which beats a lot of other sunscreens. My favorite part about this one is that although it’s an oil, it isn’t greasy or sticky. It soaks right in, giving your skin a gorgeous glow while also protecting it! The brand also has a great range of facial sunscreens worth throwing in your bag, like the Glow Stick and the Unseen Sunscreen.
L.L.Bean Tote Bag
The L.L.Bean bag craze is real, and I get it. These canvas totes are so well made and are such a classic shape —lasting you for many summers to come. The sturdy straps also make it much more comfortable to carry around between your home and the pool. They’re spacious inside, leaving you with plenty of room for clean clothes, sunscreen, snacks, and more. You can also get the bags personalized, which is such a cute touch.
Birkenstock Airzona Big Buckle EVA Slides
I love my Birkenstocks, but wearing suede or leather to the pool isn’t the best idea. To prevent your nice sandals from getting ruined, these Birks are the perfect solution. They’re just as cute as your usual pair, but made of a material that has no problem getting wet. I’m all for the gold buckles too as these make them a little more stylish than a plain pair of rubber slides. Plus, they’re mega easy to clean—just wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Aloha Water-Resistant Tyvek Zip Pouch
Nothing ruins a great pool day like melted makeup all over your bag or products that got soaked in the splash zone. To prevent these issues, I recommend a water-resistant bag, like this beautiful pick from Nordstrom. The neutral print is lovely, and it keeps all your summer beauty essentials neatly organized (and safe).
Pool Essentials for Kids
Quince Long Sleeve Zip-Up Swimsuit
How adorable is this pineapple swimsuit?! I love that the long sleeves give your littles extra coverage from the sun. It’s made of UPF 50 material, so you can have peace of mind while your kids play out in the sun. I’m a fan of this print, but it comes in a few other darling options, like strawberries and florals. The zipper also makes it easier to take off at the end of the day. These come in toddler and kid sizes, so you can cater to any age!
Quince Swim Trunks
These swim trunks are also too cute! Available in a ton of adorable prints (from dinos to sea creatures), these are also made of a UPF 50 fabric for extra sun protection. Another perk is that they’re machine washable and resistant to chlorine and saltwater, so they won’t fade or lose their shape easily.
Striped Pool Floaties
You probably already have your kid-friendly backyard essentials squared away and your beach toy packing list, but what about for the pool? One must-have for our family is a good pool floatie, and this adorable set of two is one of my faves. The sizes are made specifically for kids, and they’re made of a thick, raft-grade material that’s hard to puncture. You also won’t have too much trouble blowing them up (and they don’t leak air easily either).
Bogg Bag
Sure, this might be something an adult has to carry, but it’s an essential if you have little ones in tow! Bogg bags are top-tier totes thanks to what they’re made of and their size. The rubber material and holes mean that you can throw wet towels, swimwear, and toys in it without ruining the bag. It also fits SO much (think: six towels) and comes in a cute range of pastel and bright colors. It’s a must for bringing to the pool, beach, water park, lake, or any other location where you’re bound to get soggy!
Speedo Junior Glide Swim Goggles
Pool time becomes 10 times more fun with a great pair of goggles. Your kids can dive around and play games without stinging eyes. They’re made to fit kids’ faces (just make sure you shop by their age) and won’t fog up. These come in a bunch of cute colors, too. I recommend getting a pair for each kid so no arguments break out!
Sun Bum Kids’ Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Applying sunscreen isn’t the most fun experience for kids or parents. I think a spray speeds up the process and feels a little more comfortable than slathering on a lotion. One formula that smells nice and gives your kids great protection is Sun Bum’s. The spray is a fine mist that soaks in quickly and has water resistance for up to 80 minutes. It has a clear finish, and you can use it on their body and face!
Tiny Twinkle Wet Dry Bag
The last must-have to pack? A wet-dry bag. These are a smart move for keeping your wet and dry clothes separate from one another. I love these two packs, which come in so many cute patterns and hues. You can zip up your swimsuits in them after your day at the pool, and know exactly where they are, so you can toss them into the laundry when you get home. The bags can also be put in the washer! If you have babies or really little kids, these bags also safely keep diapers away from ruining whatever else is in your bag!
