Local Pool Day Checklist
School is out for summer and it's time to fill your long, sunny days with family-friendly activities for the kids. Heading to the local pool is a great way to bond with your little ones, get to know your neighborhood, and cool off from the scorching summer heat.
Even though you might just be heading down the street to spend your day at the pool, it's still important to be prepared and pack your beach bag appropriately. This is why we've created this ultimate checklist to ensure you don't forget a thing and can focus on having a great day at the pool.
Swimwear
You might think this one goes without saying, but ensuring everyone has appropriate, well-fitting swimwear is important. For the little ones, it's important to ensure their swimwear fits well and won't slip off while playing in the water. Ill-fitting swimwear in the water can lead to streaky and painful sunburns later on.
For the grown-ups heading to the pool, make sure you also have a fitted swimsuit that is both comfortable and practical. Whether you plan on swimming laps, playing in the water with the kids, or just reading a book poolside while the kids do their own thing, you want to ensure you are comfortable. We highly recommend sun-protective swimwear for the whole family. These high-quality suits help protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays and can help reduce the amount of sunscreen you must apply.
Sunscreen
This is a must-have item for any day outside, of course. Ensure you have sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it at least 10 minutes before you or the kids get in the water. Reapply every few hours, or more often if you're sweating or getting in and out of the water frequently. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet!
Investing in long-sleeved boy’s or girl’s rash guards for the kids is a great way to keep them protected from the sun and give you peace of mind while they're playing in the pool day after day this summer.
Shade
In addition to sunscreen, it's important to protect your eyes and face from the sun. If your local pool doesn't already have large umbrellas for your family to take breaks from the sun under, ask if you can bring your own.
Bring hats and sunglasses for everyone in your family to wear while lounging poolside. This will help prevent sunburns and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Make sure that your sunglasses provide the full spectrum of UV protection. Otherwise, they could be doing more harm than good. In addition, make sure to bring a cool and breezy beach cover-up.
Snacks and Water
Some swimming pools will have concession stands, but bringing healthy homemade snacks is always preferred for most parents. Swimming all day in the hot sun can be exhausting, so you and your kids will likely get hungry and thirsty while having all that fun in the sun.
Pack some snacks and drinks to keep everyone hydrated and energized. Bringing reusable water bottles will ensure that everyone stays hydrated. It's cheaper than plastic bottles at the pool and better for the environment. Pack your kids insulated lunchboxes with easy but refueling snacks like fruit, crackers with peanut butter, and granola bars.
Floaties, Swimming, and Safety
If your little ones aren't the strongest swimmers yet, bring floaties, life vests, and other flotational pool toys to keep them entertained and safe. Floaties can help young kids stay afloat and build confidence in the water.
As they get older, pool toys like diving rings can be a great way to practice swimming and breath-holding underwater. If your local pool allows it, keep your kids in swim shoes the whole time they are in the pool. Accidents happen and even though most public pools are perfectly clean and safe, it can't hurt to take the extra precaution to ensure their feet don't get cut underwater or on the pool deck.
First Aid Kit
If accidents do happen, be prepared with your own first aid kit. Almost all pools will have a lifeguard with their own first aid kit, but it never hurts to be prepared. Especially if anyone in your family has allergies, pack their allergy medication, inhaler, EpiPen, and Benadryl, just in case. Your kit should include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen.
Beat The Heat in Style
Pack a change of clothes for everyone, including yourself. A simple, lightweight beach cover-up is the best option for post-swimming summertime. Another consideration is getting the kids personalized beach towels for the pool so they don’t misplace them or confuse them with other kids’ towels.
Happy summer and happy swimming.