The best of each genre for your ideal pool experience

Baby Friendly

Mink Inflatable Baby Bathtub with Built-in Air Pump, Newborn to Toddler Bathtub / Amazon

This is a must for pool owners with babies! My baby stays out of the pool unless there’s an adult actually in the pool, no matter how supportive her tube/float is. But the first week of the season this year, I realized that I couldn’t supervise my bigger ones without another adult around — I needed to be in and out to tend to the baby. Especially when it came to the hottest days, when it felt irresponsible to have her outside with me.

Well, here’s a way for your baby to chill safely in style! Although it’s really intended to be used as a traditional baby bath, I like to pour in a bucket or two of pool water and let my baby relax poolside while staying cool.

Favorite feature: It has a built-in hand pump!

(Recommended for babies six months and up, and although it floats, this is only intended for use outside the pool.)

See the Difference

Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Goggles Sunny G / Amazon

Most people will tell you that Speedo goggles rank best, and I am in complete agreement.

However, when browsing on Amazon, the options are confusingly endless, so I’ve narrowed it down for you.

These Sunny-G goggles for kids don’t compromise on that iconic Speedo quality, providing comfort and a perfect fit. My favorite feature is the bungee cord — not only does it adjust super easily, but, believe it or not, it never snaps.

These also slide over the head like a dream without pulling and tangling in chlorine-soaked hair. Available on Amazon — price varies with different styles and colors.

Noodles of Fun

Cascade Mountain Tech 4-pack Water Sports Noodle / Costco

This is an alternative for the classic pool noodle which will last you from season to season. These noodles are completely coated in vinyl, making them more durable (and less chewable) than the standard.

Unlike the original noodle, this doesn’t have any holes running through it, which makes for better flotation. The only thing you may miss (or not, if you cringe when you see all those mouths on the noodle) is that surprise squirt-in-the-face from your child blowing into the other end.

Sold by numerous brands all over, but Costco’s price and return policy are unbeatable. You can purchase individually in-store, or this 4-pack online.

Shoot and Score

GoSports Splash Hoop Swimming Pool Basketball Game / Amazon

I know this is an oldie, but it’ll always be a favorite among the boys. It gets all ages involved — little ones and men alike!

This version’s sleek, durable design makes it more appealing than other models out there, and the weighted base keeps it firmly in place even during the roughest play. It comes with a little indentation on the back to store your ball, and also includes a spare in case your extra-wild nephew tosses one over to the neighbor.

Available and top-rated on Amazon in multiple colors and styles.

Finding Frenzy

Translucent Dive Toys – Sun Squad / Target

These translucent disks are a great twist on the typical diving toy! The different blue shades, along with their transparency, help them blend with most pool liners, making for a more challenging hunt.

Plus, the disks are numbered to add a points system to the fun, with the more difficult-to-find colors scoring higher. So team up the kids, toss some into the pool, and see who wins!

Found in your local Target or online.

Caddy Convenience

UUJOLY Plastic Portable Shower Caddy Basket Bucket / Amazon

A special shoutout to my sister-in-law for this genius pool-organizer hack. I load this up with my sunscreen, mosquito repellent, goggles, and diver toys, and bring it out to the pool when it’s time to swim!

This keeps everything in one place, organized and accessible, while still easily portable to and from the pool area. While there are endless options that can serve this purpose, I personally chose this one because I liked the style and felt it looked the least like a classic shower caddy.

Adeena Frommer, the Toy Maven, selects the best of each genre: researched, tested, and approved for the whole family.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 952)