10 Must have pool items for Above Ground Pools
In June of 2019, my husband and I were sitting on a beach in the Dominican Republic sipping pina coladas and chatting about the island vibe. We had been in our home for a little over 4 years and were struggling in the summertime to cool off in the Illinois heat and humidity. Each summer we began the regular frustrating game of ‘who do we know who has a pool.’ And being in our late 30’s and early 40’s, the game was tired.
As we are sitting there looking over the beautiful ocean, one of us (I think it was me) said, ‘Why can’t we have a pool?’ More in the tone of, this is something we’ve never considered. So we talked. We talked about the motorcycle we pretty much stopped riding, the layout, the need to fence in the yard. By the end of the trip it was settled. Next summer, we’re getting a pool!
Little did we know what was to come the following year, but sure enough, we were fortunate to get a pool in the Summer of 2020. Over the last 5 years, we’ve learned a lot. One thing is for sure, we are pool people. We love having one, it makes our outside enjoyable to be in all summer long. Now we dont dread the Illinois heat and humidity, now we cheer for it!
Adult Cabana Beach Towels from Sam’s Club
In this time, I’ve had friends ask about getting a pool and while there are so many things out there for pools, these are the things I think are the most helpful, especially if you’re a new pool owner.
Good Beach Towels (Sam‘s Club)
Beach towels are fun and bright and I personally love seeing them tossed over the fence drying off after a good pool day. We started out with a few, and very quickly, without even talking about it, the tin pool towels went to the bottom of the pile OR in the bin with the towels we use for the dogs. These long thick towels from Sam’s Club cover the lounger, are thick and soft and very affordable!
To shop beach towels: Adult Cabana Beach Towels
2. Salt Chlorinator
A couple we are friends with gave us this tip from their experience having a pool. Chlorinate with salt. It’s kinder on your skin, hair and suits and is less fussy than regular chlorine and chemicals. The first year, I was testing and tweaking until one day early in the season, I had this copper look on my skin. I took a sample to the local pool store and basically, I was fussing too much! Their advice was to leave it alone (after a quick treatment to remove the copper). It tells me when it wants more salt or if there is too much and occasionally we boost it, but other than that it’s pretty easy-peasy.
Special Note: we did have to replace it after 3 years. The pool store said thats pretty normal on these, they tend to wear out after a few seasons. To us, it’s worth it.
3. This bag for floats
This was one of the more challenging decisions to make for the pool. I kept seeing all these pretty organizational systems, but I kept thinking, ‘am I going to trip over this in my garage all winter?’ Also, many of them dont hold the amount of floats and noodles and things you will begin to accumulate. I wanted something that was easy to access, would stay dry(ish) and compact to store in the winter. This bag attaches to the side of our pool making it super easy to grab what you need and put everything away without needing to dry it out first. In the winter, it folds up to be stored. Easy.
4. Pump for your inflatables
This was one of my early purchases and most recommended items. I can’t believe how strong and fast this little pump is! No more spending the first hour of pool time gasping for air getting the inflatables set up. When guests come with theirs, they are always so happy we have this to offer them…especially when they leave and it sucks all the air out in record time! Save your breath, your time and your energy. This little pump is a game-changer!
5. Stakes for Tiki torches
If you dont know about stakes to hold your tiki torches, they are awesome and will save you so much hassle. Strong, sturdy and you can find them almost anywhere tiki torches are sold. My husband loves getting the tikis out each year and at the end of summer, we take a piece of twine and loop it through all of ours to hang up and store. They are easy to reposition and dont rust.
6. Dimmable Patio lights
I thought it would be the pool that made us the envy of our neighborhood, but I think it’s these lights! Having the dimmable option is great for entertaining, because rarely do we need the lights up full blast. Having the option to take the lights to full is great if we need to see something or do a visual sweep for skunks before letting the dogs out (which has been a thing in our neighborhood as of late). But the best part of the lights is what we paired it with…
7. Alexa plug
This plug adapter that connects to Alexa is our favorite. We use it more than I think we realize. There is an app to download so you can use it on your phone, you can set the lights to timers and intensity. Most often, we just use the voice command to turn the lights on and off. So easy to set up and use!
8. Counter height table
We have an above ground pool and when we entertain, not everyone will be in the pool. Some people prefer to be more poolside in the shade or they want to come, but maybe dont want to swim. Even when it’s just Levi and I, one will be in the water and the other out. We move around. This counter next to the pool has been a great option! We paired it with the stools and umbrellas (below) and created a little swim up bar that works for swimmers and loungers alike!
9. Outdoor bar stools
We paired the bar with these stools because we loved that they swivel! Our backyard is roomy, but not big, so making the best use of space is always taken into account. Stools that swivel are so much more comfortable to use and they take up less space overall. These stools are very comfortable and affordable!
10. Patio Umbrella
We’ve embraced the tropical theme to our backyard and recently added this faux grass umbrella to the counter and stools. It shades our items we want poolside (drinks, phones, etc) and gives tiki bar vibes.
Bonus Item: Scotchgard Outdoor Sun and Water Shield
You spent the money, so protect your investment by giving umbrellas and cushions a coating of this weather protectant. It’s easy to apply and makes a big difference in fading or water repellent. Your wallet will thank you.
While everything is subject to personal preference, here are a few things you just have to try out to see what you like:
1. Pool floats
Body size, weight, how you want to enjoy your space - all these things play a role in what you want to incorporate in your space. This is a great opportunity to have fun with what you find!
2. Décor
3. Apparel
You will have items wear out and you will find items you lean into. I love mix-n-match bikini pieces and terry cloth cover-ups, but that’s me. Buy what you like!
Have a great summer!
~CC
