As of last week, school is officially out. If I may borrow a line from Harold Hill … that means summer break with a capital B, that rhymes with P and that stands for Pool. Unlike the pool in “The Music Man,” the only trouble with the swimming pool is knowing what to bring. Here is the ideal packing list for a swell summer.
Sun Safety: Sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15+ with UVA and UVB protection is first on your packing list. Be sure to check the expiration date first. According to the CDC, sunscreen without an expiration date is good for three years if it hasn’t been subjected to high temperatures. To further protect yourself from the sun, add a wide brim hat. Wallaroo’s Casual Travel hat is 50+ spf and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Pick your favorite color from Gossypia. Finally, don’t forget to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Mint Condition and 529 Kids Consign both have a wide selection of new and gently used sunglasses for mom and her littles.
Pool Bag: A canvas tote like the striped beauty by Baggu, found at Curated, is perfect for monograming. Add your name, initials, or whatever brings a smile to your face so that it doesn’t get lost in the sea of totebags.
Towels: The latest trend in pool towels comes from The Beach People. These colorful round cotton Towels, available at The Shoe Hive, measure 60 inches in diameter, making them perfect for drying off, spreading out, or draping over the table for lunch.
What to wear: Start with your bathing suit and add a fun and comfortable cover up like the Keahi Mini Dress from Show Me Your Mumu available at Bishop Boutique. Don’t forget a plastic bag to carry home wet things and a change of clothes for when you’re ready to leave, because no one wants to drive home in wet clothes.
Snacks: Be sure to pack healthy snacks and lots of water for a full day at the pool. Keep your cut fruit, cheese sticks, granola bars, and veggies cool with Packits from La Cuisine. These ingenious lunch totes have gel liners that you freeze overnight then slip in to keep your treats chilled all day. Also, keep a little extra money in your pocket for the snack bar. A little frozen something is the perfect occasional treat for a long day of swimming.
Funtime: Don’t forget to pack some fun when you aren’t swimming. During adult swim, keep the kids occupied with Spot It Splash from Hooray for Books! With waterproof cards and fun sea creature illustrations, your kids will be thoroughly entertained. While the kids swim you can enjoy summer’s hottest reads like “Before the Fall” by Noah Hawley or “Single, Carefree, Mellow” by Katherine Heiny, also available at Hooray for Books!
If you’re prepared, the community pool can be the perfect place to entertain the entire family all summer long. Enjoy and happy swimming.