The summer heat is upon us which means pool season has officially arrived. Here are your top ten must haves for you and the kids this pool season.

Related Reading :: Best Hotel Pools in Austin

  1. Pool Safety. There is no question, pool safety is the number one must every pool season. Never leave a child unattended near or in the water. Do not assume the lifeguard has their eye on your child especially when the pool is crowded. Teach your children to swim and to stay away from pool drains. I also recommend knowing CPR on both children and adults. 
  2. Outfits. Mommas leave the old you at home and go get yourself a cute suit, coverup, hat and shades. We did not live through lock-down to not get in the water this summer. This is our pool year and I encourage you to get cute and get in the water. Target is definitely my one stop shop for the entire family. I’m also a huge fan of Amazon. Their cover ups are always on point and let’s be honest, you can never have too many hats in Texas.
  3. Bags. You can’t haul the kids to the pool and expect to last without a good bag. Now, I know America is very divided on the Bogg bag but I’m just going to tell you to go get one. With four kids it’s perfect for the pool, lake and beach. It comes in an array of colors and designs just watch out for those pineapples and their multiple meanings.
  4. Goggles. My kids are competitive swimmers, so I have a love-hate relationship with goggles. We have goggles for practice, goggles for competition and because my kids lose everything, goggles for the pool playtime. Of course, I’m going to recommend Speedo but I also really like Aqua Sphere for my youngest and the super cheap multiply pack that is in the bottom of my bag just in case.
  5. Games and Toys. I refuse to bring toys to our public pool. I’m not going to get into a sharing match. I just don’t have it in me. I recommend teaching your kids fun games like Marco Polo and Dolphin races to play with others in the pool. For our own pool, Amazon has a great selection of diving toys as well as swimming hoops. My husband and I love our Frontgate adult noodles and no, the kids are not allowed to play with them.
  6. Towels. I’m obsessed with the blanket size towels at HEB. My husband is a big guy and there is nothing he hates more than a tiny towel. They’re great for the bigger kids as well. WETCAT is also another go-to for our family. They are lightweight and fast drying.
  7. Water bottles. We all have to stay hydrated. I know the cost of water bottles is ridiculous but with our heat I feel like it’s worth the investment. The Yeti Rambler and Hydro Flask are my top two picks. The Yeti Tumbler can also keep a Sauvignon Blanc crisp and cool for after the pool.
  8. Snacks. There is nothing I love more than when my kids say they are hungry after I have spent the last twenty minutes applying sunscreen, tightening goggles and making multiple bathroom runs. Plan ahead and prepare snacks that are easy to consume, hardy and don’t attract a flock of Starlings. I use my kids’ Bento boxes from school. They carry well and offer a variety of assortment.
  9. Hair and Skin Care.  I have never had hair trouble until my blonde daughters started swimming. So, make sure your kids shower after swimming. Wash and condition. If you’re noticing a green tint, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice work great. I also like to use aloe to soften chlorinated skin and aid with any burns. Speaking of burns, Austin MOMS has put together a great list of sunscreen so make sure to check it out.
  10. Fun. Last but not least. Remember to have fun. My family loves the pool. We were lost last year without it. So remember after all the heavy lifting of getting your family to the pool to have fun and maybe if you’re lucky even sneak in a few pages of a good book.
Michelle Ozanus
Michelle is a Virginia girl living in Texas. She was born and raised in Alexandria, VA and graduated from Hollins University, an all-women’s school, in Southern Virginia. After meeting her husband in college, they moved to Washington, DC to pursue their careers in politics. After an exciting communications career on Capitol Hill, she became a full-time SAHM to her four children: Oliver (2010), Alex (2012), Penelope (2014) and Margot (2016). However, she and her husband agreed, DC was not where they wanted to raise their family. In 2018, she and her family relocated to Austin. Now, she is living the outdoor life in The Hills. She loves Peloton, golf-carts and cheering her kids on at the Lakeway Aquatics Center.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here