The All Essential Pool Bag

Every summer necessity is on the go in Mom's almighty pool bag

Memorial Day may still be a few weekends away, but I’m mentally there - way past the reality of animal projects, teacher gifts and final performances that stand in between.

This summer, I’m calling in a vision of me relaxed and smiling by the pool. As the children run up to me, I answer with a calm “What is it darling?” and then reach into my pool bag for their hearts’ desires. We’re going to thrive, all thanks to the prior planning and packing on my part.

Here’s everything on my shopping list so far to make Summer 2024 the best one yet.

The tote bag - I’m loving this one that’s big without looking big, sturdy and under $20. The pockets on the side are great for sunglasses, keys and (let’s be honest, my daughter’s) Stanley. Give me all the ricrac all the time, and at this price there’s even a little room in the budget should I want to add a monogram.

Bags in bags - These cute checkered pouches come in a bunch of fun prints. I don’t want small items loose in my tote, and these will hold goggles, lip balm, sunscreen sticks, etc.

Wet bag - I love to use the showers at the pool to get everyone rinsed and into their evening lounge wear when we are done. These wet bags will hold a change of clothes on the way and then keep swimsuits contained for the drive home.

Cooler bag - Packing our sparkling waters, juice boxes and a snack or two in here with an ice pack so everything’s nice and cool, even in the blazing sun.

SPF - This sunscreen is a favorite and smells amazing, like your favorite beach trip growing up. It’s sold in a pack of three online so I can stock for the summer in one order.

Goggles - I remember using goggles at the pool growing up, for sure, but not so much like these days where they are a basic right. I tend to go at least two pairs deep in my bag, and love this checkerboard pair for the super easy-to-adjust head strap and the cute design that stands out as our own when they’re left on the side of the pool.

Games on games - Once I’ve shlepped our lives up to the pool, I’m ready to park it for the day. Therefore, I’m packed to the gills on entertainment for both in and out of the pool. These diving gems were the hit of the summer last year, turning into buried treasure and mermaid currency on different days. We also love a rousing game of Uno poolside once we’re nice and pruny. I put this cute deck of waterproof playing cards in the Easter basket this year so we can play War, Go Fish and other classics.

Turkish towels - The tote bag I linked above has plenty of room for big, fluffy towels, but I’m leaning towards this set of Turkish towels for the year. They’re chic, absorbent and so multifunctional. I love the colors and more than 3,600 positive reviews.

Picnic blanket - I will use my ninja skills to snag a table, no doubt, but am nostalgic for our city pool in Germany that was simply surrounded by lush grass. It takes the pressure off to bring a picnic blanket where we can sprawl as necessary. (Side note, but this is the same picnic blanket that I gave as our teacher gifts this year!)

Dad hat - My aesthetic definitely includes “pops of Snoopy.” While I am wearing this wide brim sun hat a lot this summer, it’s good to have an extra cap inside my bag in case I’m without a hat and need some sporty sun protection. This is my favorite “Dad hat” I’ve worn for years.

A good book - I tend to lean on books of essays by the pool, so I can dip in and out of it (no pun intended) between shouts of “Mom! Look!” I loved this one last year and have a bit left before I get into this year’s pick that I’ve started on audiobook and am engrossed in so far.

I’m so excited for the warm weather and change of pace, everything is packed and waiting by the door for summer to start.

What’s in your pool bag? You can see all of my picks in one place in my Amazon shop.

Thanks for reading! Wishing you a happy start to summer.