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When summer’s in full swing and temperatures are topping the thermostat, there’s no better place to be than lounging by the pool. While you don’t need much to enjoy a cool dip on a hot day, the right swimming pool accessories can make your experience more fun, comfortable, and convenient.
We’ve curated a selection of the best pool accessories, from fun floaties to more practical picks. Ready to take your poolside summer experience to the next level? Let’s dive in.
1. Big Joe Captain’s Float
Every pool needs a floating lounger, and the Big Joe Captain’s Float is a favorite for a reason. It’s both comfortable and stylish, featuring a contoured design ideal for relaxing. It’s filled with buoyant bean filling, so there’s no need to blow it up, and it has a built-in cupholder, side pocket, and carrying handle to make it all the more convenient to use.
Get the Big Joe Captain’s Float at Amazon for $83.99.
2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner revolutionizes pool maintenance with its impressive wall-climbing ability and powerful active scrubbing brush. This expert-recommended pick effortlessly navigates any pool type, delivering a thorough clean that will leave your pool sparkling clean. Thanks to its plug-and-play system, setup is a breeze: plug it in, put it in your pool, and turn on the power. Within just 2 hours, your pool will be pristine. It’s ideal for pools up to 33 feet in length.
What our tester says: “The robotic inground pool cleaner has wall-climbing capabilities, and I loved how the pool cleaner would reverse itself at the top of walls. It actively scrubbed with strong suction, sucking up all kinds of debris like a bottom-feeding fish.”—Jen Karetnick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon for $599.
3. EliteShade 3-Tier Market Umbrella
After a day lounging in the sun, sometimes you need to take a break in the shade. The EliteShade 3-Tier Market Umbrella is a top-notch option for lounging poolside while avoiding the sun’s harsh rays. It’s designed with fade-proof fabric that will continue to look great for years to come, and it’s available in a rainbow of colors to best suit your taste. In our testing, it was the best patio umbrella for windy conditions, as its multi-tier design allowed the breeze to pass through without damaging the umbrella. Do note that the base for this umbrella must be purchased separately.
What our tester says: “EliteShade USA’s umbrella is an excellent choice for areas where fluctuating weather is typical. The tiers worked effectively on windy days, keeping the umbrella in place with no issue. While dining underneath it, I felt cool and shaded.”—Kristen Mosier, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the EliteShade 9Ft 3-Tier Market Umbrella at Amazon for $199.86
4. Polywood 3-Piece Savannah Chaise Lounge Set
The Polywood 3-Piece Savannah Chaise Lounge Set looks like a wood lounge set, but it’s easier to take care of. The plastic “lumber” material is waterproof and fade-resistant, so it’s ideal for keeping poolside. It hardly requires any maintenance and features a realistic wood-like finish. With two chaise lounges and a side table included, this set is available in several colors and has a handsome appearance that is worthy of its premium price tag.
Get the Polywood 3-Piece Savannah Chaise Lounge Set at Polywood for $1,249.
5. Intex 58292EP Canopy Island Inflatable Pool Float
The Intex 58292EP Canopy Island Inflatable Pool Float is like a little floating oasis for lounging. Fitted with a comfortable backrest and two built-in cup holders, this inflatable is designed to fit two people. But it’s the fabric canopy that makes it look luxurious and more comfortable to relax in on sunny days.
Get the Intex 58292EP Canopy Island Inflatable Pool Float at Amazon for $102.47.
6. Taylor Technologies K-2006 Complete Pool Test Kit
While this purchase may not be as much fun as the hottest pool toy or float, a pool test kit is an essential accessory for every pool owner. The Taylor Swimming Pool Test Kit is a pro-level product that came out on top in our testing for the best pool test kit. It can test for chlorine, pH, acid demand, base demand, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid.
What our tester says: “This Taylor test kit proved to be a true chemistry experiment during pool water testing. However, it is no more difficult to use than most of the other liquid tests, and I like that it helps determine how much of a particular product it would take to amend the pool pH, alkalinity, or chlorine levels.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Taylor Technologies K-2006 Complete Pool Test Kit at Amazon for $89.99.
7. Lifebuoy BCONE System Pool Alarm
The Lifebuoy BCONE System Pool Alarm is another useful tool to help enhance your pool’s safety. This small, floating red buoy is Wi-Fi–enabled, allowing it to connect to your devices. It also has a loud alarm so it will alert you should anything (and more importantly, anyone) fall in the pool.
What our tester says: “This is a sensitive device that reacts to movements, both large and small. It is also loud enough to be heard both outdoors and inside, guaranteeing a quick response should someone accidentally fall into the pool envelope. And I think it’s a good-looking alarm as compared to some of the less expensive models on the market, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing.”—Hannah Selinger, Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full review: Lifebuoy BCONE System Pool Alarm
Get the Lifebuoy BCONE System Pool Alarm at Amazon for $395.
8. Arkwright Oversized California Beach Towels
If you’ve been using the same pool towels for ages, it might be time for an upgrade. Measuring 30 inches by 70 inches each, these chic towels are large enough for both lounging and drying off after a quick dip. They’re made from 100 percent cotton and are super-absorbent while also drying quickly. While the beige and white stripes are a sophisticated option, the towels are also available in a variety of other colors.
Get the Arkwright Oversized California Beach Towels at Amazon for $59.99.
9. Intex Mega Chill Inflatable Floating Cooler
This floating cooler from Intex ensures your cold refreshments are always within arm’s reach, eliminating the need for constant trips to the kitchen. With room for cans, bottles, and ice, it’s perfect for hosting epic pool parties. It also has five built-in cup holders to hold already-cracked cold ones. When deflated, it’s easily transportable, making it perfect for trips to the lake or beach.
Get the Intex Mega Chill Inflatable Floating Cooler at Amazon for $18.90.
10. Oodles of Noodles Deluxe Foam Pool Swim Noodles
Pool noodles have been around for decades, and while there are certainly more innovative pool toys available on the market, you can’t go wrong with this time-honored classic. These come in a pack of six noodles and are available in a variety of colors to best suit your style. While pool noodles are lots of fun, it’s important to note that they shouldn’t act as a substitute for a flotation device.
Get the Oodles of Noodles Deluxe Foam Pool Swim Noodles at Amazon for $27.99.
11. Realway Plastic Tumblers
Any responsible pool owner knows that “no glass near the pool” is rule number one. These plastic tumblers from Realway are just as stylish as they are practical, with a trendy fluted design that’s sure to impress your guests. They come in a pack of eight and are stackable for optimal convenience.
Get the Realway Plastic Tumblers at Amazon for $25.99.
12. Arctic Zone Titan Pro 55-Quart Cooler
The best coolers can help keep your drinks cold by the pool so that you don’t have to go inside every time you want another. The Arctic Zone Titan Pro 55-Quart Cooler was our top pick after testing some of the market’s favorite options. It boasts a thoughtful and spacious design that keeps drinks cold all day—actually, for several days, which is why it’s also an excellent pick for camping.
What our tester says: “The surprising differentiator [between this and other coolers] was the Ice Saver, which is a thin, foam-style cover for the ice in the cooler. When laid over the ice, it removes empty space and actually seems to make the ice last longer. When you consider the interior dry bin, stout carry handles, and included bottle opener, this cooler is a serious winner.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Arctic Zone Titan Pro 55-Quart Cooler at Amazon for $400.
13. GoSports Splash Hoop Pro
The whole family can have fun with the GoSports Splash Hoop Pro, a poolside basketball hoop that comes with two balls and a pump. It’s designed for pool play, with a sturdy hoop and weighted base that you fill with water.
Get the GoSports Splash Hoop Pro at Amazon for $129.99.
14. Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box
Awarded our number one pick for the best pool toy storage, the Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box is robust, roomy, and nice-looking. In our testing, it was a pleasure to use from start to finish, from its simple setup to being able to use it as seating once the lid is shut.
What our tester says: “The Keter Eastwood 150-gallon deck box offers a durable storage solution with a wood-look finish that is actually made from weather-resistant resin. For a box this large, assembly was straightforward—it took me about 30 minutes using just a screwdriver.”—Lisa Galek, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box at Wayfair for $176.91.
15. Keter Pacific Cool Bar
The Keter Pacific Cool Bar is a nifty poolside addition for relaxing and entertaining. It’s three items rolled into one: a bar table when the tabletop is at top height, a side table when the tabletop is lowered, and a cooler when you fill the base with ice and drinks. It doesn’t hurt that on top of all that, it also looks nice and stylish, too.
Get the Keter Pacific Cool Bar at Amazon for $89.54.
16. Intex Solar Powered LED Floating Pool Night Light
Pool lighting enhances both the ambiance and safety of the area at night. With no installation required, the Intex Solar Powered LED Floating Pool Night Light is a convenient choice to bring more lighting to your pool. The floating light is solar-powered and turns on automatically at nightfall.
Get the Intex Solar Powered LED Floating Pool Night Light at The Home Depot for $49.97.
17. Step2 Vero Poolside Organizer
Corral floaties and other large pool toys with the Step2 Vero Poolside Organizer. This organizer rack encourages plenty of airflow so toys, life jackets, and wet towels can dry while in this tidy storage solution.
What our tester says: “The Vero poolside storage organizer can hold an impressive array of pool toys. I was able to fit almost all my pool floats—both small and large—in this organizer. The stainless steel bars are a good place to clip life jackets or hang towels. The side notches are also convenient for drying goggles.”—Lisa Galek, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Step2 Vero Poolside Organizer at Wayfair for $190.87.
