Enjoyable Swim Swimming is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial forms of exercise, offering a full-body workout while keeping the impact on your joints to a minimum. Whether you are cooling off on a hot summer day or doing laps for fitness, having the right pool accessories can make a big difference in enhancing your swimming experience.
1. Pool Floats
One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy your pool is by using a pool float. Whether you are lounging around for hours or just taking a break between laps, a comfortable pool float can make your swim more enjoyable.
There are several types of pool floats, including inflatable loungers, hammocks, and loungers with built-in cup holders. Some floats come with cooling gel surfaces to help regulate your body temperature during hot Australian summer days. For families, some floats are large enough for multiple people, allowing for a fun, social experience. For added comfort, certain floats offer adjustable backrests or reclining positions to suit your preferences.
2. Pool Games and Toys
Pool games are perfect for keeping kids entertained or for adding a competitive edge to your pool parties. They also offer an excellent way to get exercise while having fun.
Some popular pool games include:
- Pool basketball: A floating hoop that lets you shoot basketballs into the pool, making it an exciting game for both kids and adults. It encourages friendly competition while improving hand-eye coordination.
- Pool volleyball: Played with a net and inflatable ball, this game combines athleticism with fun. It’s perfect for larger groups and offers a great workout for your upper body.
- Inflatable pool toys: From giant unicorns to sea creatures, these toys make your pool experience more whimsical and fun. Some come with cup holders or built-in seating for added relaxation.
- Water polo: A competitive game involving two teams and a ball, water polo provides a fun way to get your heart pumping and your competitive spirit going.
These games and toys transform a simple swim into a social event, turning your pool into the ultimate entertainment zone for everyone.
3. Pool Safety Accessories
Safety should always be a priority when enjoying a swim, especially if young children or non-swimmers are present. The right pool safety accessories are crucial for ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable swimming experience. Many of these accessories are easy to use and can help provide an extra layer of protection for peace of mind.
Some essential pool safety accessories include:
- Pool alarms: These alert you if someone enters the pool when you’re not around. They work by detecting motion or changes in water level, ensuring any unexpected activity is noticed quickly, especially when children or pets are involved.
- Non-slip pool mats: These mats help prevent slips and falls around the pool. They’re designed to stay in place and provide traction on wet, slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Swim vests and floaties: For young children or non-swimmers, swim vests or floaties are invaluable safety accessories. They provide buoyancy and help swimmers feel more confident in the water while learning to swim.
- First aid kits: Always keep a well-stocked first aid kit near the pool for emergencies. Kits should include bandages, antiseptics, burn creams, and emergency contact numbers for quick access in case of injury.
These safety accessories can ensure peace of mind and let everyone enjoy the water without worry.
4. Pool Covers
Pool covers keep debris out of the pool and maintain the cleanliness and temperature of the water. A pool cover helps reduce the amount of cleaning and heating needed and can prevent children and pets from accessing the pool unsupervised. There are various types of pool covers, including:
- Solar covers: These covers are designed to trap the sun’s heat, helping to warm the pool water naturally. They’re eco-friendly and reduce heating costs by increasing water temperature on cooler days or in the evening.
- Mesh covers: These lightweight covers allow rainwater to drain through while keeping debris out. They’re perfect for areas with heavy rainfall, as they prevent water accumulation while ensuring your pool remains clean.
- Automatic covers: Motorised covers that can be deployed at the touch of a button provide the utmost convenience. They also offer an extra layer of safety, especially when it comes to children or pets accidentally falling into the pool.
A pool cover helps keep your pool in top condition, reduces maintenance, and provides safety for young children or pets.
5. Swim Training Aids
If fitness is your goal, training aids are excellent accessories to improve your swimming performance. From resistance tools to stroke trainers, these accessories enhance technique, strength, and endurance, helping you achieve your fitness goals more efficiently. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced swimmer, these tools can accelerate your progress.
Some popular swim training aids include:
- Kickboards: Ideal for swimmers who want to isolate their leg muscles and improve kick technique, allowing you to focus on developing a powerful, efficient kick.
- Pull buoys: Devices placed between the legs to help swimmers focus on upper-body technique by keeping the legs afloat and promoting better body alignment in the water.
- Resistance bands: These add drag, increasing the challenge while swimming. Resistance bands can help build strength and power as you swim, improving your overall performance.
- Swim snorkels: These allow swimmers to focus on stroke mechanics without lifting their head out of the water, helping you concentrate on technique while maintaining proper breathing.
Training aids are essential for improving swimming technique, endurance, and strength.
6. Pool Thermometers
For those who like to know the exact temperature of the pool before diving in, a pool thermometer is an excellent accessory. Pool thermometers come in floating, digital, and dial options, allowing you to choose one that suits your style and needs. Knowing the pool temperature ensures a comfortable swim, as water that’s too cold or hot can negatively impact your swimming experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right pool accessories can greatly enhance your swimming experience. Whether you’re looking to relax, improve your fitness, or ensure safety, there are a wide variety of accessories available to suit your needs. From comfortable floats and fun games to practical safety items and training aids, these accessories allow you to enjoy your pool to its fullest. By investing in a few of these essentials, you can make your time in the pool more enjoyable, comfortable, and fun for everyone.
Contact our team at Barrier Reef Pools and get a FREE QUOTE on your dream Fibreglass Pool today!
Summer in Australia means long, hot days and endless hours of fun under the sun. Keeping kids cool, entertained, and safely enjoying the outdoors becomes a priority. At Barrier Reef Pools Perth, we know that a backyard pool is the perfect solution to beat the heat, but sometimes kids need a little extra excitement to stay engaged. With a few creative ideas, your pool can become the ultimate summer playground, bringing hours of laughter and relief from the heat. Here are some fun and refreshing ways to help kids cool down and make memories in the pool all summer long!
1. DIY Pool Obstacle Course
Transform your pool into an adventurous obstacle course that will keep kids active and entertained! Use floating objects like pool noodles, inflatable rings, and even beach balls to create a course that challenges their swimming skills.
- How It Works: Set up stations where kids need to swim through hoops, climb onto a floating platform, or manoeuvre around obstacles without touching them.
- Add a Timer: To add an element of competition, use a timer so kids can try to beat each other’s times or their own personal records.
2. Water Balloon Splash Party
Nothing says summer fun like water balloons! Fill up balloons with cold water and have a water balloon fight in or around the pool. You can also make a game out of it by trying to toss the balloons to each other without breaking them.
- Pro Tip: Fill a small plastic pool with water balloons for easy access, or use a net to create a “balloon station” that floats in the pool.
- Safety First: Be sure to pick up balloon fragments afterward to keep the pool and surrounding area safe and clean.
3. Ice Cube Dive
For a quick, cool-down game, throw ice cubes into the pool and challenge the kids to dive and retrieve them before they melt. This activity not only keeps them cool but also sharpens their underwater skills.
- Make It More Challenging: Use coloured ice cubes to add a layer of fun and ask kids to retrieve specific colours in a certain order.
- Reward the Winner: The child who collects the most ice cubes can win a small prize or get the first choice of a poolside snack!
4. Floating Snack Bar
Nothing is as refreshing as an icy treat during a pool day. Set up a floating snack bar filled with hydrating snacks like watermelon, grapes, and ice pops. This allows the kids to snack and cool down without leaving the pool!
- Stay Hydrated: Include ice-cold water and flavoured drinks to keep everyone hydrated.
- Use a Pool Float or Cooler: A large pool float with cup holders or a floating cooler can work perfectly for setting up a pool-friendly snack bar.
5. DIY Pool Games with Pool Noodles
Pool noodles are versatile and inexpensive, making them the perfect tool for countless pool games. Try setting up noodle races, where kids use a noodle as a horse to “ride” across the pool, or create a floating basketball hoop using noodles and a mesh bag for a creative pool basketball game.
- Noodle Jousting: Divide kids into pairs and have them sit on inflatable rafts while using pool noodles to try to knock each other off.
- Noodle Relay: Create relay races using pool noodles as batons to add a cooperative twist to the competition.
6. Water Gun Races
Water guns are always a big hit with kids! For this activity, hang up plastic cups on a string across the pool and have the kids aim their water guns to push the cups along the string. This can be a timed challenge or a race to see who gets the cup to the other end first.
- Obstacle Twist: To increase the difficulty, create mini “obstacles” on the string for the cups to navigate around.
- Team Play: Form teams and let the kids take turns, encouraging teamwork while they cool off.
7. Poolside Movie Night
As the sun starts to set and temperatures cool down, let the kids enjoy a poolside movie night. Set up a projector and screen by the pool, add some comfortable floating loungers, and let the kids enjoy a movie from the water.
- Bring on the Snacks: Include fun, themed snacks like “shark bites” made from fruit and a cooler of drinks to make it a complete experience.
- Safety: Always supervise, especially if kids will be in the pool during the movie, and use pool lights for extra visibility.
8. Splash Pool Dance Party
Turn up the tunes and let the kids splash around in the pool to their favourite music! A pool dance party is not only a fantastic way for kids to let loose, but the splashing and moving around also help them stay cool.
- Floating Disco Balls: You can find floating, waterproof LED lights or disco balls that change colour, creating a fun, party atmosphere in the water.
- Keep the Beat: Use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to play a summer playlist and let the kids vote on their favourite songs.
9. Sunscreen Painting and Art Time
While keeping kids safe in the sun, you can make sunscreen application more fun by turning it into “sunscreen painting.” Let the kids “paint” designs on their arms or legs with a fun-coloured, kid-friendly sunscreen before they dive into the pool.
- Poolside Craft Station: Set up a craft station by the pool for them to create drawings inspired by their pool adventures. Just remember to take breaks from the water to dry off before handling any art materials.
- Sunscreen Touch-Up Game: Create a reminder game that encourages reapplying sunscreen regularly with a small reward each time they do.
10. Pool Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt in the pool will keep kids occupied for hours. Hide waterproof toys, coins, or other small treasures around the pool and give kids a list of what to find.
- Clues for Extra Fun: Add clues for older kids or make it a timed event to up the excitement level.
- Reward with Prizes: After the hunt, give a small prize to the child who finds the most items or the one who completes the hunt the fastest.
With these creative pool activities, your kids will be set to have the best summer yet while staying cool, active, and entertained. A well-maintained, safe, and engaging pool environment makes for endless summer memories. At Barrier Reef Pools Perth, we love helping families make the most of their pools, and our selection of high-quality fibreglass pools ensures everyone can enjoy the perfect backyard retreat. For more tips on pool safety, design, and maintenance, or to explore our pool options, visit our website or contact our team today!
