Pool Bag Essentials: My Mom of 3 Must-Haves!

Having a pool in my backyard means I’ve learned the hard way that showing up unprepared is basically setting yourself up for chaos! Three kids later, I’m now well-versed in pool bag essentials.

There’s nothing better than settling into my pool chair knowing I have everything we need within arm’s reach, from snacks to entertainment. When your bag is packed right, you get to relax and enjoy watching your kids play instead of constantly running back inside for forgotten items.

Here are my must-haves that keep my kids entertained and me sane all summer long. You can also access my full Amazon pool bag essentials list. Some products in this post are affiliate links, but I only recommend products I know, use, and trust!

1. Pool Bag

Let’s start with the obvious one. You need a quality swim bag to carry all your stuff in!

I’m obsessed with my Bogg Bag because it’s basically indestructible, and I can hose it down when my youngest inevitably spills goldfish crackers mixed with pool water all over it. The handles are sturdy enough that I can load it up with everything I need, and it stays upright instead of dumping everything out the second I set it down.

If you’re looking for alternatives, this extra-large beach bag looks just like a Bogg Bag, but comes at a lower cost!

2. Portable Fan

When you’re sitting poolside in 90-degree heat watching your kids play for hours, a little breeze becomes your best friend. I keep a couple of small battery-operated fans in our bag, and they’ve saved me from melting into a puddle more times than I can count. Plus, the kids love them too when they need a quick cool-down. My favorites:

I love these fans because they’re rechargeable. I always worry about batteries going dead, but this way I can charge them in my car or with a portable battery pack!

3. Waterproof Speaker

Music makes everything more fun, and a waterproof speaker means I don’t stress about splashes or my phone getting soaked. My kids will ask to play their favorite songs, and I’ll also play my own music when they’re occupied with something else.

4. Sun Hats

Hats are awesome for protecting your face and scalp from the sun, especially when you’re spending hours poolside. Get some for your kids, but don’t forget about yourself, too! I love sun hats that have enough room for me to throw my hair up in a messy bun without the hat sitting weird or falling off, like this cute FURTALK Sun Hat!

5. Sunscreen

You need SPF! I keep multiple types because my kids have opinions about everything. My current favorites are the Roe Wellness Kids SPF 50 Brush On Mineral Sunscreen because it goes on so easily, and my kids don’t complain about it feeling sticky, and the Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator, which makes reapplying sunscreen throughout the day way less of a battle.

6. Pool Towels

We go through towels like crazy, so I always pack more than I think we need because someone will inevitably drop theirs in a puddle or decide they need a “fresh” one after five minutes. Towel clips are a game-changer, too! They keep towels from flying away in the breeze or sliding off chairs. Get this 12-pack or 8-pack.

7. Headrest Pillow

Sometimes, pool chairs are uncomfortable, and when you’re planning to be out there for hours, your neck will thank you for bringing a little cushion. I have non-slip headrest pillows that take up barely any space in the bag but make such a difference when I’m trying to relax while keeping one eye on the kids:

8. Snackle Box

If you have young kids, you know they love to snack. TBH, as an adult, I like to snack, too, especially on a pool day. Snackle boxes are highly functional because instead of packing individual bags of goldfish, fruit pouches, and crackers that somehow all get soggy, I can organize everything in one container with compartments. Try these:

9. Wet Bags

These little waterproof pouches are perfect for tossing wet swimsuits, soggy pool toys, or anything else hanging around the wet pool deck. They keep the rest of your bag dry and contain any chlorine smell until you can deal with it later. I always pack a couple because there’s always more wet stuff than you expect. Here’s a 2-pack in black, or a 2-pack with more fun designs.

10. Goggles

My kids lose, break, or forget their goggles constantly, so I’ve learned to keep backup pairs in the pool bag at all times. No one wants chlorine in their eyes, and having extras on hand saves the day every single time.

Here are my top picks for kids’ goggles:

I love them because they either snap in the back or have a padded strap so that they don’t get tangled in kids’ hair, which is the WORST.

11. Swim Diapers

If you have a little one who isn’t potty trained yet, swim diapers are a must-have. Many people recommend reusable swim diapers, but I actually don’t like them. Who wants to clean wet poop out of a diaper? NO ONE!! So, I use these Swim Pampers.

Pack extras for a long day!

12. Pool Toys

Pool toys keep the kids entertained and give them something to focus on. I rotate what I bring so they don’t get bored with the same stuff, but you can try dive sticks, floating rings, pool noodles, or any other lightweight toys.

Here are my faves:

I like to keep a variety of things on hand since my kids range from ages 4 to 10. My little guy keeps himself occupied for hours with the fishing game and the cups & buckets. My girls like diving toys and games with balls.

I can’t stand water guns and don’t encourage them, but we do LOVE reusable water balloons!

13. Portable Air Pump

Nothing’s more frustrating than showing up with deflated pool floats and having to blow them up by mouth while your kids impatiently wait to get in the water. A small electric pump takes up minimal space in your bag but saves you from getting dizzy. Your lungs will thank you.

14. Waterproof Cards

These are perfect for when the kids need a break from swimming but aren’t ready to go inside yet. Waterproof cards mean you don’t have to worry about splashes ruining a regular deck, and they’re great for keeping older kids occupied while younger ones nap in the shade. Great family activity, too!

15. Hair Ties

In my experience, hair ties always disappear when you need them the most. Between the wind, the water, and the kids, I’ve learned to stash extras because I want to enjoy my pool time without my hair constantly getting in my face or my kids complaining that their hair is bothering them.

These are my favorites because they’re least likely to get tangled in my kids’ hair:

Want to see all of these pool bag essentials in one place?! Here’s my Amazon list!

What Do I Bring for ME?!

Many of my pool bag essentials revolve around keeping the kids happy and protected, from extra sunscreen for their sensitive kids skin to snacks and entertainment, but I’ve learned it’s just as important to pack a few things that help ME enjoy our pool time, too.

I always toss in a small makeup bag with lip balm, face mist, and a few touch-up essentials, my Kindle, and snacks for myself. Having everything I need means I can settle in and enjoy watching my kids play.

Get more of my go-to summer essentials beyond the pool!

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