When it comes to cool fun under the hot summer sun, there’s nothing better than jumping into a swimming pool. Having your own swimming pool offers vacation fun without the hassle of packing up the family and dealing with busy roadways and frustrating airline travel. If you have your own swimming pool you can amp up the fun by purchasing a few new toys or accessories. With the money you will save on gasoline or airline tickets, you can upgrade your swimming pool, enhance your outdoor living area, or even add a spa or hot tub.
Adults and children both love the opportunity to frolic in the swimming pool and it’s not only a great way for some family bonding time, but it’s a great way to sneak in exercise as well. Your children can add to their fun by inviting a few friends over for an impromptu pool party. Because you have the swimming pool, it’s a party waiting to happen and all you have to do is add in some snacks, drinks a few swimming pool toys and voila – they’re all set. All you have to do is sit back on the deck and supervise.
If your children are avid swimmers look for toys they can jump into the water and dive for – those toys will make for a great game of treasure hunting. Look for diving eggs, sticks or rings; you want to make certain none of the toys are small enough to get stuck in a filter or drain screen. Also, if your children are jumping or diving into the water, you must be even more diligent to make certain no one gets injured and that no one runs into trouble underwater. Remember too, unless you have an inground pool with a deep end, there is no diving allowed and impress upon the swimmers that they shouldn’t jump into the water unless there is a clear spot. If your children aren’t swimmers, they can still bob under water and retrieve items tossed into the shallow end of the pool.
Pick up some blow up beach balls or rafts for the swimmers. Beach balls lead to an immediate game of “volley ball” regardless of whether you have a net and rafts lend themselves to floating and relaxation. If you and your kids are into active water sport games, consider adding a basketball hoop that’s specifically designed for swimming pools. You can play a pick-up game or HORSE.
If you or your children want to try some more solo-type activities pick up some motorized pool toys – think sharks or submarines. The motorized toys can be used by the kids to see who can catch it first, or who is fastest – the children or the toys.
At the end of the day, having a swimming pool in your backyard is all about relaxation and fun. Make certain you have enough bath towels, lounge chairs, waterproof cushions and sunscreen available. Just because you’re staying home this summer doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and make memories!
Robbi Hess is a professional writer/editor. She is a social media consultant working with small business owners.