Owning a pool is no small feat. While pool owners are well aware of the daily upkeep required to maintain crystal-clear, perfectly balanced water, newcomers might be surprised by the extensive effort involved. From constant cleaning to chemical adjustments, pool maintenance demands time and attention.
Fortunately, advancements in pool technology over the last decade have revolutionized pool care. Gone are the days of manually scooping debris with nets, painstakingly testing water chemistry with strips, or struggling to relax on undersized floaties. Today’s innovations include robotic cleaners that autonomously scrub your pool, smartphone apps that provide real-time water quality monitoring, and even devices like slushie makers to elevate your poolside gatherings.
With travel costs and fuel prices climbing steeply, transforming your backyard into a personal oasis has never been more appealing. If you don’t own a pool, platforms like Swimply offer convenient options to rent pools nearby for a day of fun and relaxation. Whether you have a custom-designed in-ground pool or a simple above-ground setup, the following curated accessories and gadgets will enhance your pool experience and simplify maintenance.
For additional outdoor tech inspiration, explore our comprehensive guides on the Best Pool Cleaning Robots, Smart Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Robot Lawn Mowers, and Smart Bird Feeders.
Updated June 2024: Added new pool-cleaning robots, luxury resort towels, floating sunglasses, and enhanced safety equipment including pool alarms and surveillance cameras.
Essential Pool Safety: Top Pool Alarms
For households with young children or pets, investing in a reliable pool alarm is a critical safety measure. The Lifebuoy Bcone Floating Pool Alarm stands out as a premier choice. This vibrant red, buoy-shaped device floats on the water’s surface and triggers a loud siren if unexpected movement is detected.
Utilizing advanced wave pattern analysis, the Bcone differentiates between natural disturbances like wind ripples and potentially dangerous events such as a child or pet falling into the pool. When triggered, it sounds an internal alarm and sends notifications via a Wi-Fi bridge connected to your home network and a dedicated smartphone app. The system allows you to easily disable the alarm during swimming sessions and automatically reactivates once the pool is clear, eliminating the risk of forgetting to turn it back on.
Monitor Your Pool Remotely: Outdoor Security Cameras
Keeping an eye on your pool area is vital for safety and peace of mind. Arlo’s outdoor security cameras are highly regarded for their user-friendly interface and reliable performance. Installing a camera near your pool not only helps monitor activity but also provides valuable footage in case of incidents. Additionally, these cameras can alert you to issues such as low water levels, malfunctioning cleaning equipment, or improperly secured pool covers, even when you’re away.
Automate Debris Removal: Robotic Pool Skimmers
Manually removing leaves and insects from your pool can be tedious and time-consuming. The iSkim Ultra Robotic Pool Skimmer by Beatbot offers a high-tech solution. Solar-powered and equipped with intelligent sensors to avoid collisions, this device continuously skims the water surface, collecting debris without the need for manual intervention or charging breaks.
While the initial investment is significant, robotic skimmers are invaluable for large pools lacking built-in skimming systems. For a detailed comparison of top models, see our Best Pool Cleaning Robots guide.
Smart Water Chemistry Monitoring
Maintaining balanced pool chemistry is crucial to prevent algae growth and ensure safe swimming conditions. Traditional test strips provide only momentary snapshots and require frequent manual testing. The Eco Start Smart Water Monitor by Iopool offers a modern alternative by continuously measuring temperature, pH, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), which correlates with chlorine levels.
This floating device updates data every 15 minutes and sends alerts if chemical levels drift outside safe ranges. Unlike other monitors that require consumables or battery replacements, the Eco Start is solid-state and maintenance-free aside from winter storage. After two seasons of use, replacement is necessary, but its convenience and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment.
Relax in Style: Floating Cabana Bars and Pool Floats
When temperatures soar, a floating cooler with shade is a poolside essential. The Funboy Vintage Stripe Floating Cabana Bar combines a removable canopy with ample space for drinks and snacks, complete with cup holders on each side for easy sharing. Its retro design evokes the glamour of Mediterranean resorts, adding a stylish touch to your pool.
Complementing the cabana bar, Funboy’s inflatable pool rings come in a variety of vibrant colors and are generously sized for adult comfort. Though lacking handles for easy maneuvering, these floats have proven durable under prolonged sun exposure.
Waterproof Audio: Durable Bluetooth Speakers
No pool day is complete without music. The JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth speaker is renowned for its ruggedness and waterproof IP68 rating, capable of withstanding submersion up to 5 feet for 30 minutes. It has survived rain, splashes, and even mountain bike rides, making it a dependable companion for outdoor entertainment.
Effortless Pool Cleaning: Advanced Robotic Vacuums
Forget manual vacuuming-robotic pool cleaners have transformed maintenance. The Beatbot model favored by experts offers six hours of battery life, AI-driven debris detection, and a companion app for easy control. It can also skim the surface and floats upon completion, sparing you the hassle of retrieval.
For those on a budget, the Beatbot Sora 30 provides excellent cleaning performance and battery longevity at a more accessible price point, though with fewer smart features.
Ultimate Water Fight Gear: High-Powered Water Blasters
For families and neighborhoods that enjoy water battles, the SpyraFour Electric Water Blaster is a game-changer. Powerful enough to dent cans, this electric water gun automatically draws water for rapid firing. Its advanced display and gameplay modes, including Ultra Rapid Fire and Scattershot, make it the top-rated water weapon for summer fun.
Luxury Pool Towels for Ultimate Comfort
Start and end your pool day wrapped in plush comfort with Cozy Earth’s Seaside Resort Towels. Crafted from OEKO-TEX certified 100% cotton, these towels are thick, absorbent, and generously sized to cover a chaise lounge. The low-pile side minimizes sand retention, ideal for beach or pool use. The Classic Stripe variant offers a cotton-viscose blend with more color options, though slightly less plush.
Perfect Frozen Drinks: Slushie Machines for Pool Parties
Enhance your poolside refreshment game with a high-quality slushie maker like the Ninja FS301. Capable of producing frozen margaritas, frosé, and lemonade, it handles sugary drinks best but can also process diet beverages with added sweeteners like allulose. For larger gatherings, Ninja’s dual-reservoir model allows simultaneous preparation of two different drinks, automatically adjusting temperatures for perfect consistency.
Float-Friendly Sunglasses
Never lose your sunglasses to the pool again. Goodr’s lightweight, affordable sunglasses float on water, making retrieval easy. Available in five vibrant colors, they are designed for active lifestyles, suitable for running, paddleboarding, and other outdoor activities.
