The 15 Best Pool Gifts for That Person Who Practically Lives in the Water
Updated: Aug. 31, 2023For chilling out, working out or just keeping things safe and orderly, we've got 16 great pool gifts for every pool owner in your life.
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Know what’s almost better than having your own above-ground or in-ground pool? Having friends or family who own a pool! They deal with the expense and maintenance, and you score invites to take a dip on those hot summer days. So when it’s time to buy them a gift for their birthday, a holiday or just because, why not show your appreciation with one of the best pool gifts? These options were chosen with every type of pool owner and enthusiast in mind.
For the Music Lover: Waterproof Speaker
No more worrying about wet hands trying to scroll through a playlist or adjust a poolside speaker. This floating speaker with Bluetooth technology can take a good dunking—it’s waterproof up to 3 feet. Pair it to your smartphone or other Bluetooth device and set your tunes for the afternoon—whether you’re in the mood to party or turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis. With over eight hours of battery life, this clever speaker also puts on a multicolored light show and—get this!—you can answer your phone from it, too.
For the Lounger: Big Joe Lazy Lounger
If your pool pal’s #1 objective is to chill out and relax, the Big Joe lounger is a sure bet for a pool gift. We love that it doesn’t need to be inflated, so you just pop it in the pool and float away (a system of internal beans keeps this recliner-style raft floating at water level). Note that it’s only intended for use in pools, so no taking it to the river or beach (or down to the man cave, for that matter!).
For the Aquatic Oenophile: Floating Wine Glasses
Made of clear plastic, this pair of floating wine glasses look like the real thing, but they float without tipping over and are shatterproof. So there’s no risk of broken glass or cut feet by the pool. Plus, they hold up to 18 ounces, so that means less jumping out of the pool for a refill. Speaking of, get them these Merrel water shoes, too—they won’t be able to thank you enough!
For the Cinephile Swimmer: Outdoor Movie Screen
Calling all Aquaman fans! It’s time to grab a comfy pool float, pop some popcorn and relax as you watch your favorite movie. This easy-to-inflate, oversized screen floats in the pool or can be tethered to the ground, making it ideal for movie night in the pool or on the grass in the backyard.
For the Pool-Loving Pooch: Pet Ramp
Sure, he may not be much help when it’s time to shock the pool, but your furry friend deserves his pool time all the same. This ramp system is especially ideal for above-ground pools or one that doesn’t have nearby steps, as it allows your pup to gradually wade in at his own pace and exit just as easily. The ramp can also be used for helping your pooch get in and out of cars and up and down from furniture.
For the Party-Loving Friend: Floating Beer Pong
Ever played a little beer pong in your college dorm? Guilty as charged! This floating beer pong table takes the classic party game to the next level, complete with cup holders for up to eight players, plus a triangular playing field of nine cups on each end. And here’s what’s genius about this beer pong float—it can be used as a floating table or as a raft for soaking up some rays after the party has settled down.
For Picture-Taking Friend: Mega Pink Flamingo Float
This flamingo pool float has practically become a standard accessory for backyard pools, thanks, in part, to its photogenic design. And unlike smaller models intended just for kids, this mega-sized one from Intex is big enough for two adults. Just be sure to stow it on windy days or this flamingo may take flight!
For the Aqua Fitness Fan: Webbed Exercise Gloves
A pool workout is a fun, effective home workout, as it’s a low-impact option with a surprising amount of resistance. Plus, there’s the bonus of cardio and the equivalent of body weight training without breaking a sweat. These webbed fitness gloves increase resistance and add extra oomph to aqua aerobics for arms and shoulders, as well as for improving strokes while swimming. Your water fitness fanatic will thank you!
For the Towel Hoarder: Personalized Beach Towel
This is a brilliant idea for summers at the pool, beach vacations or sleepovers and even for busy bathrooms. These customized beach towels leave no question as to whose is whose—meaning no more swiping someone’s towel and leaving them soaking wet! The 30-inch by 60-inch towels come in 10 different colors, and the bold, repeated lettering makes sure everyone can keep track of their own towel.
For the Poolside Entertainer: Pool Fountain with Light Show
Leave it to Sharper Image to bring us the quirky gadget (and now pool gift) we didn’t know we needed. This cordless floating pool fountain with colorful LED light show livens up any nighttime pool gathering. It’s an ideal gift for the pool owner who likes to entertain poolside with a little extra pizzazz. There are three different light show options, and the fountain is operated with a remote control.
For the Barbie Fan: Malibu Barbie Golf Cart Pool Float
This Malibu Barbie float from Funboy is really over the top, but then again, so is the whole Barbiecore design trend (and we’re not mad about it). Your Barbie-loving friend will go gaga over this oversized, golf-cart shaped float, which features a removable sun awning and fringe (because, of course it does).
For the Runner: Aquatic Fitness Jog Belt
Your fitness-loving pal no longer needs to decide between going for a run or going for a swim. This buoyant jog belt is made for aqua jogging, and keeps swimmers afloat and balanced, even in deep water. Jogging in water is far easier on the joints than running on any kind of pavement (or even on your under-desk treadmill). Plus, the home workout enthusiast will stay a lot cooler, too.
For the Competitive Type: Pool Volleyball Set
We all have that friend that thinks “relaxing in the pool” really just means smashing the competition. Let your backyard game-loving friend show their skills with this floating volleyball set. The set includes a volleyball, waterproof anchors to keep the net in place and two plastic bottles and a disk to play bottle strike. Oh, and the best part? Both the net and ball glow in the dark for nighttime play!
For the Orderly Type: Rolling Storage Bin
Here’s the downside to inviting friends over—the pool owner is often stuck with cleaning up after them and putting away all the pool gear. Make their jobs easier with this mesh organizer bin on wheels. It’s generously sized and designed to hold pool noodles and floats, games and other gear. And its smaller mesh pockets store items like swim gloves, goggles and smaller toys. The mesh allows everything to dry out, and your order-craving friend can wheel the bin out of sight.
For the Lifeguard-Adjacent Friend: Pool Water Alarm
While having fun is often top of mind, a pool gift that ensures safety is super important. On days when the pool is not in use, provide peace of mind for everyone with this safety alarm, which detects movement in the water. The battery-operated alarm sits on the edge of the pool, and will activate when objects weighing 18 pounds or more enter the water. It will then sound an alarm that can be placed up to 100 feet away. Families who have babies, pets or even unauthorized skinny-dippers will appreciate the thought!
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