Pool Bag Essentials with Kids to Simplify Life this Summer

Preparing for the pool this summer is A LOT simpler since I have my MUST HAVE list from last summer (I found a post that I never published!). I thought I would share with y’all my go to pool bag to help simplify life a little 🙂

For reference, my boys are 3 and 5. They don’t know how to swim yet (long story), but they are working on it. Here is my list of 10 LOVED items for summer.

1. Bogg Bag: Y’all I get asked about this bag ALL THE TIME. It is super cute, durable and very practical. It is super versatile too, I brought it along to baseball to throw dirty shoes (and toys) in and simply hose it down to clean. The only downfall of this bag is that it is pretty heavy (but well made) and is extremely hard to find. To buy my bag, I searched boutiques in my area that carry the Bogg line and put myself on the waitlist. You can purchase from Amazon, but it is a lot more expensive.
2. Speedo Goggles: This three pack is currently on sale at Costco and perfect for the boys. The strings on the goggles make it easier to take on and off without pulling hair.
3. The Royal Standard Beach Towel: I love these towels for the pool and beach. They are perfect for the beach because they don’t collect sand. I love them for the pool because they are not bulky and they dry very fast.
4. Pottery Barn Kids Hooded Towels: These are my kids’ bath towels, but perfect for the pool too. They are thick and have a hood which helps the boys dry off faster and get warm after being in a cold pool. They are currently on sale for only $20!
5. Native Shoes: It would not be a summer post without mentioning our go to summer shoes–Natives. These shoes are durable, last for multiple kids, are super cute and are easy to clean. I LOVE these shoes, Jefferson style is my favorite!
6. Stearns Puddle Jumper: These are life changing and saving! These are perfect to bring to the pool for the boys to splash in and perfect for the lake (coast guard approved!) too!
7. Wet Dry Bag: The quality of this bag is fantastic. I purchased bargain wet/dry bags and they are not as good as these (don’t waste your money!). This bag will last a long time. It is perfect to throw the boys wet bathing suits in after swimming in the pool.
8. Clear Storage Bags: My friend, Tess, recommended these to me and I love them. I put a change of clothes and towels in the big bag, sunscreen/wet wipes in the medium sized bag and goggles in the small bag. These are super inexpensive and keep things organized.
9. Sunscreen: I have three go to sunscreens. I start by applying Aveeno Baby SPF to the boys before heading to the pool and use the Aveeno stick to sunscreen the boys’ faces and necks. During adult swim, I apply Neutrogena Beach Spray as its super convenient (I purchased a two pack from Costco this year) along with the stick to their faces. My family has super sensitive skin and these sunscreens work well for us, they also got good reviews from EPA website and don’t break the bank. Bonus: these all rub in fairly easily!
10. Thermoflask 40oz: This water bottle travels with me (and Drew) everywhere, especially to the pool. I used to carry the boys’ water bottles too, but then they end up just drinking mine! I purchased the biggest insulated bottle that was manageable and now we simply share it (may be gross, but it works for us!). Bonus: even after a year of use and abuse, it doesn’t leak!

I don’t know about you, but I am super excited to jump back into the pool this summer. We made so many memories and friends at the pool last year and I am excited to do it all again. Do you have any pool must haves?!

Happy start of summer, friends!