Here are the top items you'll want to make your backyard pool and spa a clean, safe and fun place.
12 Essential Backyard Pool Accessories
Updated on Jul. 11, 2024
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Solar Blanket
A solar blanket is great for two reasons. First, it helps heat your pool using solar energy, keeping your pool ready to use when you want it. It’s also helps cut energy costs and reduces evaporation. The SMOPS 1600 Series Solar Cover is perfect for your above- or in-ground pool. “A solar blanket can reduce thermal loss by 95 percent,” says Steve Goodale, a writer and technical specialist who reaches millions of pool and spa owners each year through his Swimming Pool Steve resource blog and his YouTube channel.
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Robotic Pool Vacuum
Goodale always recommends robotic pool vacuums over suction and pressure pool vacuums. “There’s the convenience factor, but the main benefit is that robotic vacuums do not run off the pool pump like traditional pool vacuums,” he says. “That can save you a lot of money because a pool pump can use half a home’s electricity.”
One popular and highly rated model is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner.
P.S. Ever found curious woodland animals swimming in your backyard pool? The FrogLog is a lifesaver (literally).
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Safety Essentials
The American Red Cross says drowning is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and that most of those kids were not expected to be in or near a pool.
While no product is a substitute for close supervision, you should have a few safety items on hand. They include a rope and float line to cordon off the deep end of the pool, a ring buoy, a safety hook and a first aid kit. All these items should be located in an easily accessible and well-marked location. Regularly inspect them to ensure they’re in good condition.
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Pool Fence
Another critical safety accessory Goodale recommends is an unclimbable mesh fence with a locked gate. You can have one installed or DIY with a kit, such as Pool Fence DIY by Life Saver Fencing Section Kit. Goodale also suggests installing a pool alarm, such as Wsdcam Wireless Remote Door Alarm as an extra safety measure. It sounds an alert if anyone tries to open the gate.
Also, check out these innovative pool fence ideas.
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Test Kit
It’s important to regularly test your pool’s levels of chlorine, pH and more to keep chemicals in balance and to prevent problems, such as a green pool. Poolmaster Essential Collection Chemistry Case contains easy-to-use drop tests to measure your pool’s levels of chlorine, bromine, pH, acid demand and total alkalinity.
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Skimmer
Rid your pool’s water surface of leaves, insects and other debris with a high-quality skimmer such as the Milliard Pool Leaf Skimmer Net. It catches yucky stuff in a double-stitched nylon net that’s attached to a heavy-duty aluminum frame. You can use it on its own or attach it to a standard extension pole for a longer reach.
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Pool Float
Kick back and relax in an inflatable pool float, such as the Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Inflatable Pool Float. The easy-to-inflate float can transition among four configurations: a hammock, chair, drifter and exercise saddle. Another plus is that it sits below the water instead of on top, ensuring you always stay cool on hot days.
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Floating Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Turn pool time into party time with a speaker, such as the COWIN Swimmer IPX7 Floating Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker. It features an impressive bass, loud volume, technology to ensure full-spectrum audio and a wireless range of 30 feet to seamlessly connect to your Bluetooth-enabled devices. Perhaps the most fun feature is the three-color LED light display on top.
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Pool Volleyball and Basketball Set
Pool volleyball and basketball are classic games that provide loads of fun for everyone in the pool. Enjoy both with the Joyin Floats Inflatable Pool Float Set. It easily transforms from a basketball hoop in a volleyball court measuring nearly nine feet wide. The set also includes an inflatable volleyball and basketball, and two weight bags to hold the games in place.
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Pool Noodles
Long lasting and inexpensive pool noodles, such as the Fix Find Colorful Foam Pool Swim Noodle 5 Pack, are great for lounging, water exercises and games. These noodles are made in the U.S. and come in various bright jewel tones. They’re also crafted from an extra dense foam that creates a stiffer, more buoyant pool noodle to enjoy for years to come.
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Outdoor Cooler Table
Cold drinks are a must on hot days by the pool, and an outdoor cooler table such as the Keter Pacific Cool Bar Side Table makes it easy to keep drinks cool and close at hand. Hidden within the weather-resistant resin table is a 7-1/2 gallon cooler where you can stash up to 40 cans, with ice. To access, lift the top — it extends 10 inches and you can leave it elevated to serve as a cocktail table.
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Inflatable Food and Drink Holder
There’s no need to exit the pool to grab a bite or your favorite drink when you have the Jasonwell Inflatable Rainbow Cloud Drink Holder. Besides its five cup holders, it has a large indented space where you can chill drinks on ice or keep your favorite snacks. The bottom is shaped like a cloud and topped by a colorful rainbow, ensuring you never lose sight of it.
