No one has asked me, but if you did, I would tell you that I prefer the beach to the pool. It’s actually one of the reasons that I fell in love with my apartment complex–the view from the rooftop pool took my breath away.
Now we’re in summer, and I have a little more freedom to use the pool than when I moved in and was about to start graduate school. Factor in that my baby sister is coming to stay with me for the week, and it would probably be accurate to say that we will be at the pool every chance that we get (plus, it’s on my bingo card, so we can mark that as good as done).
Of course, as her big sister, I will have to be the one with the checklist of necessities. It wouldn’t be ideal to have to make multiple trips to detract from a day out, so I thought I would share that list here with you today too.
Number One ESSENTIAL Item: Sunblock
There is no possible way that I have blogged all these years without mentioning how important skincare is for me, so it should come as no surprise that sunblock is the top priority on my list. It is a daily necessity for me, rain or shine, whether I am going to the pool or not. I am the annoying person keeping an eye on the clock so that I know when the two-hour mark hits and I need to apply sunscreen again.
Here are my bare-bones basic notes when it comes to sunscreen:
- Never forget behind your ears. Skin cancer is common behind the ears because it’s the spot most people forget.
- Reapply every 2 hours, no matter what number SPF you get.
- I believe that everyone needs at least SPF 30, and that number would increase if you have more sensitive skin.
- You need a shot-glass-sized amount of sunscreen per application, from head to toe.
- Make sure to rub it in, especially if you get a spray-on. I don’t know how effective it is just sitting on top of your skin, or if it will rinse off the second you jump into the water without rubbing it on.
2) Bathing Suit (or Suits?)
How are you supposed to go swimming without one? Of course, skinny dipping is a different story, but I haven’t done that yet… It might be why I can never achieve a perfectly even tan. For the summer, I definitely prefer bathing suits of a brighter color. Because I’m a bit self-conscious about my body, I am also trying to cover-up more this year. Luckily, I live in Florida, so I am one of those girls who probably can’t have too many bathing suits.
Here are 4 places that I go to when I’m looking for bathing suits:
- Aerie: A branch of American Eagle that sells more intimate items, it is one of my favorite places to browse. I actually came here for some last minute bathing suits before my trip to Vegas, and everything is so cute and affordable. I can barely control myself when I walk into the store, so this comes highly recommended from me.
- Cupshe: So this is the latest place I’ve been shopping, and Instagram basically hand-fed it to me after hearing me say, “All I want is to go swimming in a pool.” The next evening, I see several bathing suit ads, and Cupshe was one of them. I ordered several things in styles I wouldn’t normally wear, but I was feeling adventurous. While the cuts seem to show off a bit more than I’m used to, I can say the material is comfortable and there is some cute stuff on the site (I actually got distracted exploring the site while writing this…Might do some more shopping after).
- LSpace: Another company I found on Instagram a while back. While there are plenty of options in terms of styles, cut, and color, I would order a size up. In my experience, everything I got was super cute and I always got compliments on what I got, but everything ran kind of small.
- Target: It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s often more affordable if you’re looking for something at the last possible minute. Of course, I’m prepared for this week, but for any impromptu trips in the future, this is where I would then go.
3) A Cover-Up
For me, I’m never just going to the pool, or just going to the beach. Without fail, I always end up making a stop, whether it’s to get gas or pick up snacks. Maybe it’s just because I’m self-conscious, but I don’t want to walk around in just my bathing suit, even if it’s acceptable in Florida. Here is what I typically like to wear as a cover-up in case you need some ideas:
- A Beach Dress: Maybe these are called sundresses. I don’t know, but I like that I don’t have to pick out a whole new outfit. It’s a nice and easy option, and for the summer, I especially love a bright and fun-colored dress.
- Shorts and a Baggy T-Shirt: I don’t tend to love tight clothing when wet bathing suits are involved. For me, I’m also just more comfortable if my butt is covered, which is why I can’t just do a baggy t-shirt. This is obviously the easiest cover-up, because it’s something you already have in your closet (or if you’re me, then you have multiple to choose from).
- An Oversized Sweater: I mean, this is in the same vein as a beach dress. However, it’s better, because after swimming in the water, you might feel cold. The sweater probably covers more skin, and is typically made of a thicker material than the dresses I own. I’ve also started picking out sweaters in larger sizes, because I just find that they make me feel better in my skin. Another perk of having a boyfriend is that I can just borrow his if I want to.
- A Kimono: If I’m feeling really good about my body, or I just want something light to go over my bathing suit, a cute kimono made of a lighter material is the way to go. And if you’re concerned about showing skin at the grocery store, you could cleverly tie the front, either free-hand or with a scrunchie.
4) Flip-Flops or Sandals
The last thing I want after dipping my toes into water is to put on a sock or a heavy shoe. While it’s socially acceptable to wear flip-flops nearly everywhere in Florida, it might surprise you that I don’t own very many. I do appreciate a cute sandal, but I don’t find that I invest very much in footwear. This is especially true of sandals because the wear and tear seems to happen so fast.
However, footwear of some sort is a must, because the pavement around the pool might be hot. There’s no need to suffer from hot feet, or to be stuck walking within the confines of the pool just to cool your feet. I’ve also been coming around to the idea of Crocs, but I am not entirely sold on that yet.
5) A Towel
Because how else are you going to dry off? I mean, you might decide to air dry, but do you really want to sit in someone else’s pool sweat? Even if you don’t use your towel to dry off, you might end up using it as a cover for the pool side chair you’re going to sit in. And I know that towels come in a lot of different colors, but lately I’ve been obsessed with my round towel.
6) A Bottle of Water
I know the pool is filled with water, but you can’t drink that. Whether the sun does it or your laps in the pool, you will get tired and dehydrated. That’s why you need to be prepared and bring your own water, preferably not in a plastic bottle. You don’t know how long you’ll be at the pool, and you don’t want the sun to warm your water up for you.
Optional Items
A few things that I sometimes like to bring, but are definitely not necessities.
- Snacks: In case I get hungry. I would keep it to simple, easy-to-go snacks, like a bag of chips or a granola bar. You don’t want too much food, otherwise you might throw up in the pool, and no one wants that.
- Book: I love reading, and sometimes it’s very peaceful reading by the pool. The sound of lapping water is very soothing, but be careful not to get your book wet! Personally, I sometimes sit and read while I air-dry, but you do you.
- Portable Speaker: Because if you get lucky and end up having the pool to yourself, why not play something you love to listen to?
- Hat/Sunglasses: Sometimes, the sun can be brutal, so you might need some extra protection. I personally don’t think of these as necessities, because I would take them off when I go in the water anyway, but they might be nice to have.
- Friends and Family: So that you can have some more fun, because who doesn’t love good company? I am choosing to hand out with my sister, after all.
Did I miss any of your poolside necessities? Where do you get your bathing suits? How are you spending the summer? I would love to know in the comments below!
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog. If you enjoyed it, please let me know by taking the time to like this post, comment your thoughts down below, and share it with your friends. And of course, you have the ability to make my day by subscribing to the blog, which means you will be notified everytime I put out more posts like this one.
Love Always,
Kristi My
Kristi My Dao 