Are you ready for summer? If not, check out these tips to help prepare you for the summer days at the pool!
Pool Bags for Everyone
I started this when my kids were old enough to carry their own pool bags. Their pool bags are not fancy – just the little draw string bags but they do the trick. They keep all their pool needs in their own bag (floaties, goggles, toys etc.)
Get Their Own Towels
My kids have their own “color-coded” bath towels. I also extended this to the pool bag. I bought inexpensive beach towels with their “color”. I bought a few of each color so we could have a few back-up towels. Each child is responsible for bringing their own towel to the pool and home from the pool. This has prevented my children from grabbing whatever towel is dry or closest.
Plenty of Sunscreen
Once my children could apply their own sunscreen or at least help each other apply sunscreen, I bought them their own “bottle” for their pool bag. I got tired of waiting for 1 child to get done using the sunscreen for the next one to use. This way they have their own if they go to a friend’s house etc.
Well Stocked Pool Bag
I will list all of the things I think are needed for a well-stocked pool bag. You can add or delete items that you need based on the age of your child.
– Swim suit & cover up
– Change of clothes
– Hat or visor
– Beach Towel
– Sunscreen & lip protection
– Change for snack bar
– A magazine or book
– Regular Diaper (wipes & diaper supplies)
-Swim Diaper
-Life protection (floaties)
-Small Toys
-Swim goggles/mask
Your Own Pool Bag
Make sure you have your very own bag for your personal stuff. Have you ever gotten to the pool with your kids and realized you forgot your swim suit bottoms and you have to spend the day at the pool in your shorts? If you keep an extra suit in your bag, you will always be prepared.
Small Coolers
If you belong to a pool where you can take your own food, I recommend buying everyone their own “small cooler”. I bought each of my kids a small cooler in “their” color – these also come in handy for field trips, baseball games etc.
A designated “Pool” Area
There needs to be a designated place where the pool bags live in your home. If you already have a space for the back packs, I suggest you switch out the school back packs for pool bags. Another idea is to install hooks and shelves in the laundry room – a place to hang the pool bags and extra storage for the dry towels. If you have an attached garage, the area right outside the entry way door is a good idea too.
If this is a new concept for you, the initial financial investment in this project can add up but it is totally worth the peace and mind it provides when everyone has their own well-packed pool bag.
As I sat down to write this post, I realized that I should get myself organized for Memorial Day. I pulled out my swim suits, grabbed the pool bags out of storage and threw out the old expired sunscreens. I checked out the kid’s supplies to see who needed what for the upcoming swim season. I realized that my son who has “green” towels only has 1 towel so I needed to purchase a few more, as well as sunscreen for everyone. I was at 5 Below & they have great towels, sunscreen, flip flops, water proof mini bags & draw string bags — basically everything for under $5.00! A great place to stock up – plus they have over the door hooks & baskets – lots of colors etc!! I got some of my stuff there and am feeling ready for the pool!!
Happy Pool Season!
Submitted by Springfield Moms contributor and professional organizer Amy Peterson who is mother of three.
