Pool Gear
What to Actually Bring
Pool gear recommendations from someone who spends a lot of time at hotel pools evaluating them. No filler picks. No gear we haven't actually used or thought carefully about.
ℹ️ PinthePool is an Amazon Associate and earns a commission on qualifying purchases through links on this page. Our recommendations are independent of this relationship.
The Pool Bag
The pool bag is underrated. A great one holds everything without digging, dries out quickly, and doesn't look ridiculous at a nice resort. The wrong bag turns a smooth pool day into a logistical problem.
Large Mesh Beach Tote
VersatileThe workhorse. Gets sand and water out easily, holds a ridiculous amount, and you can actually find things in it. Look for one with interior pockets.
Shop on Amazon ↗Dry Bag Backpack
ProtectiveFor day clubs or any pool where you might jump in without warning. Keeps phones, wallets, and sunscreen completely dry. Worth having one.
Shop on Amazon ↗Sunscreen
There is one rule: bring more than you think you need. Hotel pools are brutal for sunburn — especially the ones with reflective water, marble decking, and no shade for the "wrong" chairs. If you're going to spend four hours evaluating a pool for PinthePool, you apply every 90 minutes. No exceptions.
Mineral SPF 50+ (Face)
Reef-safe, no white cast on modern formulas. The thing you put on before you do anything else.
Shop ↗Sport SPF 70+ (Body)
The one that stays on when you sweat and swim. Actually water-resistant. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Shop ↗Lip Balm SPF 30+
Consistently forgotten. Consistently regretted. The three-hour pool day turns into a problem around hour two without it.
Shop ↗Tech Worth Packing
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
For the private pool villa, the cabana, or anywhere the hotel music isn't doing it for you. Waterproof is non-negotiable — it will get splashed. Look for one that floats.
Shop on Amazon ↗Waterproof Phone Pouch
Swim-up bars require this. Any pool where you want your phone accessible without paranoia requires this. Lanyard style is most practical.
Shop on Amazon ↗Portable Charger (Waterproof)
A full day at the pool kills your phone. A waterproof power bank keeps you going without leaving the chair to find an outlet.
Shop on Amazon ↗Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized specifically — the anti-reflective coating makes a genuine difference for outdoor water environments. Worth spending real money here.
Shop on Amazon ↗Comfort Essentials
Turkish Beach Towel
Lighter than a standard towel, dries faster, and takes up almost no space in your bag. Most hotels provide towels but yours will always be better.
Shop on Amazon ↗Pool Float (Packable)
For the occasions where the hotel has a pool but no floats, or you want your own. Packable floats deflate to near-nothing and inflate in minutes.
Shop on Amazon ↗Cooling Towel
Sounds gimmicky. Actually works. For any desert or tropical pool day where the air temperature is working against you between swims.
Shop on Amazon ↗Water Shoes
For any pool with rough tile, a rocky beach entry, or a waterpark. Also useful for hot decking — poured concrete in direct sun gets hot in a way that sneak-attacks you.
Shop on Amazon ↗Affiliate Disclosure: PinthePool.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you click through and purchase via our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are independent of this relationship — we link to gear we actually think is worth buying.
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