People who own their own swimming pools are usually natural hosts. Having a swimming pool at home is fun and energizing, and even more fun when you can share it with family and friends.
If you’re a swimmer and also a homebody, chances are that you love when friends stop by to use the pool. But sometimes, when people stop by unannounced or unexpectedly, they may not have everything they need to feel comfortable jumping into the pool.
By having a few essential items on hand for your guests, you’ll be likely to spend more time in the pool, enjoy more time with friends, and have repeat visitors who know they can be comfortable in your home. Check out these tips for making your home more comfortable for guests who have come over for a swim.
Have spare towels on hand
If you own a swimming pool, parties can happen spontaneously. Friends and family who visit your home may be drawn to the pool, even if swimming wasn’t originally on the agenda. Having plenty of spare towels on hand is the perfect way to make sure guests are comfortable at all times.
When swimmers don’t need to worry about staying warm or feel self-conscious as they dry off, they are much more likely to dive in. Be sure to grab towels whenever they are on sale, and hang on to old towels as backups for swimming guests.
Have flip flops to spare
Anyone who doesn’t own their own pool may show up at your home without everything they need to swim. If your friends have come with shoes and socks, offering flip flops is a great way to make them feel more comfortable and at home (and to spare them from getting grass and dirt stuck to their feet).
Flip flops are a very inexpensive way to make your guests feel more comfortable and at home. If you stock up on flip flops when they are on sale, you can also avoid having guests trail excessive dirt into your swimming pool.
Long-haired friends need hair-elastics
Most people with very long hair already carry around their own hair accessories at all times. But, it is never more important to have a hair elastic on hand than when it is time to jump in for a swim. Having spare hair brushes and hair ties on hand will allow friends to swim without ruining their hairstyle or drying out their hair.
To really go above and beyond, having products that protect hair from sun and chlorine damage will make you a legendary host.
Have hats and sunglasses for sunny days
Having hats and sunglasses on hand will help guests to enjoy time out of the pool as well. Make sure that you have plenty of shade-providing hats and UV-blocking sunglasses for your guests to pop on.
With these items on hand, your friends and family will be more comfortable swimming and lounging by the pool. As a bonus, all these spare hats and sunglasses will come in handy if you have kids that enjoy playing dress-up.
Make your pool as accessible as possible
It can be easy to forget that for some swimmers, hopping in and out of the pool may not be as easy as it is for you. It may not be possible to make your swimming pool fully accessible, but making a few changes can help to make your pool much more comfortable for some of your guests.
Wedding cake stairs in inground or onground pools make guests feel much more secure when getting into and out of the pool. This is an excellent addition if you have older family members using the pool. If you have a family member who uses a wheelchair or has severe accessibility needs, you can really go above and beyond to add a ramp or lowering mechanism to your swimming pool.
Have plenty of sunscreen on hand
Nothing is worse than an unexpected summer sunburn. If you have a swimming pool, you may often have guests over who aren’t aware of the power of the sun, or who weren’t expecting to swim that day. Having plenty of quality sunscreen on hand will prevent sunburns, and save your guests from having to hide in the shade.
Having a variety of options for sunscreen is ideal. You can choose sunscreen in vibrant colours for kids to enjoy, have spray-on varieties for convenience, and even have face-specific sunscreens.. Make sure you choose waterproof formulas to protect guests who are hopping in and out of the pool.
Remind everyone to drink plenty of water
On a hot summer day, it can be difficult for us to realize that we are getting exhausted or overheated. The ability to jump into the pool to cool off can let us forget about drinking water and the effects of heat.
If you have guests at the pool this summer, be sure to offer everyone plenty to drink. You’ll be better able to avoid sunstroke or fainting, even if the temperature climbs very high.
Learn CPR and the basics of pool safety
If you have a swimming pool at home, safety is always a concern. Plenty of supervision and pool rules are needed to keep swimmers safe. But, if the worst happens, knowing life-saving skills is the best way to protect your loved ones.
Taking the time to take a course on water safety and CPR could help you to save a life one day.
Hang on to old bathing suits
Having extra bathing suits around the house is handy when yours is wet, or when a guest has forgotten to pack their own. Any time that someone leaves a suit at your house, or you’re ready for an upgrade, hang on to your old bathing suit.
For pool owners, there is really no such thing as “too many” bathing suits. You never know when having a spare will come in handy, especially when kids bring friends over to enjoy the pool.
Prepping your swimming pool for guests at all times
Some people just can’t get enough time in the swimming pool and are more than happy to share their pool with family and friends. If you have a home that is comfortable, welcoming, and offers everything that your guests need to enjoy a dip in the pool, you’ll be much more likely to get more out of your pool this summer season.
Having these basics on hand can help to encourage the kids to hang out outside and make sure they get the exercise they need. If you’re the type who prefers time alone in the pool, avoid these tips (and the phone) and you’ll be able to enjoy more time alone.