Well, here we are in summer season, and it seems everyone has pool time on the brain. In fact, in just the last month, we have had three different sets of friends to either finish their in-ground pools or start the construction on them. That is what got me thinking about pool gifts for new pool owners – kind of like a twist on a housewarming gift! Also, some of these gift ideas are for pool lovers, in general, even if they don’t own their own pool.
Owning a pool is expensive, folks! As I’ve dug more and more into the world of pool ownership, I’ve nearly fallen over dead several times over the cost of general pool builds, pool maintenance, pool furnishings, pool cleaning, etc.
Help a friend out – especially if you plan to lounge in his pool! Today, I am here to share a fun pool gift guide with you. I have polled some pool owner friends and family members to formulate a collection of 75 best gifts for pool owners. These gifts span a wide range of budgets. There should be ideas here for everyone, no matter the budget.
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My neighbor friends showed me some of their favorite pool accessories and pool must haves. I also got polled several other sets of friends and my in-laws. Some are new pool owners, and others have owned their in-ground pools or above ground swimming pools for a while now. Finally, I belong to lots of home decor and home maintenance groups and I see things – trends, must haves, buzz words for swimming pool owners. I took all of these things into consideration as I planned out gift ideas for pool owner friends.
Who Can I Shop for with this Pool Owners Gift Guide?
Now on to the pool gift guide. Who can you use it for? Maybe you are searching for retirement gifts for pool owners at work or housewarming gifts for new pool owners in your neighborhood. That friend whose backyard you plan on crashing throughout the summer? Don’t forget about her!
Or maybe the gift recipient is you! Maybe you are looking for yourself – for things you need for a pool. There is nothing wrong with creating your own swimming pool wish list!
Remember, many of the pool supplies I’ve included were recommended by actual pool owner friends, neighbors, and family! Some of these people are minimalists and others are people who don’t like to be without. When buying gifts for pool owners, you just need to consider the person you are buying for and how they stock their home, etc.
Plan a “Pool Cooling” Party (Like a Housewarming Party But Cooler)
If you and the new pool owner share a group of mutual friends, family members, or neighbors, why not organize a pool cooling party? I’m dreaming this all up as I go along, but in my mind it would work very much like a housewarming party. The guests come bearing pool-related gifts for the guest of honor much like they would come bearing house-related guests for a new home owner. You can imagine how such a party would take a load off of a new pool owner who has just shelled thousands for a new pool.
To plan, just pick a date (discussing with the guest of honor, of course) and invite the other friends to a a potluck-style party. I have tons of pool food ideas in my outdoor party foods post and in my pool party foods post. Set up a few fun pool-themed letter boards from my summer letter boards post, and you are all set! You might set out a few simple tropical decorations. No need for lots of decorations. The pool will be the star of the show, after all!
Safety Essentials for Pool Owners
This section will include safety essentials for pool owners. Although we like to think of the fun of a pool, we have to recognize some of the dangers also. Help with preparedness with these pool safety must haves.
There are so many security gates, fences, gate latches/locks, alarms, winter pool coverings and such out there for the purpose of pool safety. For the purpose of this pool owners gift post, I am not suggesting any of those as measurements and shape and style of pool are important when considering those things. Unless you know the exact measurements of the pool, it might be difficult for you to choose the correct products for gifts for pool owners.
- A pool alarm with an in-house remote receiver should be on anyone pool owner’s must have safety list. This is especially the case if young children or animals will be around the home.
- An added layer of safety is a pool buoy with an attachable rope for pulling struggling swimmers to safety. Add a polypropylene rope for an extra secure pull ability.
Organizational Must Haves for Pool Owners
Nothing blows a pool oasis more than clutter everywhere. Help tame the pool area chaos with some of these handy organizational pool essentials. Organizational products make the best gifts for pool owners. They will help the pool owner keep things clutter free; and, therefore, less anxious.
- I like that this organizational pool caddy on wheels can be wheeled away when you need it to be out of sight. Otherwise, it is right there by the pool to hold all the noodles and floats. This other rolling pool caddy has an overhead rack for pool noodles and longer floats.
- This hanging pool organizer can hang on an above ground pool or on a fence. Or maybe you prefer this hanging net pool organizer which has great ratings.
- A vertical storage shed is ideal for storing all the random pool equipment, chemicals, and cleaning items. My friends have a large Suncast storage shed pictured below. I can’t find the same size Suncast shed in stock, but HOMSPARK has a similar horizontal storage shed.
Around the Pool Must Haves (Along with Some Fun Stuff)
This section will highlight some pool must haves. Stocking an outdoor pool area is much like stocking a small home. You need the basics. Many people might visit friends or family who have a pool and find themselves a bit unprepared. Pool owners can keep a few extra pairs of kids swim goggles, sunscreens, and pool towels on hand. And, of course, you need some fun stuff too!
- If someone has a friend like me – someone who shows up for a pool day and forgets my pool towels – this 4 pack of pool towels will be the perfect gift!
- Where there are pool days, there is often trash. This outdoor resin trash can has a lid which means you can keep out the bugs! You will want the 33 gallon trash bags to go with it. The trash can lid is a lifesaver with all the flies and bees and such that fly around any outdoor area where there is water and food.
- Speaking of bugs, this Thermacell mosquito repellent machine will help keep the bugs away! You might want to grab some Thermacell refills. You may think you don’t want to spend money on bug repellent, but you might think twice when mosquitoes are swarming! My friend keeps hers out by the pool at all times.
- This funny pool boy shirt is perfect for the man of the pool. And this cabana boy shirt is super cute for those with a designated cabana boy husband, too!
- Now, maybe it isn’t a “must have pool item.” But if you have a friend who loves to pull pranks on his friends, this is THE gift for him. OR maybe you are the one who likes to pull pranks. Just a little tossy-toss of this floating poop in the pool will bring loads of entertainment to any pool day! If this isn’t your humor, my apologies. You have a die-hard prankster writing this post.
- This 2 head pool fountain sprinkler helps cool down the water while also acting as a fun pool feature. Many people in my home groups on Facebook have recommended adding a pool fountain sprinkler to help cool water.
- This waterproof Bluetooth speaker lights up to add all sorts of colorful fun to evening pool parties!
- When it comes to lights for the pool, these rechargeable LED pool lights have several pros. Our friends have these lights and have said they are the best they have tried. The customer service for this company is praised in the reviews. This set of four should provide ample lighting for a medium to large pool. The fact that the lights are rechargeable and no batteries are necessary is a huge plus!
- Add a little flare to a basic pool thermometer with this flamingo pool thermometer! There is also a polar bear pool thermometer or a turtle pool thermometer. All perform the same basic function of revealing the temperature of the water.
- A basket of sun screen is the perfect gift for pool owners! You can only imagine how quickly the sunscreen supply runs out when everyone is coming over all the time – “borrowing” a little here and there. I prefer to use the SPF 50 sunscreen for my family because most of us burn easily. If your friend will have kids over often at the pool, you might want to gift Coppertone Kids SPF 50.
- These patio chaise lounge rockers are the perfect poolside chairs at my brother-and-sister-in-law’s pool! They are the best chairs for the side of the pool!
This $30 customized pool sign makes an extra special gift! It is my favorite gift idea of them all! It is a thoughtful gift that documents the year the pool was established, as well! I suggest buying the 11×14 size, at least.
Toys for the Pool and Pool Games
Gift your friends and family some fun pool toys and pool games to keep handy for pool day! Pool games and pool toys are almost always included in my pool gifts for families. And even if the gift receiver doesn’t have children, chances are children will visit his or her pool at some point and will appreciate a few toys on hand. And some of these games are for adults!
- What kid doesn’t think it is fun to go after pool balls? And these fun LED beach balls will add fun and delightful color to pool nights! This watermelon ball was a Toy of the Year finalist in 2018! I bought it for my nephews and nieces new pool, and it has been a hit!
- Kids, teens, and adults alike love to compete in the pool with floating basketball hoops! If someone prefers more of a stand-alone pool basketball hoop, this one is designed to remain on the concrete edge of an in-ground pool. It doesn’t have LED lights as some other similar products do, but it does have excellent five-star reviews!
- One of my favorite pool gifts for families is this inflatable double pool volleyball set and basketball set. It comes in different color schemes. It’s a two for one game set! I prefer to give the solid blue as it seems less of an aesthetic distraction in the pool, but that is just my personal opinion.
- This swimming pool game table is perfect for those lazy day card games or poker games! It has slots for holding drinks, snacks, and game essentials all while you stay cool in the pool
- If there are active kids around, a pool football is sure to be a hit!
- This pool ring toss game comes in unicorn, dinosaur, shark, and flamingo styles! It is a budget-friendly pool gift for families.
- This chicken fight inflatable pool game is recommended for pool goers ages 7 and up. Any kids who love to wrestle would surely appreciate this game!
- This tumbler dolphin lights up in the pool or in the water. A downside is that it requires batteries for the dolphin and for the remote. A pro is that it works as both a fun light-up pool decoration and a fun toy.
- What I love about this pool Skip Ball gift idea is that the recipients can also pack this in their bags for travel because the items are so small. This particular product comes in a variety of colors and styles including animal styles.
- If you know someone who enjoys lacrosse, give this pool lacrosse set a try!
- This bucket pool game is great for a family party or an adults-only party alike! An added bonus is it can be played anywhere – in the pool (it floats), on the patio, in the yard, in the house, at the tailgate, at the campground, etc.
- I don’t think I’ve been in a pool with a kid yet who didn’t enjoy swim through rings! They can dive for them, swim through them, play relay games with them, etc.
- In general, dive toys are a huge hit with kids. These marine animal dive toys and treasure chest and gem dive toys are great for kids!
- What family with children wouldn’t love this water blaster set?
- This remote control boat is perfect for the pool! It makes a perfect birthday gift for kids who love the pool! I would say it might also make a perfect Christmas gift for kids, but they would possibly have to wait quite a while to use it!
- The teacher in me is thrilled to find this dive and spell game and this dive and count game! Swimming and practicing educational skills? Win!
- For friends who love card games, gift them this budget-friendly set of waterproof playing cards. Or make a splash with Uno Splash and this waterproof Spot It game – both of which are perfect for playing around the pool.
Pool Essentials for In Ground Pools
Here are some gift ideas specifically for owners of in ground pools.
- For in-ground pools with a tanning shelf, these set of 2 white chaise pool lounges have been all the rage this year. IKEA, Amazon, and other companies sell them, and they seem to be more of a luxury chaise lounge option no matter where they come from. This more budget-friendly pool lounge chair features a similar ergonomic curved design and comes in multiple colors.
- Our friends have this inflatable INTEX Kool Splash slide for their new pool. My girls and all the other kids have an absolute blast on this thing every time we go for pool days.
- Many friends with pools complain about finding dead frogs, toads and even bunnies in their pools. This is because small animals are often able to get themselves into the water. Yet, they are often unable to get themselves out, and they drown. These frog logs help frogs, toads, squirrels, ducklings, and other small animals out of the pool. This particular original version has excellent reviews!
Pool Essentials for Above Ground Pools
If you have an above ground pool or know someone who does, these above ground pool must haves are worth exploring.
- Above ground pool ladders are a must. Don’t forget the under pool ladder mat to help protect the lining! To prevent the likelihood of grass and dirt entering the pool via busy feet in and out of the pool, this low-budget foot bath for pool ladders can be inserted at the bottom the ladder. This particular foot bath works with the Intex ladder I linked.
- This over the top rail pool basket is perfect for gathering pool toys at the end of a fun pool day. According to the description, it should fit most above ground frame pools.
Cleaning Pool Supplies to Gift Pool Owners
Of course, we have to list the less exciting yet functional gifts for pool owners. And let’s face it, sometimes functional gifts make the best gifts because lots of people – like me – hate spending their own money on practical things!
- This Dolphin Nautilus CC pool vacuum is one of the pricier suggestions on this pool gift guide, but it is something many pool owners rave about. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen raving about this particular vacuum. If you were going in on a gift with a group of neighbors or a group of friends, this would probably be much appreciated! Optionally, you can also order this vacuum caddy. If handheld and simple is more the goal, this handheld pool vacuum is more like a Dyson for the swimming pool!
- Pool skimmers are a must. Have you ever seen all the yuck and more yuck that get caught up in a pool? A telescopic pool skimmer net will help to reach things midway in the pool. I’ve seen friends use theirs to pull out leaves, bugs and even small turtles! These skimmer socks fit most pool filter baskets to collect dirt, leaves, bugs, etc. These budget-friendly scumbag sponges attract and pull oils from pools.
- My friends swear by their Mytee foot scrubber and Mytee pool scrubbing mitt.
Cool Inflatables and Other Floats for Swimming Pool Gifts
These may not be pool essentials, but they can definitely make a pool more fun! Therefore, they make for great gifts for pool owners or pool lovers!
- This swimming pool floating game table and chairs will encourage lots of pool time!
- We have these mesh floating pool chairs, and I love how easy they are to haul around. They use pool noodles around the edges to keep them afloat. I load them in my beach bag/pool bag all the time to ensure I always have a float!
- A budget-friendly gift idea is this set of floating drink holders! Can’t you just picture your friends lounging in the water with these? And for your wine lover friends, don’t overlook these floating wine glasses!
- For a larger group, this large floating drink and snack tray is a nice pool gift idea!
- Anyone would appreciate an air pump for pool inflatables!
- This 4 pack of pool hammock floats is perfect for that friend who likes to throw impromptu pool parties! There will always be extra floats on hand!
And there you have it! I sure hope you found some essential pool gear worth gifting to someone else or to yourself! Have fun putting a gift basket for pool owners together or choosing that one special present! This gifts for pool owners post involved lots of planning, lots of researching, and lots of pestering my friends and family! Please do let me know in the comments if you found it helpful or if there are any other pool accessories must haves I missed!
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Farhan242
This is such an amazing and thoughtful gift guide for pool lovers! Your suggestions cover everything from fun to essential, making it easy to find the perfect gift for any pool owner. I especially love the idea of a “pool cooling” party—such a unique twist! Thanks for sharing this comprehensive list, Amy!