6 Must-have Pool Accessories
When you have a pool, quite a bit of work goes into both its upkeep and making it as fun and inviting as possible. In this article, we’ll go over 7 accessories that all pool owners should have in their backyard at all times of the year. Not only will these items make pool maintenance easier than ever, but they’ll make all that hard work worth it too. Keep reading to find out more about these accessories and why they’re integral for every pool owner.
1. Safety barriers
All pools in Australia that contain water with a depth deeper than 300 millimetres must have a safety barrier such as a gate. The main function of a safety barrier is to prevent young children from accessing a pool without adult supervision, reducing their risk of drowning and other potential accidents.
Certain states, such as Victoria, will also require you to lodge a certificate of compliance every four years. This will involve your barrier being inspected by a qualified professional to ensure that it still complies with the restrictions that were in place when the pool was first built. This is something that’s heavily regulated, so make sure you’re following all relevant laws and keeping your gate up to par.
2. Teak sun lounges
Every pool needs a good set of sun lounges – something to lay on before and after you get in the pool, and perfect for tanning or reading a book on a hot summer day. When it comes to outdoor furniture, teak hardwood continues to be a staple worldwide.
Its impressive durability and low maintenance make it an ideal choice for families around the country. Weather-resistant, pest resistant and long-lasting, Teak outdoor lounge is built to withstand both the hot Australian sun, heavy rainfall and water from your pool. An investment in teak furniture is an investment in your future, and with minimal maintenance it can last you a lifetime.
3. Testing kit
One of the biggest responsibilities of being a pool owner is maintaining the levels of chlorine, pH and other chemicals in the water. This will enable you to keep them all in balance, ensuring that your pool is clean and safe to swim in.
Having a testing kit handy will mean that you can easily check your pool’s levels of chlorine, pH, bromine and more with a simple drop test. This way you can get on top of any issues quickly, and steer clear of green pool and other easily avoidable problems.
4. Solar blanket
A solar blanket is a pool cover that doubles as a solar heater for your pool, drawing in the heat of the sun and protecting it from leaves and other debris at the same time. When you remove the blanket, your pool will be clean, warm, and ready to be used right away.
Solar blankets can also save you from expensive heating methods that drive up your energy bills and carbon footprint. Suitable for both above and in-ground pools, a solar blanket is a must-have for the sustainable pool owner.
5. Pool toys
Pool toys are absolutely essential, whether it’s to bring your pool party to life or for the family to use on a hot afternoon during the week. From floating sun lounges to volleyball nets, the possibilities are endless and you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye.
If you opt for inflatable pool toys, it’d be worth investing in a pump as well. Blowing them up by mouth can be tedious and time-consuming, and get in the way of you being able to enjoy your pool in the way you deserve.
6. Pool vacuum
Cleaning the bottom of your pool can be hard, and that’s where robotic pool vacuums come in. They do all the heavy lifting for you, zooming around the bottom and sides of your pool and cleaning up leaves and debris along the way.
Compared to traditional pool pump vacuums, robotic ones use less electricity and will save you money every billing cycle.
7. Canopies or umbrellas
While we all love spending time in the sun, it’s important to stay sun smart while doing so. On top of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, all good pool areas should have an umbrella or canopy that offers shade and protection from the sun.
Whether you can feel yourself burning or the heat from the sun is wearing you out, having shade by your pool will keep your area safe and help protect you, your family and your guests from getting burnt and increasing their risk of developing skin cancer.
Having a pool can be a lot of fun, but it does come with its fair share of responsibilities. Having all the items on this list will keep your pool area functional and safe all year round, making your life easier along the way.