Alright so last summer I got super bored just doing laps in my pool. Felt like a chore, y’know? Decided I needed to spice things up. Went on a mission to find cool pool gear that actually makes swimming fun again.
Stage 1: The Research Mess
Started how anyone does – staring at my phone late at night. Big mistake. So much stuff out there! Glowing things, floating speakers, weird games. Felt overwhelmed for sure. Kept seeing fancy robotic cleaners too, but honestly? My basic net works fine. Saved the cash.
Wanted things that would:
- Make swimming actually fun, not just exercise
- Work for adults, not just kids (no giant pizza slices for me)
- Be worth the space in the shed
Stage 2: Taking The Plunge & Buying Stuff
Grabbed a few things after reading way too many reviews. Here’s what hit the water:
First up, Underwater LED Lights:
Okay, night swimming rocks. But my pool light died ages ago. Found these cool magnetic LED pucks. Just chuck ’em in. Stuck one to the side near the steps and another deeper down. Boom! Instant mood. Colors change, some even pulse to music. Super easy, no wiring. Game changer for summer evenings. Water looks like a fancy club, kinda.
Next, Floating Bluetooth Speaker:
Realized music by the pool sucks if you’re actually IN it. Phone on a chair? Can’t hear crap. Got a proper waterproof floater speaker. This thing actually floats well, doesn’t sound like garbage, and the battery lasts ages. Crucial for pool parties or just zoning out on a noodle. Worth every penny.
The Game Hunt:
Wanted something active. Volleyball net? Seemed messy with poles and ropes. Stumbled upon these “Crossnet” targets. Basically four floating squares in different spots. You toss a ball through ’em. Sounds simple? Man, it’s addictive. Easy to set up, works for different skill levels, and doesn’t need a full court setup. Plus, you gotta swim to get the ball!
Fitness Gear Check:
Tried some resistance gloves and ankle bands someone recommended. Gloves felt weird. Slowed me down too much. Ankle bands? Different story. Added a bit of oomph to my kicks without being annoying. Felt it in my legs the next day, so guess they worked?
Stage 3: The Verdict – What Stuck?
After a few weeks of testing, here’s the keeper list:
- Magnetic LED Lights: Pure atmosphere. Necessary upgrade.
- Quality Floating Speaker: Non-negotiable for pool vibes.
- Crossnet Targets: Actual fun, surprisingly good exercise chasing the ball.
- Ankle Bands: Cheap and add a little burn if you want it.
What bombed? Thought about a pool basketball hoop. Looked flimsy and reviews said they break fast. Skipped it. The resistance gloves? Nah, felt like swimming with flippers on your hands. Pass.
Bottom line: Didn’t need crazy expensive gadgets. Just stuff that solved real pool annoyances – boring laps, dark nights, weak tunes, no games. Made a huge difference this summer. Pool feels like a legit fun spot, not just a giant bathtub.