As a mom of two energetic girls and two playful pups—one of them still figuring out how to doggy paddle—pool days are a must for keeping everyone cool, happy, and tired by sunset. But not all pool gear is created equal! After plenty of splash-filled afternoons and a few soggy lessons learned, these are my top pool must-haves for summer 2025.
Whether you’re backyard lounging, inflatable-pool partying, or heading to Grandma’s, here are the best summer pool items for moms, kids, and dogs—all tested by my crew and available on Amazon.
🌊 1. Adult Pool Float with Cup Holders
Recommended: SLOOSH Inflatable Pool Float with Cup Holders
This one is for all the moms out there who just want to float and enjoy the pool. It’s a comfy seat that you can lounge and watch the kids and dogs from. The cupholders make it easy to have your favorite beverage with you.
✅ Great for: Moms watching the kids, but wanting to stay cool in the water.
🐶 2. Dog Life Vest
Recommended: Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket
Our puppy is a bit hesitant in the water and not a fan of swimming yet. This dog life jacket helps your pup get comfortable in the water while learning where the steps are and how to properly doggie paddle.
✅ Bonus: The bright color options for this life jacket are highly visible for lake or ocean use too!
🏖️ 3. Personalized Beach Towels
Recommended: Personalized Beach Towels
These towels are lightweight, super absorbent, and soft. They are also large to dry off quickly or lay down and relax in the sun. You also can’t loose your towel when it has your name all over it! My girls loved bringing their personalized towels to school for water day.
☀️ 4. Kids Goggles
Recommended: Dizokizo 2 Pack Kids Goggles
My girls don’t like opening their eyes under water (neither do I), so goggles are necessary for us. We like to keep several pairs around so we have them readily available for swim class, in the pool bag for trips outside the house and our backyard pool. The girls love these goggles because they don’t fog up and they have a tint of color to them, making the world seem fun! Another plus is that that these have UV protection for eyes too and soft silicone so they are gentle on the face.
✅ Pro tip: The 2 pairs of goggles come in a plastic case that is perfect for the pool bag!
🧴 5. Mineral-Based Waterproof Sunscreen
Recommended: Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Kid-safe and dog-safe if licked accidentally (yes, that happens). This stuff actually stays on through cannonballs and puppy splashes. It’s safer for kids without all the extra chemicals. For mineral sunscreens, I prefer lotion because with a spray, you still end up having to rub it in. So if you use mineral based, pick lotion!
💦 6. Slip ‘n’ Slide
Recommended: Banzai Triple Racer Slip’n’slide
When the girls are tired of the pool but not ready to come in, this slip ‘n’ slide adds more fun in the sun. With 3 lanes and 3 body boards, there’s plenty of room for both to slide at the same time (or a third friend or pup to join in). Although, it’s probably best to keep the pups away so they don’t poke a hole in it. They love drinking the water from the sprinkler parts.
🍧 7. Chilled Snack Container
Recommended: Iced Chilled 5 Compartment Box
Keep fruit and veggies chilled in the summer heat with this 5 compartment box. You can fill it with ice on the bottom and top with your choice of fruits and veggies (or other snacks). Each compartment holds 2 cups worth and it also has a lid to keep those pesky flies away. This can also be used as a condiment bar for parties!
✅ Pro tip: You an add some pup-safe dog treats and store snacks for the dogs so everyone can have a treat by the pool!
🛍️ Bonus: My Poolside Survival Kit
- Refillable water bottles
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Baby wipes (always)
- Extra swim diapers
- Dog bowl with a clip-on water bottle
- Mesh toy bin for quick cleanup
🌞 Final Splash: Make Pool Days Easy + Fun
With two girls and two dogs running around, I’ve learned that simple, durable gear makes all the difference. These Amazon finds help us make the most of summer while staying safe, cool, and ready for more fun tomorrow.
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Planning your summer setup? Bookmark or pin this post so you’re not caught off guard when the sun comes out and the kids are halfway to the hose!
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