Summer is here! If you love the scorching heat and blazing sun, that’s good news for you. For some of us though, walking outside after 8:00 in the morning makes us feel like we’re melting right into the asphalt. If that’s the case, you probably spend most of your time in the pool–a crisp, cool oasis in the middle of the sweltering heat of summer. The pool is a great place to hang out with friends or just relax after a long week. After scouring the internet and reading tons of reviews, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest pool accessories for every occasion.

Choose classic games for traditional summer fun

Summer is the time to gather a bunch of friends in the backyard, grill your favorite foods, and play games. These party games and sports are even more fun when you add the element of water–check out the pool variations of these classics:

Cornhole

No barbecue is complete without a game of cornhole. If you’ve mastered cornhole in your backyard, it might be time to add a new twist. Make it a bit more challenging with the gentle rocking motion of the waves in your pool. This corn toss set has two cup holders and includes six waterproof bean bags. Added bonus? Foam and plastic pellet filling means they won’t sink when they hit the water.

Basketball

Add some air to your slam dunk with an inflatable basketball hoop for the pool. The Hoop Shark set is extra durable so it stands up to even the toughest slam dunks. So grab the included basketball, get a running start, and see how high you can get before slamming into the water.

Volleyball

An intense game of volleyball is the perfect way to spend a long day in the sun. Intex makes a fantastic inflatable volleyball set that works well in any pool. It’s easy to take anywhere, weighing only three pounds and inflating quickly. It’s large enough to get a big group of people in on the fun, and it comes with a repair kit, just in case.

Engage in crazy challenges with your most competitive friends

We all have those super competitive friends–you know, the ones who turn everything into a contest.  They are the friends who will casually ask you if you want to run a 5K next month (it’ll be fun, they say), and for the next 30 days you’re up at the crack of dawn, living on protein shakes and raw eggs, with “Eye of the Tiger” stuck in your head for the rest of time. Those friends will completely appreciate these pool toys that are sure to inspire a bit of healthy competition….

Inflat-A-Bull

Think your mechanical bull skills rival those of Travolta in Urban Cowboy? Even if you’re as good as you think, bringing that bull into the water might make things a little more challenging… Round up your friends and see who can stay on this inflatable bull while the rest of you create a bunch of choppy waves.

Chicken Fight

Chicken fights are probably one of the most fun water games ever. It’s a real bummer when you don’t have enough people, though. These giant chicken floats allow you to have all the fun of the fight with only two people. Push, pull, wrestle, and flip your friends off their chicken and into the water!

SpikeBuoy

Spikeball (or roundnet, if you prefer) is all the rage now at barbecues, beaches, and backyards across the country. With Spikebuoy, you can challenge your buddies to a game of Spikeball in the pool. An anchor bag and leg straps attach to your net in the water, adding an awesome new element to a fantastic game.

When that’s all done, it’s finally time to relax…

It’s great to have wild, crazy fun with the friends, but sometimes you just need to step back and take some time out. These accessories will help you relax and recharge after a long work week:

Floating Pool Speaker

Music makes everything better, especially a leisurely float around the pool. This Bluetooth speaker floats along with you, playing your favorite tunes and adding a pretty glow to the water with brightly colored LED lights. The built-in microphone allows you to make hands-free phone calls while you’re relaxing the day away.

Floating Cooler

The pool is the perfect place to spend a starry summer night. After a long day at work, kicking back and relaxing in the pool is just the way to unwind. Of course, you absolutely must have your favorite drinks handy to help you loosen up. This Intex Mega Chill floating cooler is perfect for storing up to 30 cans in the main cooler and up to 15 more drinks in the cup holders and storage area.

Pool Hammock

You want to relax in your pool, but it’s a real scorcher and you can’t even hang out on your float without breaking a sweat. Trade the float in for a pool hammock. The design of the hammock keeps you partially submerged in the cool water while still allowing you to drift lazily along. The headrest and footrest provide extra comfort.

Canopy

For the ultimate in summer relaxation, you need to splurge and treat yourself to a pool canopy. The spacious design, soft material, and cushy pillows are incredibly inviting. Grab a tasty snack and lay back with a good book or kick off a Netflix binge.

Whether you’re splashing around with friends or relaxing while indulging in the latest Netflix craze, the pool is the place to do it. Please feel free to contact us to learn more about the wonderful amenities here at Station A.