“A pool without accessories is like a phone without apps—functional, sure, but painfully boring.”
You’ve invested thousands into your pool. Maybe even landscaped around it. But if all you’ve got is water and a ladder, you’re only using half its potential. That’s like buying a luxury car and never turning on the stereo.
From high-tech cleaning gear to floaties that double as lounge chairs, pool accessories do more than just look nice—they work hard, too. They protect your investment, make maintenance easier, and turn your backyard into a space that actually gets used (instead of just admired from the patio).
Let’s face it: nobody enjoys skimming leaves by hand. Or jumping into freezing cold water because you skipped the solar cover. Or fishing out toys with a broom handle because you didn’t think a proper pool net was worth it.
Whether you’re upgrading, outfitting a new pool, or tired of duct-taping your floaties every summer, this guide will give you everything you need to make your pool more fun, safe, and stupidly efficient. We’re diving deep, but not in a boring, “here’s a generic list of products” kind of way.
Real accessories. Real benefits. Real talk.
Why Pool Accessories Matter
You wouldn’t build a kitchen without appliances. So why treat your pool like a glorified puddle?
Pool accessories aren’t just extras—they’re essentials. They help you clean more efficiently, keep swimmers safe, and frankly, make your pool less of a chore and more of a treat. Whether you’re chasing crystal-clear water or just want your kids to stop asking when the giant unicorn float is arriving, accessories are the difference between “meh” and “wow.”
Besides, you didn’t build a pool to babysit algae. You built it to enjoy.
4 Essential Pool Accessories for Maintenance
Pool maintenance is like brushing your teeth. Skip it too often, and things get ugly fast.
Pool Skimmers & Nets
If you’re still using a warped plastic net from 2009, stop. Upgrade to a heavy-duty, fine-mesh skimmer. It catches everything: bugs, leaves, and that mystery gunk you pretend not to notice. Bonus points if the pole telescopes—less back pain, more reach.
Pool Vacuum Cleaners
Manual vacuums work… if you enjoy wasting your Saturday. Otherwise, robotic cleaners like the Aiper Seagull series will scrub your pool bottom while you do literally anything else. Some models even map your pool and auto-schedule cleanings. Sci-fi? No. Just smart.
Water Test Kits
Guessing your pH is like guessing your blood pressure—dangerous and pointless. Invest in a digital water tester or a reliable liquid test kit. No, strips aren’t enough if you actually want balanced, skin-friendly water.
Chlorinators & Dispensers
Floating chlorine dispensers are the bare minimum. But if you’re serious about consistent sanitation, look into automatic chlorinators or saltwater generators. Set it, forget it, swim in it. Done.
3 Must-Have Pool Accessories for Safety
Safety doesn’t have to be boring. But it does need to be there.
Pool Covers
Covers do three things: keep heat in, keep debris out, and stop small humans or pets from falling in. Solar covers are great for heat retention, while solid safety covers are a must if you ever leave the pool unsupervised.
Safety Alarms
Think you’ll “just hear” someone fall in? That’s wishful thinking. Pool entry alarms or wearable child alarms aren’t paranoia—they’re prevention. Even if you think you don’t need one, if there are kids around, you probably do.
Pool Ladders and Steps
They’re not all the same. Look for anti-slip steps, rust-resistant frames, and wide treads. Seniors, kids, and anyone with mobility issues will thank you. So will your knees.
Fun & Entertainment Accessories
You’ve earned the fun stuff. Let’s make your pool the one people talk about at barbecues.
Pool Floats & Loungers
Skip the $5 grocery store inflatables that deflate by sunset. Look for thick vinyl or triple-sealed seams. Hammock floats, loungers with cup holders, and even floating poker tables exist—and yes, they’re worth it.
Pool Games & Inflatables
Basketball hoops. Volleyball nets. Giant inflatable obstacle courses. If your pool is deep enough, install a diving board or a rock waterfall slide. Pro tip: anything that makes people laugh also keeps them in the water longer.
LED Pool Lights & Speakers
Floating Bluetooth speakers are surprisingly loud. LED lights that change color? Mood-setters. Together, they turn a night swim into a backyard party. And you don’t need a degree in wiring—most are rechargeable or solar-powered.
3 Accessories for Pool Aesthetics & Comfort
This is where your pool goes from functional to fabulous.
Pool Furniture & Shade Umbrellas
Cheap plastic chairs? Hard pass. Choose UV-resistant loungers, water-repellent cushions, and tilting umbrellas with strong bases. Bonus: install a misting fan nearby. Instant resort.
Towel Warmers & Storage
Sounds excessive until you try it. Dry towels that don’t smell like mildew? Yes please. Add a weatherproof storage bin with a lid that doubles as a bench. Boom—form and function.
Outdoor Showers & Mats
Before they jump in, make them rinse off. It keeps your water cleaner and reduces chemical demand. Pair with anti-slip mats so no one eats concrete while sprinting barefoot from the pool to the fridge.
Best Brands for Swimming Pool Accessories
Brand matters—especially when your gear is floating in chlorinated water for six hours a day.
- Gre Pool: Europe’s go-to for durable, stylish pool gear. Their solar showers are particularly solid.
- Aiper: If you want robotic cleaners that don’t eat your wallet, Aiper is the name to know.
- Plast-Pol: They don’t make flashy toys—but they do make serious, long-lasting hardware.
- Quimipool: Great for specialty accessories and competition-grade equipment.
When in doubt, check warranties. A good pool accessory should last more than one season. If it can’t survive a summer, it’s not worth the storage space.
Where to Buy Pool Accessories Online
Skip the chaos of big-box stores in July. Buy online. Earlier in the season. With a strategy.
Amazon: Fast shipping, lots of options, but quality varies—read the reviews carefully.
Pools.shop: European site with premium brands. Less clutter, more curated.
PoolSupplies.com: A U.S.-based supplier with strong customer service and a ton of variety.
Grepool.com: Manufacturer-direct access to some of the most popular accessories in Europe.
Compare prices, yes—but also compare return policies. Some inflatables arrive with pinholes. Some “universal” vacuum hoses… aren’t.
Seasonal Tips for Using Pool Accessories
Buying the right gear is only half the battle. Timing matters, too.
- Spring: Stock up on maintenance tools early—vacuum parts, test kits, filters. Prices spike mid-season.
- Summer: This is floatie season. Replace what got sunburned, punctured, or left in the garage with a raccoon inside.
- Fall: Time to winterize. Safety covers, water bags, and off-season chemical kits matter more than new flamingo floats.
- Winter: Off-season deals. The best time to buy premium gear is when no one else is thinking about pools.
A little planning saves you from mid-season panic shopping.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a fortune to turn your pool into something that feels like a five-star resort. You just need the rightgear.
Start with what matters most: maintenance and safety. A good pool vacuum, a reliable test kit, a quality cover—these aren’t flashy, but they’ll save you money, time, and weekend headaches. Add the fun stuff after: loungers, lights, speakers, inflatables shaped like swans or slices of pizza. Why not?
Some accessories help your pool last longer. Others just make people actually want to use it. The smart move? Balance both.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying random gear mid-season because someone forgot to bring goggles. Plan now. Buy smart. And actually enjoy the pool you paid for.
Your pool deserves better than being just a pretty hole filled with water. And let’s be honest—so do you.
FAQ
What pool accessories do I need?
Essential pool accessories include a pool cover, skimmer, vacuum, pool brush, test kit, and safety equipment like life rings. Extras like pool floats, LED lights, and heaters can enhance fun and comfort. These accessories help maintain cleanliness, safety, and enjoyment throughout the swimming season.
How can I make my pool more interesting?
Make your pool more interesting with LED lighting, water features like fountains or waterfalls, floating loungers, pool games, and a Bluetooth speaker system. Adding landscaping, a poolside bar, or themed decorations can also transform your pool into a fun and inviting backyard retreat.
What should every pool owner have?
Every pool owner should have a skimmer, vacuum, pool cover, test kit, chlorine or sanitizers, and a first-aid kit. These essentials ensure proper maintenance, safety, and water balance. Optional items like heaters, lighting, and floats can add comfort and enhance the swimming experience.
What are the 3 C’s of a pool?
The 3 C’s of a pool are circulation, cleaning, and chemistry. Circulation keeps water moving and filtered, cleaning removes debris and algae, and chemistry maintains safe, balanced water. Together, these elements are essential for keeping your pool clean, clear, and healthy all season long.
