There’s no such thing as a boring pool party, but you can really make a splash at your next dip with good buddies if you pick up some clever and colourful accessories for the occasion.
1. THE EMPIRE TAKES A DIP
In the movies, it’s an armoured space station built to destroy planets, but in your pool, the Star Wars Death Star Light-Up Beach Ball is just the best way to get your favorite Lukes and Leias geeked out to play in the pool. The impact-activated LED lights within will give revellers incentive to stay past sunset. Available for US$6.99 at swimways.com.
2. FAB FLOATING
There’s no way to feel like an ugly duckling when you’re sitting pretty atop an amazing float like this Funboy Alex Yanes Swan Float (US$128). It’s art, it’s a conversation piece, and perhaps most important, it’s a floating nap station. Also available in white, gold, silver, black or in patterened artist editions for US$99 at funboy.com.
3. ORANGE YOU GLAD
Graduate your festivities from red plastic cups without risking shattered glass on your pool deck with these dishwasher-safe, stackable glasses made of a cheery tinted lacquer. US$1.49 each; ikea.com for store locations.
4. TUNE IN
Can’t hear your favourite jam over all that splashing when it’s broadcasting far off on dry land? Keep your pool party rocking with the Ivation Floating Bluetooth Speaker, built to stay 33 per cent above water and stream signals up to 10 metres away. Available (on sale) in white with orange, or black with gray for US$49.99 at skymall.com.
5. SIP ‘N’ SWIM
You can venture away from the edge of the pool and keep your thirst quenched thanks to the GoFloat Inflatable Palm Island Drink Holder. A pack of three is available for US$7.83 on amazon.com.
6. POOLSIDE PAPARAZZI
Just because you’re wading waist-deep in fun doesn’t mean that your social media fan base should suffer hours without a visual update. Banish the thought of leaving the world without photographic evidence of your latest plunge with the Sony TX30 waterproof —up to 10 metres — camera. Available for US$229; sony.com for more information.
— Chicago Tribune
