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Splash Out: 11 Cool Pool Party Must-Haves

From the practical to the aesthetic, our edit of the most covetable summer gadgets and accessories will turn your next pool party into a veritable event

By Jessica Keller

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All you really need for a pool party is a body of water and great company, but if you’re looking to level up, these gadgets, toys and accessories will get the job done.

The Tunes

One thing’s for sure: it’s not a party without music. And these days, you don’t need a mega-sophisticated sound system to deliver quality audio. What you do need by the poolside, however, is a device that won’t lose steam if it gets a little wet – or even a lot. The Wonderboom 4 by Ultimate Ears promises 14 hours of booming bass and rich, clear sound on one charge, with the added bonus of being waterproof, dust-proof and even drop-proof from up to 1.5 metres. It also floats, so if it falls in the pool, no biggie. Pair up two Wonderboom speakers for twice the audio impact.

The Cooler

Whether you’re slinging cocktails or mocktails, or maybe just cracking open a few cans of something fresh and fizzy, party people need libations. Instead of serving your refreshments out of a scuffed-up plastic box, consider a more elegant option, such as this vintage-chic cooler cart. Available in a retro pea green, creamy white or classic black, it has a durable steel body with a scratch-proof powder coating that can weather a variety of outdoor occasions, while the insulated inner chamber keeps drinks chilled for hours. Integrated handles, wheels and brakes make it conveniently mobile and suitably stable.

The Floating Bar

If getting out of the pool to grab a drink is too much to ask, then just bring the bar to the water. The inflatable cabana bar by fanciful float makers Funboy is both practical and delightful, featuring two ice wells for beverages, plus four cup holders for storing drinks between sips. The fabric shade serves to protect your tipples and add a touch of cheerful nostalgia. Choose between lemonade yellow, cotton-candy pink, powder blue, midnight navy or a voguish emerald green.

The Cups

Back away from the disposable cups: we’re going for class here, and there’s something about sipping out of a stylish receptacle that instantly elevates any soiree. Since glassware is a no-no for obvious reasons, and we’re also looking to keep our drinks safe from the heat, an insulated stainless-steel tumbler is the perfect solution. Mix in a dash of playfulness by reaching for these cute BrüMate MargTini tumblers, whose non-slip base, splash-proof lid, 12-hour temperature maintenance and cocktail-ready design create the ideal conditions for poolside potables. The fact that they come in eight festive hues is just the maraschino cherry on top.

The Fashionable Float

Upgrade your pool toy collection with a float that doubles as an Instagrammable moment. Swimline’s oversized sushi roll ‘island’ is big enough to fit three to five people comfortably and comes with two pool ‘doodles’ shaped like giant chopsticks. Add a watermelon slice and a bottle of rosé, and you’ve got a full inflatable meal, not to mention endless possible photo ops. What’s more, the heavy-duty, UV-resistant vinyl construction promises to keep the good times rolling for many years – and pool parties – to come.

The Lounger

On the other hand, if you prefer your floats with more understated sophistication, that can be arranged. The Lux Sealander Lounger by outdoor outfitters and bean bag innovators Big Joe uses their proprietary bean bag technology to remove the need for inflation; that is correct, it’s an air-free float. The Luxe Sealander is designed with a soft, breathable, fade-resistant mesh outer and looks just as snazzy on the patio as it does in the pool. The matching ottoman can be clipped to the lounger so it doesn’t float away.

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The Shade

There is such a thing as too much fun in the sun. Provide for both protection and ambience with a patio accessory that looks like an umbrella, but is in fact a time machine, transporting you and your guests to a European seaside resort circa 1970. Made with a high-grade, antique-textured aluminium pole, fibreglass ribs and a solution-dyed acrylic canopy, it’s engineered for durability as well as easy installation and cleaning. The only thing missing is this adorable matching pool ring.

The Pool Noodle

The exact moment when floating noodles became essential to water-based fun has been lost to history, but it’s clear that these versatile pool toys are here to stay. And while those ubiquitous foam versions are highly inexpensive, their flimsy construction and low-grade materials allow them to chip and break easily, leaving crumbly pieces everywhere and forcing you to replace them often. This more robust design is a great alternative; crafted from double-sided mesh fabric filled with buoyant beads, it will last more than a few summers and look cute while doing it.

The Games

If your party-hardy bunch has a competitive streak, you’re going to need some games. Setting up an in-pool volleyball or basketball net is a good way to break the ice with camaraderie (and rivalry), but for an unexpected twist, consider a floating tennis table game. This one by Poolmaster can also be set up on dry land. Alternatively, go medieval with an inflatable log jousting set, and see who has the right combination of balance and strength to rise victorious from a tournament.

The Balloons

For guests of all ages, water balloons can provide hours of fun – and create tons of waste and clean-up. But don’t cancel the water fight just yet: innovative toymakers Soppycid came up with a solution in 2022 with the launch of their patented self-sealing reusable water balloons. A clever magnetic closing mechanism seals the balloon, which then bursts open upon impact. No worries, the soft silicone shell is designed for pain-free play. As a plus, they can be refilled right in the pool, no garden hose necessary.

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The Illumination

When the sun sets, the party doesn’t have to stop. In fact, it may even transform into something magical. A few fairy lights strung about the patio can do wonders, but to take the ambience to the next level, floating illumination is key. These whimsical Boat Lights from Barcelona-based Goodnight Light were designed by Marke and Eva Newton to resemble paper boats, creating a dreamlike effect as they glide across the water. Equipped with up to eight hours of autonomy on one charge, the LED lanterns emit a soft, ambient glow that, if you catch its reflection on the water, appears like a twinkling star. Simply enchanting.