Inside My Summer Pool Bag: The Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

When school’s out, the pool bag becomes my second purse. If you’re anything like me, you’re juggling sunscreen, snacks, and swim diapers like it’s an Olympic sport. After a few too many chaotic pool days (you know the ones—someone forgets goggles, someone else melts down over a warm juice box), I finally curated my ultimate summer pool bag setup.

And girl, let me tell you—it’s a vibe. A functional, cute, Target-mom-influencer-who-has-her-life-together vibe.

So here’s exactly what I pack to survive (and maybe even enjoy) a full pool day with kids in tow—and a few must-haves that make me feel like that mom.

The Bag: Bogg Bag for the Win

Let’s start with the bag because she’s the main character. The Bogg Bag is big, sturdy, and actually cute. It’s wipeable, holds its shape, and doesn’t scream “mom life” even though it 100% is. I can fit everything inside and still have room for someone’s soggy snack wrapper. This thing’s a poolside MVP.

What I love most? It stands up on its own, even when it’s half-empty, and the perforated sides mean wet stuff airs out instead of festering (you know the smell). I even clip a mini fan and mesh bag to the handle so I’m fully mom-bossing it.

1. Oversize Beach Towels

I don’t mess around with tiny towels. I pack oversized beach towels for everyone—perfect for wrapping up cold kids, laying out snacks, or sitting on the grass when chairs are all claimed.

Pro tip: Assign a color to each kid so there’s no “she stole my towel!” drama. I also keep a microfiber backup towel stashed in the bottom of the bag for emergencies (because there will be emergencies).

2. Sunscreen I Actually Love

We’ve tried them all, and this is the one that doesn’t make my kids scream: SuperGoop PLAY! It’s clean, non-greasy, and goes on like a dream—even on wiggly toddlers who act like you’re spraying acid.

Bonus: I keep a face stick version in a side pocket for easy reapplication. And yes, I’ve absolutely applied it while chasing a child mid-tantrum.

3. Kindle (Because Mom Deserves a Moment)

Yes, I read at the pool. Not always uninterrupted, but I like to pretend. My Kindle is always in my bag—perfect for diving into my latest Colleen Hoover or a spicy fantasy series while the kids splash. It’s light, waterproof, and gives me five minutes of peace.

If you’re a mood reader like me, pre-load a few summer reads so you can flip between heartbreak and high fantasy depending on the chaos level around you.

4. The Ultimate Wagon

Is it dramatic to say my wagon changed my life? Because it did. I can load it with towels, floaties, my bag, the baby, and still pull it with one hand. Game changer.

If you go anywhere that requires walking from a parking lot to the pool, this is your holy grail. Mine has cup holders and side pockets—truly a suburban chariot.

5. Cold Drinks & Snack Goals

Hydration is key—but cute hydration is elite. I always toss in a few Olipop sodas for me—gut-friendly, fizzy, and just enough sweetness to feel like a treat without the sugar crash. Bonus: they look super aesthetic next to my beach towel.

For the kids, it’s all about juice boxes and water bottles that won’t leak everywhere. And yes, I pack an emergency iced coffee because mom life requires caffeine. Always.

Snacks are the love language of summer. I pack a mini lunch using Caraway food storage containers—they’re leakproof, non-toxic, and way cuter than Ziplocs. My go-to hero move is packing honey mustard chicken salad with crackers. It’s protein-packed, super filling, and feels way fancier than another sad sandwich. Toss it in a Caraway container, and suddenly I’m that mom casually eating her chicken salad poolside like it’s a spa day.

6. Goggles, Floaties & Life Vests

Each kid gets their own set of goggles (with backups, always). I bring floaties for the littles and a proper kids’ life vest if we’re hitting a lake or deep-end pool.

Make sure everything’s labeled—because goggles disappear faster than socks in the laundry. I’ve also learned to keep an extra set in the glovebox, just in case.

7. Bonus Mom Stuff

Wet bag for soggy swimsuits
Wipes (obviously)
Hair ties & detangling spray
Cheap sunglasses I won’t cry over losing
Portable phone charger (because you will want to post a cute pic)
Pool toys that don’t cost $40 and break on day one

The Real Secret? Pack Like a Pro, Then Let It Go

Look, no pool day goes exactly as planned. But with the right gear, you feel way more in control—even when someone spills an entire bag of Goldfish into your lap.

So if you’re wondering what to pack in your pool bag, here’s your answer: the essentials that keep your crew happy, hydrated, sun-safe, and (mostly) meltdown-free. And maybe even give you a second to feel like a hot mom in a cute cover-up.

Whether you’re heading to the neighborhood pool, the splash pad, or grandma’s backyard, these summer pool essentials have saved my sanity more times than I can count. Because you deserve a pool day that doesn’t leave you feeling like you survived a natural disaster.

Affiliate Tip: Everything I mentioned is linked below. These are genuinely my faves—stuff I use every single pool day. If you snag something from my list, tag me in your pool day pics so I can see your setup!