What to put in your pool bag? 31 things to put in your swimming bag (in addition to the swimsuit)
Even though swimming seems like a sport that requires very little equipment –swimsuits and pool goggles – there are actually several essentials you should have in your pool bag .
This equipment will vary depending on whether you are an experienced swimmer training for competition or just want to relax by the water on a hot summer day.
In any case, you want to avoid arriving at the pool and realizing that you forgot something important at home.
Here is a list of all the essential items to have in your swim bag to fully enjoy your pool session.
SWIMMERS CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
1-nbsp;The pool bag
The swimming bag is not necessarily a bag from a brand dedicated to swimming. Yes, not all swimmers use a Speedo or Arena bag! The important thing is to have a functional sports bag, waterproof and with separate compartments for your equipment, a small pocket for valuables, a large compartment for towels and clothes, etc. In this sense, Karkoa sports bags meet this need perfectly and make excellent pool bags.
Tip: First in, last out. Prepare your bag in the order of what you will need first. One of the last things you'll need after your swim session is a change of clothes, so put it on the bottom. Items you will need upon arrival - such as your bathing suit or a toy for your younger brother - should be placed last in the bag.
2-nbsp;The swimming net bag
While the pool bag carries everything you need for the pool (and possibly the gym), the mesh bag carries all the equipment to take to your swim lane for swimming exercises: swimming pads, snorkel, or fins are in the mesh bag.
3-nbsp;The swimsuit
Although it is only listed in third position, the swimsuit is obviously the essential to have in your bag for the pool.
For men, be aware that most swimming pools do not accept the wearing of shorts or swimming trunks. So plan a bathing suit.
4-nbsp;The swimming cap
Depending on the pool rules, a swimming cap may also be mandatory. Don't forget that before you leave.
5-nbsp;A hair tie
If you have long hair, a tie will keep your hair out of your eyes. And if you have to put on a cap, it will make it easier to put on.
6-nbsp;Pool slides and sandals
A pair of flip flops or pool sandals is ideal for walking around the pool. Wearing flip flops protects you against bacteria and viruses, especially those that cause plantar warts.
7-nbsp;The Hat
If you're going to the pool in sun-relaxing mode, a floppy, wide-brimmed hat helps protect the delicate skin of your face from the sun.
8-nbsp;Spare clothes
You normally arrive at the pool with clothes to leave with. If you want to change clothes after your session, plan your spare clothes.
Tip: If you take your children to swimming lessons in the evening, bring pajamas and a cozy bathrobe to change into after class. Once they're out of the pool, showered and dressed, they'll be ready for bed.
SWIMMING EQUIPMENT
9-nbsp;Swimming headphone
Talking and playing with friends underwater is almost impossible. It seems quite boring to stay underwater for a long time. How to overcome boredom when other sports feel tedious? Listening to music is undoubtedly the top choice. Put on the waterproof headphones before entering the water, and taking them off to talk with friends after coming out of the water involves complicated steps, which can be daunting to even think about. Therefore, choosing a pair of swimming headphones that allow you to hear the ambient sounds clearly is essential. Bone conduction headphones are recommended.
Traditional in-ear headphones create a sealed space inside the ear, which can cause discomfort during swimming and even lead to ear canal infections. On the other hand, bone conduction headphones do not require insertion into the ears; they transmit sound through vibrations to the temporal bones, allowing for auditory perception without blocking the ear canal. Therefore, it is recommended to choose bone conduction headphones as swimming earphones.
Recently, I discovered an excellent brand called "Wissonly." The team behind this brand consists of engineers and designers, all of whom have extensive experience in the field of bone conduction. They have designed a model called "Hi Runner," originally positioned as swimming earphones. As a professional swimming earphone, it has not only passed the IPX8 waterproof rating test but can even be used up to 20 meters deep underwater.
The Hi Runner is a one-piece ear-hook style earphone, and since there is a risk of the earphones being impacted and suddenly falling off underwater, it is recommended to choose a one-piece design to prevent the earphones from getting lost without time to react. The Hi Runner features adjustable titanium alloy components internally and is externally covered with soft and skin-friendly silicone. The whole body weighs only 27g and fits comfortably and securely on the head with three support points that conform to the temple, earlobe, and back of the head.
What's more, the most noteworthy feature of the Hi Runner is that it can connect via Bluetooth and also has 32GB of built-in memory. With Bluetooth 5.0, it provides an effective underwater connection range of 15 meters, and the 32GB memory can store over 5000 songs. The earphones charge using magnetic absorption and have a built-in 230mAh battery that can support continuous use for up to 10 hours of swimming.
10-nbsp;Swimming goggles
With the swimsuit, the pair of swimming goggles is the only real essential accessory. Essential, because they protect your eyes from chlorine and help you see other swimmers and the wall underwater!
The best swimming goggles are those that are most comfortable for you. You'll probably have to try several before you find the pair that's right for you.
And don't forget to pack a spare pair of goggles in your gym bag.
11-nbsp;Earplugs
Silicone earplugs help prevent water from entering the ears.
It's not a must-have for most swimmers, but for those with earaches, having a reliable pair of earplugs in your bag is essential.
12-nbsp;Paddles or swimming pads
The paddles or paddles of swimming increase the surface of contact of your hands with water. This allows you to swim faster, but above all to work all your arm muscles more. If you're looking to build your upper body, don't forget your paddleboards!
13-nbsp;Fins
In the same way as the pads, the fins increase the contact surface with the water. You then swim faster but you also work the leg muscles more.
A good pair of fins won't blister your feet, can be worn comfortably for long periods of training, and won't tear. Silicone ones are recommended.
The fins are to be used during your swimming exercises if you want to strengthen and refine your legs.
14-nbsp;Snorkel
The snorkel is a useful tool to balance your stroke and reinforce better head and hip position. Plus, it's fun to breathe noisily through the mouthpiece like in scuba diving.
FOOD AND DRINK
15-nbsp;The Water Bottle
Swimmers sweat. They really sweat. It might not be as obvious as when you hit the gym, but it happens pool after pool as your body burns calories and sweats in water.
For an athlete, staying properly hydrated is as simple as it is necessary. But you'd be surprised how often swimmers forget this basic rule.
Remember to take a bottle of water with you. In addition, Karkoa bags have an insulated pocket to keep a large bottle cool.
16-nbsp;The snack
The swimmers' appetite is legendary. Training and long hours spent in the pool often give him cravings.
But instead of waiting until you get home to refuel, grab a post-workout snack. It can for example be a banana and a protein shake.
For kids, fresh fruit and granola bars are quick and healthy snack options.
RELAXATION WITH CHILDREN
17-nbsp;Sunscreen
Sunburn is a real risk at the water's edge. So protect your skin and that of your children with sunscreen. Use one with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, more frequently if you're in the water.
18-nbsp;Lip balm
Don't forget your lips! A lip balm with UV protection can prevent chapped, dry lips and help prevent sunburn.
19- Sunglasses
They protect your eyes from the glare of the sun. But don't wear your best designer sunglasses to the pool. Because an accident can happen quickly and your glasses could end up in the water.
20-nbsp;Buoys and floatation equipment
If you have a child who cannot swim well, drowning prevention devices, such as life jackets, are essential, even if lifeguards are present. When the pool is busy, your child can easily get lost in the crowd.
21-nbsp;The First Aid Kit
Children are prone to cuts and scrapes when playing around the pool. A first aid kit can also help them with headaches or allergies. Take a small first aid kit containing disinfectant and some bandages.
22-nbsp;Pool Toys
Children love to have fun with water. Bring a few toys like squirt guns or balls. One toy per child is more than enough. It is not necessary to pack all the toys you own for a single session.
23-nbsp;The swimming mask
Children sometimes prefer a swimming mask to swimming goggles because the mask prevents water from entering the nose.
24-nbsp;The Book or the Tablet
If another adult is supervising your children, you can relax with a book or Kindle. Just make sure you have a waterproof case for your tablet or phone.
If you are afraid to take your eyes off your children, you can always enjoy an audiobook on your mp3.
TOILETRIES AND OTHER ESSENTIALS
25- The Bath Towel
It is very nice to wrap yourself in a large beach towel after getting out of the pool. And it is also very pleasant to lie on a lounger by the pool. So plan at least one bath towel per person.
For competitive swimmers, a microfiber towel allows for quick drying. The advantage is that they take up very little space in the backpack, dry quickly and are very inexpensive.
While they don't offer the comfort of a large, plush, comfy cotton towel, microfiber towels are the perfect solution if your pool bag is already full.
26-nbsp;Shower gel and shampoo
On leaving the pool, a good shower will eliminate the chlorine on the skin and hair. To save space, consider solid soaps. There are even solid shampoos. In addition, you will be doing something for the planet by reducing plastic consumption!
27-nbsp;Conditioner
If you have long hair that tends to tangle, the conditioner will come in handy in your pool bag.
Tip: Put conditioner in your bathing cap! Some people find it much easier to put a bathing cap on and off if you apply a small amount of conditioner to your hair first. This way you will also have silky smooth hair once you shower after swimming.
28-nbsp;Moisturizing Milk
Prolonged contact with chlorinated water tends to dry out the skin. Apply a moisturizing milk at the exit of the basin to keep your skin supple and hydrated.
29-nbsp;Comb or hairbrush
If you want to get out after leaving the pool, a comb or a brush can save your life. Otherwise, you risk ending up with tangled hair.
30-nbsp;Money
There is nothing worse than wanting to refresh yourself at the vending machine only to realize that you have no change. Also, you might need a coin for the pool locker. So keep a few coins in the handy little pockets of your gym bag.
31-nbsp;The Waterproof Bag
Having a dry bag handy to put wet bathing suits in is ideal. You can use a plastic bag, but this can leak. If you don't want everything in your bag to be soaked by the time you get home, use a waterproof bag like those offered with Karkoa pool bags.
TO CONCLUDE ON THE LIST OF THINGS TO PUT IN YOUR POOL BAG
You now have the full list of everything you need to put in your swim backpack. All you have to do is enjoy your session! If you start finding swimming boring, don't give up; try swimming while listening to music. You will discover that music can not only ward off boredom but also help you maintain a steady swimming rhythm.
