Here’s what to use instead.
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‘ title=’Things to Never Put in Your Pool, Acc to Expert Tout’>Leslie’s Pool Supplies
In the three years since I moved into this house, just about everything that could go wrong with our pool has. We’ve had to replace the liner, hire an exterminator to assess termite damage, deal with algae overgrowth, and even had to shell out $1,400 for a new pool cleaner. It’s been three years of new filters, new pumps, and hundreds (if not thousands) spent on chemicals, and now we’re talking about installing a pool heater—which certainly isn’t cheap. So yeah, a pool can be quite the money-guzzler. But to take all the guesswork out of daily and weekly pool care and avoid potentially costly mistakes, I went directly to the pros and spoke to Alicia Toedter, Education and Content Leader at Leslie’s, the nation’s leading pool retailer.
Toedter’s insights may surprise you; in fact, I was stunned to find out that not all sunscreen reacts well with pool chemicals or that plastic water balloons could cause pesky clogs or even ruin a filter. While she details eight common things you should never put in your pool (and why), Toedter also shares what products to use instead. Here are eight expert-approved essentials for the pool, starting at just $15, to keep your pool ready for summer and beyond.
Related: How to Clean a Pool, Plus Must-Know Maintenance Tips
Shop Expert-Approved Pool Picks on Amazon
- Ball Aluminum Cup Recyclable Party Cups, $27, Amazon
- Game 4312 New Underwater Show Bluetooth Wireless Pool Speaker, $61 (was $70), Amazon
- Project Reef SPF 50 Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick, $22, Amazon
- Stream Machine Light-Up Water Launcher, $15, Leslie’s
- Leslie’s 3-Inch Jumbo Chlorine Pool Tabs, $140, Leslie’s
- Costa Farms Majesty Palm Live Plant, $51 (was $65), Amazon
- Keter Premier Tall Shed, $390, Leslie’s
- Big Joe Captain’s Pool Float Caddy, $44 (was $47), Amazon
Don’t: Glassware
Use This Instead: Reusable, non-breakable cups
Amazon
$27
Yes, a glass of rose by the pool is quite a nice way to relax at the end of the day, but most of us know better. “Using glassware in or near a pool is a really, really bad idea,” Toedter says. “If the glass falls into the pool and shatters, the small, sharp pieces are nearly impossible to see underwater, making it a significant challenge to clean up.”
“Not only can the pieces cut swimmers’ feet, but they can also damage pool surfaces like vinyl liners and fine shards may remain suspended in the water, causing even bigger issues.” Bigger issues such as having to drain the entire pool—yikes! “If you have broken glass in your pool, the only option is to drain [it], vacuum or sweep up all of the glass debris, and refill it with clean, fresh water. It’s a costly, time-consuming process.”
Glass is simply not worth the risk! Luckily, there’s an easy way to avoid it: Use reusable, non-breakable cups made of plastic, aluminum, or insulated steel instead. These reusable aluminum cups from Ball have more than 10,800 five-star ratings and an overall rating of 4.8 stars, with plenty of reviewers noting how handy they are near the pool. “I bought these… because we have a pool and I did not want anyone bringing glass out by the pool,” one reviewer wrote. “I keep my cups in the freezer so they are ready to use [and they] keep drinks cold.”
Don’t Use: Plugged-in electrical items
What to use instead: Waterproof, battery-operated devices
Amazon
$66
Duh! You wouldn’t plug in a hair dryer near the pool, would you? Then you should be just as cautious with other electrical items that need an outlet, like a charging cell phone or a regular bluetooth speaker.
“It goes without saying that electricity and pool water don’t mix,” Toedter says. “Unless you’re using electronics that are specifically designed to be used in the pool or underwater—for example, a robotic pool cleaner—the general recommendation is to keep plugged-in items away from the pool to avoid an accident.” But, of course, enjoying the pool and enjoying a steady stream of music go hand-in-hand, and that’s why most people bring a portable speaker outside with them. That’s fine, Toedter explains, as long as it meets certain criteria.
“There are all kinds of waterproof, battery-powered, Bluetooth speakers available to keep you safe both in and around the pool,” Toedter says. “Some speakers even float, and others include festive light show features. This rechargeable, waterproof bluetooth speaker floats in the pool and produces a colorful underwater light show.”
Don’t Use: Aerosol sunscreens
What to use instead: Sunscreen lotions and creams
Amazon
$22
This one might just be the most shocking revelation (at least to me). Depending on the sunscreen you’re slathering on, you could be protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays, but at the expense of your pool. According to Toedter, “Overspray from aerosol sunscreens can leave an oily film on the surface of your pool, and can also make pool decks slippery. Not only does this impact water clarity and chemistry, but slippery surfaces can be potentially hazardous for pool users.”
For that reason alone, consider making the switch to waterproof sunscreen lotions and creams—preferably with zinc oxide as the main ingredient as it’s less likely to interact with pool chemicals and is better for your skin, too. Of course, there are other important reasons to swap out aerosols, too.
“Aerosol sunscreen can be hard to apply evenly, leaving swimmers vulnerable to patches of sunburn. In a swimming pool setting, direct application of waterproof sunscreen creams or lotions offer the best sun protection,” Toedter adds.
The Project Reef SPF 50 Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick, like all Project Reef sunscreens and after sun care products, is non-aerosol and also sustainably-made in Maui, Hawaii, so it’s compliant with the Hawaii Reef Act 104 as well. That means it’s safe enough for your pool water and the ocean; it’s reef-safe, made of non-nano zinc, vegan, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Whenever possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to jumping in the pool—not immediately before jumping in or while you’re already in the pool. Swimming while wearing excess sunscreen can make the water cloudy and even break down vinyl pool liners over time. Just make sure to reapply sunscreen when you get out; most sunscreens will detail how long it’s water-resistant for on the back instructions, so reapply accordingly.
Don’t Use: Water balloons
What to use instead: Water toys specifically designed for pools
Leslie’s
$15
Both may be water-related activities, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should be enjoyed together. “Throwing around water balloons is a fun way to cool off in the summer, but only when it’s outside of the pool. Broken rubber balloon pieces can be challenging to clean up, and can clog up your skimmer, pump, or filtration system,” Toedter explains.
There are safer ways to play water games in the pool, without posing a choking hazard or putting your pool’s filtration system at risk. “If you’re craving a little extra splash in the water, pool toys like the Stream Saber Water Launcher can give swimmers the refreshing drench they desire,” Toedter says. “It’s designed for serious water play, refills quickly, and can shoot a 3/8-inch stream of water up to 70 feet away.”
Don’t Use: Common household cleaning products
What to use instead: Chemicals formulated for pool use
Leslie’s
$140
You’d be surprised to learn how many people use household cleaning products in lieu of chemicals specially formulated for pool use. It’s common, yes, but it’s a big no-no.
“It’s always best to use products specifically made for pools to keep the water safely balanced and sanitized,” Toedter says, explaining that a common one people swap out is bleach. “Household bleach often contains fragrances, dyes, and other fillers that don’t do any favors for your pool water and can actually cause more harm than good.” Toedter also adds, “Household bleach is a much weaker product than what you can find at your local pool store, and you need to use more of it to keep your pool water sanitary.”
Use Leslie’s 3-Inch Jumbo Tabs instead. “Stabilized chlorine tablets are the most popular daily sanitizer and offer the highest available chlorine content,” Toedter explains. “Just refill your automatic chlorinator or floating chlorine feeder once a week with the right amount of tablets for your pool to maintain a Free Chlorine level of 1-4 parts per million (ppm).”
Don’t: Plant messy plants near the pool
What to use instead: Low-litter plants
Amazon
$65
$51
When you imagine a picturesque backyard of your dreams, there’s probably a ton of cross-over between beautiful, tropical plants and your swimming pool. But don’t get too lost in your luxury hotel-pool inspiration because planting certain plants near the pool isn’t realistic. Especially if they’re messy.
“When it comes to plants and pools, there’s a fine balance between building a beautiful oasis and minimizing ongoing pool cleanup,” Toedter says. “Plants that shed leaves, flowers, needles, fruit, nuts, or pollen can quickly become a nuisance at various times throughout the year. Every time they shed debris, you spend extra time cleaning the pool.” According to Toedter, “Excess plant debris can clog up your pool plumbing and filtration system, as well as use up chlorine and leave your pool more vulnerable to algae growth.”
Instead, achieve a similar aesthetic with faux options or specific low-litter plants like palm trees, evergreens, and succulents, or low-profile options like bushes, grasses, herbs, and ground cover. Toedter’s top recommendation is the Costa Farms Majesty Palm Live Plant—yes, you can buy live plants off of Amazon—and it’s marked down to boot. In fact, this palm, which can grow as tall as 4 feet, has more than 7,600 five-star ratings from plant parents who love how low-maintenance it is to take care of. Palms typically don’t shed (unless they’re dying), only need watering about once or twice a week, and can tolerate being outdoors all summer (and possibly the off-season, depending on your climate).
One five-star reviewer said, “For 18 years, I’ve been getting four Majestic Palms to put by my pool and these are by far the best ones I’ve ever purchased.” They added, “I will definitely purchase from this company in the future.”
Don’t: Leave towels, toys, and floats lying around the pool deck
What to use instead: Deck organizers to stow away accessories
Leslie’s
$390
“After a fun day in the pool, it can be tempting to leave items like wet towels, pool floats, and diving toys on the deck so they’re ready to use the next day. However, these items can become tripping hazards or get carried off in the wind,” Toedter says. And you certainly don’t want things blowing into the pool and causing a clog. “Towel hangers, deck boxes, or even simple solutions like a clothes hamper can help keep your deck space clean and clutter-free.”
Toedter recommends a durable resin desk box like this 4.6×5.6-foot storage shed, calling it “useful for storing fresh towels, pool floats, diving toys, and outdoor games.” Weather-resistant, waterproof, and UV-protected, it contains adjustable brackets to support two shelves (though shelves are sold separately) and has a generous interior capacity of 62 cubic feet.
Don’t Use: Food or drinks
What to use instead: A floating food caddy
Amazon
$47
$44
Something about a pool party screams “hard seltzer!” and “chips and guac!” but the pool and combination of food drinks don’t make a great combo—even if your growling stomach thinks so.
“When food or drinks get spilled into the water, there’s cleanup involved, and the extra contaminants can impact water quality and potentially clog up your pool’s filtration and circulation system,” Toedter explains. “If you absolutely must eat and drink in the pool, minimize the risk by using a floating caddy to keep the food and drinks contained. Just remember, no glassware!”
Toedter recommends the Big Joe Captain’s Pool Float Caddy, which has more than 1,680 five-star ratings on Amazon, because it features four built-in drink holders, on-the-go handles, and fast-drying mesh fabric. Most importantly, it keeps your food and drinks balanced on the water. One shopper wrote, “We’re obsessed with this! My husband and I absolutely love this floating drink holder.” They called it “very stable” and added that “the dog can’t drink out of it like she does with drinks on the ledge of the pool. And it’s just more fun to drink out [of] a floating drink.”
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