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Poolside Looks & Gear: Just Add Sunshine

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Whether you’re lounging, floating, or just enjoying the heat from the shade, this list has everything to make your poolside setup feel intentional and effortless. These are curated picks for the ultimate poolside day—comfort, coolness, a lot of fun, ...
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All-Day Sun Protection (doesn’t have to ruin your skin or your style)

Sun-Safe and Skin-Friendly Choices - whether you are looking for Reef-safe, sensitive-skin, or easy-to-apply picks, these won’t leave you greasy or ghostly. We can’t forget a few other ideas…wide-brimmed hats, rash guards, and stylish cover-ups. Inc...
 
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Toss this in your beach bag and reapply often.
Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
 
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If you’ve got sensitive skin, you don’t need to ditch the sunscreen.
Sensitive SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion | Blue Lizard US
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Don’t want to mess with a lotion? Grab some sun protection in stick form for ease of application!
Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick
 
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Don’t forget a wide brim hat. UPF protection for the win. Keep cool and stay safe. This hat is packable to toss in your poolside tote or your luggage. A hat is an absolute must!
FURTALK Summer Straw Beach Hat UPF 50
 
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This hat is my absolute favorite! I haul it everywhere with me. Keeps the sun off my face, helps keep me cool, and honestly, who doesn’t feel relaxed and beachy when tossing on a wide-brimmed hat like this? Welcome summer sunshine rays!
Women's Ultrabraid XL Brim Floppy Hat
 
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This UPF hoodie is light weight and great for summer activities. I use mine for sailing or just going to the beach.
Outdoor Research Women's Echo Hoodie
 
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This hat is lightweight, packable, and really comfortable to wear. It is also rated UPF 50
Sunday Afternoons Unisex Latitude Hat

Swimwear for Your Body: Pool Looks That Actually Fit

Swimwear and Coverups That Work for You!- Swim gear can support, flatter, and fit disabled bodies. My picks for swim gear for all body types, adaptive swimwear, water shoes, and accessories that stay put. Balance comfort, function, and personal sty...
 
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Swim wear that is made with recycled materials, has inclusive sizing (XS–6X), UPF protection, and compression support without restricting movement. Plenty of coverage options and styles. Be stylish and comfortable, in and out of the pool. What’s not ...
Swimwear: Unisuits, Swim Tanks & Shorts
 
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Designed specifically for post-mastectomy bodies, this top includes discreet inserts and coverage where you want it. Seamless and comfy—ideal for sensitive skin and confidence on deck.
Topanga Swimsuits From T.H.E Swimwear
 
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This one-piece offers built-in pockets for breast forms, UPF protection, and vibrant patterns—combining function with fashion. But it isn’t limited to post-mastectomy. It is inclusive by design! Post-mastectomy swimwear offers thoughtful design that...
Cozumel One-Piece Swimsuit - pink | Pocketed Mastectomy Swimwear
 
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Living with bladder dysfunction doesn’t have to stop your day at the beach! Leak-proof swimwear up to 3XL, combining comfort and function—great for periods or incontinence that will keep you comfy and looking stylish at the pool. The range of sizes a...
Leakproof Swim - Knix
 
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I haven’t purchased a suit from here, but it’s on my “to-buy” list. MIGA swimwear was founded for chronic illness and disability communities; features sun-safe SPF 50 fabrics, easy zips, adjustable belts and sizes XS–XL. And the colors are bold and beautiful!
MIGA Swimwear
 
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This is another brand that was recommended to me, because of its size-inclusive sporty designs up to 4X, celebrated for performance, sustainability, and confidence on the move! The colors are radiant! You’re going to be seen in that beautiful suit! ...
CHROMAT SWIMWEAR - a rainbow of colors
 
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I use a Nomadix poncho for drying off and even changing out of wet clothes at the beach. I even use it at home because it is easier than a robe. Sometimes I do need help getting it on and off over my head due to arm stiffness, but I could also use a ...
Nomadix Quick Dry Hooded Changing Poncho
 
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If you use a wheelchair, getting out of the pool and into your chair and a long swimsuit coverup can be a hassle. This poncho is easy to throw on and is UPF protection. Lots of colors to choose from. I just always seem to lean towards teal.
Nozone Delano Women's Sun Poncho UPF 50+

Stay Cool (Literally)

Cool Down Kits: Because overheating ruins everything - Fans, cooling towels, mist sprays—beat the heat and keep your energy up. Whether you are tossing mist sprays, personal fans, cooling wraps, or electrolyte packets in your bag, this list is for y...
 
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Kitsch Refillable Spray Bottle (for ice water misting). Great, inexpensive way to keep your cool!
Spray Bottle
 
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Refresh your face after a day in the sun. This is a lovely option.
evian® Brumisateur® Facial Spray
 
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Pretty versatile and you can even wrap it around your hair to keep it from blowing everywhere
MISSION Cooling UPF Multi-Use Neck Gaiter

Bags + Storage: No soggy mess, no chaos

Dry bags, mesh totes, chair clips, and waterproof pouches for tech or meds. This list includes clever ways to organize your essentials so they’re within reach and items to make your day at the beach a little less chaotic.
 
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These are pretty easy to squeeze and will keep your towel from taking flight
Beach Towel Clips
 
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Keeping your phone dry is great. Picking up a second one so your buddy doesn’t have a bad day is also good. This 2 pack of waterproof phone holders will help you keep your phone dry while snapping pics or managing your summertime playlist by the pool...
Case-Mate 2 Pack IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch
 
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Keeps your phone dry without blocking your touchscreen (or AAC access if you use your phone for a speech generating device like I do!) Great for pool days, beach trips, or sudden downpours—because communication doesn’t pause for weather. And it’s hel...
Case-Mate IP68 Waterproof Floating Phone Pouch

Shade + Seating for Fun in the Sun: Stay cool, sit pretty all day long

Shade, Seating, and Setup Ideas to create a chill zone that supports your body and lets you stay as long as you want. No plastic lounge chairs required. These are my curated picks for umbrellas, sun shades, lounge chairs, and adaptable seating optio...
 
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Sport-Brella Premiere XL Sun Shade is a great way to find a place to relax on a sunny day.
Sport-Brella Premiere XL 9-Foot Umbrella
 
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Bring some shade wherever you go. This clamps on easily and keeps the shade where you need it.
G4Free UPF 50+ Universal Clamp On Umbrella
 
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I have several of these. I use at home for my daily towels because they dry so fast! I always buy them for gifts, too. We even keep some on hand on our sailboat. These towels won’t weigh your beach bag down and dry quickly. Keep a couple on hand, in ...
Sand Cloud

Poolside Hydration & Snacks

Snack Smart by the Water: No-melt, high-protein, easy-to-grab bites that keep you fueled without dragging a cooler. No one wants to crash from the heat or get hangry mid-swim. These are easy-to-pack, heat-smart snacks and hydration picks that actual...
 
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Wide enough to add ice. Easy enough to toss in your bag to keep you sipping on ice cold water all day
32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap
 
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These are a great way to keep from getting dehydrated while playing in the pool or at the beach. So many flavors to choose from!
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier 30 Sticks
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You can keep snacks handy with these instead of turning to single-use plastics. They also work great for carrying other small personal items that you want to keep dry or sand-free.
Reusable Snack Bags - Silicone Snack Pouches

Beach & Poolside Gear to Keep the Fun Going: Music, Books, & Games

Keep that beach vibe and summer fun flowing with waterproof speakers, pool-friendly headphones, curated playlists, floaty games, and book recs that won’t put you to sleep mid-chapter.
 
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This! Perfect for the pool, the beach, and I keep mine hanging on my wheelchair at all times. Charges quickly and helps keep the party going and the tunes playing!!
JBL Clip 4 | Ultra-portable Waterproof Speaker
 
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Just for fun, a pool or beach day is a great excuse for busting out bubbles for kids and adults alike. These are a lot of fun to have on hand.
JOYIN 14.6’’ Big Bubble Wands 6 PCS Set

Accessibility Gear: Pool days are for every body

Wheelchair users might need a few extra items to make a trip to the pool or beach accessible. Lift chairs, transfer boards, accessible floatation devices, non-slip mats, and cooling towels. These items are practical, functional, and reviewed by peo...
 
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Vive Health Non-Slip Transfer Board can help get you from your wheelchair to a lounge chair.
Transfer Board - Patient Assist from Wheelchair or Bed
 
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Pools are disability inclusive! Read more about the benefits of swimming.
Making A Splash: Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Aquatic Venues

Poolside Mocktails & Alcohol-Free Drinks to Keep Flowing

Non-alcoholic drink recipes, fun glassware, and garnishes that feel festive without the crash. Bonus: You might find a few uplifting extras like affirmations, too.
 
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Make your own flavored or unflavored bubbly water. Perfect for mocktails!
Soda Stream
 
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No one wants glass at the pool or beach. These silicone pint glasses (and other style cups) brighten up your poolside vibe and no one will worry about broken glass. Dishwasher safe, too.
Silipint
 
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I’m a sucker for pink grapefruit and soda water. Make it a mocktail and add some lime and garnish. Energizing and refreshing. Perfect for a pool day! Just use an acrylic or silicone tumbler.
Zesty Paloma Mocktail Recipe - The Mixer UK

What Am I Forgetting???: Emergency Extras and Stuff you’ll be glad you packed

Bug spray, waterproof bandages, backup meds, electrolyte sticks, tampons, and a compact mirror. This stash is low-key essential. Sometimes you just have to bring along a little backup.
 
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Cutter Natural Bug Spray - because no one wants their vacation ruined by itchy bug bites! Keep ‘em at bay.
Cutter Natural Insect Repellent Aerosol 6oz 12-Pack
 
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You can’t forget your lips! Toss some SPF lip balm in your poolside tote. Don’t forget to reapply.
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Lip Sunscreen 2 Pack
 
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I’ve explored Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park and only used these bracelets for bug repellent. They work well and are not expensive. You can keep them in the zip top bag to make them last longer. For about a dollar a bracelet, these are an...
Cliganic 10 Pack DEET-Free Mosquito Bracelets