Extras for a child or baby Bring a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, shower toiletries and a bag for wet things to the pool. Whether you need a swim cap or goggles, how the lockers lock and what ID gets you in depend on the facility and the type of visit. If you’re going with a child or to an outdoor pool, add the few extra things covered below to the basic list.
What to bring to the pool? Basics and extras
The shortest pool packing list should cover getting changed, walking safely through the wet area, washing up and keeping your wet swimsuit away from the rest of your things. Choose extras only after checking the rules and planning your visit.
| Group | What’s included? | When to check the details? |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, toiletries and a bag for wet things. | Before every visit, even if your bag usually sits packed and ready. |
| Entry and locker | Ticket, membership card, ID, wristband, coin or padlock. | On your first visit and after the entry system changes. |
| Swimming | Swim cap, goggles and training gear the facility allows. | When you’re going to a workout, a class or a lap pool. |
| Child or baby | Spare clothes, a hooded towel or bathrobe, and for a baby, a swim diaper and changing kit. | Before every visit, keeping the facility’s rules and class policies in mind. |
| Outdoor pool | Sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and a second dry towel. | Depending on the weather, the available shade and how long you’ll stay. |
You’ll find a ready-made checklist to tick off at the top of the page. The main part explains what you always need and what you only need in specific situations.
What to check before your first visit to the pool?
Pool rules aren’t the same everywhere. Before you go, visit the facility’s website and check a few things that can decide whether you get into the pool area without buying anything extra.
- Swimsuit and cap - check which styles are allowed and whether a cap is mandatory. Don’t assume the rules from your last pool apply everywhere.
- Locker system - the facility may use wristbands, keys, refundable coins or padlocks you bring yourself.
- How you get in - check whether you need to show ID with a membership card and whether you buy tickets on site, in an app or for a set time slot.
- Available equipment - kickboards, pool noodles and hair dryers may be free, paid or available only during classes.
- Rules for kids - find out whether the facility requires a swim diaper, a specific swimsuit or an adult in the water.
How to choose a swimsuit, cap and goggles?
Your swimsuit should fit close to the body, let you move freely and meet the facility’s requirements. For a workout, a simple sports swimsuit or swim trunks made for swimming are more comfortable. For a recreational visit, a secure fit still matters, especially on water slides and in strong water jets.
A swim cap keeps hair out of your face and makes swimming easier, but whether you have to wear one depends on the rules. If you have long hair, choose a size that doesn’t pull it and doesn’t slide off after a few lengths. A hair tie can help under the cap, but it doesn’t replace one where caps are required.
Goggles should seal snugly without cranking the strap tight. Press the frames to your face without putting on the strap. If they stay in place for a moment, the seal probably fits the shape of your face. Tinted lenses are handy at an outdoor pool, while clear ones are more comfortable at a dimly lit indoor pool.
Toiletries and hygiene before and after swimming
Pack shower gel or soap, shampoo and whatever you need after swimming in your toiletry bag. Wash thoroughly right before getting into the pool. A shower at home doesn’t replace showering at the pool. After you get out of the water, wash your body and hair again.
It’s best to wash off makeup and products that leave a film on your skin before getting into the water. If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye care specialist’s and the manufacturer’s advice. Don’t keep open toiletries loose in your bag. A small toiletry bag or a waterproof pouch will protect your clothes if a bottle comes open.
Don’t get in the water if you have diarrhea. If you have an infection, a fresh wound, a recent procedure or other contraindications, follow your doctor’s advice and the facility’s rules. A waterproof toiletry bag alone doesn’t solve a health problem.
How to pack a pool bag?
The simplest setup is three separate zones: dry things, your shower kit and the things that will be wet after swimming. That way, when you get out, you don’t have to put a damp swimsuit next to your phone, ID and change of clothes.
| Bag zone | What goes in it? | How to avoid a mess? |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | Change of clothes, ID, phone and things you need after you leave. | Keep electronics and documents in a separate pocket or case. |
| Shower | Toiletries, flip-flops, towel and hair accessories. | Use small bottles and check the caps before you leave. |
| Wet | Swimsuit, cap and damp towel after swimming. | Bring a waterproof bag or a bag with an easy-to-clean compartment. |
When you get home, empty the wet part of the bag right away. Rinse your swimsuit and cap following the manufacturer’s instructions, dry your flip-flops and leave the bag open. You can keep a packed bag stocked with toiletries and spare small items, but don’t leave a wet towel in it until your next visit.
What to bring to the pool with a child or baby?
For the pool with a child, bring their swimsuit, a separate towel or bathrobe, flip-flops, dry clothes and drinking water, if the rules allow it in the designated area. With a baby, you’ll also need a swim diaper, a regular diaper for afterward, a changing pad, wipes and a bag for used items.
A swim diaper isn’t fully leakproof. The CDC recommends checking it about once an hour and changing it in an area set aside for that, away from the edge of the pool. A child with diarrhea shouldn’t go in the water, even in a swim diaper.
Choose flotation gear and learn-to-swim accessories to suit the class and the facility’s rules. Water wings, a swim ring or a kickboard don’t replace adult supervision. Don’t bring the whole toy box on your first visit. One familiar item is enough, if the facility allows it.
What to pack for an outdoor pool or a water park?
An outdoor pool adds things for the sun and a longer stay: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a dry towel for lounging and light clothes that cover your skin. Check whether there’s shade and whether you can bring your own water and food.
For a water park, bring what you need outside the water: ID or your booking confirmation, comfortable flip-flops, an extra towel and a change of clothes. Leave jewelry and loose accessories at home, especially if you plan to use the slides. Rules for goggles, watches and swim gear can differ from one attraction to the next.
How do packing lists differ for a first visit, a workout or a class?
| Type of visit | What to add to the basics? | What not to pack without checking? |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | Confirmed entry rules, the right way to lock your locker and a few minutes to spare. | Your own gear, since its use may be restricted. |
| Solo workout | Goggles, a water bottle and the gear your workout plan calls for. | Fins, paddles and other accessories without the facility’s OK or the skills to use them. |
| Class with an instructor | What the organizer asks for and confirmation that you’re signed up. | Kickboards, noodles and other aids the organizer provides on site. |
| Family water park | An extra towel, dry clothes and your child’s kit. | Lots of toys and things not allowed on the attractions. |
Most common pool packing mistakes
- One bag with no bag for wet things - after swimming, your towel and swimsuit soak your clothes, ID and electronics.
- Assuming you won’t need a cap or padlock - check the rules and the locker system before you go.
- New goggles that haven’t been fitted - frames that are too wide leak, and an overtightened strap won’t fix a seal that’s the wrong shape.
- Full-size toiletries - they add weight and are more likely to flood your bag. For a single visit, small, tightly closed bottles are enough.
- No dry underwear or socks - even a short trip home is unpleasant in clothes pulled on over damp skin.
- Leaving wet gear in the bag - when you get home, take it out, rinse it and dry it.
