15 Pool Etiquette Rules That Are Just As Important As SPF

There’s hardly a time of year in the South when it’s not warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and the social fun it allows, including porch hangs, backyard cookouts, and spending the day by any body of water you can gain access to. Particularly in the spring and summer months, being able to have a pool day is a simple joy; and if you are lucky enough to secure an invite to a friend’s pool (or book a hotel with pool amenities), it is important to act accordingly—mostly so that you are invited back to enjoy it! 

Therefore, there is certainly pool etiquette to follow. And much like house guest etiquette, it’s best to learn now to make sure you arrive prepared and avoid any pool day faux pas. Stay on top of these 15 pool guest guidelines, and you’re sure to impress. 

House Guest Pool Etiquette

Bring Your Own Supplies

Never expect everything to be provided for you and your family whenever you are invited to go to someone’s house for a pool day or party. Show up with your own SPF, and consider bringing your own towels—or at least asking the host if it would be helpful to bring extra towels—to cover your bases. Also, you might even think to ask if the host could use an extra cooler or bags of ice!

Offer To Bring Refreshments

Moreover, it is always polite—especially if someone is letting you enjoy their backyard and pool—to offer to bring snacks or beverages. Often, if it is a designated party for a birthday or occasion, the host will most likely be amply prepared. However, you never know when a helping hand or extra cooler of drinks might be appreciated. If it is a more casual backyard cookout, make sure to offer to help cook food or make cocktails. 

Hang Up Wet Towels

Whether you are bringing your own towels or the host is providing towels, make sure to hang up any wet, used towels to keep the space around the pool tidy and also to keep track of your own towel, instead of losing it and unnecessarily needing to borrow another clean towel. 

Watch Your Kids

No matter if someone is taking the responsibility of hosting a group of children for a party, always make sure to brief your kids on pool safety before arriving, reinforce a “no running” rule, and keep a watchful eye on your kids while socializing or helping out. In short, as long as you are present, it is no one else’s responsibility to keep your children safe and healthy. 

General Pool Hygiene Rules

Use the Restroom, Not the Pool

It’s there for a reason, folks. Perhaps the most cardinal rule of pool etiquette, it is never, ever, ever acceptable to relieve yourself in a pool, and the same goes for children, even if it is harder to enforce. So, make sure to reiterate that rule before anyone gets in the pool. 

Keep Your Sinuses To Yourself

Amongst all the splashing and cannon-balling, some people (especially children) might be tempted to constantly wipe their face, nose, and mouth. Make sure to keep your germs to yourself at all times.

Avoid Oils and Greasy SPF

In the category of keeping the host’s pool clean, avoid using body oils or super greasy SPF, which can both make the pool water cloudy and require cleaning later on. Opt for a dry-touch sunscreen, and allow it to fully dry after applying before getting into the pool. 

Hotel Pool Etiquette

Avoid Claiming Chairs If You’re Not Using Them

While it can be tempting to disperse your belongings on hotel pool chairs early each morning—and many people certainly do—make sure you do it in a polite and respectful manner. As in, only claim chairs that you will actively use, and do not claim chairs hours and hours before you are even contemplating going to the pool. It is considered impolite to keep others from enjoying pool amenities if you aren’t even there. 

Stay Off the Phone

While it’s totally acceptable to answer a phone call if needed, make sure to keep your voice at a respectable noise level, and don’t chat for endless amounts of time, in case there are people around who can hear you and are trying to enjoy a bit of relaxation. 

Don’t Blast Your Own Music

It should go without saying, but it’s rarely appropriate to bring your own speaker and play your own music at a shared hotel pool with other guests nearby. If you are particular about listening to your own music, bring headphones. 

Keep Track of Your Kids

On vacation, it can be tempting to totally unwind, but make sure to watch your children, both to keep them safe and also to be respectful of those around you. Even if you are staying at a family-friendly hotel, it’s important to check in with your kids and make sure they are following both pool rules and safety protocol. 

Exercise Pool Etiquette

Stay In Your Lane

If you’re attempting to swim laps as a form of exercise, make sure you find the nearest pool that is meant for exercise, rather than enjoyment. Sometimes, there are lanes reserved for exercise, even at public pools. Always make sure to claim a specific lane, and stay in it, out of respect for other pool goers. 

Bring the Right Gear

For novice swimmers, make sure to arrive with appropriate gear, including goggles and silicone swim cap. Many swimmers also recommend taking a quick shower before getting into the pool, to make sure you’re not bringing oils, makeup, or other contaminants into the pool. Therefore, bring an extra towel and flip-flops, as well as an extra change of clothes if desired. 

Be Aware of the Wait

If you’re lucky enough to get a lane, make sure to heed any time limits imposed by the pool rules, which are sometimes necessary to help everyone get their own swimming time. If there is no time limit, make sure to be cognizant of how many people are waiting, and don’t hog the lane accordingly. Pools are to be enjoyed by all!