The sun is out and you’re desperate to get to the pool. Sounds great, or at least until someone ruins it with bad etiquette! Whether you’re at a resort or the community pool, good manners stop things from getting heated. Before you dive in, brush up on these 15 must-know pool etiquette rules. Because nobody likes a poolside faux pas!
Rinse Before You Dive In
Think of the pool as a giant shared bathtub, nobody wants to swim in your sweat, sunscreen, or last night’s cologne. (Imagine if everyone did that!) A quick rinse before getting in keeps the water clean for everyone. Plus, it helps prevent nasty pool chemicals from reacting weirdly with lotions and perfumes.
No Running! (Seriously, Just Walk)
We get it, the excitement is real. But wet surfaces and running feet are a recipe for disaster. The last thing you want is to slip and take an unplanned belly flop onto the pavement. So slow down, walk carefully, and keep the lifeguards from yelling at you. You’ll only embarrass yourself!
Don’t Get Drunk
You’re with your friends and you want to unwind and have a great day. There’s nothing wrong with that, but doing it poolside will make you louder, braver, and more likely to injure yourself or at least annoy others. Keep the beers for later when you’re in a more appropriate setting.
Watch the Splashing
We love a good cannonball, but there’s a time and a place. Not when it drenches someone peacefully reading a book by the pool. Be mindful of how much water you’re throwing around, especially near sunbathers, little kids, or anyone who didn’t sign up for a splash zone experience. Parents: Keep an eye on over-splashy kids too!
Keep Music at a Respectful Volume
Your summer playlist might be a killer, but not everyone wants to hear it. Keep the volume at a considerate level or wear headphones. A shared pool isn’t a personal DJ booth, and it’s disrespectful to expect everyone else to listen to your tunes. Save the party vibes for your own backyard.
No Food (or Crumbs) Near the Pool
Sorry, parents! This is one for you too! A snack break is totally fine, just don’t treat the pool like a floating buffet. Chips, crackers, ice cream, and anything crumbly don’t belong in the water. No one wants to dodge soggy pretzels while swimming. Eat at the designated areas and keep the water food-free.
Leave the Pool Toys at Home (Unless They’re Welcome)
Giant inflatable unicorns are fun, but they can take up serious space. Before you bring your floaties and toys, check the pool rules. If it’s a crowded day, maybe leave the oversized pool float in the car and stick to just a classic noodle. If everyone brings their inflatables, it’ll be a disaster!
Don’t Hog the Lounge Chairs
We all love a good sunbathing session, but reserving chairs with towels (and then disappearing for hours) is bad form. If you’re not actively using a chair, let someone else enjoy it. Pools are for sharing, and so are the lounge chairs. If you do it anyway, expect to have your towel removed by an angry sunbather!
Keep Conversations PG
Public pools mean mixed company; families, kids, and people who just want to relax. Loud arguments, gossip sessions, or inappropriate jokes have no place here. Keep conversations fun, light, and family-friendly or you might find yourself getting a few dodgy looks (or a telling-off!). Save the spicy chatter for after-pool drinks.
Avoid Jumping In
Always check the pool rules before jumping straight in. For a start, it can be dangerous if anyone’s swimming underwater. Secondly, it might not be appreciated if you splash-drown the person sitting poolside. You might even get yourself in trouble if you don’t follow the rules. Be respectful of others. You’d expect the same back.
Supervise Your Kids (and Keep an Eye on Their Behavior)
Even if there’s a lifeguard, parents are the first line of defense. Keep a close watch on your little swimmers and make sure they’re following the rules; no roughhousing, running or screaming like they just saw a shark. Make sure the kids know the rules so you don’t have to keep shouting at them, that’s equally annoying for other guests.
Keep PDA’s on the Down Low
We get it, the warm weather and holiday vibes can make people a bit overly affectionate. No one wants to see your partner smooching in or around the pool, it’s awkward and cringeworthy at best! Keep public displays of affection under control, it’s difficult to be around. If you can’t, you can always disappear!
Stay Within Your Safety Zone
Hot days and warm water make a beautiful combination but make sure you know your limits before spending time in the pool. Use noodles or stay at a safe depth if you’re a poor or non-swimmer, you don’t want a lifeguard to have to fish you out. Think safety first, you don’t need to impress anyone!
Don’t Pee in the Pool (Just Don’t)
We shouldn’t have to say this, but here we are. Even if you think no one will notice, the pool chemicals will (and sometimes, so will that urban-legend pee-detecting dye). Take two minutes to use the bathroom like a civilized human. Plus, how would you feel knowing that someone else had taken a pee next to you? Exactly.
Don’t Let Your Dog Loose
It’s too tempting to bring your best friend to the pool, but it can be a disaster waiting to happen. If, under the rare exception, you’re able to take your beloved dog with you, keep them on a leash. You don’t want your overexcited dog dive-bombing a young child! Also, not everyone likes dogs so be mindful of that too.
