Staycation Essential: Swimming Pools

When I was a kid, there was only one requirement I held for family vacations. I was quite a little dictator about it, actually. The whole vacation was ruined if this one simple thing wasn’t in place. What was it? A swimming pool, of course.

The hotel could have been a dive, the trip a total bore. But as long as there was a swimming pool (outdoors preferably), my siblings and I were happy as clams.

Still Scouting for Pools
Well, not much has changed since then. If I’m planning a trip in the summer, I need to know that there is going to be a pool involved. Even if the trip is just a staycation, and the pool is in my neighborhood.

Truthfully I’m not much for swimming. At least not in pools without diving boards or deep ends (my favorite water hang-outs since childhood). I’m more of the lay-by-the-pool-sipping-cold-drinks-and-reading-books type. And then, when I can’t possibly stand the heat one second longer, I jump into the water to cool off, and then hop back out to start the routine over again. Boring? Maybe. Simple summer leisure? Definitely!

In addition to my lounging routine, I also love meeting my neighbors, especially the pint-sized ones who are clearly loving the pool as much as I used to as a kid. I like to listen to them make up water games, or occasionally overhear the drama and angst of some nearby teens. It is simple community entertainment at its best.

Out of Excuses
Which is why I can’t believe that it is almost July 1st and I haven’t been to the pool yet! I’m not sure what is wrong with me. At first it was the cooler-than-normal weather. Then it was to avoid the early summer rush. And now...frankly...I’m out of excuses.

And since it is supposed to be 93 degrees today, I just might have to slap on some sunscreen and hit the poolside. Hopefully you’ll have a chance to do the same soon!

Previous Staycation Posts:
Reading for Gold Stars
Staycation on Foot
the Simplest Entertainment