We love the pool. Love, love, love spending summer days swimming away and can’t wait to be there this year!
First, lets talk goggles. When I say that we have tried every pair of goggles out there between the 4 kids, it might actually not be an exaggeration. With so many options and a high likelihood of loosing them it’s often hard to know which ones to buy. Hands down our favorites are the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Youth Goggles.
Lily Claire and Hillary have spent the last 2 years swimming year round for Hinsdale Swim Club (we are OBSESSED with the HSC Family and highly recommend if you are looking for a wonderful club to competitively swim for) 
and these googles stay on and fit perfectly. No leaking, no fixing, no falling off while diving in.
I loved them so much Ryan and Jules even got a pair for their swim lessons. While at a swim meet this winter I started noticing a lot of the kids had a bungee cord in place of the plastic strap on their goggles and let me tell you–GAME CHANGER! This is the best $5 ever spent on swim gear. The kids can easily adjust their own goggles with this “upgrade” and they don’t snap or get caught in hair. Seriously the best! Goggle Bungee Straps.
Pool toys, there are MANY options in this space, here are a few that keep my kids busy, I put them here under Summer Must Haves!
Because the girls are “swimmers” we also always have fins and kick-boards with us. Fins have been used by all 4 this year and I love them for many reasons. It gives Ryan and Jules a chance to keep up with the girls and swim further and faster, it promotes kicking with a straight leg (which is ideal!) and honestly, it makes the kids feel like little fish and we all win when everyone is happy at the pool.
Lots of pool time = lots of sunscreen. I prefer to use only physical based sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and they 
are not easy to rub in, but worth it to me for their increcible protection and lack of chemicals. The kids are obsessed with these old school zinc sticks and I’m obsessed with the added layer of sun protection when they decorate their faces with them.
One other thing that makes pool time enjoyable is swim lessons. Growing up swimming I knew I wanted my kids to learn and to learn at a young age. We have totally lucked out by having amazing instruction at Salt Creek Club and there are many great options in our area. Here are a few mom-approved options.
These containers are my go to for pool snacks. I am filling them with lots of fun options that will maybe, hopefully, keep my kids out of the snack bar ALL summer LONG! 
Wishing you many, happy, safe and sun filled days at the pool this summer!
