Top Summer Pool Essentials: Consumer Reports' Beach Picks Revealed

Summer essentials for a day at the pool, beach or lake

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– With summer around the corner, beach, pool, and lake enthusiasts may be overwhelmed by the vast array of chairs, towels, and umbrellas available in the market. However, Consumer Reports has released its top picks for the best summer gear, aiming to simplify your choices and enhance your outdoor fun experiences.

The best towel: Turkish cotton towel from Ephesus

The Turkish cotton towel from Ephesus received favourable reviews from Consumer Reports. Known for its compactness, this towel effectively repels sand and water and dries relatively quickly. Impressively, some styles of this towel are available for under $10, making it a cost-effective option for summer seekers.

The best chairs: Cooler Quad Chair from Coleman and Tommy Bahama Wavy Marlin Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair

When it comes to beach or poolside chairs, comfort and versatility are key. With this in mind, the Cooler Quad Chair from Coleman is a top pick. For those who enjoy reclining under the sun, the Tommy Bahama Wavy Marlin Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair comes highly recommended. This chair is not just comfortable but also equipped with plenty of storage, including an insulated cooler pouch for those essential beach snacks and drinks.

The best umbrella: Tommy Bahama umbrella

Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is paramount during summer. Accordingly, many of the umbrellas, canopies, and tents covered by Consumer Reports are made with UPF 50 fabric. The Tommy Bahama umbrella, in particular, stood out thanks to its easy-grip handles for setup and design that can withstand the breeziest beach days. Notably, the Caribbean Joe umbrella did not fare as well in windy conditions.

Don’t forget the sunscreen and snacks

No beach, pool, or lake day would be complete without adequate sun protection and a selection of snacks to keep you fueled. So, remember to pack your sunscreen and favourite snacks along with your newly-acquired gear for a fully enjoyable summer day out.

Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization that independently tests, reviews, and recommends products without accepting advertising or maintaining commercial relationships with advertisers or sponsors on their site.