Some summer days practically make the decision for you: the sun is out, your schedule is clear, and staying inside suddenly feels like a missed opportunity. A few hours by the water can be an easy way to break up the routine, catch up on a book, spend time with friends, or simply enjoy having nowhere else to be.

At Perimeter Gardens, those slower moments are part of what makes summer in Dunwoody so enjoyable. But before heading outside, a little preparation can make the difference between constantly realizing what you forgot and actually settling in. From smart pool essentials to a few ways to make your downtime feel more intentional, here’s what to keep in mind for your next pool day.

First, Decide What Kind of Pool Day You Need

Before grabbing your bag, ask yourself one question: What would feel good today?

Maybe you’ve been sitting at a desk all morning and want to move. A few laps followed by time outside could be exactly what you need. Other days, the goal might be doing practically nothing, and that’s a perfectly good pool-day agenda.

Try choosing one of three modes:

  • Move: Bring goggles, water, and everything you need for a comfortable swim.
  • Unplug: Pack a book or magazine and give yourself a break from screens.
  • Socialize: Invite a friend or neighbor and make catching up the main event.

Picking a mood first prevents you from packing half your apartment only to spend the entire afternoon scrolling on your phone. 

Pack for the “After,” Not Just the Swim

Most lists of things to bring to the pool focus on what you’ll use while you’re there. The smarter additions are often the things your post-swim self will appreciate.

Start with the obvious: sunscreen, sunglasses, water, a towel, and whatever swimming gear you prefer. Then add a dry change of clothes, a bag for your wet swimsuit, a hair tie or comb, and perhaps a second small towel.

One particularly useful trick? Freeze part of your water bottle the night before and top it off before heading outside. The ice will melt gradually, helping your drink stay cooler as the afternoon goes on.

Build a Pool Bag You Can Leave Ready

If getting ready becomes a 20-minute scavenger hunt, spontaneous pool time becomes much less spontaneous.

During summer, keep a dedicated pool bag partially packed. An extra towel, waterproof pouch, spare sunglasses, and other nonperishable pool essentials can stay inside. When you’re ready to head out, just add sunscreen, water, and whatever you want to read or listen to.

It’s a simple habit that can make summer afternoons feel easier—especially when you live at our Dunwoody apartments, where getting outside doesn’t have to turn into an elaborate plan.

Your Grab-and-Go Pool Checklist

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses or a hat
  • Water bottle
  • Pool towel
  • Dry clothes
  • Wet bag or reusable waterproof pouch
  • Goggles
  • Book, magazine, or e-reader
  • Headphones
  • Easy, mess-free snack 

Think of the list as a menu rather than a requirement. A lighter bag is often better than bringing ten things you never touch.

Try the 20-20-20 Pool Reset

Want your pool time to feel like an actual break? Instead of spending the entire hour doing one thing, divide it into three different experiences.

Start with 20 minutes of movement. Swim some laps or simply spend time in the water.

Follow that with 20 minutes of real downtime. Put away your phone, find a comfortable spot, and let yourself do very little.

For the final 20 minutes, choose something you enjoy but rarely make time for. Read a chapter, listen to an album from beginning to end, work on a crossword, journal, or talk with a friend.

The timing isn’t a rule. The idea is simply to give your brain a genuine change of pace rather than letting your break become another hour of scrolling.

Give Your Phone Its Own Time-Out

One of the best things to leave at the bottom of your pool bag might be your phone.

Before settling in, answer anything important, turn on your playlist or podcast, and then put your device away for a while. You might be surprised by how different an afternoon feels when you aren’t checking notifications every few minutes.

Bring something tactile to fill the gap—a paperback, magazine, sketchbook, crossword, or journal. A summer pool day is a particularly good opportunity to rediscover activities that don’t require a screen.

Know What Not to Bring

Sometimes the smartest packing decision is leaving something at home.

Skip valuables you’ll worry about, electronics you don’t actually need, and anything fragile or difficult to clean. When packing food or beverages, choose simple options and check your community’s pool guidelines before bringing them along.

Try this test before leaving your home in our luxury apartments in Dunwoody: Will this make my afternoon easier, or will I spend the afternoon keeping track of it? If it’s the latter, leave it behind.

Don’t Rush the Last 15 Minutes

Here’s an underrated part of unwinding: don’t wait until the exact moment you need to leave to start packing up.

Give yourself 10 or 15 minutes to transition out of pool mode. Take one last swim, dry off, drink some water, gather your belongings, and change into something dry if you brought extra clothes.

It prevents a relaxing afternoon from ending with a frantic search for your sunglasses while you’re carrying a wet towel, shoes, water bottle, and everything else at once.

And if relaxed everyday moments like these are something you’re considering while looking for your next home in Dunwoody, you can also read our guide on what to look for when touring your next apartment.

Make Your Next Pool Day a Good One

Sometimes the best summer plan is the one waiting right outside your door. At Perimeter Gardens, residents can cool off in the swimming pool, settle in for a relaxing afternoon, or get moving at the separate lap pool with courtyard. 

Ready to find your next home? Explore our apartments for rent in Dunwoody, GA, and discover more of life at Perimeter Gardens.