How To Do A Pool Day Like a Pro

How to have the perfect pool day in Houston, at Encore Montrose

Not all pools (or pool days for that matter) are created equal. Growing up on the beach and with a pool in my backyard, I’d like to think of myself as an expert at pool and beach days. Perhaps I’m even part mermaid, who knows? So I’m sharing some ways to make the perfect pool day – whether you’re riding solo with a good book or inviting a few friends over to bask in the sun with you.

For starters, have a killer pool, like we do at Encore Montrose (pictured). There is so much space, so if you want to spend some time buried in a good book or with your headphones on, you’ll have peace, but if you want to turn up with some friends or meet your neighbors, you have that option too, thanks to the beautiful infinity pool. It also overlooks US-59, so being able to watch all the traffic gives you an even greater sense of peace.

Stay hydrated. Luckily my apartment isn’t far from the pool, but I always try to bring everything down in a first trip, including a huge bottle of water (it’s Houston, you’ll need it) and my favorite cans of rosé and spiked seltzers. I also try to bring a quickly made fruit salad, so I don’t have to run back and forth.

Tunes and/or a good book. Some days I can get lost in a good book for hours (Elin Hilderbrand books are my absolute faves), but other days I want to jam to some good music or even listen to a podcast and think of it as work. Make sure your headphones, iPad, speakers, ect. are charged and ready to roll for a few hours.

Sunscreen. This is not optional for me. I doubt you’ll look back one day at your wrinkles and say, “that pool day in Montrose sure was worth all these wrinkles.” Same goes for a hat and sunglasses.

The Perfect Frose.  It’s not a pool day without it, right? If you’re more of a tequila and champagne kind of person, whip up this Sparkling Margarita in a pitcher and head out in the sun. But remember to hydrate regularly, because yours truly is no longer a spring chicken!

The Company. Invite a few friends over and enjoy the day. Again, sometimes a solo pool day is exactly what the doctor ordered, but if you’re craving some girl time or good friends, invite them over for a fun afternoon in the sun. Also, don’t be afraid to ask them to bring something. “Do you mind bringing some beer or a small fruit salad?” Don’t think you have to do it all yourself. Plus, living at Encore Montrose, you are in the HEB delivery zone for free booze, via Favor, so take advantage of that! 

Shop My Perfect Pool Day Musts: 

•     –   I get my books here, Amazon books or Book of the Month Club.
• Spiked Seltzer koozie  to keep it cold all day
• My favorite brand of bikinis (great for athletic and petite bodies)
• I also get a ton of bikinis from Revolve
• Pool floats (whether you want an epic Instagram photo or just to lounge around)
• Yeti Cooler (perfect for the pool, beach, backyard BBQs, tailgating and more)
• COOLA (face sunscreen + body)

Not that the Houston summer seems to be going anywhere anytime soon, but did you know the pool at Encore Montrose is heated? It’s not a huge infinity hot tub with jets, but they can heat it up to 82 degrees year-round, which extends pool season just a bit longer. Lucky us! 

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about this new Montrose apartment community. These luxury Houston apartments are located a few blocks off Montrose and are offering end-of-year leasing specials right now, so stop by for a tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Be sure to take a look at the infinity pool – it’s one of my favorite things about living here!