Swimming season is nearly here. These are my 4 favorite gadgets for a day at the pool

If I am sitting by a pool -- or any body of water -- my Kindle Paperwhite is with me. One of my favorite reprieves is soaking up a good book in the sun. My Kindle is great for storing all my favorite reads -- past and present -- and is also the perfect size for travel. The 12-week-long battery life and waterproofing on my Paperwhite is perfect for poolside page turning without worry of damage or low power. Plus, the screen keeps story text crisp and easy to read with no glare, even with sunglasses on. It's truly the ultimate piece of tech for some R&R at the beach, pool, or in the bath, and it's helped limit my physical book purchasing to only titles I desire to have in my permanent collection (classics, special editions, heirlooms, etc). 

Also: Why the Kindle Paperwhite is my favorite E Ink reader right now - beating Boox and Kobo

If you're looking for a slightly cheaper option, the base model Kindle is also a great buy, especially with its latest upgrades. As for the Paperwhite, ZDNET expert Maria Diaz went hands-on with the device and preferred it over her current e-reader daily driver. While it's not full color, it automatically adjusts front light to go easy on your eyes and help with reading in different light settings. On Reddit, users said most Kindles perform decently well in outdoor light settings, so you won't have many issues reading by the pool this summer. One Redditor even shared a picture of their Paperwhite in direct sunlight on the beach, and the lines of text couldn't be crisper.

Author's Bonus: For the perfect summer reading setup, invest in Strapsicle Kindle straps for the best grip. They earned a ZDNET Editors' Choice award for their affordability and design. 

Even while I'm soaking up the sun or a good book during my pool days, my phone is still coming with me. Whether I'm going to the town pool, to a waterpark, or on vacation, I'm always prepared to power up my phone when needed. This tiny Anker charger is compact and portable, comes in several fun colors, and is great for topping off your phone when you're on the go. It's available in Lightning or USB-C connectors, and is often on sale for around $18. Its 5,000 mAh battery capacity is excellent for shorter outings, and I love this design so much that I always carry a Nano power bank in my everyday bag. 

Also: This tiny power bank is one of my everyday essentials

ZDNET expert Sabrina Ortiz also loves this teeny power bank for powering up her phone when she needs it most. Amazon customers said that they like the Nano power bank's small form factor, lightweight design, and handy, wire-free charging. Other customers said they did not like that it only charges their phone for about one hour, but remember that most 5,000 mAh capacity power banks aren't designed to do so. If you need more power, consider a larger MagSafe battery or power bank. 

No pool day is complete without your favorite music. Though I typically rely on my AirPods at public pools, I love to have a portable speaker on hand when I'm enjoying the pool at home. These are great for amplifying music, podcasts, and more. My favorite pick is JBL's Flip 5 Bluetooth speaker -- it's an oldie, but certainly a goodie. I've had this speaker for a few years, and it was the perfect investment before entering college. It's lightweight, IPX7 waterproof, and has 12 hours of playtime. It comes in many colors; since it's a bit older, it's around $80. 

If you're looking for a similar pick that's a tad newer, Sony's Ult Field 1 speaker is now under $90 on Amazon following the release of the Sony Ult Field 3. ZDNET expert Nina Raemont loves the Ult Field 1 for its portable size and clear sound. Redditors said that the JBL Flip 5 is a pretty decent speaker for the price and size. Some users said the midrange is better than the newer Fiip 6, while others said it's a "good little portable speaker." I fully agree here. 

When I'm at the pool, I'd rather spend most of my time off my mobile device. But it's 2025, and my phone goes everywhere I do, including on the pool float with me while I soak up some sun. Now, there's a practical reason for this, I promise. If I'm listening to music (on my JBL speaker), having my phone handy is critical to maintain the pool day vibes and change songs and playlists whenever I want, especially while my Apple Watch is off my wrist. 

But, alas, keeping my phone protected from water accidents is always a good idea. That's why I pop my iPhone 14 Pro into this Case Mate IP68 waterproof pouch, which keeps it secure from splashes, drips, and most importantly, potential underwater submerges up to 3.3 feet. This pouch is affordable, comes with a lanyard in several fun colors, and is great for extra security at the pool. Plus, it's perfect for water activities, vacations and cruises, the beach, and solo-traveling. The pouch still allows you to utilize your device, floats, and even aids in taking underwater photos. It's an excellent $20 buy for your tech repertoire or for your accident-prone, phone-addicted kid. Amazon customers said they liked the airtight, waterproof seal on the Case Mate pouch and protecting their phone while at the beach, pool, waterpark, and more. One customer even said they used this waterproof pouch to take underwater pictures during a shark cage dive. 

I test tech for a living, whether the gadgets are mobile accessories, MagSafe gear, or power banks. I have strong opinions on what makes a tech product worth your money, because I know that budgets are tight and there's no greater disappointment than wasting a paycheck on a middling device. I do my research, checking competing websites for the newest products, reading Reddit threads and Amazon reviews, speaking with researchers and analysts about what makes a particular device good or bad, and, when in doubt, testing everything out for myself. 

For this story, each primary pick is a product I've purchased independently, outside of my affiliation with my role at ZDNET. These are products I spent my own money on and truly use in my everyday life, including while at the pool. If I included additional products of interest, I consulted and cited ZDNET's experts who have. I considered price, quality, and use cases for poolside gadgets, among other things, to curate this list. While there is plenty of different tech I could have recommended to you, these are the four things that me, myself, and I think you would enjoy with some fun in the sun. 

Technically, no, iPhones are not "waterproof." To consumers, 'waterproof' is often used interchangeably with 'water resistant,' but the words are sisters, not twins. 

Also: Is your phone truly waterproof? Here's what the IP rating tells you

iPhones are primarily water resistant, which means they can withstand certain levels of exposure to water without damage. Newer model iPhones have a higher water resistance rating than older models. For example, the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13 models are certified with an IP68 rating, which means they have passed testing at a maximum depth of six meters for up to 30 minutes. So they're not waterproof, but they'll likely survive an accidental splash here or there. However, your device should avoid contact with water as much as possible.

Simply put: yes. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause electronic devices, like iPhones, to overheat, which carries a risk of potential damage. Excess heat from the sun may cause unsafe internal temperatures, reduced performance and battery life, and more. To temporarily avoid sun exposure to your devices, leave them in a shaded area or place them under a blanket or towel. 

Plus, here's Apple's guide on what to do if your device gets too warm or too cold: https://support.apple.com/en-us/118431