A Summer Guide to Pool Etiquette

Congratulations, you've managed to lock in a summer pool hook up. Now you just need to make sure you don't blow it. Whether it's a public paradise or in a pal's backyard, having access to a pool is a privilege not a right. Keeping this in mind, there are a few things to consider if you want to make sure you're welcome back next year. While most pools come with a set of rules—walk, don't run—a more delicate etiquette also exists. Think of it as an ancient pool order, in place to ensure everyone can achieve maximum levels of chill. Don't think we're overstating this. Summertime is an ecosystem of fun, but make a misstep or act like a jerk, and you can ruin it for everyone.

Share Sunscreen Australia is amazing, but it's also hot as hell. Firstly make sure you don't leave home without the biggest bottle of sunscreen you can carry, and slather it on so thickly people think you have a skin disease. Keep an eye out for your friends, and if they ask you to apply some to their back, don't half ass it. It'll take you one minute to do it right, but that patch you missed could ruin their whole week. Also remember, you don't need to be on a first name basis to share a tube of sunscreen. If you see someone nearby going without, offer some of yours. And if someone does ask for a squeeze, let them use as much as they need. Respect the Burn In the unlikely event you missed the memo on the previous rule and someone looks like they're getting a bit pink, very politely tell them. This isn't an invitation to make a lobster joke, just be a legend and tell them they're starting to look cooked. There is a lot of discussion about whether it's okay to tell a stranger they're getting burnt. Use discretion and read the sitch. If they're alone and half asleep, be a stand-in friend and let them know. If they're in a group, let their friends tell them.

Don't Bring Accessories Unless Invited To As a blanket rule, don't bring pool toys to a public pool. Any device beyond floaties is just going to get in everyone else's way. Yes, it would be fun to have a lilo or pool noodle to chill on, but the hundred other people in the water won't appreciate it. If you're going to a friend's house, it's probably cool. But remember, you're still a guest so just ask first. There is nothing more annoying than being whacked in the face with a giant inflatable donut while you're trying to relax. If You Are a Guest, Act Like it On the topic of other people's pools, we can't stress enough how nice it is for someone to let you share their personal oasis. As much as you want to, it's not acceptable to text them in the morning saying, "Party at your house today?" It might kill you, but you have to wait to be invited over. Once you're in the door, act like the guest your grandma always wanted you to be. Bring something to share, a bag of chips or a box of ice creams are perfect. You're there for the pool, not the rest of the house. Towel-off before ducking inside to use the bathroom, and don't assume you're equally welcome to enjoy their TV, fridge, and, air con. That Grassy Bit Isn't An Actual Park Whether you're in a backyard or at a public pool, there will probably be a nice patch of grass where you can read your book and eat one of the ice creams that you bought for everyone. This patch can be tricky because despite appearances, it's not a park and park liberties don't apply. You can't whip out your camping BBQ and cook up some snags—picnics are welcome but space is limited so leave the table at home. And don't you dare bring a slack line. Actually you know what, don't bring a slack line anywhere.

Bathers Aren't An Invitation One of the best things about the pool is being able to forget about things like pants and shirts for a couple of hours. But remember everyone chose their bathers for themselves—not to give you a show. It's never, ever, okay to cat call women, ogle anyone, make comments on someone's appearance, or indulge in any other slimy behaviour. Everyone is there to have a good time, and you can't do that if you're not comfortable so don't ruin the day for anyone else. Watch Out For Your Buds Above all, make sure your mates are having a great time. If you follow the above rules, they'll probably be loving life. But also make sure they're on their best behaviour, so that the rest of the swimmers can also enjoy the shimmering magic of the pool in peace.

This article is presented in partnership with Captain Morgan