pool

[via uncrate]

Considerably safer than any real one you might find floating in a fog bank in the North Atlantic, BloggingBaby cited this Inflatable Iceberg as one of the best pool toys you can have. The iceberg measures 20' x 14' x 14' and is made of commercial grade PVC, with commercial grade valves that allow for relatively quick deflation and long-lasting inflation, though an electric pump is recommended. Once side has a 14' climbing wall, while the other offers a smooth slide down to the water. There are only two drawbacks. First, the iceberg takes up the majority of most non-olympic pools and prevents the pool cover from fitting properly. Second, the bikini girls are not included. Price: $6,000.

Summer is on the way out, but here is one more pool-side chair before the weather makes it unpleasant to lie out in the sun all day. The AGK Cabana Chair is another piece from Andre Agassi's furniture line. The chair has a long-lasting woven synthetic rattan over an aluminum frame and all-weather upholstery, so there is no need to worry about how it will stand up to the elements. The canopy raises and lowers easily, allowing for just the right amount of shade or sun for one or two people. Price: $4,250.

These floating pool lanterns from Horchow will look equally good on a warm summer night and a cool winter one as they cast ethereal reflections across any water's surface. They have the shape of a "traditional" lamp and a refined look, but each one is a single piece, measuring 9" across rising 9.5" above the water, though the lamps are actually 21.5" long, overall. The lamps get their glow from a rechargeable light bulb, which will glow for up to 8 hours at a time, and can move about freely, unconstrained by wires or another power system. Chargers for the light bulbs are sold separately. Price: $399 each.

Part day bed and part chair, the Bahia Chaise Loungers are an elegant way to relax in the summer sun. They have aluminum frames that are wrapped in a material known as Ty-Flex, which looks similar to wicker, but is far more durable, and the backs of the chairs have five adjustable positions. The plush cushions are made of dry-fast foam, so they will recover quickly after a summer shower or if you choose to recline after a swim. They are upholstered with marine-grade white vinyl that is long-lasting and easy to clean. The single lounger is on sale for $2,677, while the double lounger is $4,579.

The Aquarium Chaise is part of a new collection from designer Ilan Dei. Dei was inspired to try an utilize natural lighting in the design of his collection, which includes a coffee table and matching chair in addition to the chaise, and did so by constructing the chair with transparent, tinted acrylic panels. The panels are supported by a frame of weather-resistant (marine grade) plywood, which is finished in a natural color. Dei mentions that the chair could be used indoors, as well as out, but it is fairly obvious that it was meant to be beside a sparking pool. Price: $780.

There is a growing popularity for salt-water pools, as I noticed while watching an episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Some people are interested in them for the beauty or the feel, perhaps even the slight smell of the sea, though the women on that show were interested in protecting their dyed hair color. Regardless of why you have one, you can't sit around covered in salt all day, so an outdoor shower is the perfect way to clean up and refresh yourself after a swim. The Providence Outdoor Shower is elegant, hand-built from sustainably harvested teak that will last for up to 25 years. It is a bit more upscale, in terms of appearance, than the Serpentine Outdoor Shower and makes a great patio accessory, especially if you already have some teak outdoor furniture. Price: $440.

In this month's issue of Elle Decor, their design team picked out the 10 most inviting pool chaises. Each and every one will have you lounging luxuriously at the poolside. The only real objection I have to their selection is the inclusion of several chaises with wheels, a feature that can be practical, but still looks a bit dated to my eye. The Duval Sun Chaise ($6,080, in blue or white) reminds me of the Gandia Blasco Day Bed, with its simple, geometric lines, and the Paola Lenti Wave Chaise by Francesco Rota ($4,850) is striking and comfortable-looking. The list is definitely worth a read.

Outdoor beds are the hot home feature this summer. It's hard to say whether this can simply be attributed to the fact that you could claim to have an extra "bedroom" on your property or to the fact that it's fun, even as a grown-up, to have a camp-out. Of course, a camp-out is going to be a lot more fun when it's done with high style. This luxurious Canopy Daybed, for example, will have you feeling as though you are lounging at an exclusive, tropical day spa rather than in your yard. It is built on a strong metal frame, wrapped in a smooth water hyacinth weave, and has a thick foam mattress with four comfortable pillows. The canopy, supported by removable rattan poles, and the linens are made of machine-washable white cotton. Delivery and unpacking service is included in the price of $1,295.

The only other thing you could want is a large, tropical drink with a pineapple garnish.

And possibly a masseuse.

When I hear "sun lounger" I tend to think of those vinyl-strap poolside chairs at cheap motels that would stick uncomfortably to your skin after sitting in them for five minutes. This sun lounger by Seletti, however, appears to be the exact opposite, in that it is comfortable, stylish and coated in nylon. The sturdy, but flexible frame of the chair can be bent into any position. It may not be quite as artsy as the Ercolina Chaise, but you'll probably get more use out of it, considering that it can be used indoors and out. It is available in cream or anthracite. Price: £149.00.