Cool Off with Hot Pool Toys

As the kids get ready to get out of school for the summer and the temperatures hover in the 90s, one way to cool off is to head to your local pool.

Although both University Park and Riverdale Park don't have any community pools in town, there are some in neighboring towns like Rollingcrest Pool, Prince George's County Pool, , and .

Swimming and splashing are acceptable fun for a while, but maximum summer delight can only be achieved through the latest in pool toy technology.

Many of these items are available in or around our towns, but some of them will require shipping and handling. It will be worth it.

 1. The family who floats together stays together:

With room for six, a boarding platform and a floating 16-quart cooler, the Cabana Islander Inflatable Island is like dragging your living room out into the deep-end. When you're tired of relaxing, there's no need to awkwardly roll off the side like a seal -- the Island includes a center swim porthole allowing you to escape into the drink at a moments notice.

2. Surreptitious Squirters:

The "pool noodle" is usually half flotation device, half unwieldy cudgel. Science has found a way to better weaponize foam tubes by adding the ability to shoot water! Disguised as a normal noodle, no one will suspect that they are about to get a face full of chlorinated water from the Max Liquidator Pool Water Gun. This one is available at a variety of locations near College Park, like the Target at Prince George's Plaza.

3. For working out under water:

Swimming is one of the best full body exercises available, but unlike running, you usually can't listen to your favorite tunes. However, the music need not stop if you have the SwiMP3 waterproof mp3 player. The device conducts the sound straight through your cheek bone to your inner ear, so you won't have to worry about the water muffling the sound. You only have to worry about how the vibrations from your favorite Beyoncé song are affecting your skeletal structure. You can find the SwiMP3 on sale at Anglo Dutch Pools and Toys in Bethesda.

4. For lazy loungers:

They say you can't go wrong with the classics, and what's more classic than letting the waves rock you to sleep on an inflatable raft. Target has a wide variety of inflatable pool floats you can relax atop, but our favorite is the Pearl Series French Classic Pool Lounger. It is a little pricey, but it includes a back rest, arm rests, pillow and two drink holders. If your feet get hot, there's even a space to dip your toes back into the water. You're guaranteed to be the envy of all those other suckers who have to lay on land.

5. For fans of naval warfare:

Full disclosure: I found the Delta Dueler Pool Battle Set and spent the majority of last summer reenacting famous naval battles and squirting my friends in the eyes. If you have kids or just like to act like one, this set can't be beat. It comes with two inflatable lounge chairs that are great for floating, but add the included water cannons and your yacht is ready for war.  I found mine at a local T.J. Maxx, but you can also order them online. Dollar for dollar, it is probably the most enjoyable item on this list.

No matter what pool toy you get, nothing can ruin your day at the pool faster than water in your ear, so consider stopping by REI first and picking up some soft silicone ear plugs to keep the water where it belongs - out of your head.