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SALT LAKE CITY — This summer is likely to be a scorcher, so you'll probably be spending more than a few days in the water. Whether you're at a neighborhood pool, a mountain lake, or hitting the rope swings at Burraston Ponds, it can elevate the experience for your family if you bring the right gear.
Here is a handful of fun water products to consider for your next outing.
Intex underwater diving pool balls
GRADE: A-
PRICE: $9
There's nothing fancy about these little pool toys. But they're a blast for young kids, as the addition of the neoprene streamers makes it easier to locate and grab them. The streamers float upright once the ball reaches the bottom of the pool, so you can play all kinds of diving games with them.
Swimways Infant Baby Spring Float
GRADE: A
PRICE: $45
This is one of the best baby floats on the market, as it's extremely stable and has an adjustable UPF 50+ sunshade. There are also built-in handles to make it more convenient to keep your baby close to you. Plus, the Hyper-Flate Valve makes it easier than ever to inflate.
Using a float like this is an excellent way to introduce your kids to water and help them feel comfortable from a young age (it can accommodate up to 33 pounds). Just be sure to use the harness so that you can be sure your little one stays snugly in place during their time in the pool.
When you're not using the float, you can fold it down and store it in the included carry case.
Splash Bombs Super Splashers water balls
GRADE: A-
PRICE: $17
Who doesn't love water balloons? The problem is that they can be flimsy and always leave a big mess behind. These reusable splash balls solve these problems by providing a durable toy that can be used for several summers. Just soak up some water in the foam core and you're ready for action.
Intex inflatable pool volleyball set
GRADE: A-
PRICE: $20
Is this a professional-grade volleyball set? Absolutely not. But it's simple to set up and makes it possible to turn a basic day at the pool into a fun group activity. While the ball is a bit flimsy, at least it's not a real volleyball that could lead to unfortunate incidents like in "Meet the Parents."
LEFEET S1 PRO
GRADE: A
PRICE: Varies by retailer
This underwater scooter is one of the smallest and most lightweight on the market, meaning it's easier to stash in a backpack or take on a flight to your beach vacation (the battery is airline compliant). Despite its compact design, it packs a punch with 18 pounds of thrust, and the motor runs quiet and smooth, unlike other sea scooters that sometimes feel more like underwater lawnmowers.
You can get up to 70 minutes of runtime from the battery, depending on which of the three speeds you use. And the LEFEET S1 PRO is rated to 40 meters, so you can use it on most dives.
The most notable feature, however, is the versatility. This modular underwater scooter can be used singularly or as a double unit, and can even be mounted to your legs, scuba tank, paddleboard and more. One remote can control up to 10 units, so the possibilities are almost limitless.