WIRED’s 2026 Pool Guide Highlights Tech-Driven Staycations Amid Rising Travel Costs
A new assessment from WIRED underscores a shift in summer leisure habits, with rising fuel and airfare prices driving interest in home pool technology. The publication’s latest review covers everything from solar-powered skimmers to AI-enabled cleaning robots.
WIRED has released its annual guide to the best pool accessories for the 2026 summer season, positioning home leisure as a viable alternative to traditional travel. The publication notes that soaring gas and plane ticket prices are driving a trend toward "staycations," prompting consumers to upgrade their backyard setups with advanced technology. For those without private pools, the guide also mentions Swimply as a rental alternative.
The review places significant emphasis on automation, moving beyond traditional manual labour. WIRED highlights robotic skimmers as essential for larger pools lacking in-wall systems, noting that solar-powered models eliminate the need for charging. Reviewer Chris Null identified a specific solar-powered robot as his preferred option, citing its sensors that prevent damage to pool walls and its ability to operate without manual retrieval.
Water chemistry management has also seen a technological upgrade. The guide contrasts outdated pH test strips with smart monitors that provide real-time data. WIRED reviewer Chris Null recommends the Iopool EcO Start, a floating device that monitors temperature, pH, and ORP levels every 15 minutes. The unit is solid-state, requiring no replaceable supplies, though Null noted that the specific unit he tested lasted two full swimming seasons before failing.
For leisure and entertainment, the guide reviews several consumer electronics. WIRED praises the JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth speaker for its durability, with reviewer Matthew Korfhage confirming it survived submersion and physical impacts. The publication also highlights Funboy’s floating coolers and pool rings, noting their suitability for keeping drinks chilled and accessible.
High-pressure water guns and beverage appliances round out the selection. WIRED describes Spyra water guns as powerful enough to dent cans, with the SpyraFour model offering advanced gameplay modes. For beverages, the guide points to Ninja slushie machines, including a new dual-reservoir version currently being tested by Korfhage, which auto-adjusts temperatures to prepare multiple drinks simultaneously.
This coverage is part of WIRED’s broader examination of yard and pool technology, following previous guides on smart sprinklers, robot lawn mowers, and smart bird feeders. The publication aims to provide time-tested recommendations for both custom in-ground complexes and standard above-ground pools.
