WIRED has updated its annual round-up of recommended pool accessories for July 2026, aimed at owners of both in-ground and above-ground pools who want to reduce the labour of upkeep. The piece argues that pool technology has advanced markedly over the past decade, replacing manual chores such as netting debris and testing water with pH strips with robots, app-based monitors and other gadgets, and it pitches a home pool as an appealing "staycation" option amid high fuel and airfare costs.

The guide, compiled by writers who own differently sized and lined pools, covers categories including safety, cleaning, water chemistry and leisure. Highlighted products include the Lifebuoy Bcone floating pool alarm (around $395), which detects surface disturbances and relays warnings via a Wi-Fi bridge and app; the Arlo Pro 6 outdoor security camera (from about $99); the solar-powered Beatbot iSkim Ultra robotic skimmer (roughly $699 on offer, down from $999); and the Iopool Eco Start smart water monitor (around $409), which tracks temperature, pH and ORP every 15 minutes. The July 2026 update added a new cleaning robot, resort towels, floating sunglasses and safety gear such as the alarm and camera.