By The Pool With Shalina Better Jun 2026

Use cantilever umbrellas to offer adjustable, stylish sun protection.

For a while, we didn’t speak. I dipped my foot into the cool water, sending small ripples toward the center. Shalina finally closed her book and set it aside. She sat up, pulled her hair into a loose knot, and then, without a word, slid off the lounger and into the pool. She didn’t dive or splash. She simply slipped in, letting the water rise to her chin, and leaned her head back against the edge, eyes closed.

To achieve , you must begin before you leave the house. Forget the giant inflatable pizza slice or the tangled headphones. Here is the checklist of essentials:

Music is the invisible thread that ties a pool day together. Shalina swears by a blend of breezy pop, tropical house, and a sprinkle of indie folk. Here’s a starter list (feel free to remix!): by the pool with shalina better

: Install energy-efficient LED lighting that can change colors via smartphone apps to set the mood for evening gatherings.

The magic lies in the sensory reset: cool water against warm skin, the scent of sunscreen and blooming flowers, the unhurried rhythm of breathing. In a world that constantly demands our attention, represents a deliberate choice to pause, breathe, and recalibrate.

: Use cantilever umbrellas or modern pergolas to block UV rays while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. Use cantilever umbrellas to offer adjustable, stylish sun

: Store a bottle of pure aloe vera gel or a soothing cucumber mist in your poolside cooler for instant cooling relief post-swim.

What is your (e.g., concrete, pavers, wood deck)?

: Transition your pool from day to night using floating LED globes and warm perimeter lighting. Shalina finally closed her book and set it aside

Want to adapt this? If "Shalina Better" is a real person you know (an influencer, friend, or colleague), simply swap out the generic lessons for specific quotes or habits she actually has by the pool.

To maximize your leisure time, elevate your physical setup with high-utility accessories that balance form and function: