I don’t know about you, but every June my dusty storage bin coughs up last year’s sun‑bleached noodles and deflated flamingo, and I decide it’s time for a pool‑toy glow‑up. This year, I gave Sierra.com a try—not just because their prices are so low that it feels like coupon stacking on easy mode, but because I enjoy the thrill of opening a box and guessing which “cosmetic imperfection” will give my gear its quirky personality. Surprisingly, my latest haul from their “summer fun” section arrived looking suspiciously pristine. I almost felt cheated out of a good flaw‑spotting session.
The WILDSIDE Catch Game: Velcro Meets Aqua Warrior
First out of the box was the WILDSIDE Catch Game. Think classic Velcro paddle set—only this one laughs in the face of chlorinated doom. The paddles are wrapped in a water‑safe fabric that still clings to the neon ball like a toddler to a popsicle. I tested it by hurling the ball with the ferocity of an over‑caffeinated golden retriever; it stuck every time. My constructive gripe? The adjustable straps are designed for daintier wrists than mine. After ten catches, I had a strap imprint that made me look tattoo‑curious. But if you can live with that (or possess wrists that aren’t angry ham hocks), the set is addictively fun.
Justice Floating Pool Chair: Recline Like a Budget Royal
Next up: the Justice Floating Pool Chair. It promises ergonomic bliss, two cup holders, and “molded‑in carry handles” (translation: plastic nubs that insinuate you will transport it farther than the edge of the deck). Slipping into the mesh seat is oddly dignified; I felt like poolside nobility—until I leaned back a little too enthusiastically and executed a slow‑motion submarine maneuver. Once I adjusted my center of gravity (and my ego), it was smooth floating. The PVC feels tougher than the average discount lounger, and the included repair patch gives me hope I’ll survive the inevitable run‑in with my border collie’s claws. Could the cup holders be deeper? Absolutely. My oversized seltzer can perform a graceful swan dive after the third ripple. Consider that the built‑in drinking game.
FUNDAY Splash Waterproof Football: Hail Mary, Hold the Waterlogged Sog
Finally, the FUNDAY Splash Waterproof Football came to play. Neoprene‑clad and sporting an inflatable bladder, it dries faster than a drama queen after an apology. I lobbed it across the pool and, unlike the sad foam footballs of summers past, this one didn’t morph into a 10‑pound sponge. Grip is stellar—even when my sunscreen‑slathered hands could double as frying‑pan grease. My only nitpick: the inflation valve sits slightly proud of the surface, creating a miniature speed bump on perfect spirals. It’s the football equivalent of that one traffic hump on your commute—annoying, but you still get where you’re going.
The Sierra.com Experience
Ordering was painless, shipping was quick, and everything arrived in a single recyclable box (save your applause; it’s 2025). Prices were, as promised, comically low—roughly what other retailers charge for a single designer pool float shaped like a mythical animal you can’t pronounce. True, Sierra dances in the realm of past‑season surplus and the occasional blemish, but that’s part of the charm. I like my gear the way I like my friends: slightly quirky, reasonably priced, and ready for adventure.
Bottom line? If your pool arsenal needs fresh recruits and your wallet is allergic to full MSRP, Sierra.com delivers gear that’s equal parts functional and fun, with just enough quirks to make the unboxing an event. Dive in—the water’s fine, and the discounts are endless!