FINALLY! It's that time of year again in West Texas. After weeks of temperatures warm enough to be at the pool-the gates are finally unlocked and the pools are OPEN! Just in time to get a small tan on before Memorial Day Weekend and Bar-B-Ques and Pool time. Just a few things to remember, though, with temperatures this week reaching above 100 degrees for highs--to be safe and comfortable:

1. SUNSCREEN

And we don't mean the 30 spf kind, either. To be safe with high temps so warm way before Summer officially arrives-we'd say 50 spf to be safe.

2. SUNGLASSES

Even better if you have Sunglass Goggles. They are worth the extra money to protect your eyes and make it easier to see in bright sunlight on these hot West Texas days we're having.

3. TOWELS

With an 'S'. Plural. Bring several with you. Not just to dry off when you're finished, but to also lay down across the chair you're going to lay out on for a while when you aren't in the water having fun. Those chair straps can get really hot sitting in those open rays from the sun!

4. SENSIBLE SHOES

Whether it's sandals, water shoes, or aqua socks-even tennis shoes--wear whatever makes sense for you to be comfortable traveling across hot concrete to and from the chair and pool, or to the parking lot and the car. Protect your feet from the heat. It's also a good idea to NOT RUN in the pool area-especially if it's tile. It's extremely slick when it's wet and you're likely to slip and fall.

5. HYDRATE!

Drink PLENTY of fluids. Water, Gatorade, Juice. Not so much soda or caffeinated beverages that can dehydrate you. Maybe even bring a tiny cooler with some ice or ice packs if the pool rules allow to keep your beverages cold.

Food for thought as we all head back to the water for some fun!