The Unspoken Poolside Resort Etiquette Rule People Break Way Too Often

Resort holidays are all about kicking back and relaxing with a cold drink in hand (booze optional) — especially if you've picked destinations like an all-inclusive Caribbean hotel or an adults-only all-inclusive beachside resort, where the sunshine and cocktails are just begging to be enjoyed. And while some resort vacations can come with their own set of setbacks — think painful sunburns and the occasionally overcrowded beach chairs — there's one major faux pas that'll quickly land you on other guests' and the staff's bad list: not following the proper etiquette.

Although most resort-goers and vacationers generally understand basic pool etiquette (like not splashing others or hogging too many lounge chairs), there's one unspoken rule that some guests frequently ignore: not playing music through their personal speaker. After all, most resorts sort of exist in their own little bubble where relaxation, luxury, and escapism reign supreme. That said, you're still sharing the same space with other people, so it's important to maintain a delicate balance between consideration, awareness, and personal enjoyment. And whether it's done intentionally or thoughtlessly, this all-too-common mistake of playing your own music can quickly transform a peaceful afternoon by the water into a test of patience.

Ideally, the poolside area of a resort should be nothing more than a quiet escape. Throw in a phone, bluetooth speaker, and blaring playlist into the mix ... and you've got yourself the complete opposite of relaxation. So much so that everyone from frustrated hotel guests to cruise fanatics and beyond have taken to social media to express their disdain for wannabe poolside DJs and their noisy disruptions. 

Beyond common courtesy, most hotels and resorts nowadays also have pretty strict poolside rules that specifically state things like no smoking, no outside food, and no speakers (among other items) by the pool area. So unless you're ready to face the consequences, it's probably best to leave them in your room. And although a hotel probably won't kick you out for breaking the rules once — you'll probably get a stern warning from staff for not acting accordingly. 

The same goes for guests who use the space for lengthy FaceTime conversations, scroll through endless TikTok videos with the volume up, and even parents who hand over a tablet to their children to keep them busy while they're out of the water. That said, if you ever do need to use your device, just grab a pair of headphones and save everyone else the trouble of listening in on your conversation, music, or movie. Alternatively, you can also just step away from the pool area altogether — keeping the space free of any unwanted noise.