Jess Carrier’s Pool Care 101…. You ready? You would not believe how many compliments I get on my pool water. I’ve heard everything from “It looks like a resort!” to “What’s your secret?!” And listen—I love a good ego boost, but those compliments are always followed by a flood of questions about how I keep it so clean.
So here it is: the no-gatekeeping, real-life, not-a-professional guide to my crystal clear water (And no, it’s not magic… just maintenance.)
🏊♀️ Pool Opening Day: AKA The Annual Spring Workout
Every spring, I yank that safety cover off, reconnect the hoses, and change the sand in the filter. Then I fill the whole thing with fresh city water from the garden hose. Once it’s full and running, I take a sample to my local pool store for testing.
Because here’s the thing: my city water changes every year. I don’t trust test strips. I don’t love guessing. And I definitely don’t love wasting money on chemicals that don’t work.
Every year, I add a bottle of Metal Out and some liquid pool shock, and honestly, that’s usually enough to clear things up. On rare occasions, I’ve had to add Muriatic Acid—but that stuff is no joke, so handle it like you’re disarming a bomb.
And the most important step? Vacuum. Vacuum. Vacuum.
I do it three times during opening week:
Once to suck up all the leaves, algae, and mystery debris
Again 24 hours later after filtration runs
And one more time for good measure—this clears out any leftover metals or funk that settled in
🧽 Weekly Pool Care Maintenance: The Routine That Saves Me
Let’s just get the disclaimer out of the way: I’m not a pool professional. Just a tired mom who likes her water clean and her kids busy.
💊 Chlorine Tablets 24/7
I keep 2–3 tablets in the skimmer basket at all times. I check every few days, clean out the debris, and top off the chlorine as needed. Once the water warms up, those tablets melt like butter on a hot grill, so I stay on top of it.
One giant bucket lasts me the whole season (usually).
🌀 Vacuuming & Backwashing
I vacuum once a week and also after every major storm. I originally snagged a Pool Blaster vacuum at a garage sale for $15 (best $15 ever). It was so easy the kids actually wanted to use it. Of course, that didn’t last long—my son flooded the electronics. So I replaced it with this one on Amazon, and it’s even better. Same vacuum, upgraded design, and waterproof electronics. Bless.
I do occasionally hook up the pool’s vacuum that connects to the filter, but the one above is way easier to manage for light cleaning. It has also probably saved my filter from an early death.
Even though I don’t vacuum through the filter much, I do still backwash once a week. Maybe overkill, maybe muscle memory. Either way—it’s part of the pool care ritual now.
💥 Pool Shock: When & Why I Use It
I shock the pool:
After a big storm
After a party
Once a week in August, because that’s Algae Season!
I’ve switched to liquid shock this year because the powdered stuff never wanted to dissolve. Liquid works faster, easier, and doesn’t leave me angrily stirring like I’m making pool soup.
💚 The Algae Battle (End-of-Summer Edition)
Around late July (hello, Iowa humidity), I’ll usually start to see algae creeping into the corners. It’s either because I got lazy with maintenance or we just didn’t swim much for a few days. Either way—it happens.
I swear—just letting the kids cannonball all day keeps the pH balanced better than anything else. We swim a lot, splash often, and just keep things moving. It works.
🧽 Hidden Chores Disguised as Games
Parenting hack: after a storm, I challenge my kids to “see who can get the most debris from the bottom of the pool.”
They go full competition mode and don’t even realize I’ve tricked them into cleaning. #momwin
🗓 My Weekly Pool Care Schedule
Thursday Evening (10–15 min)
Backwash
Check chlorine tablets
Remove debris from pool floor
Saturday Night (5 min)
Pool shock
Sunday Morning (1 hour)
Check chlorine
Vacuum
Tuesday (2 min)
Quick chlorine check
🚫 Dirt, Feet & Deck Rules
I have a giant deck and a rock path leading up to the pool, which means we rarely deal with dirt getting tracked in. If we didn’t? I’d be that mom yelling about foot-washing rules. Grassy feet are the fastest way to ruin a pool.
🔁 When Things Get Out of Control…
Let me say this louder for the people in the back: When I struggle with my pool care, I take a water sample to the pool store.
Yes, it might cost $30–$100 in chemicals. Yes, it’s annoying. But you know what’s worse? A green swamp in your backyard that nobody wants to swim in.
Do the test. Spend the money. Treat it right. That’s just pool ownership, baby.
🛒 My Favorite Pool Products
If you’re curious what else I use, I’ve linked a few things here:
The Best Winter / Safety Cover I have ever had! (Water flows through it so you’re not left with a huge puddle of gross water sitting on top of your cover. Its like a strong, sturdy, strainer!)
My Pool Heater – I’m in Iowa, this baby gives us two extra months of swimming time! (It ain’t cheap being bougie!)
(affiliate links included, because if I’m going to help you keep your water clean, I might as well earn a dollar doing it)
☀️ Pool Time = Wellness Time
Yes, the pool is fun, but it’s also part of my wellness routine—sunshine, movement, stress relief, and family time all rolled into one (bonus points for cannonballs). If you’re into living your best life—whether it’s clean eating, mindset shifts, or feel-good routines—you’ll love these posts too: 👉 Check out more of my wellness and lifestyle content here
💬 Please Share!
If you found this pool care post helpful, funny, or even mildly relatable—do me a favor and share it!
📌 Pin it to your summer checklist 📤 Post it to your stories 📎 Send it to that friend who just bought a house with a pool and looks overwhelmed
It helps me more than you know, and keeps this blog floating right alongside your crystal-clear water.
Get the scoop on Royalton Riviera food, drinks, and nightlife—from poolside snacks to steakhouse dinners and the can’t-miss All-In White Party.
They say you don’t go to all-inclusive resorts for the food. But they clearly haven’t been to Royalton Riviera on a good day. I’ve stayed here four times now—Hideaway, Diamond Club, with and without kids—and I’ve tried nearly every restaurant, snack station, and “sure, I’ll try one” cocktail on the property.
This is your no-fluff, tell-it-like-it-is guide to the best food and drink at Royalton Riviera Cancun—and where to go if your taste buds demand more than buffet tacos and watery piña coladas.
🍽️ The Buffet That Surprised Me (in a Good Way)
Let’s start with the Gourmet Marche—Royalton’s main international buffet. I know, I know. Buffets don’t exactly scream “fine dining,” but hear me out.
Always clean
Always well-stocked
Food actually tastes fresh
Even has a kid section with picky-eater options
You can get eggs made-to-order in the morning, tons of variety for lunch, and full dinner options that don’t feel like leftovers. It’s one of the few buffets I don’t roll my eyes at.
🍕 Snack Stations = Hidden Gems
Some of my favorite bites didn’t come from a sit-down dinner—they came from poolside snacks and surprise grills:
Hideaway Pool Sushi Bar – Opens at 11am and serves up rolls that hit harder than expected
Main Pool Food Truck – Nachos, ceviche, and other rotating poolside goodies
Diamond Club Grill Station – Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers—all of it better than it should be
Beach Waitstaff Hack – Ask for a food menu and they’ll bring food from these snack stations straight to your lounger
🥩 Sit-Down Dinners: Hits, Misses & Everything In Between
Grazie (Italian)
Surprisingly solid. Pasta, pizza, and salads were all better than average.
Appetizer portions are small, so order multiple.
We loved walking around the pool while waiting for our table.
Caribbean Grill
Simple and tasty. I had grilled chicken tacos, my teen devoured a pile of nachos.
Casual and fast, perfect for a lunch spot when you don’t want to change out of your swimsuit.
Zen (Japanese)
The hibachi-style dinner show is a fun experience—good energy and entertainment.
BUT: you don’t get to choose your sushi or main dish.
Want good sushi? Go a second night and request a table not at the hibachi grill.
Taj (Indian)
We gave it a go, but the flavor wasn’t our vibe.
If you love Indian food, you might have better luck—but it was a skip for us.
Hunter Steakhouse
Decent… but if you’re from the Midwest like me, you’ve had better.
Tiny portions, long wait even with reservations.
Honestly? Save your steak cravings for somewhere else.
🍹 Let’s Talk Drinks: Cold, Strong & Worth the Calories
I’ve tested just about every drink station this resort has to offer (tough job, I know). Here’s where to go for what:
Lobby Bar: Best spot for a strong, cold drink every time. Start your day here.
Martini Mix: Super cute, but chaotic at night. Get there early.
SCORE Sports Bar: Coldest beer at the resort. Period.
Diamond Club Pool Bar: Can be hit or miss depending on the crowd and bartender.
Room Fridge: Don’t expect cold drinks. It’s a cooler—not a fridge. Best tip? Grab drinks right after they restock.
Pro Tip: Bring your own Yeti or insulated tumbler. Ask the bartender to pour it straight into your cup. You’ll thank yourself around 2pm when your friends are sipping melted margaritas.
🧊 Straws, Cups & Weird Beverage Surprises
The resort doesn’t use plastic straws (good for the planet, weird for your mojito).
You can bring your own metal straw, or buy one at the gift shop.
And… they don’t serve Corona. In Mexico. I know.
Ask for Dos Equis instead, and let go of the dream.
🥂 Room Service + Coffee Situation
Room Service: Pretty solid. Definitely worth trying breakfast in bed at least once.
Coffee: Room service delivers early, but if you’re a coffee snob like me, bring your own.
The lobby café uses syrupy latte mixes that taste more like melted dessert than caffeine.
The club sandwich room service at night is only good after several drinks, ya know what I mean?
💃 Nightlife, Entertainment & the All-In White Party
If you think the fun ends at dinner, think again—Royalton Riviera Cancun knows how to throw a party.
Every night, there’s some kind of entertainment happening, from live shows with performers, dancers, and musicians to DJ sets on the main stage.
One of the biggest events of the week is the All-In White Party—and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like:
Everyone wears white (you don’t have to, but it’s more fun if you do)
There’s a full DJ setup, lights, dancing, and cocktails
It’s Instagram-worthy and surprisingly high energy for a resort event
Bonus: Great excuse to shop for that breezy little white outfit —-> Snag Mine HERE!
Other shows we’ve seen over the years include:
A full Michael Jackson tribute
Fire & light shows
Mariachi bands and Mexican market nights
A few surprisingly good cover artists (Shout out to “Resort Beyoncé”)
Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy the nightlife without being a zombie by 9pm—schedule a nap. Seriously. You’ll thank yourself later.
Just so you know—Royalton Riviera Cancun didn’t sponsor this post about the pool and beach, I’m just sharing the real-deal scoop from experience. But hey, if you feel inspired to book something through this Expedia link or shop through the affiliate links in this post, I’ll earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) and it helps keep the blog going. Win-win!
📲 Share This Post With Your Travel Crew
Planning your Royalton trip with friends? Share this so nobody ends up sad and hungry on night two.
📌 Pin this to your “Resort Reviews” board
💬 Drop it in the group chat (especially for the picky eater)
🥂 Or send it to that one friend who needs to pack their own straw
➡️ Up Next: Royalton Riviera Presidential Suite + Traveling with Teens
Now you know about Royalton Riviera Food, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to stay in a Presidential Suite with teens in tow? Spoiler: it’s not as relaxing as adults-only… but it was unforgettable. 👉 Read about the Royalton Riviera Presidential Suite experience.
Let’s get one thing straight: the Royalton Riviera Cancun pool and beach experience is where the real energy lives. Whether you’re floating with a drink or diving into volleyball matches, this resort brings serious poolside and beachfront vibes. This is my honest review of my many experiences here. If you are curious about booking or scoring a rooftop terrace suiteyou can check out those previous posts.
After four trips (with and without kids), I’ve figured out where the fun happens, where the best drinks are hiding, and how to dodge the daily towel war. Whether you’re a rooftop sipper, a beach walker, or a pool volleyball champ, this post is your guide to the daytime real-life energy of Royalton’s pool and beach scene.
Cool factor: The staff that keeps everything up beat, activities, and high energy = The Vibe Crew! Isn’t that perfect? Whoever came up with it? Gold Star For you.
🏖️ Beach Vibes: More Than Just a Pretty View
Let’s start with the beach—because it deserves a little credit.
Depending on the time of year, the beach can be crystal clear or full of seaweed. I’ve experienced both. But here’s what always makes it worth visiting:
Canoes, paddleboards, and catamarans (free to use once you pay a small reef fee)
Loungers with drink service, especially in the Diamond Club beach area
Beach volleyball and yoga sessions if you’re feeling social
A Beach Massage Tent
And of course, watching the sunrise with your feet in the sand and zero regrets
Even if the seaweed shows up, the staff works hard to clear paths—and the vibe is still peaceful and gorgeous.
Whether you’re floating in the Hideaway pool or walking the beach with your morning coffee, the Royalton Riviera Cancun pool and beach vibe is something you’ll remember long after your tan fades.
💦 Pool Scene: A Vibe for Everyone
There are multiple pools, and each one comes with its own personality. Here’s the breakdown:
🌴 Hideaway Pool (Adults Only)
A fabulous adult party pool
No kids = no chaos
Sushi bar nearby and plenty of lounge space if you get there early
🎯 Main Pool (High Energy)
Volleyball, water aerobics, music, dancing, trivia, and more
My teens loved the competitive games and made a bunch of friends
Food truck nearby with nachos, ceviche, and other surprise snacks
This is the social pool. You’ll either love the vibe—or head back to your rooftop terrace for a nap. (Zero judgment either way.)
🍔 Diamond Club Pool
Smaller but elevated—literally and figuratively
Best part? The snack stand: burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches
Feels a little more exclusive and low-key, but you’re still steps away from the action
🍕 What About the Kids’ Side?
Okay, full disclosure: I’ve never stayed on the kid-focused side of the resort. But I’ve explored it a bit.
The slides are super cute (definitely geared toward younger kids)
The food stands near that pool offer simple kid-friendly stuff—think hot dogs, fries, etc.
If you’re traveling with littles, you’ll have what you need. But for teens? Stick to the main pool.
🪑 Chair-Saving Drama (Let’s Talk About It)
Yes, there’s a rule that says “no reserving chairs.” No, it’s not enforced.
If you head to the pool at 9:30am, you’ll see an ocean of towels, books, sunglasses, and flip flops—but almost no actual people. It’s a thing. It’s annoying. I recommend:
Getting there early
Using your rooftop terrace if you have one
Or heading to the beach, where chairs are easier to snag (especially in Diamond Club)
Say yes to random games—you never know when you’ll end up in a tequila-fueled trivia showdown
Just so you know—Royalton Riviera Cancun didn’t sponsor this post about the pool and beach, I’m just sharing the real-deal scoop from experience. But hey, if you feel inspired to book something through this Expedia link or shop through the affiliate links directly above, I’ll earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) and it helps keep the blog going. Win-win!
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If you’re planning your trip—or just dreaming of poolside snacks and beach sunrises—this post is meant to be shared.
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Let’s be honest—the real flex at Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spaisn’t the buffet or the beachside cocktails. It’s scoring a rooftop terrace suite. And after four trips here (yes, four), I’ve officially become a rooftop snob—and I’m okay with that.
Across multiple visits—Hideaway, Diamond Club, and even the Presidential Suite —I’ve had a rooftop every single time. And I’m about to spill exactly how to get one, what makes them different, and why once you’ve stayed in one, you’ll never want a regular balcony again.
🛏️ The Room Rundown: Same Name, Very Different Vibes
Here’s the deal: the room type is usually listed as something vague like Luxury Suite with Balcony or Terrace Jacuzzi. But if you book that and end up on the top floor, there’s a good chance you’ll score the unofficial upgrade—aka the Royalton Riviera rooftop terrace suite. Its a room with stairs that lead to your own private oasis with a hot tub and lounge chairs!
💡 How to Actually Get a Rooftop
You can’t always tell from the booking options, but here’s how I’ve scored one every single time:
Book early
Choose a Luxury Suite with Balcony Jacuzzi – Don’t choose a swim out room if you are wanting the rooftop (obviously).
Pay the $100–$120 to use the Royalton Room Selector (after your reservation is processed)
Pick a room on the top floor—those are the ones with rooftops
Here’s the catch: you won’t see the rooftop terrace rooms listed or advertised anywhere. Not on the Royalton site, not on Expedia, not even in the fine print.
There’s no “rooftop terrace” option when you book. It’s all lumped under Luxury Suite with Balcony Jacuzzi—which makes it feel like you’re just getting a standard balcony.
They don’t show staircase photos or rooftop shots in the listings. The only reason I even found out about them was by staying in one and seeing it for myself.
☀️ What’s Actually on the Rooftop?
Each Royalton Riviera rooftop terrace I’ve stayed in came with:
A full-size jacuzzi
Padded loungers or daybeds
Privacy walls
Partial ocean or resort views
Sunrises that made me forget all my problems
Basically, it’s a resort inside your resort. One day, I skipped the pool entirely and spent hours on the rooftop drinking coffee, sunbathing, journaling, and plotting how to never leave.
🔥 Hideaway vs. Diamond Club Rooftop
Hideaway (adults only): Quieter, more zen, perfect for sipping something chilled while pretending you don’t have email.
Diamond Club: Still luxe, but you hear more going on around the resort. Great if you want that “private but not isolated” vibe. Perfect for pre-dinner drinks, selfies with the view, or a fun hot tub evening with friends!
👀 Presidential Suite Preview
When I brought my teens for trip #3, we leveled up to the Presidential Suite. The teens room was basically a separate connected suite with it’s own rooftop terrace similar to the previous stays. The main suite had a huge rooftop area! Came with an oversized living space, private plunge pool, and a serious wow factor. That stay deserves its own post—and it’s coming soon.
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If this helped you plan your Royalton Riviera stay, or if it convinced you that yes, you do deserve a rooftop—please share it!
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Every share helps support my blog (and my caffeine habit), so thank you!
Let’s talk about planning your escape to Royalton Riviera—because there’s a lot to love, and a few things you’ll definitely want to know ahead of time. I’ve stayed at Royalton Riviera Cancunfour times, and every trip taught me something new. This post is everything I wish someone had told me before my first visit.
Whether you’re a first-timer or you’re debating an upgrade, here’s your no-BS guide to booking smarter and checking in like a pro.
🧳 Booking the Right Room: Here’s the Tea
I’ve stayed in both the Diamond Club and the Hideaway (adults-only) section. If you’re into peace, pampering, and fewer splashy cannonballs next to your margarita, book Hideaway. And if your budget allows, go Diamond Club inside that section. You get better service, more perks, and private everything.
Even in the main section, the Royalton Riviera Diamond Club comes with VIP extras. Think: private check-in, butler service, better beach chairs, and room upgrades. It’s worth it.
My Birthday Balloons in Our Messy Suite (2018)
🛏️ Room Tip You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner: The Rooftop Trick
Here’s something no one tells you: If you book a Luxury Suite with a Balcony Jacuzzi and end up on the top floor, you could score one of the Royalton Riviera rooftop terrace suites.
It’s not an official category—it’s a layout thing. These rooms come with a private rooftop deck that makes you feel like you own the place. On one trip, I found this out by accident. Since then, I’ve booked smart and gotten one every time.
Our Rooftop Terrace (2018)
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Room Selector Tool
After you book and the reservation is processed (about 3–5 days), Royalton lets you use a paid room selector tool. For around $116 USD, you can pick your exact room, building, and floor.
If you want a rooftop, this is how you get it. Look for the top-floor rooms in your category, and look for the little stairs in the photo—that’s your jackpot.
🚐 Getting There: Book Private Transport
The first time I went, I didn’t do private transport. Huge mistake. We stopped at three other resorts before finally getting to Royalton Riviera. It took nearly an hour.
Now I book private transfers through Amstar (not sponsored, just reliable). It’s faster, easier, and more relaxing. You’ll be in your swimsuit sipping something cold before the shared shuttle even unloads.
🌴 First Impressions: Check-In Vibes
My first check-in at Royalton Riviera felt like a dream. I stepped off the shuttle and a clipboard guy said my name before I even spoke. He walked me past the crowd and into a cool, dimly lit lounge. I got a cold towel, a welcome drink, snacks, and a personal check-in.
They asked about food allergies, showed me restaurant menus, and even had a pillow menu. I felt like Beyoncé.
Second time? Not the same. Still nice, just busier. The Diamond Club lounge was crowded. No welcome towel. No personal vibe. We met our butler and went to our room. It wasn’t a bad experience—it just didn’t have the ✨magic✨ of the first trip.
Lesson: The section you book can really shape your first impression.
Sunrise View From Royalton Riviera Diamond Club Room 5415
🧠 Quick Booking Tips
Hideaway section is chef’s kiss if you’re kid-free
Book early for the best shot at a rooftop terrace
Use the room selector tool—it’s worth it
Diamond Club = better everything
Private transfers > shared shuttles
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