Did you know that August 3^rd is National Watermelon Day? In honor of this special day, we’re sharing our favorite fun facts, as well as a few ways to enjoy this classic summertime treat by the pool.

Watermelon is the nation’s most popular melon

That’s right—we sure love to enjoy a delicious watermelon! It is followed by cantaloupe and honeydew in terms of national consumption.

Its name is surprisingly accurate

While we’re all familiar with the name of the watermelon, many of us may have missed its surprisingly literal meaning. Watermelon is made up of more than 90 percent water! No wonder it’s so cool and refreshing on a hot summer’s afternoon when we need it the most.

Watermelon is rich in health benefits

Watermelon seems to have more than its fair share of big health benefits. Research suggests that eating watermelon before working out can reduce the risk of painful inflammation. In addition to this benefit, watermelon is rich in lycopene, the antioxidant that gives watermelon (and other fruits) its bright red color. Lycopene is good for your heart, skin and overall health.

And now, for a few delicious ways to enjoy watermelon poolside…

Cool off with a glass of watermelon juice

If you’ve got a juicer, you’re well on your way to the cool, tasty treat of watermelon juice. This is a great way to enjoy the sweet favor (and all the health benefits) of watermelon, and it’s especially easy for poolside consumption—just pour into a few glasses and enjoy!

Enjoy watermelon balls by the pool

Use a melon baller to scoop out tasty bite-sized watermelon chunks. Serve them in a bowl and have everyone in the pool enjoy one whenever they need a quick, cool treat.

Float around in a watermelon tube

Finally, here’s a fun twist on watermelon—a watermelon pool float! You can pick one up at several stores or find one online, then simply lounge around in it during your next pool party. You can count on it being a hit with all of your guests!

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing quite like a sweet, refreshing chunk of watermelon to keep you cool and comfortable. We hope that you and your family have a great time around the pool while snacking on this summertime treat.