The Ultimate Pool Party Guide
May 15, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Want to create a memorable pool party this summer? We’ve got you covered with all the pool party ideas you need from invitations and decorations to games and the perfect menu of delicious food.
Pick a Pool Party Theme
Photo credit: CatchMyParty.com
Choose a creative theme to elevate your event. If your guests are all-ages, plan a playful get together to amuse the kids, such as a sailor theme or unicorn extravaganza. Entertain adults with an elegant beach-themed party complete with seashells and mermaids. To play on current trends, throw a casual outdoor movie night and ask your guests to dress up like characters from the movie. For a simple soiree, opt for a classic all-American barbeque, especially on U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day.
Here are more pool party ideas for adults and kids to help you throw the perfect backyard bash.
Pool Party Invitations
Pool party invitations can range from easy to difficult. There are three primary options:
- Easiest: Create a digital party invitation. Use an online service like Evite, then distribute the invitation via email. You can also create an event on popular social media platforms to quickly invite your guests.
- Easy: Pick up some pre-designed printed invitations at your local party supply store.
- Difficult: Custom design your invitation at a local paper supply store such as Paper Source. This is the best way to create an extravagant invitation your guests will not forget.
Party Decorations
Photo: Bashery and Co.
Take your party from drab to fab with the right decorations. To create instant excitement, add a welcome sign to the walkway of your home. Then to wow your guests further, decorate a snack or dessert table with statement décor like colorful tablecloths, balloons and themed pieces. For a sailor theme, incorporate navy blue, white and red while including decorative anchors around the table. Underwater themes could include mermaid tails, fishing nets, shells and crabs. You can even adorn your pool with floating balloons or over-the-top pool floats! Just get creative and watch the pool party magic happen.
Photo Booth
Give your guests something to post about! Create a D-I-Y photo booth backdrop with fun props so that everyone will want to snap a selfie. The photo wall should match your party theme and should be large enough to fit a big group. This photo op will build buzz around your event and will turn your pool parties into the envy of your social circle.
Photo Booth Ideas:
Set the Ambiance with Party Lighting and Music
Extend your bash into the late-night hours with the right mood music and lighting. Plan a splash-worthy pool party music playlist in advance to keep the positive energy flowing from start to finish. Candles, tiki torches, lanterns, fire pits or pre-installed pool lights can all radiate an evening glow. When night falls, you can easily create the perfect atmosphere at the touch of a button with iAquaLink™ pool light automation.
Always exert caution when installing string lights near pool water. Ensure electrical lights are plugged into a GFCI outlet for safety purposes. When in doubt, contact a licensed electrician. Swimming pool lights should only be installed by a licensed pool professional.
Pool Party Games
Turn up the heat with some competitive pool party games. Install a pool volleyball net or basketball hoop to play the water variation of the traditional land games with your guests. Grab some pool floats and pool noodles to play a fun round of jousting or entertain kids with classic games like Marco Polo, tug of war or water tag. If your party is fiesta-themed, don’t forget to break a candy-filled piñata.
Party Food Ideas
Photo credit: Real Women and Homes Photo credit: 6bscreations
Surprise and delight your party goers with incredible edibles from tasty appetizers and entrees to creative show-stopping desserts. Turn a siesta into a fiesta with a build-your-own taco bar. Complete an all-American barbeque with a mouthwatering array of hot dogs and hamburgers.
Whatever food you decide to serve, don’t forget the sweets! Your hungry swimmers will be eager to satisfy their sweet tooth after playing games. So impress them with a colorful cake or dessert assortment including cupcakes, cookies, donuts or a customized candy station.
Pool Party Swimwear
Dress for the occasion! Whether your party theme has a dress code or not, hosts who dress appropriately always leave an impression. If the soiree is adult-only, pop on some wedge heels or designer shades. If your theme is distinctive, don’t be afraid to go over the top. For example, if you’re hosting a Game of Thrones party, deck yourself out in full Cersei Lannister or Jon Snow garb. Just be sure your movie-grade makeup is waterproof. Keeping it simple with swimwear only? Update your look with some of the latest swimwear trends for men, women and children.
Pool Safety and Comfort
Swimming pool safety is important to keep in mind during your event. Establish a set of rules, such as “no running,” or “no diving in the shallow end,” and communicate any guidelines before the party starts. Have fun communicating rules by integrating a pool party rules chalk board into your party décor. Designate an adult to watch children at all times. Set up a sunscreen station to protect you and your guests from harsh UV sun rays and provide guests with creature comforts such as extra towels whenever possible. Fix any safety fence hardware or pool railings prior to opening the pool.
Pool Maintenance
Who wants to swim in a dirty pool? No one! Make sure you skim debris, brush pool surfaces and balance the pool’s water chemistry before your party. Run an automatic pool cleaner like the new Polaris® Quattro™ Sport pressure-side pool cleaner for a deep clean of both fine and large debris. Empty your pool pump basket and backwash or clean your pool filter. For a quick clean, contact a pool and spa professional who can do all of the above prior to your event.
We hope this pool party guide will help you throw the ultimate pool party this swim season. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more useful tips and tricks to help you enjoy your pool all summer.