Hosting a pool party allows you to enjoy the sunny weather, cool off in the water, and spend quality time with friends and family.
With some planning and preparation, you can throw a fun, memorable pool party that your guests will enjoy. Use the checklist below to plan the most perfect summer pool party that will be sure to make a splash!
Choose the Right Date and Time
First things first, if you don’t have a pool, you can have a water party by turning on the sprinklers, filling water balloons or using squirt guns. You can also fill small plastic pools for guests (and any invited dogs). If you live in an apartment with the pool, see if you can reserve the pool area for your party.
Pick a date and send invitations out early – at least three week advance notice to allow plenty of time for RSVP’s. Most people will probably be free on the weekend, but you can always reach out to your guests with a few options for dates and see when people are free.
Make sure you check the weather in the days leading up to the party so that you don’t get rained on. The day of the event, make sure you let guests know how long you plan to host the party for, that way you avoid dragging things out too late.
Prepare the Party Area
When it comes to setting up for your party, there are a few things you need to do before decorating or setting out any refreshments.
If you have a pool or will be filling any plastic pools, make sure you clean the areas and fill with clean water. lean the pool thoroughly before the party. After the hangout areas are clean, make sure to include life jackets for any children, pool toys, and extra towels.
If there isn’t any natural shade, put up umbrellas or canopy tents. You don’t want anyone to overheat or get sunburned. To ensure everyone is sun protected, have some extra sun screen available for any guests who may have forgotten their own.
Designate at least one person at your party to keep an eye on the water areas at all times if there are young children around. Safety is absolutely essential for a fun and successful party! Go a step further and make sure you have a first-aid kit on hand.
After the safety items are taken care of, set up a bluetooth speaker, put up any balloons, streamers, or other decorations, and then lastly set up an area to hold food and refreshments. Use a cooler full of ice to keep drinks cold, and make sure you check with your guests to see if anyone has dietary restrictions to be aware of.
Plan Fun Activities and Games
Besides water activities, you may want to plan some other activities for your party. Some ideas include having relay races, scavenger hunts, silly photoshoots, and a dance competition.
In the pool, you can have swimming races, play water volley ball or basketball if you have a net, play Marco Polo, or dive to retrieve pool toys.
If your party doesn’t have a pool, plan a water balloon fight or play Capture the Flag with water guns as an extra twist. Get creative when it comes to the activities at your party, you can pick any activity that fits your group well.
Your Party will Certainly be a Splash!
With thoughtful planning and preparation, you can throw an enjoyable, safe pool party that provides lasting summer memories.
Don’t forget to relax and have fun yourself! Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, so don’t spend too much time worrying about the little details. Happy Sumer!