Pool parties are great for summer entertaining. A BBQ alongside a summer pool party makes for a great event for the host as well as the guests. Whether it is a kiddie event, teen party, grown-up gathering or a mixed bunch, a little bit of planning is all it takes to convert an ordinary party into a super event!
Pool Party Invitations
– Choose one of PurpleTrail’s summer bbq or pool party invites to create your online invitations. Starting your poolparty in the afternoon gives the guests enough time for the fun and frolic in the pool before the focus shifts to the BBQ. A good start time is between 2:00 and 4:00.
The Swimming Pool Party
-The pool party starts with a pool. If you are one of the lucky ones to have a pool in your backyard, make sure it looks appealing to your guests to step in. Vacuuming, skimming, and treating will prevent any build up and discoloration of the water before your party.
If you don’t own a pool but have your heart set on throwing a pool party, there’s still hope. You could consider renting out a pool for the duration of your party. However we think a personalized soiree in your own backyard with inflatable pools is much more fun. There is quiet a range available on the net from $30 to $300. Indulge in one that suits your pocket. You could also borrow an extra pool from neighbors and have separate ones for adults and children.
Summer Pool Parties Toys
– Pool toys are the most important items for a summer pool party. Stock a variety of toys to please the kids, and the adults. Squirt guns, swimming noodles, and diving items such as rings and sticks are must haves. A basketball hoop or volleyball net is good addition for guests of all ages.
Flotation devices are always a must for a pool party. There is a wide array of floating rafts. You can find inflatable rafts for as little as $3-5, but those do not always hold steady - but they are fun for the kids. There are more durable ones that cost upwards of $20 but are definitely worth having for adults at the party. Also consider kick boards for the kids. They will have the time of their lives splashing behind one of them! Also don’t forget the arm floaters for younger kids who don’t know how to swim or have just learned to swim. Even if you have asked guests who rsvp’ed to come equipped with their own, it is a good idea to stock some spares.
Pool Safety – Comes First
- For a children’s party always have a few adults keep a sharp eye on the pool. You and your guests will be much more comfortable if you know that your children are safe. For an adults party be sure to keep the guests who have had a little too much to drink away from the pool.
Poolside –
Anticipate your guest’s needs and designate a bathroom easily accessible from the pool as the changing room. Put out stacks of clean towels, bottles of sun-screen and Aloe-Vera lotion. Don’t forget the pool umbrellas and throw around some pillows and beach towels for casual comfort.
Summer Pool Party Games
– Set up your sound system out doors and be ready with a list of “summer” music to last you at least 3 hours. Have tables set up around the pool with backgammon, chess, and scrabble. If the wind suits, you could even have some kites ready for an on the spot kite flying competition. Set up a limbo stick in a corner.
Water balloon fights and Marco Polo, pool volleyball or basketball are great group activities in the pool. Pool murder mysteries are also a good way to engage your guests. For more games and activities click here.
Summer Pool Party Decorations
– Keep it simple and elegant. Balloons are great to add a festive touch to your pool side. Buy lots of blow up beach balls and float them in the pool. Tiki torches or strings of lights are great décor around the pool, especially if the party is going to be extending into the evening and night hours.
For the tables you can decorate them with grass skirts. For the tables you could go for tablecloths and flatware in bright solid colors like yellow or green/lime. For flatware, blue would be a good choice. Add a vase with sunflowers or any other yellow flowers and you have a no fuss centerpiece ready. Serve the salads or appetizers on plantain tree leaves.
It’s simple touches that add to the party mood and atmosphere. For a summer pool party you could order umbrella party picks , use flip flop coasters and serve food in attractive shapes and containers like this goldfish shaped dish or Beach ball divided trays and luncheon plates.
Once your guest are ready to hank up their towels for the evening, float a dozen large color flowers in the pool or use a styrofoam board to hold some floating candles and flowers and float it in the pool. Don’t forget the citronella candles burning around the party area to help keep bugs away. It would also be nice to have bug spray available for your guests to use.
Pool Party Food Ideas
– If you are serving your guests bbq, click here to read our BBQ articles.
PoolParty Drinks
– For the pool time, simple beverages like lemonade, iced tea, carbonated drinks and juices are good. For snacks and finger food consider serving chips and dips, fruit platters, watermelon wedges, or bite sized sandwiches. If you want something more out of the ordinary try these –Easy Mojito’s, Summer Beer, Frozen Summer Slush, Brenda’s Strawberry slush delight, Lemon Berry Smoothie
Pool Party Favor Ideas
- Beach towels, caps, and sun glasses are great party favors for pool parties. For your special event though, we recommend Soapsicles. Soaps crafted to look and smell like popsicles. How cool is that !
Get Ready and Dive In for a spectacular summer pool party!
