How to have a pool party at home

Pool and some wine glasses for a house party

In this article I will give you some ideas for hosting a pool party at home, or anywhere else with a pool.

Types of pool parties

If you want you can have a theme for your pool party. Here are two themes:

Beach party

If you have sand (or even if you don't) you could have a beach party. Read another article about beach parties.

Palm Springs

Guests wear classic summer styles from the 50s and 60s.

Get a pool!

You can either rent or buy a swimming pool.

Get an inflatable pool at Amazon. This pool would fit a few adults. If your party just involves a few people chilling in a pool this might be a good option..

If you want a big party with ten people in a pool then getting a bigger pool would probably be a better option.

Area required for a pool party

You would need a decent sized backyard. Any space that would allow you to clear away objects from it would be great.

If you don't have somewhere appropriate you may want to ask someone if you can host a party at their place. Alternatively you could rent a place with a pool.

You would probably want areas for seating and dancing so plan accordingly.

You should also consider if music would annoy your neighbors.

What do people wear at pool parties?

People typically wear beachwear, togs and swimsuits.

Even if you're not going in the pool your clothes may get wet anyway.

If the party is outside people may want to wear sunscreen, sun glasses and hats for their own protection.

Preparation

If you have an inflatable pool you'd want to pump it up and fill it before the event.

If you have an existing pool you would want to clean it a week before the event to let any chemicals settle.

You may also want the area bug sprayed a few times before the party. Two rounds should be good enough for small parties but you'd probably want three rounds for bigger parties.

You may want to move items out of your party area to make more space.

Do shopping before to get food, drink, decorations etc.

Weather

You would typically plan an outdoor pool party in summer so it'd be good if the weather is fairly hot. A calm day would be ideal so things don't blow away.

Changing area

You may want a room for people to change in. This could be a bathroom or bedroom.

Seating

You'd want some seating for those who don't want to be in the pool. Seats could be near the pool and/or away from it.

People may want to put up sun umbrellas in the seating area.

If you have a shaded area (under a tree etc.) this might be a good place for some seating.

Some seating in unshaded areas might be good for people wanting to get a tan.

Dance area

Perhaps you'd want to reserve space for a dance area too.

Storage area

Guests may want a storage area to put their electronics since most gadgets are not waterproof.

Invitations

Tell people to come in beachwear. You can tell them to bring things like drinks, sunscreen and a towel.

You may want to say whether kids are welcome to avoid confusion.

A picture of a pool would be great too.

Decorations

You probably wouldn't want anything electronic but balloons might be fun; some may go in the pool.

If you have a big pool you could get a few different floats for people to go on.

You might also like to decorate a photo booth area. If this area is dry enough people can take selfies.

Glow sticks

Glow sticks might be fun if the party is at night. Chemical glow sticks are waterproof.

Electronics and music

Most electronics are not waterproof so keep them out of the pool area.

Waterproof electronics are the obvious exception. Some cameras can be waterproof. Get a waterproof camera at Amazon.

Speakers can be outside but it would be best to ensure that they can't get wet.

Keeping your rooms dry

If keeping your rooms dry is important to you get guests to dry themselves off (especially their feet) before they go inside.

Games

People could play Marco Polo but I imagine that this wouldn't be much fun in a small pool.

A bigger splash contest and/or a water pistol fight could happen depending on who's at your party.

Food and drink

If there's enough room you can have a B.B.Q. and serve burgers, hot dogs etc.

You'd probably want to offer vegetarian and vegan options for those that want them. This may not be necessary in all cases.

If your party is outside then it could be a good idea to cover food so flies don't land on it. You'd probably want to put a table up too.

If it's hot I bet many people would be keen for ice cream, snow cones and/or ice blocks.

As far as drink you may want beer, wine, punch and tropical cocktails. Some non-alcoholic might be good too like juices and soda/cola. You may want to get a cooler, view the best coolers for parties.

Ice and cocktail umbrellas might be good to put in drinks.

Supervision

You may want to have someone monitoring those in the pool for safety. This person could wear a life guard suit.

Foam

A pool can also be used as a foam pit. I have written a separate article on hosting a foam party at home.

Accessibility

While some people with disabilities cannot swim, some may go in the water with the help of a caregiver and/or a rubber ring. They may need access to a bed to change on.

Many people with disabilities can swim fine; it could be a good idea to check if they need assistance before the party. Ensure any technology they use doesn't get wet; some examples would be a communication device or an electric wheelchair.

Even if they don't want to be in the pool they may want to be in the seating area.

Thanks for reading

I hope that you have a great pool party.