Tomorrow is June 21st, and officially the first day of summer! That means pool party season is here. Whether you own your own house or are in a rental, read on for our tips on how to host a killer pool party.
1. The Pool
The first step to hosting a killer pool party is making sure you have a pool, and that it is safe to use.
If you own your pool, congratulations, the first step is done! You’ll want to make sure the pool is in tip-top shape to be suitable for your guests.
Check the pool chemical levels to make sure they are optimal. If they are not where they need to be, you may need to “shock” your pool, also known as super chlorinating. This means adding three to five times the normal amount of chlorine to the pool to help kill bacteria and sanitize the pool. You might need to do this a few days before your party to make sure the pool is safe to enter when your guests arrive. On the day of the party, make sure to skim any scum off of the surface, and ensure that the filter is working properly.
If you don’t own a pool, you will need to find one! If you are in an apartment complex that has a pool, be sure to check with the office to make sure its ok for you host a gathering. If you don’t have access to a pool where you live, you may be able to rent out a community pool. Check with your town officials to see what your options are, and to make any necessary arrangements for hosting a party in a public space.
2. Pick a Theme
Pineapples are all the rage. Decide on a theme to ensure you have a memorable and exceptional pool party.
The best parties are themed, right? Picking a theme helps provide a framework for all party activities, and makes your party unforgettable. You can decide how far you want to take your theme. You might want everything (food, invites, decorations) to be on theme, or maybe you just want guests to come dressed in costume. It’s up to you.
Or, you could just host a classic pool party, with no theme other than you just want it to look summery. Get some inflatables, such as beach balls and pool floats, set up some umbrellas for some shady spots, and have a cooler stocked full of refreshing beverages.
3. Activities
These balloons serve both as decoration and activity. Fill balloons with water, hang them around banner-style, and invite guests to pick them off and start a balloon fight!
What’s a pool party without a few activities planned? You can pick activities to support your theme, or just pick your favorite summer games. Here are some fun summertime activities to get you started:
- Cornhole
- Ladderball
- Horseshoes
- Volleyball
- Frisbee
- Badminton
- Bocce ball
- KanJam
- Giant Jenga
4. Refreshments
Make sure to have plenty of refreshments on hands for guests at your pool party.
It goes without saying that you are going to need to provide your guests with some food and drink. Typical pool party food usually consists of barbecued items, but you don’t have to limit yourself. For example, if you are hosting a tropical-themed pool party, you can serve tropical-themed foods like piña coladas and coconut shrimp.
Or if you want to make it easier on yourself, you could make your pool party a potluck theme. You could have guests bring items from a menu you design, or just have guests bring whatever they would like. The world is your oyster!
5. Pool Rules
Set up some rules before your party and make sure everyone understands them to ensure a safe time for everyone.
Safety is a must at any pool party. Make sure to communicate some basic safety rules to guests before the festivities begin (you can include this information on your invitation).
If there will be small children at your party, make sure they have proper adult supervision at all times. Explain to them some basic pool rules–no running by the pool, no pushing, and (depending on how deep the pool is), no diving. Make sure there are items on hand to help children stay afloat, such as life vests or arm floaties.
You should also make sure you have a first aid kit on hand in case of any minor mishaps. Set up a few tables with items like sunscreen, visors, and aloe. If you make sure to set up some basic guidelines before the party begins, everybody will be on the same page, helping to ensure you have a safe party.
Be sure to properly clean up after your pool party as well. Pool safety is paramount before, during and after your party. Pools are considered an attractive nuisance on your renters insurance policy, so make sure you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and your guests.
Pool floaties are a fun way to provide some extra seating and decoration at your party.
What kind of pool party are you having? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #ECPoolParty. Above all, have fun, be safe, and enjoy your summer!