25 Epic Pool Party Ideas That Are Sure to Make a Splash
Entertaining games, tasty snacks, cool decor and more.
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One of the greatest pleasures of summer is time spent in the water. Another is enjoying the company of friends and family. Combine the two joys into one celebration, and host the ultimate backyard summer party.
Whether the event is to kick off the start of summer, celebrate a birthday, or simply hang out with people you love, we have creative pool party ideas that are guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike.
We’re talking floating pool lights, an outdoor projector, a self-serve snack bar, refreshing summer cocktails and more. Some ideas require a little more work to execute, while others can be accomplished by a simple ‘add to cart.’ Whatever pool party you’re planning to host, these fun ideas will take your bash to the next level.
Set the Pool Aglow
Who says pool parties have to take place during the day? Consider hosting yours at night and illuminating the water with floating pool lights. Select your favorite color or allow the lights to shift through a gradient of hues for an easy upgrade that adds exponential coolness to your event.
Capture Lasting Memories
If your friends are a part of the 'pics or it didn't happen' community, they're sure to appreciate the presence of a Polaroid camera. Set one out, fully stocked with film, for friends to use throughout the party. Keep your favorite pictures and pass the rest out as party favors at the end of the night.
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Keep Drinks Cool
If you're hosting a small pool party, consider buying each guest an insulated cup to keep their beverage of choice cool in the warm summer heat. That way, they can set it, forget it, return to it and still have an iced drink to enjoy.
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Play Your Favorite Music
Get the party started by playing your favorite summer hits on shuffle through a portable speaker for guests to dance, mingle and sing along to. We have it on good authority that "Mamma Mia" and "Party in the U.S.A." never miss.
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Invest in Shade
As great as it is to soak in the sun, it's just as important to enjoy the shade, especially on a scorching hot day. Set up a portable umbrella for guests to rest under when they need to escape the beating sun.
RELATED: Best Beach Umbrellas
Don Matching Swimsuits
While matching swimsuits may not be for everyone, they sure can pull a party together, especially for one tied to a themed event such as a birthday or bachelorette bash. Opt for identical swimsuits or allow everyone to pick a different hue of the same pattern for greater individuality.
Break out the Banners
When in doubt, banner it out! Balloons and banners are great low-maintenance pool party decorations because you can tie them to trees, sun umbrellas and more to elevate the backyard to a party-ready paradise.
Soak Up the Sun
Some people are swimmers, others tanners, but most fall somewhere in between. Give guests an option to splash or lay by setting out lounge chairs near the pool. That way, they can alternate from taking a dip in the water to drying off in the heat.
Bring the Drinks to You
Spend more time relaxing in the pool by using an inflatable cooler. Fill it up with lots of ice, stock it with your favorite drinks and let it float around the water for ice cold drinks that are just a swim away.
Have Snacks On-Hand
Set up this self-serve snack bar with easy-to-restock bites, and let guests fill up their cups with their own personal mix. Don't forget the scoops! Wet pool hands and chips don't exactly mix.
Hang Mood Lighting
Backyard spotlights and lamps are great for lighting a party after the sun sets, but they can be quite harsh when crafting a soft, cozy vibe. Instead, try hanging string lights around the perimeter of the pool and yard to create an ambient atmosphere for you and your friends.
RELATED: Best Smart Outdoor Lighting
Decorate With Balloons
Pool floats are a must, but to take the fun to the next level, blow up a variety of colorful balloons — placing some in the pool and others around the yard to easily upgrade your backyard decor. Not only will the balloons make an incredible first impression, but they'll also add to your pool party photoshoot.
Serve a Signature Cocktail or Mocktail
In 15 minutes or less, you can have the perfect summer drink, filled with fresh fruit. For a kid-friendly version, skip the prosecco and top it with sparkling water.
Prep With Inflatables
Playing around with giant pool inflatables never gets old! Of course, we can't be responsible if the fun gets out of hand and a float or two accidentally pops. However, we can promise that giant inner tubes, a dinosaur, a unicorn and even food-themed inflatables will set that stage for a day of fun.
Create Your Own Cocktail Bar
You don't have to buy a cocktail cart to create one. Any rolling cart will do with the right bar essentials, glasses and liquors. Not only does a cocktail cart add to the decor of a pool party, but it also keeps back-and-forth trips to the house for refills to a minimum. Whip up a specialty drink in bulk and set it on top of the cart as a centerpiece. You can do the same with lemonade for kids.
Create a Kids Zone
Kids should always be monitored near water, but make it easier on the parents by sectioning off a designated kids zone, suited for little ones who aren't quite ready to tackle the big pool. As always, make sure there's at least one supervising adult around when children are swimming.
RELATED: Best Kiddie Pools
Fire Up the Grill
Pool parties and backyard BBQs go hand in hand, so dust off the grill and throw on some hot dogs, hamburgers, veggies, kabobs and more. Party guests will be reaching for seconds in no time. Need some new ideas? Check out our favorite grilling recipes below!
Create a Poolside Towel Caddy
There's nothing worse than forgetting a towel and having to slowly drip dry. To avoid the cold experience, set aside a towel caddy with extras in reach of the pool or hot tub.
RELATED: Best Beach Towels for Summer
Turn the Pool Party Into Movie Night
The pool party doesn't have to stop just because the sun went down. In fact, make it an evening affair by turning the backyard into your own personal theater, with snacks and plush pool floats for prime seating. Invest in a projector and blow-up movie screen, or go at it the old-fashioned way with a giant white sheet and clips. The only question now is: What are we watching?
RELATED: Best Outdoor Projectors
Set Up a Sunscreen Station
While a tan can be nice, a sunburn is not. Ward off the sun's wrath by setting up a sunscreen station where guests can reapply lotion every few hours. As for the contents of the basket, consider adding a variety of options such as SPF 70, SPF 30, facial sunscreen and aloe, for good measure.
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
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