Whether you’re soaking up the summer sun or celebrating a special occasion, here are some fun pool party ideas for adults and teens.
Pool Party Ideas
Although you can have an exciting pool party without a theme, theming your party can help guide your decoration, food, and game options.
Some fun theme ideas that can help your pool party stand out include:
Glow in the Dark Pool Party
Set the mood with lighting-or the lack of lighting, with a glow in the dark pool party.
This fun theme is perfect for a pool party scheduled at night. LED decorations (LED light up beach balls), glow sticks, and color changing string lights will help to illuminate the pool area.
Hawaiian Pool Party
An Hawaiian/ luau themed pool party is characterized with bright colorful decorations and Hawaiian elements. Such as hula skirts, colorful flower arrangements, tiki bar, and floral leis.
Birthday Pool Party
If your birthday falls in the summer months, make a splash with a festive birthday pool party.
You can decorate your outdoor space with balloons and happy birthday banners; and include cake/cupcakes in your party menu.
Tropical Pool Party
Create a tropical paradise without having to leave home with a vibrant tropical pool party.
You may also like: The Best Tropical Party Ideas
Beach Themed Pool Party
Create a unique beach themed pool party with beachy decorations (Seashells, sand, surfer board, etc.), playful food presentations (Ex: sand pudding cups), and an upbeat beach party playlist.
Pool Party Decoration Ideas
When it comes to decorating your pool party, you can decorate as much or as little as you would like.
One decorative yet functional element that you may want to consider, is creating a lounge area.
It does not have to be super extravagant, it’s simply a space where guests can take a break from being in the pool yet remain poolside.
Having a layout with extra towels, sunscreen, aloe vera, and lounge chairs will help guests refresh while being in the sun.
In decorating your outdoor space, here are some elements that you can incorporate to create a fun and festive atmosphere.
- Balloons
- Streamers
- Banners
- Signs
- Tablecloths
- Photobooth/polaroid camera
Furthermore, adding floaties and beach balls will help create an inviting and playful mood to the pool. Make sure to have an electric pump handy to make inflating the floaties much easier.
Pool Party Ideas Food Ideas
Offering a variety of light and filling snacks that can be enjoyed throughout the party is a great way to satisfy your guests appetite.
Foods such as sandwiches, fruits, veggies and dip, salsa and chips, hot dogs, and hamburgers are amazing finger food options.
You can easily elevate your food menu through creative presentations.
For example, easily transform hot dogs and hamburgers by creating a build your own bar where guests can personalize their burgers/hot dogs with a variety of toppings.
To keep everyone hydrated and refreshed in the summer heat, incorporate a variety of drink options to your party menu. For extra cool down, popsicles and snow cones are deliciously yummy options.
Last but not least, don’t forget to ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions in order to offer an inclusive menu.
Pool Party Games
Make a splash and complete your pool party with some fun entertainment ideas.
These classic pool games will help your guests have blast and create amazing memories.
Music
Intensify the party atmosphere with a personalized pool party playlist.
You may also like: 47 Pool Party Songs for an Epic Playlist
Cannonball Contest
Test to see who can make the largest splash with a cannonball contest.
Swim Relay Race
Swim relay race is exactly what it sounds like. Players will race across the length of the pool to see who is the fastest swimmer.
Sharks and Minnows
Sharks and minnows is a nostalgic pool party game idea for adults, that will bring the inner child out of your guests.
There are several variations to the game. For a detailed guide on how to play sharks and minnows click here.
Pool Volleyball
Divide your guests into two teams and play a competitive game of pool volleyball.
All you need for this fun activity are a volleyball pool net and ball.
Marco Polo
Marco polo is a classic pool game that doesn’t require any extra materials.
The goal of the game is for the person that’s “Marco” to try and catch everyone else who are shouting “polo”.
Float Race
With a pool float race, players will use pool noodles/floaties to race across the pool without actively swimming.
Dance Competition
Host a “So You Think You Can Dance” competition in the pool, to see everyone’s best dance moves in the water.
Pool Party Games
Offering non-pool related games is great for guests that want to take a break from being in the pool.
You can set up different game stations so guests can rotate between games without getting bored.
Giant jenga, Taboo, Giant connect four, and cornhole are some ideas that you can add to your game offerings.
