Searching for pool party ideas? From pool party decorations to food ideas, here are 37 pool party ideas to inspire your summer party.
Pool Party Ideas
1. Lemonade
If you’re looking for a classic drink idea for your pool party, you can’t go wrong with lemonade. There are so many ways to elevate a basic lemonade. Such as adding other fruits to it to create flavors like strawberry lemonade, peach lemonade, or tea lemonade.
Below, I’ve shared two unique and creative lemonade ideas that you can add to your party menu.
2. Frosted Lemonade (Chick-fil-A Inspired)
If you’ve ever tried Chick-fil-A’s frosted lemonade, you know how creamy and delicious it is. (for me it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness).
To recreate it, simply start with a traditional lemonade base made with fresh lemons and simple syrup. Then, blend that mixture with a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream, and voilà! You’ve got a creamy frosted lemonade that’s perfect for enjoying poolside.
3. Lemonade Floats
Another fun and delicious lemonade recipe is lemonade floats. Start with your regular lemonade. However, when you’re serving it, top it with a scoop of lemon sorbet to create that “float effect”.
The lemon sorbet adds a little bit of tart, frosty, and icy texture to the lemonade; making it extra refreshing and perfect for a hot day by the pool.
3. Offer Refreshing Drinks
In addition to lemonade, consider offering a variety of refreshing drink options to keep your guests hydrated and cool throughout your party. Classic choices like sodas, flavored sparkling water, and iced teas are always a hit.
You could also include a selection of juices, to add a fruity twist to your drink lineup. Lastly, provide plenty of water, so guests can stay nice and hydrated throughout the party.
4. Use Lots of Fun Pool Floaties
One of my favorite things about a pool party is that you don’t have to go overboard with decorations, especially since the pool within itself is the main attraction.
To make it even more fun and inviting, decorate the pool with lots of colorful and playful floaties. Think oversized flamingos, unicorns, donuts, or even inflatable loungers that guests can relax on.
5. Have Sunscreen on Hand
When searching for pool party ideas, don’t forget the essentials.
Since this is an outdoor party, it’s important to have sunscreen on hand for your guests. Set up a small sunscreen station near the pool area so everyone can easily reapply throughout the party and keep their skin protected from UV rays.
6. Provide Face Sunscreen
In addition to regular sunscreen for your body, consider providing a separate sunscreen specifically for the face. Facial skin is often more sensitive, so a gentle, lightweight sunscreen designed for the face can help prevent breakouts and irritation.
Opt for face sunscreens that are non-greasy, water-resistant, and have a high SPF for extra protection.
7. Incorporate Beach Balls
A great pool decoration that doubles as a fun activity is adding beach balls to your pool. These colorful balls can instantly make the pool look more festive and playful, setting the perfect vibe for a pool party.
Plus, they’re not just for decoration. You can use them for fun games like pool volleyball or simple toss-and-catch games that everyone can join-in on.
8. Fun Pool Party Games
Incorporate fun pool games into your pool party to keep everyone entertained and active. Go for the classics like marco polo, sharks and minnows, or a swim relay race to bring out some friendly competition.
You can also set up a volleyball net for a fun volleyball game in the water. Or, introduce creative challenges like diving for rings and a floating race to keep the energy high throughout the party.
9. Serve Spring Rolls
If you’re looking for a tasty and easy appetizer idea, consider spring rolls. They’re light, easy to eat, and perfect for snacking poolside.
You can pick up pre-made spring rolls from your grocery store’s freezer aisle. Or, you can make them from scratch. Either way, they’re going to be delicious.
10. Have Extra Towels on Hand
Make sure to have extra towels on hand, especially for guests that forgot to bring their own. Place them in a convenient spot. Like in a basket or table near the pool area, so guests can easily grab one when needed.
11. Set Up a Relaxing Lounge Area
Set up a relaxing lounge area with plenty of lounge chairs so guests can unwind and enjoy the poolside atmosphere. This gives people a comfortable spot to take a break from swimming, read a book, or simply soak up the sun.
12. Provide Shade
From tents to large umbrellas, make sure to have some shade available near the pool area for your guests. This provides a comfortable spot where they can take a break from the sun, cool down, and relax while still enjoying the party atmosphere.
13. Have Aloe Vera Gel on Hand
In case of any sunburns, make sure to have aloe vera gel on hand so guests can apply it and help soothe their skin.
14. Have a First Aid Kit Handy
In case anyone gets a cut, scrape, or bruise, make sure to have a first aid kit handy. Stock it with essentials like alcohol wipes, Band-Aids, and antiseptic cream so you’re prepared for any minor injuries.
Place the kit in a visible and easily accessible spot near the pool area, so it’s available when needed.
15. Serve Drinks in Small Sand Buckets
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to serve your drinks, consider using small beach sand buckets. This unique idea has been trending so much, and it’ll add a playful beachy vibe to your pool party.
You can fill the buckets with cocktails, mocktails, or even punch, and serve them with cute straws for an extra festive touch.
16. Decorate Drinks with Mini Umbrellas
If you’re looking for a cute and simple way to dress up your drinks even more, consider decorating them with mini umbrella toothpicks. These tiny umbrellas will instantly give your drinks a fun tropical vacation vibe, perfect for a pool party.
17. Serve Ice Cream or Popsicles
Ice cream/popsicles and pools truly go hand in hand, making them a must-have for your pool party. Serve these refreshing treats as a light and cooling snack that’s great for keeping everyone cool while spending time under the sun.
18. Have a Bright, Colorful, and Playful Pool Party
If you’re wondering what theme or decorations to choose for your pool party, consider going for a bright and playful vibe. Incorporate bold, vibrant colors with bright balloons, tablecloths, and colorful banners to set a festive tone.
19. Have a Neutral Boho Pool Party
If you’re looking for a minimalist and neutral vibe, consider throwing a neutral boho pool party. Stick to a calming color palette with shades of beige, white, and soft browns. Decorate with white balloons, pampas grass arrangements, and clear or white pool floaties to enhance the serene aesthetic.
20. Tropical Pool Party
For a vibrant summer theme, consider throwing a tropical theme pool party. Decorate with fun elements like flamingo decor, pineapple accents, and palm leaves to create a festive island-inspired atmosphere.
Complement the theme with tropical inspired foods and drinks, such as piña coladas, coconut water, coconut shrimp, and tropical fruit platters featuring mango, pineapple, and papaya.
RELATED: 15 Luau Party Ideas for Your Next Tropical Bash
21. Serve Grilled Foods
A pool party ideas article wouldn’t be complete without some easy and delicious food ideas.
Fire up the grill and serve up some delicious BBQ or grilled foods for your pool party menu. Options like chicken skewers, grilled corn, burgers, and hot dogs are always crowd pleasers.
22. Have a Watermelon Fruit Cake
If you’re hosting a pool party to celebrate a birthday or just want a fun and unique centerpiece dessert, consider serving a watermelon fruit cake.
This refreshing “cake” is made entirely from watermelon slices and is beautifully decorated with a variety of fresh fruits like berries, kiwi, and grapes.
23. Serve Snacks in Beach Sand Buckets
Another fun way to incorporate beach sand buckets into your pool party is by using them to display your snacks. Fill the buckets with chips, popcorn, pretzels, or other easy-to-grab snacks, making it a playful and functional part of your decor.
Plus, guests can use the scoop attachment that comes with the bucket, as a serving spoon to scoop out the snacks.
Fun Pool Party Ideas
24. Provide Hand Sanitizer
Place a hand sanitizer station near the food and eating area so guests can easily clean their hands. Whether they’re going from the pool to grab a snack or eating in between pool activities, having sanitizer readily available makes it quick and convenient for them to keep their hands clean.
25. Add a Bathroom Rug Near the Pool and Home
Add a bathroom rug or mat near the pool entrance leading to your house so guests can wipe their feet before heading inside to use the restroom.
This simple addition can help limit water from being tracked into the house, keeping the floors clean and dry. Plus it ensures a safer environment by reducing the chances of slippery floors.
26. Create a Pool Party Playlist
Create an amazing pool party playlist so your guests can jam out to great music throughout the party. If your party has a specific theme, like a birthday celebration or a tropical paradise, be sure to add songs that match and enhance the theme.
RELATED: 47 Pool Party Songs for an Epic Playlist
27. Decorate with fresh flowers
If you’re looking for a way to decorate your food table, consider decorating with fresh flowers. They’ll add a fresh pop-up color to your set up.
28. Have a Trash Can
Make sure to have a trash can placed near the food and eating area. This will make it easy for guests to throw away their trash throughout the party without having to search for a bin.
29. Serve Chips and Dip
From salsa to guacamole, chips and dip are a must-have for any pool party. They’re a great and simple appetizer; easy to munch on, good for sharing, and ideal as a finger food while lounging by the pool.
30. Have a Pool Party in Light of a Celebration
Have a pool party in light of a celebration to make the occasion even more special. Whether it’s a graduation, birthday, or another milestone, a pool party is a fun and festive way to honor the event.
This is especially perfect if the celebration falls during the summertime, allowing you to take full advantage of the warm weather.
RELATED: 40 Graduation Party Ideas to Celebrate Your Big Day
31. Have a Glow in the Dark Pool Party
Host a nighttime pool party with a fun glow-in-the-dark theme to create an unforgettable experience. Incorporate glow-in-the-dark decorations, glow sticks, and glow-in-the-dark beach balls to add a playful and vibrant touch to the space.
Also, this pool party theme is great if you have a heated pool feature. So guests can comfortably swim without being too cold.
32. Have Bubbles
Add some extra fun and playful ambiance to your pool party with bubbles! From traditional bubble wands to a bubble machine, they’re a simple yet fun addition that everyone can enjoy.
It’s important to note that no matter how old you are, bubbles have a way of bringing out a carefree, childlike joy that perfectly complements a playful pool atmosphere.
33. Pool Squirt Guns
Add some pool squirt guns to your pool to amp up the fun and let your guests enjoy water-blasting each other. Whether it’s a casual splash or an all-out squirt gun fight, this simple idea is sure to bring lots of laughter and excitement to your pool party.
34. Cooler with Ice
Have a cooler filled with plenty of ice near the pool area and stock it with a variety of drinks so guests can grab and go with ease.
35. Serve Finger Foods
In addition to appetizers, serve finger foods that are easy to eat and don’t require formal plates or the need to sit down for a full meal. Options like burgers, hot dogs, pasta salads, baked chicken, and sandwiches are perfect for a casual poolside vibe.
36. Have a Good Speaker
For your pool party, make sure to have a high-quality speaker that’s loud enough for guests to hear and enjoy the music, even over the splashing and chatter.
Or you can use a waterproof or portable speaker that can be placed near the pool for maximum convenience and sound quality.
37. Have Lots of Plastic Bags on Hand
Make sure to have extra plastic bags on hand so guests can use them to store their wet swimsuits, towels, or any other damp items when they’re leaving your party.
This small yet thoughtful touch helps keep their belongings separate and prevents water from dripping into their bags or cars.
