Pool Party Essentials: What You Need to Know for a Great Party

This post is all about pool party essentials that you’ll be happy you had.

The sun is shining and the pool is open! It’s time for your kids to dive into fun. It’s also pool party time. 

This may also mean that you feel a little pressure to host the perfect pool party, and, if you do, I’m here to help! With a few essentials, you can host a stress-free, memorable party.

Read on to learn what pool party essentials you need to make the party a perfect 10.

Must-Have Pool Gear 

I’m a fan of planning ahead, so I don’t have to run around during the party for things my guests need. Here are some of the best ideas that have kept my pool parties a swimming success:

• Extra Towels- Rolling a bunch of extra towels and placing them in a waterproof basket is the perfect way to take care of your forgetful guests. 
• Floaties & Pool Toys- Keeping a couple of pairs of arm floaties on hand for any little swimmers whose parent may have forgotten is a great idea. Also, having pool toys and float rings allows everyone to get more use out of the pool.
• Sunscreen Station- Place a basket with spray and lotion sunscreens next to the towels for easy reapplication.
• Shaded Seating or Umbrellas- Not everyone wants to jump in. Create a shady spot where adults can relax and still supervise.

Keep Safety A Priority

Between the excitement of being outdoors and at a pool, there is an increased chance that accidents can occur. It’s best to be proactive and prepared for it.

Pool Rules Sign- If you’re looking to go a step above, use this pool rules sign to ensure that safety plays a role in your party. 

Lifeguard or Designated Water Watcher- If you can afford to, hire a lifeguard to watch over those in the pool. You can go to your local Facebook moms group and ask if anyone has an older child who is a certified lifeguard looking to make a little extra money. 

Or, if that’s not in the budget, assign pool-watching duties ahead of time and rotate the responsibility, so no one person is left doing it.

First Aid Kit- It’s always a good rule of thumb to have a first aid kit ready for any scrapes that can occur with kids having fun.

Pool Party Food & Drink Ideas 

There are a ton of calories being burned when swimming, so be prepared for hungry guests. Be sure to give summer-ready snacks to everyone. Here are some ideas: 

Easy grab snacks like fruit kabobs, watermelon wedges, ice pops, and chips are perfect quick grab-and-keep-playing snacks.

{Related Post: No-Fuss Finger Foods: Easy Toothpick Appetizers You’ll Love}

Set up a hydration station outdoors. Whether you have a cooler filled with small water bottles and juice boxes or jugs of iced tea and infused water. Label pitchers and coolers so everyone knows what’s available and can help themselves.

How to Decorate for a Pool Party 

Have fun with it! I love the idea of having a theme, but it isn’t necessary. You don’t have to spend a ton of money for your guests to have a great time.

If you do choose to go with a theme, then consider some of the ideas below. Get creative with pool noodles, floats, and anything that can be repurposed as decorations. 

The Dollar Tree is a perfect solution to anyone looking to not spend a fortune (and where I purchased all of the floats and containers seen here). 

Don’t forget music! You can plan ahead and make a playlist and have it run on an outdoor bluetooth speaker for the entire party. Making the playlist ahead of time lets you focus on having fun.

{Related Post: 15 Fun Graduation Party Games and Activities Everyone Will Love}

How to Organize a Pool Party 

The best advice one can receive when hosting any party is to plan ahead. Brainstorm what you will need so that you’re prepared. Here are a few ways to stay organized before and during the party:

• Basket of plastic bags for wet items: I always save takeout or grocery bags and give them to guests for when they’re done in the pool. They can toss their wet bathing suit and towel in there.
• Trash and Recycling Cans: Keep as many wet bodies out of the house as possible by placing a few garbage cans outside for guests. 

Other Ways to Prepare for Your Pool Party 

Being prepared is the best way to have your party be a hit, but, more importantly, it helps you feel less stressed. 

• Pre-party Checklist- I like to visualize the event and “walk through” what the party will look like. As I do this, I craft a checklist of what needs to be done before the party, what will be served and when to serve it, and what clean up will look like.
• Back-up Plan for Weather- the best laid plans still don’t always work out. Decide if the party will still go on if the weather is bad; what will you do instead? Or, will you plan a raindate? Inform your guests ahead of time. They’ll appreciate it.
• Get the Family Involved- hosting any type of event is a lot of work. Delegate some of the tasks to everyone in the family to take some stress off of you. 

Remember The Most Important Thing

We host these parties to create memories and connect with those we love. Don’t get bogged down with trying to make everything perfect. Focus on having fun with those you love.

This post was all about pool party essentials you must know in order to have a successful party.

{Related Post: How to Plan a Dinner Party: A Step-by-Step Guide for Stress-Free Entertaining}