Pool parties are a well-loved event during the summertime – what better way is there to escape the heat and spend time with friends all in one? Pool parties come with different responsibilities than non-water parties in that they generally require more thought, more planning safety-wise, and unique decorations and waterproof toys you might not already have!
We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to throw a pool party that’s not lacking in the fun OR safety department this summer. Read on to get the party started!
Plan safety first.
By getting the most important part of party planning out of the way, you can spend the rest of your time focused on more fun and creative aspects of party planning. As far as safety goes, there are a few basics every host should know. First, there should never be a situation in which anyone is alone in the pool – this is a major drowning hazard! In addition, horseplay like pushing people into the pool, holding people underwater, etc…should clearly be defined as off limits. For adult guests, be sure that anyone swimming or responsible for watching children in the pool should limit or avoid the consumption of alcohol. (Cute summer cocktails can be tempting, but can be disastrous to mix with a pool!) If your party involves kiddos, there should be even more safety measures in place. Consider implementing a buddy system and have at least two designated adults be watching the children in the pool at all times to avoid dangerous incidents.
Choose a theme.
Once safety measures have been implemented, the real fun can start. Most successful pool parties have some sort of theme, whether it’s water themed (such as “under the sea”) or based on a character or even a color! Once you’ve decided your theme, choose colorful decorations that will draw party guests’ eyes and bring your vision to life! Throwing in a special decoration such as custom neon lights, a photo banner, or even a disco ball can make the party feel several times more fun! Be sure that all your decorations go together and fit the theme in some way, whether by color, character, or design.
Figure out food.
Let’s face it – it’s easy to work up quite the appetite when swimming. Being in water burns way more calories than being on land, even when doing simple activities like walking from one end of the pool to the other. This means that, as a party host, it’s your job to keep your guests adequately fueled for the fun. Foods that fit your theme or an overall pool theme are great. Some examples are beach ball cookies, “seaweed” salad, etc… You get the picture! Getting creative with food is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Keep in mind that safety can be implemented in food planning, too! Foods or candies that are known choking hazards such as large hard candies are a major no-no for pool parties. Choking is dangerous on land, and even more so in the water when people are less likely to notice. Avoiding these foods and candies will give you more peace of mind as a host and help you avoid any issues during your party!
Plan a playlist.
Lastly, it’s time to figure out music! Music can make or break any party, and a pool party is no exception. (Just be sure to keep your speakers far from the pool unless they’re waterproof!) Planning a pool or beach-themed playlist can help set a tropical mood for your guests. Want to take it up a notch? Have a friend serve as DJ and take song requests. There’s no doubt that there’s certain songs some of your partygoers are dying to hear, and playing those songs for them will only earn you more points as a host!
When is your next pool party? Implementing these tips is a great way to ensure that the party you throw is enjoyable for not only your guests, but you! Planning in the correct order can take loads of stress off the planning process and keep you feeling upbeat and excited in the days leading up to the big event. Now go dive in!
Lara Douglas is a young woman who loves interior designing and home decor. She is passionate about new trends and fashion forward home décor ideas. She regularly posts at Neon Signs Depot.
