It’s hard to think of a better way to celebrate the fun and freedom that summer brings than a good old-fashioned pool party. We have all the tips and tricks to turn any summer shindig into a splash-filled good time. Dive right into these awesome pool party ideas!
Pool Party Location
Obviously, a pool is the first and most obvious choice for your summer pool party. If you don’t have a pool of your own, try reserving a community, neighborhood, public, or rooftop pool for a few hours. Or, ask a friend with a pool to host. Just promise them you’ll handle all the planning, setup, and cleanup!
If access to a full-sized pool isn’t possible, there are other creative ways to turn your outdoor venue into a pool-esque oasis. The important part is keeping a water theme and giving guests a way to cool down. Use water guns, sprinklers, and maybe even a kiddie pool or two to turn your backyard into a splash zone.
🌊 Get creative: Store-bought slip n’ slides are cool, but you can also build your own massive slide for under $50!
Pool Party Decor Ideas
Keep your decorations simple, or get creative with a themed pool party like a Hawaiian luau or tropical paradise. For a child’s birthday, try an ice cream theme with extra sweet decor. Or, host a rowdy Las Vegas pool party for adults with a bright beachy vibe and themed cocktails! Whatever direction you choose, we have some classic summer ideas to get you started.
Tropic like it’s hot
Many people’s ideal vacation is sitting poolside on a tropical island, so try to transport your guests there with your decor. Fill your space with giant hibiscus flowers and fake palm trees. Add fruit-shaped crafts like pineapples to your table decor for an extra tropical touch.
Go with the floats
Our pool party ideas wouldn’t be complete without inflatable rafts and pool floaties. You want some on hand for guests to use, but you can also make them part of your decorations. Pick up mini inflatables for table decor and place large inflatables in the pool and around your space. You can even turn them into coolers or make games out of them!
😎 Looking for cool themes for your celebration? Check out: 10 Unforgettable Themes for a Summer Party You’ll Love
Snap some pool-aroids
Everyone loves a good photo opportunity! At your summer party, give the people what they want with photo-worthy backdrops. Buy a kit off Etsy or put together your own easy background with parchment paper, plastic tablecloths, or fringe curtains. Add accents like pool noodles, floaties, and beach balls to fit the pool party theme. And don’t forget the fun props!
Pool together some party favors
A little swag is always appreciated, especially if you’re planning a poolside birthday party. Functional party favors are the way to go for this gathering. Have a flip-flop decorating station for a favor and craft combo. Sunglasses, water guns, or sunscreen also make great grabbable and useful goodies. You could even do personalized beach towels if you have a smaller guest list!
🦩 You might also like: 7 Ideas for a Spectacular Summer Party
Pool Party Menu Ideas
If you’re hosting a pool party, a light and breezy menu is a must. Prepare a selection of juicy fruit snacks, easy finger foods, and refreshing beverages for your guests to enjoy. We have some fun recipes and ideas to try when planning your pool party food and drinks!
Keep it refreshingly fruity
Pineapples and watermelons are the perfect summer fruits for pool parties. Cut them like normal for a quick snack, or add some additional flavors to turn them into a tasty fruit salad. Get creative with the presentation by carving your watermelon into a serving dish or using cored pineapple shells as cups or centerpieces.
Grab a quick bite
When planning your pool party menu, you need more than just fruit and drinks to fuel your guests. Provide a few additional, heartier foods as well. Just make sure they’re easy to grab and eat while relaxing poolside. Sandwiches, pasta salad kebabs, and crunchy snacks in individual serving cups are all excellent options.
Serve poolside sips
Spending time in the sun means guests will need to stay hydrated. Fill metal tubs with ice, water bottles, soda, and other easy-to-grab beverages. You can also create custom party drinks like a blue “pool water” punch for the kiddos and pitchers of watermelon margaritas for the adults.
Pool Party Entertainment Ideas
No matter your pool party’s theme, providing quality entertainment is sure to elevate the celebration. You can keep it simple with some sizzling summer tunes or up the ante with live performances!
Don’t stop the music
Music is essential at almost every social gathering. You can put together the perfect pool party playlist on your own or hire live musicians to take your event to the next level.
💿 Party DJ: Bring in a professional DJ to spin all your favorite summer tracks. From hip hop to classic rock to pop, they can mix throwback tunes with new hits to create the perfect soundtrack.
⛱️ Beach Music: Transport guests seaside with some fun beachy tunes. Hire a beach band to play everything from Jimmy Buffett to the Beach Boys.
🎸 Singing Guitarist: Acoustic guitars and pool parties go perfectly together! A singing guitarist can cover a range of popular and laid-back songs. This is a great option for smaller budgets.
🥁 Steel Drum Player: Get a little tropical with your live entertainment by booking a steel drum player to perform authentic steel pan music.
Dance the day (and night) away
Add something more exotic to your pool party with a live dance performance. Most performers can tailor the show based on your budget and theme to create the perfect experience for your guests.
🌺 Hula Dancer: If you’re throwing a Hawaiian luau or other tropical-themed party, hire hula dancers to provide an interactive performance.
🔥 Fire Performers: When you know the party will keep going after dark, book a fire performer for an exciting addition to the late-night festivities.
✨ LED Show: If fire isn’t your thing or the venue has limitations, consider an LED performance instead. Their props and routines are sure to mesmerize any crowd.
Keep it kid-friendly
For pool parties with little ones, you’ll want lots of fun activities for them to do. Live performers who work with kids know exactly how to keep them happy and engaged.
🧜♀️ Live Mermaid: Hire a mermaid performer to splash around in the pool and tell the kiddos about her underwater adventures. This is especially fitting for an Under the Sea party!
🎈 Balloon Twisters: Inflatable toys go well with pools, so why not have a talented balloon artist shape up some unique creations for all of the children to play with?
🫧 Bubble Entertainment: Blow away your little guests with a live bubble show! From bubble machines to magic tricks, these performers are sure to leave the kids in awe.
🏴☠️ Pirate Performer: Turn your backyard pool party into a swashbuckling adventure with a visit from a pirate character. They can lead treasure hunts and make kids “walk the plank” right into the pool!
Pool parties are the perfect opportunity to celebrate summer events, from a fun Memorial Day activity for kids to a laidback Labor Day party to close out the season. So grab those pool floats, throw on some sunblock, slip on your shades, and have a blast creating great memories with your friends and family. 🏊
Sonia is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad and uses the knowledge she’s gained from helping both the vendor and client through the booking process to give her best event planning advice. When she’s not at work she enjoys the outdoors, a good book, trying new recipes, and spending quality time with her husband and their furbabies.