Ideas for a swimming party

21 Ultimate Pool Party Ideas

Table of Contents

1. Beach Ball Pool
2. Glow Stick Pool Decorations
3. Shark Themed Pool Party
4. Summer Pool Party Desserts
5. Sun Protection Station
6. Swimming Pool Party Cake
7. “Let’s Make a Splash” Pool Party Favor Bags
8. Pool Party Decoration Ideas
9. Pool Party Popsicle (Icypole) Refreshment Voucher
10. Pool Party Squirt Gun Races
11. Jumbo Popsicle Garland Using Pool Noodles
12. DIY Beach Ball Garland
13. Pool Noodle Party Decorations
14. Pool Party Sand Pail Favor
15. Printable Pool Party Invitation
16. Pool Party Towel Station
17. Flip Flop Cookies
18. Pool Party Beverage Idea
19. DIY Pallet Pool Storage
20. Lifeguard Chair Party Favors
21. Pool Party-Inspired Treat Ideas
Check out more great pool party ideas perfect for the summer:
Plus, you don't want to miss 21 Fun June Birthday Party Ideas

Fill your mind with plenty of summer-worthy pool party ideas by checking out this roundup. You’ll find all the party supplies you’ll need, from ideas for pool party invitations to clever party food and party favors, plus a plethora of DIY decorations and pool party games. Guests will be excited to jump right in on a great summer event.

See Also:

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Check out these 23 Outdoor Party Games to add fun to your next party
Get the ball rolling with ideas from this vintage baseball birthday party

1.

Beach Ball Pool

You’re sure to capture the pool party invitee’s attention with these genius beach ball pool party invitations. Get guests excited for your pool party bash by including all of the party details, printed on a beach ball. Delivering the balls fully inflated is a fun idea, or send the beach balls with instructions for guests to blow up the ball to reveal the party plan.

2.

Glow Stick Pool Decorations

If you’re hosting a pool party that will extend into the evening hours, why not include this unexpected nighttime surprise as part of your décor plans? Simply add glow sticks to the bottom of the pool to add a cool party vibe. Kids will love the atmosphere created. Plus, how fun to dive after the glow sticks.

This summer, invite sharks to your pool party. A shark-themed pool party is a fun twist on an ordinary pool party. Instead of featuring a ferocious shark, this party features a grinning shark throughout the party decorations. There are plenty of “JAWsome” details to sink your teeth into, including a dessert table you might just figuratively die over. Gummy sharks, shark fin topped cupcakes, shark-decorated cookies, and a myriad of other yummy treats will keep party guests’ tummies full and hearts happy.

A summer pool party calls for summer-themed desserts. This retro pool party bash has loads of great pool party dessert ideas. How fun is the ice cream bar cake pops, ice cream cone, ice cream sundae-inspired cupcakes, and cookies decorated to look like sunglasses, popsicles, and flip flops? Plus, the outdoor pool-shaped cake with little fondant swimmers is a creative cake idea too!

5.

Sun Protection Station

If there is one thing that can ruin the fun of a pool party, it is a sunburn! You can help keep party guests sunburn free by setting up a sun protection station at your next outdoor pool party. Help guests lather on the sunscreen and provide a simple protection station that includes a bucket or basket of sunscreen and lotion. Guests will appreciate the extra protection.

6.

Swimming Pool Party Cake

Buttercream and fondant pair for one super cute swimming pool party cake. Check out the darling snorkel gear and flippers the swimmer on the cake is wearing. This is sure to steal the show on the dessert table at your pool party!

A great way to tie a party theme together is by incorporating a party logo. The repetition of using it on the invitation again on the decorations, and finally on the take home favors definitely helps to achieve a cohesive look and feel. We love these “Let’s Make a Splash” pool party favor bags. They feature the adorable party logo used throughout the event which is already a win. The idea of using a fabric bag is also a fabulous idea since the party guests are around water, and a fabric bag is definitely more durable as a storage place for party keepsakes.

8.

Pool Party Decoration Ideas

Don’t forget to dress up the pool area for your party. There are so many ways to do this inexpensively. Balloons can be used to create interest both above the pool and around the pool deck. Think balloon garlands, arches, and sculptures. Use different-shaped balloons to create a variety of décor pieces!

9.

Pool Party Popsicle (Icypole) Refreshment Voucher

Popsicles (“Icypoles”) are a great pool party refreshment, especially when the sun is shining. Popsicles can be a logistical nightmare to keep from melting and it can be hard to keep track of which party guests have reached their Popsicle quota when an open cooler stocked with popsicles is on display. We love this refreshment voucher idea. Each guest receives a refreshment voucher redeemable for one Popsicle, this allows the popsicles to remain stored in a freezer until desired, and also allows for some accountability.

10.

Pool Party Squirt Gun Races

This boredom-busting activity idea is great for a summer pool party. The great news is you probably have the items needed for these pool party squirt gun races at your home: sturdy string, scissors, plastic cups, duct tape, and squirt guns. Then, get ready to make a splash because this game is fun!

Popsicles and pool parties go together like peanut butter and jelly. You can create this jumbo Popsicle garland for your next pool party. Not only is this decoration idea affordable and quick to make, but the result is also adorable. Would you believe the popsicles are created from cut-up pool noodles affixed to Popsicle sticks? So cute, right?

Who knew Styrofoam balls could be turned into something so adorable? DIY your own beach ball garland to use as decoration at your pool party. You can create these using Styrofoam balls, paint, and a little string. How cute would these be hanging from your dessert table or strung around your pool deck and party area?

13.

Pool Noodle Party Decorations

You know those foam pool noodles you see at dollar stores all spring and summer long? They aren’t just for the pool. Get creative and use them to create decorations, perfect for your pool party. You can cut them up and string them to make really cool pool noodle garlands for next to nothing!

14.

Pool Party Sand Pail Favor

Send home the coolest pool party-inspired favor with party guests. Purchase inexpensive sand pails and load them up with things like sunglasses, flip flops, a beach ball, or treats. You can add a custom label or thank you tag to the sand pails to express appreciation for your guest’s attendance at the party.

Start off your summer pool party planning by picking an adorable party invitation. This beach ball invitation is colorful and fun and will instantly get your guests excited about the fun to come in the pool. All of the party details can be adapted to meet your party goals and plans!

16.

Pool Party Towel Station

It’s inevitable that someone attending your pool party will forget to bring their own towel. Plan ahead for this scenario so that all guests can continue to have fun at your event by creating a towel station. Use a large tub or ice chest to store spare towels. Create a sign letting the forgetful guests know these loaner towels are just for them. They are sure to feel relieved and well-taken care of.

17. Flip Flop Cookies

When it comes to having fun in the sun, flip-flops are usually the footwear of choice, especially at a pool party. Why not bring the fun of flip-flops to your refreshment table? Check out these adorable flip-flop cookies created using vanilla Vienna sandwich cookies and frosting. Display them on a bed of brown sugar “sand”.

18.

Pool Party Beverage Idea

While a pool party is bound to have plenty of water for splashing, make sure there is also plenty of “pool water” for drinking. This creative beverage idea takes your favorite blue-tinted drink and pairs it with a clever label to tie in with the pool party theme! Having plenty of drinks on hand to keep guests hydrated is very important.

Get ready for summer and all the pool parties you’d like to throw by getting your pool gear organized. This DIY pallet pool storage is the perfect way to display and store all of your gear during pool party season while also keeping it close enough to actually use without a lot of hunting and hassle. Assembly is easy, and the cost is totally budget-friendly. Check out the tutorial for steps to create one for your own backyard.

20.

Lifeguard Chair Party Favors

Lifeguards and pools go hand-in-hand, so why not add some lifeguard stands to your pool party decorations and then send them home with the kids at the end of the party? These lifeguard chairs are a great way to serve up a treat, such as some pushup pops filled with blue Jell-O “water”. Guests will love taking one home as a party favor after they’ve made a splash in your pool.

21.

Pool Party-Inspired Treat Ideas

Get creative with your pool party treats by labeling popular candy with clever names. Gumballs can be labeled “beach balls”. Licorice ropes look like “pool noodles”. You’ll find great inspiration for a dessert table with this colorful pool party.

Check out more great pool party ideas perfect for the summer:

12 Ideas for Pool Noodle Fun
20 Awesome Pool Noodle Hacks
21 Fun Things to do With Kids This Summer

Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

Toni Thomason

How to Throw a Summer Pool Party for Kids

This summer, get ready to make a splash. We’ve got the scoop on the coolest pool party ideas on the block, from the best swimming pool games (move over, Marco Polo) to fun food ideas and unforgettable favors.

Videos From Tinybeans

Decor

Set the mood and let your party-goers know how big of a splash they’re in for with bright colors and festive accents. From beach balls to pool noodles, here’s how to make your party look picture perfect.

Tissue Paper Pineapple Poufs

Frog Prince Paperie

Add a pop of color to your decor with this fabulous idea from Frog Prince Paperie. Bright yellow poufs are transformed into cute pineapples—just the thing to give your party a tropical, island-inspired vibe.

Popping Colors

Spaceships and Laser Beams

Summer is all about bright candy colors. You can easily (and affordably) add lots of color with nothing more than plastic dollar store tablecloths like this pool party from Spaceships and Laser Beams. Cover your food table with one and then drape the second tablecloth on the wall for a fun backdrop like the one pictured.

Inflatables

Toni Cuenca on Unsplash

From flamingoes to donuts, pool inflatables come in all kinds of fun shapes and sizes. They can add a splash of color to the main attraction—your pool—and smaller ones can serve as DIY ice chests or just whimsical table decor.

Food

You’ll want to offer plenty of snacks and treats to keep your guests energized. Check out all the cute and clever ways to keep them fueled up below.

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Mermaid Jello

Your kids will love this beachy jello recipe! You can customize it with whatever toppings you’d like.

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A post shared by Nourished (@nourishedhinsdale)

Watermelon Pizza

If the kids are asking for pizza, but it’s not time for dinner, this is the perfect snack! You can use cream cheese icing or yogurt as the topping.

On-the-Go Desserts

Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Let’s face it, a party with store-bought goodies is still a great party. If you’re short on time, consider buying something from your local grocer and calling it a day. From dairy-free offerings to chocolate waffles, you can run the gamut from totally unique to classic with a healthy twist—depending on your party theme.

Fish Food Snack Mix

Mama Cheaps

Kids can fuel up as they play the afternoon away with this genius snack mix from Mama Cheaps. With some “fishy” ingredients mixed in, it’s perfectly on theme.

Watermelon Shark

Inspirational Mama

How cute is this edible idea from Inspirational Mama?! It’ll look amazing as the centerpiece of your party, and kids are sure to gobble up all the fruit.

Snow Cone Cupcakes

Mimi’s Dollhouse

Can’t decide between serving cake or ice cream? These adorable Snow Cone Cupcakes from Mimi’s Dollhouse are the perfect compromise. They look refreshingly delicious, but you won’t have to worry about them melting in the heat.

Tasty Popsicles

honey.com

Cool the kids down without any added sugar with these refreshing Honey Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles. For more delicious flavors check out our astounding list of 22 drool-worthy popsicles that are healthy, fresh and downright perfect for beating the summer heat.

Mermaid Tails

Ever After in the Woods

Pretzels plus colorful chocolate equals adorable mermaid tails! Perfect for an after school snack or a mer-themed party, these easy-to-make tails use melting chocolates, sprinkles and simple pretzel rods, but look like a million bucks. Get the easy recipe from Ever After in the Woods.

Activities

There’s more to water play than splashing and swimming laps. Whether your kids can swim in the deep end or like to use pool floats in the shallow end of the (wading) pool, here are some fun games that’ll have them hopping with excitement.

Water Balloon Piñata

Shelley Massey

Skip the candy and let the party piñata sprinkle your guests with water instead. Hang overfilled water balloons in a tree or play structure and stand back while they take turns swinging a plastic bat or paper tube to see how many they can burst. Check out more fun water games.

Classic Pool Party Games

rajat sarki on Unsplash

You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on planning some awesome activities for your guests. Keep them entertained and splashing with something as simple as a cannonball competition or a good old-fashioned game of Marco Polo. Check out more classic water games here.

Sponge Ball Toss

Crazy Adventures in Parenting

Move aside water balloons, there’s a new wet and wild game that’ll last much longer! Follow Crazy Adventures in Parenting to learn how to make these squishy, fun-soaked sponge bombs.

Favors

Your guests will be having so much fun they might not want to leave, but you can keep the party going with a fun memento from the day. Check out these awesome party favors that your guests will love and appreciate both during the party and long after it’s over.

Cool Shades

Protect those big eyes from the bright summer glare. Kids from Miss Prim and Me’s pool party got to choose from a chromatic display of super cool shades.

Starfish Headbands

sandsurfcreations

Pool hair? No one will care when you outfit your water-loving guests with these starfish headbands from sandsurfcreations.

Beach Ball Party Invite

The Bubbly Hostess

Forget the usual paper party invites and give your guests something that will really get them excited about your bash with these Beach Ball Invites from The Bubbly Hostess. It’s like an invite and pre-party favor all in one! Grab a set of 6 beach balls here.

Sunscreen Station

Sandra Winters

It might not be super exciting for your young pool partiers, but parents will definitely appreciate this favor. Put out all kinds of toddler-friendly sunscreen that your guests can use at the party and even take home. SPF 50 for the face and a spray-on one that’s waterproof? Check, check! And look at the extra flair Entertain with Jordan gave to her station!

—Taylor Clifton & Shahrzad Warkentin with Christal Yuen

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Pool party ideas. How to host a pool party.

Are you planning to organize a grand celebration or a noisy pool party? Or are you planning to spend an unusual, quiet and romantic evening?

Are you planning to organize a grand celebration or a noisy pool party? Or are you planning to spend an unusual, quiet and romantic evening? If you are looking for ideas for a holiday or a pool-party by the pool, options for drinks, games and invitations, then read our tips and your holiday will be on top! nine0003

Party Themes

One of the best things about having your own pool is the opportunity to gather with friends or the whole family! A pool party can be simple, impromptu, or extremely interesting and difficult to organize. If you decide to go down a difficult path, then we suggest you consider options for your parties, which are sure to become interesting and unforgettable for you and your guests. nine0003

Movie Night

Do you miss cinema? Then the Movie Night Party might be just for you! You need to stock up on several sun loungers, a couple of inflatable or soft frameless chairs. You will need to take your large TV outside or rent a projector. You don't need a special projection screen, you can just project the film on the wall of your house if you have light brick or siding. You can hang a large white sheet or a huge white sheet of paper and project the image onto them. Pick any classic or something for a thrill like the movie Jaws. For children, the cartoon "The Little Mermaid" or "Finding Nemo" would be an excellent choice. Or any other cartoon your kids love. nine0003

No matter which movie you choose, just remember to be comfortable so that your guests can sit comfortably in sun loungers or armchairs and enjoy watching movies. Offer your guests popcorn, sweets, drinks - and the party will be a hit!

Gorgeous Party

Host an upscale, chic pool party that everyone will be talking about. Create a contemporary setting with a black and white theme. Set up black and white sun loungers. Prepare everyone's favorite variety of snacks, such as french fries or canapes. Come up with some signature cocktails that will be served in stylish glasses. Buy or rent inflatable mattresses, sun loungers, on which guests can swim in the pool, relaxing and sipping cocktails. Play club music in the background to create the overall party vibe. Buy inexpensive flip-flops that guests will want to wear and then keep as souvenirs. Your party is sure to be remembered by everyone for a long time. nine0003

Hawaiian Luau

The Hawaiian Luau is one of the most popular pool parties with light, accessible, bright and colorful decorations. Invite your guests to the evening show in the land of Aloha! Guests must wear colorful Hawaiian shirts. Make or purchase Hawaiian necklaces to welcome your guests. The pool area can be decorated with bright tropical flowers and plants, bamboo elements and Hawaiian themed accessories. Torch lanterns and tropical flowers scattered on the tables and the surface of the pool will be the finishing touches to organize a magical evening. Roast pork or chicken with pineapple are delicious main dishes this evening. Be sure to complement the festive table with rice, a variety of fruits and cocktails, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. nine0003

Beach Party

Just barbecue by the pool. The outfit is also simple - put on a swimsuit, a hat and put on flip flops! Use the children's sandbox and build real sand castles. Decorate tables with shells and fishing tackle and nets. Cover chairs and sun loungers with beach towels. Use plastic buckets, spatulas, and other beach accessories to serve drinks and snacks to guests. Launch toy sailboats into the pool. Prepare hot dogs, hamburgers and corn, serve popcorn, french fries and other favorite snacks of your family and friends. nine0003

1950s

A party from the Bobby and Chuck Berry sock era. Buy 1950s rock and roll hit records. Listen to music, greet guests as they arrive. Place plastic palm trees by the pool and lay out guest towels in black, white, pink and teal for a 50s vibe. Add musical note shaped balloons for guests to float and play with. Treat your guests to a classic dish 1950s - fondue. Offer slices of bread and delicacies on skewers. Their guests can dip in fondue. For those who want something more hearty, check out the cheeseburgers and fries. Accompany your meal with cocktails from the 50s, such as martinis. For dessert, serve milkshakes and ice cream.

Vegas Night

Invite your friends to Las Vegas on a hot summer night. Buy neon or LED tubes in bright colors (such as hot pink and lemon yellow) and place them on the sides of the pool. Indulge your guests in a Vegas-style meal with a large multi-cuisine buffet such as sushi, Reuben sandwiches, or chicken parmesan. Design an area where guests can play blackjack or poker. Arrange tables and chairs by making an impromptu roulette with cards and tokens, for which they can later receive prizes. nine0003

Bachelorette party

This party theme is sure to be popular! Imagine you are lying by the pool, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the procedures of a home beauty salon! A great option to invite a beautician and please your guests with a manicure, pedicure or other cosmetic procedures. Place individual containers for each girl with nail files, scissors and finger separators on small tables draped with pink paper or lilac doilies. Place small bowls filled with water with floating flowers on the tables. Offer light meals, fruit, and mini sandwiches with different toppings, followed by muffins. nine0003

Pirate Party

At the Pirate Pool Party, children will be able to take a trip to the high seas and try on the role of a pirate. As an invitation to such a party, use a treasure map that will lead guests to the pool. Draw or print a map showing the treasure chest at the location of the pool. Include all the information about the party in the invitation: date, time and name of the guest. Or send invitations to guests by placing them inside the bottle, as real pirates did with messages. nine0003

Children will swim in the pool playing games with a pirate theme. Encourage the children to find underwater treasures. Throw some big plastic coins or small toys into the pool that will sink to the bottom of the pool and kids will jump and dive to find them. The child who wears the most items wins a prize. Before playing this game, make sure your guests are good swimmers, and be sure to select a few adults to supervise the children in the water. Older kids can jump from the side of the pool into the water, competing to make the best "bomb" or fight with makeshift swords using foam sticks for swimming. nine0003

You can choose red and black colors for a pirate party by using the appropriate colors in the decorations. Throw red and black beach balls into the pool or hang them from the gazebo and deck. Use red and black beach towels and tablecloths, and equip yourself with floating ship-shaped floats to highlight the theme of the evening. Also, you must set or hang a flag with a skull and crossbones, in the courtyard by the pool or at the entrance to the terrace.

When you walk the kids home after a pirate party, give them souvenirs that will remind them of the evening. You can give them a black eye patch, pirate hats or bandanas, swords or pirate hooks. Everything that can be useful to them at the party and after it, to play pirates at home.

General tips for a successful pool party

Make sure you have extra towels and slippers. For guests who forget to bring them. nine0003

Prepare a guest room where they can put their belongings and change into their bathing suits.

Beach umbrellas are a must for those who prefer to relax in the shade or for whom sun exposure is contraindicated.

Use plastic or paper drink cups as broken glass is not what you need at your party.

Arrange the sun loungers and chairs around the pool so that there are tables between them where you can place your food and drinks. nine0003

The pool should have a wide variety of inflatable toys. Those invited will be able to splash around with them and have fun.

Choose music that is both suitable for the theme of the party and appropriate for the age of the people, and most importantly, make sure that there is a person who monitors its playback.

Take care of the candles. It is nice and romantic to swim in the pool at night by candlelight. It is better to place artificial (electric) candles on the tables and around the pool, they are not afraid of splashing water, and you will not worry about fire safety. nine0003

Mark the depth of your pool with waterproof tape for the safety of your friends.

Water sprays placed in ice buckets are a great way to cool down and stay cool. Take care of sunscreen, because. near the water it is very easy to get burned without even realizing it.

Souvenirs are a great way to please your guests. Buy souvenirs according to your budget, it can be inexpensive flip-flops, sunscreen or sunglasses, and other little things related to the theme of the party. nine0003

Pool Party Step by Step Preparation

The Summer Pool Party Idea makes meeting planning so much more fun and gives you a 100% chance that the event will be successful. Whether you have a luxurious swimming pool with a slide and a diving board or you have the opportunity to rent a party pool at some hostel, the planning of the event must be carried out responsibly and consistently. Of course, organizing a pool party is a lot of work, but it all makes up for it when you turn on the music and the clear water splashes at your feet. nine0003

We've laid out Pool Party Ideas in a step-by-step format so you can all get ready and the event went smoothly, from pool preparation to swings on the sun loungers! Although, when it comes to swimming pools, no one is immune from surprises.

Step Zero: Prepare the Pool

Hosts shouldn't be concerned about safety during a party, but a basic safety check is recommended before implementing any pool party ideas. Remember three important steps: a week before the party, treat the pool with chlorine to keep the water clear, clean and safe from any microorganisms. Second, don't forget to put down mats to keep kids, adults, and the elderly safe on the slippery concrete. Thirdly, remove all sharp objects and other things from the party area that can be dangerous for bare feet. nine0003
Step 1: take care of your pool party supplies

You don't need artistic talent to bring your pool party idea or theme to life. Choose something simple so you won't have trouble finding party supplies. For example, a beach theme might include towels with various fun designs. Also make sure you have a few "guest" beach towels for those who forgot their own, a few extra flip flops, a couple of beach balls, and tiki lights. Add the scent of coconut oil to the skin - and voila! nine0003
Step 2: shop effectively for the party

A pretty extensive menu can be put together for a pool party. When you have decided on food and drinks, and you have an approximate number of guests, head to the supermarket to buy all the necessary supplies. It may take a second trip to find what you couldn't or forgot to buy. To make sure your first trip is efficient, make a detailed list. A common party mistake is over-buying, especially food, but if you count the number of guests, you can pretty accurately estimate how many hot dogs, buns, and sodas you'll need. Do your best and don't worry if you end up with too much food left, someone will eat it anyway. nine0003
One big rule to remember for any pool party on a hot sunny day is how much ice you need. The recommended rate is 1kg of ice per guest per 3 hour period. Ice is just as important as chilled drinks, especially in hot weather.

Step 3: pool toys

Usually a beach ball and water blasters are enough, but if you have more options, get a giant inflatable shark and a volleyball net. Guests will explore game options without needing extra motivation. nine0003
Step 4: supplies

Keep extra sunscreen, hats, towels, and a first aid kit handy. You never know what might happen, especially if you have kids on your guest list. Also, stock up on extra trash bags, unbreakable drinkware, and coolers to store your drinks. Some great things to consider for an event like this are a remote controlled floating tray, waterproof playing cards and don't forget the sun loungers! nine0003
Step 5: set signs

Use signs to show people where changing areas are, especially in your home. In a complex pool, bathrooms are usually in obvious locations, but in private mansions, guests need help finding out which room is best for their floor. Reinforce this concept with a sign at the entrance and exit of the pool that reads: “There are changing rooms for men and women inside!” and use a logo whose color is repeated on all signs.
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