Summer is approaching, which means backyard pool parties for many folks. There’s no better way to fight the summer heat than to invite your friends and family over to swim, lay by the pool, and simply enjoy the sunshine.
We’ve gathered some of the best pool party ideas from around the web, including themes, decorations, recipes, games, and more, to bring some color and diversity to your summertime get-togethers.
Pool Party Ideas
Some of these DIY ideas, like pool balloons or a dazzling confetti-covered pineapple centerpiece, may be completed in minutes.
Others, such as a DIY tiki bar or a bespoke fire pit, require a bit more effort but can wow guests at events and can be utilized all summer long! Naturally, no pool party is complete without some light, summary nibbles.
Pool Party Decorations
Bright colors and festive embellishments set the tone for your party and let your guests know how much fun they’re in for. Here’s how to make your beach party appear picture perfect, from beach balls to pool noodles.
Check out our pool party ideas and decorations to make sure your next gathering is a hit!
Float Bar (Ice Cream)
This ice cream float bar is ideal for a summer poolside party, and both adults and children will enjoy it. Serve with sparkling juices and flavored sodas to give this childhood favorite a new spin.
Swimming Pool Balloons
Balloons are one of the most simple and inexpensive ways to decorate for any event. Floating balloons in the water will add a whimsical splash of color to your pool.
Color scheme
With a stunning pale pink ombre cake, personalized confetti, and flamingo lawn ornaments, you can throw the pastel pool party of your dreams.
Is there no pool? It’s no problem. Allow your guests to cool off in an inflatable pool on a hot day.
Pool Towel Rack
In this ingenious and simple technique, an old baby cot rail is transformed into a poolside drying rack. This handy rack may be used to dry swimsuits and pool toys in addition to towels.
Confetti Pineapple Centerpiece
Pineapples can be used for more than just eating; they can also be used as a decorative element. To make a colorful centerpiece for your pool party, cover this classic sign of summer in confetti.
Photo Backdrop
Your guests will enjoy standing in front of this summery floral photo background. This project has a tremendous impact, yet it’s simple to construct thanks to the use of wood contact paper and tissue flowers.
Flamingo pool float
A flamingo theme with tropical elements will be excellent for your next pool party if you like pink. Fun photo opportunities abound with this big flamingo pool float.
Thematic decorations
Consider a pirate theme for a kids’ pool party, complete with plastic swords, eye patches, and other fun accessories. Hide some buried treasure in the garden for a fun game.
A mermaid-themed pool party is also a fun way to delve under the sea. In mermaid tail swimsuits, the kids will have a blast!
Sunscreen stations
Your little pool party goers may not find it particularly interesting, but their parents will appreciate the gesture.
Set up a variety of toddler-friendly sunscreen for your visitors to use at the party and to take home with them. Face sunscreen with SPF 50 and a waterproof spray? Double checks!
Party Pool Game Ideas
Splashing and swimming laps are only two aspects of water play. Whether your kids can swim in the deep end or prefer to utilize pool floats in the shallow end of the (wading) pool, here are some exciting games for them to play.
Volleyball
With the inflatable net and ball, start a casual game of pool volleyball. This entertaining game can have as many players as you want!
Watermelon ball
This multi-purpose ball can be utilized in a range of water-based activities. Its intrinsic buoyancy allows it to be dribbled, kicked, bounced, and passed underwater.
Water balloon pinata
Instead of chocolates, let the party piata spray your guests with water. Hang overfilled water balloons from a tree or play structure and watch as kids take turns bursting them with a toy bat or paper tube.
Classic pool party
You don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to come up with fun activities for your visitors. Keep them occupied and splashing with a cannonball contest or a good old-fashioned game of Marco Polo.
Pool Party Cakes
If you can’t decide whether to serve cake or ice cream, this is the place to be. Snow cone cupcakes are a great compromise. They appear delectable, but they won’t melt in the heat.
Pool Party Favors
Your guests may not want to leave since they are having so much fun, but you can keep the party continuing by giving them a wonderful souvenir from the day.
Check out these fantastic party favors that your guests will enjoy and remember long after the celebration has over.
Spray bottles
Spray bottles appear to be a universal obsession among children. It’ll keep your guests cool throughout the summer!
Water Bottle and Towel
Tell your guests to leave the towels and water bottles at home because you’ve already prepared them as party favors! Oh goodness designs added a ribbon and a bright label to theirs.
Starfish headbands
Hair from the pool? When you dress your water-loving guests with these starfish headbands, no one will mind.
Beachy jars
With these beachy jars, you can keep things simple (but yet extremely cute). Fill transparent jars with candies and tiny treats after using the free printables to decorate them.
Pool Party Invitations
With these brilliant beach ball pool party invitations, you’ll be sure to catch the attention of your pool party guests.
Include all of the party details, printed on a beach ball, to get attendees pumped for your pool party fiesta.
It’s a wonderful idea to send the beach balls fully inflated, or to send the beach balls with instructions for guests to blow up the ball to discover the party plan.
Extra
With our fantastic Pool Party range, make a big splash for your birthday! Combine our Pool Play themed printables, like cupcake toppers, hats, and water bottle labels, with our Pool Party range’s beach balls and inflatables to make the ultimate summer swim party.