25 Fun Pool Party Ideas That Are Sure to Make Waves
Make a splash with these recipes, DIYs, and décor ideas! 💦
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Ready to dive into summer fun? A pool party is the ultimate way to soak up the sun, stay cool, and bring everyone together for a day to remember. And all you have to do for the best bash of the season is include pool games, grilled foods, and summer songs that elevate the ambiance like no other! Ahead, you'll discover the ultimate pool party guide, complete with top-notch poolside recipes and vibrant themes guaranteed to elevate your outdoor gathering.
There's at least one idea on this list that's sure to make a splash at your bash, from a grand summer extravaganza or a cozy aquatic get-together Whether you have an in-ground pool, a stock tank, or even just an inflatable pool, the following ideas will help you take your pool party to the next level, while still keeping the planning and execution totally stress-free. Then, pull on your favorite swimsuit and sun hat and join in the fun.
Oh, and if you're like the Drummonds and have a pooch or two that loves the water, don't forget to set up a dog pool so they can beat the summer heat, too!
For more cool pool ideas:
Keep Refreshments in Reach
Your guests will love the convenience of a DIY floating cooler to keep their drinks within arm's reach—bonus points for it being so darn cute. They can simply drift over to the flamingo for a refreshing, chilled beverage!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Cool Off With Lemonade Floats
These are no ordinary soda floats! Yep, they're even more fun and refreshing. Crafted with tangy lemonade and zesty lemon sorbet, they're the ultimate treat for a hot day.
Get Ree's Lemonade Floats recipe.
Slip Into Personalized Pool Slides
No one likes the hassle of putting socks and sneakers on wet feet after a swim! Keep your guests comfortable by offering them personalized summer sandals, adorned with a fun, summer-inspired vinyl design like a watermelon slice, cherry, or palm tree.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch Blog.
Sweeten Things up With a Mini Fruit Garland
For a tropical-themed pool party, these delightful garlands, shaped like mini fruit piñatas, are the perfect decorative touch. The fringed watermelons, strawberries, and pineapples add vibrant flair and look almost good enough to eat!
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Serve Food on Skewers
Elevate your pool party menu with these sophisticated pickle cheeseburger bites served on skewers! This twist on the classic cheeseburger replaces buns with crisp pickle slices, making them light, easy to serve, and pool-friendly—no 30-minute wait needed!
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Light up the Night
As the golden sunlight gives way to evening, keep the party alive with enchanting lighting! These gem-studded lanterns, illuminated by string lights, will fill your backyard with beautiful, colorful reflections as night falls.
See more at Average But Inspired.
Use Picnic Blanket Seating
Make use of the green space in your backyard by setting up picnic blanket seating, giving non-swimming guests a cozy spot to relax in the sun or shade. This vibrant, dyed watermelon picnic blanket adds a charming touch of summer décor as well!
See more at The House That Lars Built.
Blow Up Balloons
Pump up the party by blowing up some festive inflatables! Bright balloons and summer-themed pool floats are an easy and affordable way to amp up the amusement at any backyard bash.
See more at Studio DIY.
Go Glam
Make your outdoor space gleam and glow by incorporating gold accents, cozy floor pillows, and vibrant flower arrangements!
See more at Sugar & Cloth.
DIY Some Seating
Preparing for a waterside gathering and need extra seating in a hurry? No worries—whip up a few of these ingenious recliners crafted from pool noodles and parachute cord!
See more at The House That Lars Built.
Set Up a Fire Pit
Treat your waterlogged guests to a toasty fire pit once the sun goes down (and the s'mores stuff comes out). This tutorial lays out how to build your own in a few easy, straightforward steps.
See more at A Beautiful Mess.
Serve Up Salsa
Take a dip into this popular poolside snack. Serve it up with plenty of crunchy tortilla chips and extra lime juice, if needed.
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
Play Games
Backyard games like this funky DIY cornhole set will keep the action going when everyone's skin is too pruney to even think about hitting the water again.
See more at Lovely Indeed.
Rethink Piña Coladas
This fun twist on a classic tropical drink has all the flavors of a piña colada (including pineapple and coconut) in cake form! Serve up each slice with a mini paper umbrella for even more poolside fun.
Get the Piña Colada Cake recipe.
DIY Pineapple Lanterns
These pretty paper pineapple lanterns will bring a glittering glow to your party. We recomend using them with battery-operated tea lights for safety's sake.
See more at Lia Griffith.
Watch a Movie
Supercharge your party by setting up and outdoor movie and screening your favorite summer flick. Might we suggest one of Ree's favorites, Jaws?
Strike a Pose
Photo backdrops remain an incredibly popular addition to parties and why not—who doesn't like to vogue? With its brilliant hibiscus flowers and rich green foliage, this one is a must for events with a Hawaiian or tropical theme.
See more at The House That Lars Built.
Set Up the Poolhouse
Don't forget to welcome guests into your poolhouse if they need to change into their suits or otherwise use the facilities. It can be a great place to add extra seating for larger get-togethers, too.
Build a Faux Sandcastle
Beach-themed pool parties are pretty much a no-brainer, but you can really level up by DIY-ing this sandcastle out of recycled boxes. Just think how awesome it would look at the center of your drinks table!
See more at Mod Podge Rocks.
Mind Your Floats
When everybody is out of the pool, this DIY holder will keep your floats corralled nice and neat.
See more at The Merrythought.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
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