4th of July Pool Party Ideas | July 4th Pool Party Food, Decor, and Fun

Getting ready to throw your own 4th of July Pool party? Need a few ideas?

Keep reading, because this post is full of them.

When most of us think of July 4th, we imagine fireworks, BBQs, and proud displays of red, white, and blue. But what’s a 4th of July pool party like?

Imagine everything you love about the holiday. Now add a pool, a bunch of friends, themed summer drinks and snacks, and a day’s worth of fun and games.

Sounds like a great time, right? Question is, how do you throw your own party like that?

Well, in this post, we show you exactly how to do it. From prepping your swimming pool and backyard to decorating, supplying the best refreshments, and setting up the entertainment.

All The 4th of July Pool Party Ideas You’ll Ever Need

(Food, Drinks, Decor, and Fun)

How to prepare your pool for a 4th of July Pool Party

Clean the pool deck

First things first, let’s make sure that the pool deck is ready for all that foot traffic it’s about to get.

• Start by clearing out any clutter around the deck
  • If it’s n0t pool furniture, pool accessories, or seating, you can probably store it in the garage to clear up space
• Check the deck for damage, chips, or cracks
  • Repair what you can, and safely cover up what you can’t
• Sweep the pool to clear up dirt and leaves
  • To speed things up, use a leafblower
  • Discard the debris pile once you’re finished
• Brush and wash the deck for a fresh, bright, clean surface
  • Create your deck cleaning solution and use it to srub the
    deck with a hard bristle brush

Related: How To Clean Your Pool Deck & Everything Else Around It

Check and clean out your pool pump

Without your pool pump, your water would devolve into a green swamp in a matter of minutes. And that’s because it’s the powerhouse behind water circulation. It keeps your water moving, powers your filtration system, and mixes your pool chemicals to create the soothing, balanced water you love swimming in.

So for clean, clear, and healthy water all week long, do a quick check up on your pump.

Here’s what to do with your pool pump before the party:

• Turn off your pump
• Unscrew the pump lid
• Check for damage, look for:
  • Worn out O-rings (under the lid)
  • Cracks in the pump housing
  • Loud or rattling motor
• Empty the pump basket
• Prime the pump
• Turn on and test your pump

Related: How To Troubleshoot & Fix Your Pool Pump

To avoid a green pool, inspect and clean out your filter

With your pool pump cleaned out, it’s time to check on the filter. After all, it’s the most important part of your pool system that keeps your water clean and contaminant free. So you definitely want it running at peak performance to handle everything the pool party throws at it.

Whether you have a cartridge, sand, or DE filter, the process is pretty simple.

Use the pressure release valve to release any built up air, then:

• For cartridge pool filters…
  • Open up the filter and remove the cartridge
  • Rinse off the cartridges with a hose. If they’re still dirty after rinsing, replace them
  • Rinse out the inside of the filter housing to clear out any lingering debris
• For DE pool filters…
  • Open up the filter and remove the DE grids
  • Rinse off the grids and replace if necessary
  • Clean out the inner filter housing
  • Add DE powder to your pool skimmer,
    then run your pump to send it to the filter
• For sand pool filters…
  • Open up the filter
  • Check the sand. if it’s dry, dark, and clumpy replace it
  • Otherwise, backwash your sand filter to clear out debris buildup

Related: How To Fix a Green Pool & Prevent Algae For Good

Test and balance your water for healthy and comfortable swimming

Cleaning the debris out of your water is your filter’s job. Keeping your water germ and contaminant free depends on your pool chemistry.

Before any pool party or major swimming event, testing and balancing your water is a must.

Here’s what to test for:

• Total Alkalinity
  • Ideal range: 80 – 120 ppm
• pH
  • Ideal range: 7.4 – 7.6
• Calcium Hardness
  • Ideal range: 200 – 400 ppm
• Sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, or biguanide)
  • Ideal range: 3 ppm (chlorine)
• Total Dissolved Solids
  • Ideal range: Less than 2,000 ppm

Related: Balance Your Swimming Pool Water in 7 Easy Steps

Shock the pool in advanced

When all those swimmers get into the pool, there’s going to be an overload of contaminants added to the water. But not the usual type you can see –  no, these are sneaky contaminants. Suntan lotions, cosmetics, soaps, and natural bodily oils.

And often, you usually won’t notice that your pool is full of them until you test your water.

So to get ahead of the curve and arm your pool with the proper defense, shock the water. This boosts your sanitizer levels, which adds another layer of contaminant fighting defense. The exact thing your water needs before a heavy swimmer load.

Run your filter overnight for the cleanest water

You want your water to be perfectly in balance by tomorrow, right?

Start running your pool filter now to circulate the chemicals and purify your water as you rest for the big day.

Start heating your pool now for the perfect temperature water later

Equally as important as a clean pool, is a comfortable pool. And there’s NOTHING more comfortable than a temperature controlled, or heated swimming pool.

Of course, by leaving your pool water’s temperature to mother nature, you’ll prob end up with water that’s way too cold or way too hot. Neither of which spells out a good time to swimmers.

Instead, aim for the perfect balance between warm and refreshing. Somewhere around 82 degrees or so.

To achieve that perfect warmth, power on your heat pump and start heating the day before. And don’t forget to add your pool cover to lock in that heat.

Decoration Ideas for 4th of July

Patriotic Cutlery

What you need:

• Blue paper napkins
• Red plastic cutlery set
• White copy or construction paper
• Scissors
• Tape

How to make it:

For step by step instructions, visit Jordan’s Easy Entertaining (link opens in new tab)

4th of July Balloon Bouquets

What you need:

• Pack of red balloons
• Pack of blue balloons
• Pack of white balloons
• 3 large red balloons
• 3 large blue balloons
• 3 large white balloons
• Roll of clear ribbon or string
• Optional: Helium to fill and float balloons

July 4th Mason Jar Candle Centerpiece

What you need:

• 1 pint mason jar
• About 2 cups of white rice
• Red food coloring
• Blue food coloring
• Ziplock bags
• 1 small or tealight candle

How to make it:

Vist This Grandma Is Fun for step by step directions.

Red, White, and Blue Flowerpots

What you need:

• 10-inch flower pot
• Foam brushes
• Painter’s tape
• Star stickers
• Red chalk paint
• Blue chalk paint
• White chalk paint

How to make it:

For complete instructions, visit Lolly Jane

A few more 4th of July Pool Patry Decor Ideas

• Red, white, and blue streamers
• Red, white, and blue pool noodle arrangements
• For nighttime parties: red, white, and blue glowsticks OR colored light bulbs

4th of July Pool Party Food Ideas

Brownie Flag

What you need:

• 2 cups of strawberries (vertically sliced)
• 1 cup of blueberries
• 1 cup of chocolate chips
• 2 frosting (16oz each)
• 3 eggs
• 1.5 cups of sugar
• 3/4 cups of flour
• 2/3 cups of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 12 tablespoons of butter
• 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder

How to make it:

For step by step instructions, visit Spicy Southern Kitchen

Patriotic Lollipop Bouquet

What you need:

• 6-inch foam ball
• 40-60 lollipops (with red and blue wrappers)
• 6-inch bucket, or pot

How to make it:

For step by step directions, visit the Glue Sticks Blog

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

What you need:

• 2-3 apples
• 1 pint of blueberries
• 1 pint of raspberries
• Lime juice (prevents browning)

How to make it:

For directions, visit Family Ever After Blog

4th of July Rice Krispy Treats

What you need:

• 9 tablespoons of butter
• 19 cups of marshmallows
• 18 cups of Rice Krispies
• Red gel food coloring
• Blue gel food coloring

How to make it:

For step by step directions, check out the post on Key Ingredient

Patriotic Pretzel Bites

What you need:

• 1 bag of square pretzel snaps
• 1 bag of white candy melts
• 1 bag of M&Ms minis (blue & red only)

How to make it:

Ready to make your own Patriotic Pretzel Bites? Visit Two Sisters Crafting for directions

4th of July Three-Layer Berry Lasagna

What you need:

Whipped Cream:

• 1 and 2/3 cup heavy cream-chilled
• 1/3 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Red Velvet Crust:

• 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup of strawberry preserves
• 1/2 cup & 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted)
• Red gel food coloring

For Cheesecake Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 2/3 cup of diced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup of whipped cream

Blueberry Jello Salad Layer:

• 2 packs (3 oz each) of berry blue jello
• 1 and 1/4 cups of boiling water
• 2 cups of blueberry pie filling
• 1 cup of diced pineapple

Topping:

• 2.5 cups of whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries halved
• Fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup of chocolate chips

How to make it:

For step by step instructions, visit OMG Chocolate Desserts (link opens in new tab)

Patriotic Jello Pie

What you need:

• 1.5 cups of boiling water (1/2 cup for each layer)
• 1 cup of ice cubes
• Small box (3 oz) of Berry Blue Flavor Gelatin
• Small box (3 oz) of Cherry Flavor Gelatin
• 1 cup of Cool Whip
• 1 graham cracker crumb crust or shortbread crust
• Fresh blueberries
• Chopped strawberries

How to make it:

To learn how to make this Patriotic Pie, visit Together As Family (link opens in new tab)

4th of July Pool Party Drinks

July 4th Pool Party Drinks For Everyone (NON-ALCOHOLIC)

Ocean Water

What you need:

• 3 ounces of blue fruit punch
• 2 ounces of 7UP or Sprite
• 2 teaspoons of sweetened lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice
• Red gummy fish 
• Lime wedges

How to make it:

Want to make this awesome summer drink? Visit Southern Bite for the directions

Patriotic Fruit Punch

What you need:

• 3 ounces of cranberry juice (pomegranate juice works too)
• 2 ounces of virgin Pina Colada mix
• 3 ounces blue raspberry juice/punch
• 1.25 cups of ice
• Twizzlers (for the straw)

How to make it:

Ready to make this refreshing Patriotic Fruit Punch? Visit Mom Endeavors to learn how (link opens in new tab)

Captain America Themed Kid’s Drink

What you need:

• 1 can of cherry 7-Up
• 1 oz of grenadine
• 1/4 cup of virgin pina colada mix
• 1 cup of Blueberry Kool-Aid

How to make it:

Want your drink to look as good as the picture? Get the directions on A Worthey Read (link opens in new tab)

Adult Pool Party Drinks For 4th of July (CONTAIN ALCOHOL)

Red, White, and Blue Sangria

What you need:

• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of brandy liquor
• 1 750 mL bottle of dry white wine (Chardonnay or Moscato works great)
• 12 ounces of Sprite or 7up
• 1 pound of strawberries (sliced)
• 1 dry pint of blueberries
• Ice (for serving)

How to make it:

For step by step directions, visit Certified Pastry Aficionado

Patriotic Pina Colada

What you need:

• 2 shots of Rum (3 ounces total)
• 2 shots of Blue Curacao (3 ounces total)
• 6 ounces of Pineapple Juice
• 4.5 ounces of Cream of Coconut
• 1 cup of fresh strawberries
• 2 cups of ice

How to make it:

Want to learn how to make this drink? Visit 3 Yummy Tummies (link opens in new tab)

Firecracker Berry Margarita Float

What you need:

How to make it:

Ready to make this Firecracker Margarita Float? Visit Half Baked Harvest for the directions

To keep all of your drinks cold… 

Red, White, and Blue Jello Ice Cubes (Non-Alcoholic)

Want a cool way to keep all of your drinks chilled? Want to do it patriotically? These jello ice cubes are the solution.

What you need:

• One 1.55 oz box Summer Berry Punch gelatin
• One 3 oz box Berry Blue Jell-O
• One 3 oz box Strawberry Jell-O
• Silicone ice trays
• Bottled water

How to make it:

Learn how to make these red, white and blue ice cubes at Shaken Together Life (link opens in new tab)

Pool Party Games for 4th of July

For more games to play, check out this post: 40 Swimming Pool Games For Kids & Adults

4th of July Dart Board

What you need:

• A white pegboard (6′ x 4′)
• 1 pack of red balloons
• 1 pack of blue balloons
• 1 pack of white balloons
• Prizes to put in the balloons
  • Candy, coins, dollars
• Darts

How to play:

1. Fill the pegboard with inflated balloons in the design of the flag (seen in the picture above)
2. Divide players into two teams, or choose a free-for-all style
3. Each player takes turns throwing 3 darts each at the board
4. Players keep whichever prizes they reveal by popping balloons
5. For a fun twist, assign different point values to each color

To learn how to make your own 4th of July Dart Board, and for step by step instructions on how to play, visit Giggles Galore (link opens in new tab)

Watermelon Push

What you need:

• 2 watermelons (1 per team)
• 2+ players

How to play:

1. Each team lines up on the same end of the pool
2. On go, players begin pushing their watermelon across the pool
   1. For a challenge, limit players to only using their heads to move the melon
3. Once players have made it across the pool and back, the next player in their team starts
4. The first team to get all their players across the pool wins

Patriotic Boat Race

What you need:

• 2+ players
• Balloon boats

How to play:

1. Players line their balloon boats on one edge of the pool
2. On go, players launch their balloon boats
3. Whichever team has the farthest traveling boats wins

Treasure Hunt

What you need:

• 30+ coins
• 2+ players

How to play:

1. Scatter coins across the pool floor
2. On go, players have 1 minute to dive down and grab as many coins as possible
3. Whichever player or team has the most money (value wise) wins

Invisi bottle

What you need:

• Plastic water bottle with cap
• 2+ players

How to play:

1. Fill the bottle up to the top with water
2. Cap it
3. Throw it in the pool
4. On go, players jump into the water and search for it
5. It’s much harder than it sounds