33 Summer Pool Party Ideas | How To Throw The Perfect Summer Pool Party

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Keep reading to learn how to make your next celebration unforgettable

Summertime is pool party season. And if you want to throw a summer pool party that wows your guests, and leaves them eager for the next one, then you’re at the right place.

In this post, we share tons of summer pool party ideas and cover all the essential topics. From party decorations and themes to food, drinks, and games. And we even show you how to prepare your swimming pool for the event.

So whether you’re throwing a summer pool party for adults, kids, or the whole family, you’ll find more inspiration in this post than you know what to do with.

33 Summer Pool Party Ideas
How To Throw The Perfect Summer Pool Party

We know, you’re ready to start decorating right now. But if you want to avoid frustration the day of the party, and ensure that everyone has a great time, then getting your pool ready for it is a must.

That said, if you’re already good with pool maintenance, then tidying up won’t take long at all. The main goals here are making sure that your pool looks presentable. Or in other words, that your water is clean and warm.

Here’s a quick checklist for some light, pre-pool party maintenance:

• Sweep and clean the deck
  • How To Clean Your Pool Deck
• Balance your pool water
  • Ideal pool chemical levels:
    • Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
    • pH: 7.4 – 7.6
    • Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
    • Chlorine: 3 – 4 ppm
  • Here’s a guide to balancing your pool water
• Clean the pool filter
• Start running the pool heater
  • To avoid a cold pool and expensive heating bills, service your pool heater before the party. It guarantees the best performance and energy efficiency, and it helps your pool heater last 2x as long

Once you’ve done all of the above, your pool should be looking ready for swimmers. Now it’s time to prep for the party.

Summer Pool Party Decorations

1.) Glow Stick Pool Decorations

Here’s one of the easiest decorations to set up for your summer pool party. Simply choose a color (or several), buy the glow sticks, crack em, and throw them in the water.

The more glow sticks you add, the more intense the lighting effects. Use all red or green for a spooky effect, or choose a blend of different colors.

Note: If you choose multiple color glow sticks, you can also use them to play a swimming pool game (shared later in this post).

2.) Balloon Arch

A DIY balloon arch is one of the most versatile decor elements you have available to you. They can be as big or small as you design them to be, and the color scheme is totally up to you.

The main task is building the frame or the inner arch. For this, you can use a thick bendable wire, cut to the length of the arch you want. Alternatively, a thin, bendable PVC tube also works great.

From there, just anchor each end of the arch so that it stands upright and doesn’t fall over. Anything from a bucket of sand or rocks, to bricks or cinder blocks, works great.

Once the arch is up, start blowing up the balloons and attaching them in groups of 2 and 4 with string.

For an arch the size of the one in the image above, you’d need at least 100+ balloons. So we recommend getting a hand pump, or lots of help for this DIY pool party decoration.

3.) Pool Noodle Popsicle Garland

Capture the spirit of summertime with this fun and simple DIY pool noodle garland from Oh Happy Day.

To make this, you’ll need 3-4 different colored pool noodles, about 20 feet of string, popsicle sticks, and tape.

Cut the noodles into 6-inch cylinders, then insert the Popsicle sticks. From there, attach the “popsicles” to the garland string with either clear tape along the back, or by threading the string through.

To add some variation to the garland, create a few double popsicles by attaching two of them together.

4.) Pool Noodle Ring Garland

Want another creative idea for garlands? Look no further than this DIY pool noodle ring garland from Growing Up Gable.

Making this garland won’t take longer than a few minutes, but it’ll look great wherever you put it. To make it, grab 2-3 noodles (colors of your choice), and cut them into several 1-inch rings. Then make a slit through each ring.

Next, form a “chain” by weaving the rings into each other. After about 20-30 rings, you’ll have a completed pool noodle ring garland.

5.) Paper Jellyfish Lanterns

If you’re doing an under the sea themed pool party, then these DIY paper jellyfish lanterns are perfect for the occasion.

To make them, you’ll need paper lanterns, party streamers, ribbon, tape, and scissors. The jellyfish can be whichever colors you want, just remember to match that color with the streamers and tape.

To get that signature jellyfish shape, cut the lantern horizontally at about 4-6 inches from the bottom.

From there, start cutting strands of ribbon and streamers (all slightly different lengths for the most realistic look). Next, attach them to the inside of the lantern using tape.

To get the ruffled look on the plastic ribbons, stretch the ribbon outward from the center using your thumbs. Do this with just enough force to make the ribbon wrinkle and stretch.

For extra help, check out the full instructions from Finding Time To Fly’s version

6.) Floating balloons in the pool

If you’re looking for a quick, and versatile pool party decor idea, floating a few balloons in the water is an option.

And yes, it’s as simple as it looks. Just grab a few balloons, fill them up, and drop them in the water.

For the best results, choose a color theme, and use a few different sized balloons (like the large globe-shaped balloons in the picture).

7.) Pool Inflatables

Pool inflatables are more often considered an accessory, but with the right approach, they also make for awesome pool party decor. It’s all just a matter of what theme you’re going for.

For example, if you’re doing a tropical island pool party, a few inflatable palm trees can really sell the look.

So choose whichever inflatables match your theme, inflate about 3-5 of them, and place them in the water and around the deck.

8.) Beach Ball Garland

Doing a beach themed pool party? This inflatable beach ball garland from Make Life Lovely helps sets the perfect mood.

To make it, all you need is string (20-30 feet), and about 15-30 inflatable 6-inch beach balls.

Inflate the beach balls, then attach them to the garland by threading the string through the loop on the mouthpiece. And that’s all there is to it!

9.) Safety Bonus: Sunscreen Station

At this point, everyone knows that too much sun exposure is bad for our skin. It wrinkles, it ages, and causes a load of other problems down the line.

So for all-day events like summer pool parties, adding a sunscreen station can be a helpful reminder to stay safe in the summer heat. And you’ll be doing a huge favor to anyone who forgets to bring their own!

Summer Pool Party Theme Ideas

10.) Shark Themed Pool Party

Fan of the ocean’s apex predators? Why not make them the theme of your next pool party?

To create a shark-themed pool party, use ocean colors like blue, turquoise, and teal as your primary palette for decor. From there you can make or purchase shark cutouts to place around the tables and deck. And any snack that fits the “ocean” theme, includes shark gummies, or resembles sharks in any way is a solid choice.

Get more inspiration for this idea from A Hint of Garlic’s post.

11.) Tropical Island Themed Pool Party

Inflatable palm trees. Coconuts. Pineapples. Sand. Tropical island shore.

Need we say more?

12.) Casino Themed Pool Party

To create the perfect casino themed pool party, just keep a few keywords in mind:

• The Vegas Strip
• Casinos
• Gambling Tables
• Slot Machines

Pretty much anything related to those four ideas will serve as great decor for the party.

So for example, you could have a table with poker chips spilled across it. Then, like in the image above, you can place a few giant cardboard dice around the deck area with playing card visuals to match.

But if you need a little more inspiration, just Google search a few pictures of your favorite casino’s swimming pool. See how the pros do it.

13.) 70s Themed Pool Party

Throwing a proper 70s themed pool party is all about capturing the spirit of the time, both with the color scheme, and decoration choice.

That said, you’ll only need a few good props to create the right vibe.

For in-theme decorations, you can use:

• Lava lamps
• Vinyl records
• Disco ball
• Peace sign stationary
• Polaroid pictures
• Round 70s glasses as party favors

From there, finish the look by hanging up some neon streamers, ribbons, and a few groovy cutouts.

14.) White Party

This might be one of the easiest themes to put together, yet it looks good for pretty much any occasion. And it’s probably why stars like P Diddy and Sophie Turner have thrown their own.

To throw your own white party, follow one simple rule: keep all decorations white

The balloons, the tablecloths, the cups, the ribbons, the streamers. Everything. Heck, even your clothes if you’re trying to do it by the book.

But that’s really all there is to it. For inspiration, Google search “celebrity white parties” and see how celebrities have done it.

Summer Pool Party Food & Drinks

15.) Ice Cream Bar

As children, we all dream about having a buffet of ice cream at least once. A never-ending, all you can eat the sundae, coupled with each and every topping you could ever want.

Well, here’s your chance to make the next best thing: your very own ice cream bar.

Making an ice cream bar is simple. Pick a few flavors, choose a few toppings, and present them in an eye-catching, DIY display.

You can put toppings in bowls or glass jars with spoons. Then put extras like caramel, chocolate syrup, and hot fudge at the end as add ons. And when it’s all put together, guests can work their way down the line, customizing their sundae to their heart’s content.

16.) Fruit Punch Bowl

The fruit punch bowl. The staple beverage of countless parties throughout the years.

You can make your own fruit punch by combing multiple fruit juices of your choosing, or just buy it by the jug at the store. The important part is serving it cold in a big, clear, and inviting glass punch bowl.

Add a few fruit slices to the punch mix for extra flair and flavor.

17.) Watermelon Lime Pops

Cool off with this juicy and sweet, cold tasty treat.

To make Watermelon Lime popsicles, you’ll need:

• 4 cups of chopped watermelon
• 1-2 teaspoons of honey
• 2-3 ounces of lime juice
• 8 cups
• 8 popsicle sticks

Blend the ingredients, then pour the mixture into the cups. Cover the cups with tin foil, and place a popsicle stick in the middle of each one. Freeze the cups for 6-8 hours.

18.) Pigs in a Blanket

Chances are, you’ve seen this classic snack at one party or another. So why not include it in your snack line up?

They’re simple to make, and all you need are frankfurters and dough. The quantity depends entirely on how much you want to make.

To make them, simply wrap each frankfurter with a small piece of dough, place them on a cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. For the best results, bake them with the folded dough side facing down.

19.) Fruit Cones

Want to trick a bunch of kids into thinking healthy food is “cool”?

Serve it to them in an ice cream cone. No seriously.

This genius idea from Living Locruto is a simple, but effective way to serve up some healthy treats at your summer pool party.

All you need are some ice cream waffle cones and your favorite fruit. From there, the choice is yours.

Fill them up with mixed berries. Or go for a variety with a tropical blend of chopped pineapples, mangos, and kiwis.

20.) Bears On The Beach Jello Custard

These bears know that nothing beats a day at the beach. So join in on the fun with this creative and unique pool party themed snack from I Sing In The Kitchen.

To make it, you’ll need:

• 2 packs of blue jello
• Vanilla pudding/custard
• Gummy bears
• Drink umbrellas
• Small plastic cups

Start by making the jello according to the instructions. Once made, pour it into the cups and allow it to cool down and set in the refrigerator.

From there, the rest is up to your imagination.

Recreate the scene from the picture with the gummy bears, vanilla pudding beach sand, and beach umbrella, or do something completely different.

21.) Decorate your bar cart

Here’s a great example of just how much a few well-placed ornaments and a fresh coat of paint can do for your bar cart.

If you want to make your poolside bar cart a little more interesting, consider adding a few in-theme props to it:

• Shells, sand, and pineapples for a Tropical Island Pool Party
• Poker chips, playing cards, and fake money for a Casino Themed Pool Party
• Pumpkins, webs, and plastic skulls for a Halloween Pool party

Check out Mom 4 Real’s custom bar cart for more ideas.

22.) Pool Water Drink

Want to mix a little humor into your pool party drink selection?

Why not offer your guests some freshly mixed pool water?

This party drink is super easy to make, as color is your only real limitation. All you need is a glass or plastic drink dispenser to serve it from, and a creative sign to go with it.

A few good options for “pool water” include:

• Blue Kool-Aid
• Blue Gatorade
• Berry Hawaiian Punch
• Blue Lemonade

23.) Pool Noodles (Rainbow Twizzlers)

Looking for pool party themed snacks but don’t have a lot of time to make them?

Take a plastic cup and fill it with Rainbow Twizzlers. Then label the cup “pool noodles”. And in less than a few minutes, you have “pool themed” treat ready to go.

24.) Fish Food Trail Mix

This colorful and tasty snack is perfect for a pool day, or a trip to the beach. And the best part is, you can customize the recipe to include whatever you like.

The important part is mixing in the key ingredients, which are: Goldfish crackers, Swedish Fish candy, and Rice Squares

From there, you can get creative and throw in a mix of salty and sweet delights, like peanuts, raisins, almonds, dried fruit, and pretzels.

25.) Fruit and Yogurt Popsicles

Here’s a healthy frozen treat that’s easy to make, and perfect for any summer pool party.

To make Fruit and Yogurt popsicles, you’ll need:

• 4 cups of your favorite fruits
• 4 cups of vanilla yogurt (choose Greek yogurt for extra protein)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 16 paper cups
• 16 popsicle sticks
• Aluminum foil

Start by blending all of the ingredients together. Then pour the mixture evenly into the cups. Last, wrap the top of each cup with a single layer of aluminum foil, and finish by inserting a popsicle stick down the middle.

Place the popsicles in the freezer for 5-7 hours. To serve, remove the foil and tear off the paper cup.

Summer Pool Party Games

26.) Squirt Gun Cup Race

Here’s an exciting race that doesn’t involve much swimming at all.

For the Squirt Gun Cup Race, players push their cups across the race line using only a squirt gun.

To create the race lines, stretch two equal-sized pieces of strings across the width of your pool’s shallow end. Then add the cups by drilling a small hole through the bottoms, and threading the string through. From there, fasten the lines of string using duct tape.

With the race line and cups in place, both players start on one end.

On go, players begin shooting their squirt guns at the cups to move them across the pool.  The first player to get their cup across and back wins.

See This Grandma Is Fun’s post for more inspiration.

27.) Water Balloon Pinata

Everyone knows what a regular pinata is. So a water balloon pinata is pretty straight forward, but instead of raining treats and candy, it bursts into a watery explosion.

So if you’re looking for a fun way to cool off without jumping straight into the pool, here’s a great option.

To play you’ll need a few water balloons, and a long line of string to attach them to. Once you have that, simply fill the balloons, tie them closed, and attach them to the line with the string.

Then, use a plastic bat or stick to break open the balloons. If you’re playing with multiple people, space out the balloons at least 10 feet apart to avoid collisions.

28.) Glowing Sea Diving

If you decided to use glow sticks as a pool decoration, then you’ll be happy to know there’s even more that you can do with them.

To play Glowing Sea Diving, assign different point values to the glow stick colors (ex. red = 5, green = 10, yellow = 20). Then spread them across the pool floor.

From there, players split into two teams, and compete to collect the highest point value of glowsticks. To keep things interesting, set a short 30 to 60 second time limit for each round, then reset the glowsticks — or just play till they’re all collected.

Related: 40 Swimming Pool Games For Kids & Adults

29.) Sponge Bop (Sponge Dodgeball)

Ever wanted to play dodgeball in the pool? Why not play with sponges?

That’s pretty much Sponge Bop in a nutshell.

Players break up into two teams on the shallow end of the pool. On go, they race towards the center of the shallow end to grab sponges floating in the middle.

From there, the game follows the traditional rules of dodgeball, where if a player is hit, they’re out. But if a player catches a sponge, the thrower is out.

Keep playing until one team is eliminated.

Note: You’ll be spending a lot of time in the water for this game. So to avoid getting too cold or uncomfortable, consider these cheap ways to heat your pool

30.) Deep-Sea Treasure Hunt

Got a bunch of spare change lying around? Here’s a fun way to spread the wealth.

This game plays on the idea of diving for buried treasure. To play, all you need are a few coins and a timer.

Spread the coins across the length of your pool, then challenge players to dive for them and collect as much as possible.

Players can split into teams and compete for most coins collected, or highest value collected.

31.) Invisibottle

For this game, all you need is a plastic water bottle. The object is to fill up the water bottle, toss it in the pool, and challenge players to find it within a time limit. You can split into teams, or establish a point system.

Sounds simple, but a clear wattle bottle filled with water blends in REALLY well once it’s underwater. So if you’re limited on inflatables and pool toys, but want something fun to do, give this summer pool party game a try.

Summer Pool Party Invitations & Party Favor Ideas

32.) Beach Ball Pool Party Invitation

For this clever pool party invitation, all you need are a few inflatable 6-inch beach balls and a black permanent marker. Just write the party details on the balls, and pass them out for guests to inflate and discover the party.

They also double as party favors and mementos.

33.) Towel and Water Bottle Invitation

For this personalized summer pool party invitation, you’ll need reusable water bottles, beach towels, and some ribbon to tie it all together.

You can print the party details right onto a custom label and stick to the bottle, or include it bundled together on an index card or traditional invitation.

If you liked this post, you might also like:

5 Guaranteed Ways To Avoid A Short Pool Season

The Ultimate Swimming Pool Party Games List

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