Summer is the perfect time to throw a pool party and beat the heat with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a boy birthday party, a girl birthday party, casual gathering for adults, or a special event, a pool party is a fun way to enjoy the sunshine and cool off in the water.
How about turning your pool party into a summertime celebration or a luau or a BBQ, or even a July 4th party?! We’ve endless ideas for refreshing cocktails, summer party foods, and loads of FREE summer party printables you can use to decorate your party!
From inflatable pool toys and water balloon fights, to tropical decorations and refreshing drinks, there are endless ways to make your pool party a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Be ready to explore a world of creative possibilities for hosting a pool party that your guests will adore, no matter if you’re throwing a bash for girls, boys, or grown-ups!
Reasons to Love These Pool Party Ideas
- Awesome party theme if you are throwing a party in the summer.
- It’s a great way to beat the heat, especially on a hot summer day.
- Whether you’re looking for pool birthday party ideas for girl, boy or an adult, you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable event.
- These pool party ideas provide a great opportunity for friends and family to socialize and have fun together.
- A pool party is a memorable event that can create lasting memories for you and your guests.
40 Fun and Colorful Pool Party Ideas!
Pool parties are all about having fun in the sun with friends, so how about treating everyone to a bright and colorful party with a dessert table decorated with the most amazing balloon decor!
Add some cool fruit-themed foil balloons to your balloon garland and don't forget to add a sunny balloon too!
Another awesome way to decorate your dessert table is to hang some colorful beachballs above it. You won't find a quicker and easier pool party decoration that looks as good!
Add a flip-flop garland to your dessert table to give it a laidback vibe and try and serve as much pool-themed party as you can.
How about decorating your dessert table with some pool noodles? The idea may seem crazy at first but hear me out.
Slice some different colored pool noodles until you have a bunch small hoops. Tie them all together and you've got yourself a pool noodle garland!
Make a splash with a splash-themed birthday cake!
Decorate a simple white fondant-covered cake in some pale blue fondant cut-out splashes. The final look is wonderful and totally on theme!
This next tiered pool party birthday cake is amazing!
The bottom tier is reminiscent of an actual pool pool. The middle tier is covered in fondant splashes, and the top tier is decorated with a bold bright sun. Love that the cake is topped with some flip-flops and sunglasses. Definitely a showstopper!
Your guests are going to love some pool party-theme sugar-iced cookies!
Included in the batch are some inflatable swans, flamingos, and unicorns, along with a pool cookie and a delightful sunny sun cookie. You can bet they'll be gone before you know it.
Palm Springs evokes the retro glamour of the modern mid-century era with an aesthetic associated with outdoor living and relaxation. It's famous for hosting celebrities and high society events, that love nothing more than soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather. So how about going all out and hosting a Palm Springs-themed pool party?
Serve your guests some cute pastel Palm Springs-inspired cookies, shaped as a pool, float, and a sleek Cadillac!
If you are stuck on ideas for pool-themed party food you've come to the right place.
These flip-flop cake pops are a fun and unique addition to a pool party and can be made with any cake flavor and frosting. Decorate them in colors that match your party theme.
Fill a bucket, at your summer pool party, with a bunch of colorful jawbreakers to resemble beachballs.
They'll look so cool on your dessert table!
Cupcakes are the perfect party food. They are so easy to grab and go, and are always so pretty!
Treat your party guests to some pool party-inspired ones, decorated with fondant popsicles, beachballs, and flip-flops.
How about serving some cute watermelon cupcakes too!?!
Who can resist a snow cone on a hot summer day? Made from fine ice shavings flavored with syrup, this sweet and refreshing treat is just what you need to cool down!
Instead of serving the real deal, you could surprise your guests with some cute snow cone-inspired cookies decorated with colored sugar! They'll be equally as irresistible!
These cupcakes are great for a summer BBQ too!
If you are looking to serve something a little different how about treating everyone to some licorice pool noodles?!
Don't they look just the same? Your guests are going to love them!
Check out our summer BBQ candy table DIY!
Jello Pool Pots are the perfect party food for a summer pool party. They are easy to make, fun to eat, and add a splash of color to any poolside spread.
To make your own, prepare your favorite flavor of Jello, add gummy fish or other sea creatures, and let it set in small plastic cups or bowls in the refrigerator before serving. Decorate with a cocktail umbrella.
These skinny margarita lime jello shots are a great way to cool off at an adult party.
Donuts are a classic treat that never goes out of style. They come in a variety of flavors, colors, and toppings, which means there's something for everyone.
Whether your guests prefer fruity, chocolatey, or savory flavors, they can easily find something they like on a donut wall.
These awesome cupcakes with fondant toppers of people bathing on top of blue frosting, are just what you need to add some playfulness to your pool party food table!
The pool-inspired sugar-coated cookies are a perfect treat for guests of all ages and can be easily customized to fit any pool party theme.
These colorful beachball cake pops are perfect for a poolside gathering and are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
To make your own, mix cake and frosting, roll into balls, dip in white chocolate, and decorate with colorful stripes like a beachball.
Fill a bunch of beach buckets with delicious snacks, such as chips, pretzels, popcorn, candy, and fruit, and use them to serve party food at your pool party.
Using beach buckets as snack buckets is a simple and affordable way to add some pool vibes to your celebrations.
If you are throwing be sure don't to miss this Summer BBQ Tiered Serving Tray DIY!
Serve refreshing and healthy fresh fruit at your pool party!
Not only are fruits full of vitamins and nutrients, but they can also help keep your guests hydrated in the heat.
The vibrant colors of the fruits can add a pop of color to your party spread, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
This platter will go down a treat at a summer party too!
One of the best ways to beat the heat and keep your guests cool is by serving up some delicious slush pool drinks.
Make your own by blending fruit, ice, and sweeteners together. Customize with different fruits, sparkling water, or alcohol.
You can also try our delicious Summer Blueberry Mojito, or even our Summer Citrus Sangria recipes!
A fun and easy way to serve refreshments at a pool party would be to serve up some "pool water".
Fill a drinks dispenser with water and add a few drops of blue food coloring. You can also add in some sliced fruit, like lemons or limes, to give it a refreshing and citrusy flavor.
A beach ball garland is a simple, yet eye-catching decoration, that will add a touch of pool charm to your party decor.
Tie a bunch of beach balls onto a string or twine, and space them out evenly to create a garland. Add some extra flair with ribbons or tassels.
Hang your garland around your pool area, or on a nearby fence, or wall.
Add a pop of color and playfulness to your pool party decor with a must-have beach ball balloon garland.
To make your own mix some beach balls in and about a colorful balloon garland, and have it frame your dessert table!
Inflatable pool party decorations are a fun and affordable way to add a playful touch to your pool party.
They come in a variety of designs and are easy to set up and take down. Plus, they make great photo props and add a colorful backdrop to your pool area.
Create a laidback and relaxed seating area around your pool so your guests can catch up with each other and enjoy a drink.
Lounge chairs, outdoor sofas, and ottomans are a great option, but you could also simply add some colorful cushions and throw pillows to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Use our FREE summer party printables to decorate your party!
Themed paper plates, napkins, and cups are a convenient and affordable option for your table settings.
For a pool party vibe, consider tropical paradise-themed decorations with brightly colored beach ball paper plates and cups featuring palm trees, flamingos, or pineapples.
Transport your guests to a lush paradise with bright colors and bold patterns for your table settings. Tropical-themed paper plates and napkins with palm tree or hibiscus designs are a great option.
For a more upscale look, consider using real plates and glassware in coordinating colors, and decorate natural elements, such as pineapples and large tropical leaves.
If you love this take a look at all our stunning luau party ideas!
Summer pool parties call for fun and festive table settings, and these pool-inspired paper plates are a great way to add a playful touch to your party decor.
Not only are they convenient and disposable, but they also add a summery and carefree vibe to your party. Pair them with coordinating paper napkins and cups to complete the look.
If you are looking for an affordable and versatile party decoration, look no further!
These pool party-inspired foil balloons are perfect for transforming your pool area into a fun and festive oasis with hardly any effort.
You can choose from classic beach and pool designs like beach balls, palm trees, and tropical fruits, or go for more whimsical options like mermaid tails or unicorn inflatables.
Creating a pool party centerpiece can be both easy and affordable. Simply glue a pool-themed cutout, such as a beach ball or a flip-flop, and glue it onto a wooden stick, and place it a bucket filled with sand, shells, or rocks.
Turn it into a fun and creative DIY project that will look amazing at your party!
For something a little different and even more on theme how about creating these fabulous flamingo inflatable centerpieces with fresh flowers?
This eye-catching centerpiece is sure to be the talk of the party!
It can be quite challenging to keep your guests entertained at your party.
A great way to do so is to have them get creative with a fun craft.
If flip flop craft is a wonderful way to get the creative juices going by having your guests decorate their own pair of shoes.
You'll need a bunch of accessories for them to glue onto their flip flops such as flowers, sparkly hearts and stars, and anything else you can get your hands on.
If you love this you'll also love our Hawaiian paper lei kid craft!
Water guns are a classic party activity, that can double up as an affordable party favors too!
They are excellent at keeping your guests entertained, and especially great at cooling everyone down on a hot summer day, in a game of water tag, or even in a water gun race.
Inflatable pool toys are a must-have for any pool party. Not only do they add a fun and playful element to your pool area, but they are also a great way to keep your guests entertained.
There are so many inflatable toys to choose from. You may want to consider your usual inflatable flamingo and unicorn pool floaties, some pool noodles, or even some inflatables beach balls.
They are just what you need to incorporate in your pool party games!
Another fun and exciting way to cool off and have some outdoor fun during a summer pool party would be to fill up some water balloons and have a water balloon fight!
It's a great way to get everyone involved, and it's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Treat your party guests to some awesome temporary tattoo party favors with some summer pool party designs, including beach balls, palm trees, flamingos, and other summer-inspired images.
These can be easily applied and removed, and kids will love showing off their new tattoos throughout the summer!
Take memorable photos of your friends and family with some awesome summer-themed photo booth props. They'll be perfect for capturing the joy and excitement of your party guests.
Photo booths are a fun and interactive party activity that everyone enjoys, and are a great way to create lasting memories of your pool party.
Take your photo booth photos to another level with a cool backdrop.
Hang up a beach ball balloon garland, made up of a mix of colorful balloons and beach ball-shaped balloons. Hang it against a backdrop of greenery or some palm leaves to create a tropical vibe.
If you're looking for the perfect summer luau party favor we've got just what you need!
These flip-flops are a fun and cheap gift you can place in a basket for your guests to take home with them and wear throughout the summer.
Filling a beach bucket with a bunch of pool-inspired party favors is a great way to send your party guests home with a massive smiles on their faces!
You can include beach balls, sunglasses, water guns, water squirters, and even some pool noodles.
A Beach towel and bottle are a great party favor and a lovely way to thank your guests for coming to your pool party.
Both are must-have summer accessories that your guest won't want to be seen without!
Pool Party Idea FAQs
It depends on the size of the pool, the number of adults supervising the party, and the ages of the children. As a general rule, you should have one adult supervisor for every five to ten children, depending on the age and swimming ability of the children.
1: Have a designated “water watcher” to keep an eye on the pool at all times, and never leave children unattended near the pool.
2: For non-swimmers, ensure that life jackets or floatation devices are available and properly fitted.
3: Clearly communicate the rules, including no running or horseplay around the pool, no diving in shallow water, and no glass containers in the pool area.
4: Ensure that at least one adult at the pool party is trained in CPR and basic first aid.
5: Encourage guests to use sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
6: If serving alcohol, do so responsibly and never allow guests in the pool if they have been drinking.
For a lively mood, consider cornhole, giant Jenga, and beach ball games, and don’t forget pool floats and pool noodles for splash contests.
Create a vibrant dessert table with cupcakes, a chocolate cake, and a donut centerpiece, adding polka dot streamers and a colorful banner for festive flair.
Guests will love taking home themed party favors like unicorn and shark floaties, beach balls, and buckets filled with chips and chocolate as prizes for pool party games.
For more inspiration, check out all these amazing real pool parties on our site.
Need more summer pool party ideas?
- 24 Most Popular Summer Party Themes!
- Awesome Summer BBQ Party Ideas!
- Amazing Luau Party Ideas for a Fun Summer Party!
- FREE summer party printables
- Summer BBQ Candy Table DIY
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