Pool party ideas we love!

Make a big splash with quick and easy pool party ideas!

The weather is heating up and swimming pool parties are sure to follow. Grab a few of these ideas (or all of them) to ramp up your fun in the sun!

Pool party ideas for big or small groups

Themes

Your pool party theme can be just about anything. I like the traditional nautical theme. Why? Well, for one, it’s incredibly easy to find or create nautical party supplies!

Here are a few other popular pool party themes:

Adult themes

• Hawaiian/Luau
• Beach
• Nautical
• Casino
• Flamingo
• Patriotic
• Throwback/Vintage
• The 70s/Tie Dye
• Paradise
• Sports

Kid themes

• Racecar
• Fish/Shark
• Under the Sea
• Carnival
• Rock Star
• Rainbow
• Haunted
• Paradise
• Disney (movies/characters)
• Summer Camp

Get more pool party theme ideas from our Shop By Occasion page and design templates.

Decorations

Floating Noodle Candles

Illuminated noodle candles top my list of pool party ideas! They will quickly set a relaxed mood for your event. These floating candles are easy to create and require just a few, inexpensive supplies.

Supplies

• Pool noodles
• LED tea lights
• Transparent elastic ties
• Plastic wrap
• Scissors/knife

Directions

• Cut a piece of plastic wrap slightly larger than the bottom of an LED tea light. Wrap the plastic around the bottom of the tea light and secure it in place with an elastic tie (hair wraps work, too!). The plastic will protect the battery in the tea light from getting wet.
• Use a knife to cut a 3-inch section from the pool noodle.
• Place the prepared tea light inside the center of the cut foam noodle. You may have to make the hole in the noodle slightly larger to snugly hold the candle.
• Turn on the candle and place it in the pool!

I personally love the reflection of light on water. You’re going to adore these!

Food

Swimming tends to make people hungry so you better have food ready to go! But be sure to take precautions when serving food outdoors. Keep cold foods cold to prevent the growth of foodborne bacteria, warns the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Cold food must be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to remain safe to eat. That’s important to know because one of the most popular snacks at pool parties is veggies and a chilled dip.

Share this recipe with your guests:

Dill Vegetable Dip

Ingredients

• 8 oz. sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
• 1 Tbsp. finely diced onion
• 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
• 1 tsp. dill weed

Directions

Mix all ingredients together well, cover and place in the refrigerator. Serve with carrots, celery, sweet red peppers and any other veggies you like!

Favors

I hate to brag, but Totally Promotional has the coolest pool party favors for guests. We really do! Our affordable prices, low minimum order quantities and convenient delivery options are a party planners dream.

It’s easy and down-right fun to use our online design tools to put a personal imprint on your favors. Popular customized pool party favors at Totally Promotional:

• Party sunglasses 
• Printed Frisbees® and flying discs
• Customized beach towels
• Lightweight drawstring bags (to store those wet swimming trunks!)
• Colorful Koozies® and can coolers
• Bulk-priced water bottles
• Customized lip balm
• Plastic stadium cups

Games

I’ve also rounded up a few swimming pool games to keep your guests entertained!

Marco Polo is a classic! Two can play but it’s much more fun with a crowd. One person is dubbed “Marco” and is blindfolded. He or she must tag the rest of the people in the pool after yelling out “Marco” and listening for their locations as they reply “Polo.” The first person tagged is the next Marco.

Duct Tape Boat Races will bring out the real competitors! Create teams who will use cardboard boxes, duct tape, box cutters and markers to create boats. Then have the teams compete by rowing their boats across the pool, using their arms as oars.

Treasure Hunt is a great game for youngsters who aren’t afraid or need experience going under water. Simply throw coins, seashells or any object that will sink into the water. Then instruct your divers to find the treasure! The person to recover the most items is the winner.

Rubber Duck Races bring on the giggles! Have each participant push rubber ducks across the pool without using their arms/hands. It’s a riot to watch. Don’t forget to take photos!

Start planning today!

You can have a great party without a lot of fuss. It’s all in the planning!

Dive into these great pool party ideas for a super summer bash everyone will enjoy! Be sure to visit our Outdoor & Summer Parties & Events board on Pinterest for more inspiration!