The Container StoreStorage for every budget, style, and space
Bed Bath & BeyondDesigner brands & home goods at the lowest prices online
Kirkland’sHome decor and uniquely distinctive gifts
Longer days and warmer temperatures mean it's time to start planning your next backyard pool party. Pool party essentials are the must-have supplies, equipment, and accessories needed to host a successful backyard pool gathering. While there are plenty of ways to make your poolside get-together great, we've put together a list of must-haves that no pool party should be without. Read on to check out our top 14 pool party essentials.
At minimum, you need pool toys and floats for entertainment, plenty of towels for guests, comfortable seating and shade options, food and drinks with appropriate serveware, and safety supplies like sunscreen and a first aid kit. The essentials below cover everything from fun and games to food, comfort, and ambiance.
No pool party is complete without plenty of bright, fun pool toys for you and your guests to enjoy. Stylish inflatable swan, flamingo, and unicorn floats are essential for that flawless summer selfie, while other pool toys like beach balls provide plenty of fun for your guests. Foam noodles are the ultimate in low-maintenance pool party fun. Plan for at least 2-3 floats and 1 foam noodle per guest to ensure everyone has something to enjoy.
When it comes to friendly competition in the pool, nothing beats water games and sports. Diving toys are a great way to keep younger kids entertained during the party, while floating basketball hoops and volleyball nets are perfect for a quick match between guests. For a party of 10 or more, have at least 2-3 different game options available to keep everyone engaged.
Towels are an important part of any pool party. Plan for 1-2 towels per guest—one for drying off and one for lounging. You might also consider laying out a towel or two on your poolside loungers or lawn so guests have a comfy place to lie back and soak up the sun. Choose quick-dry, absorbent beach towels in fun colors or patterns.
Most pool parties take place on hot, sunny days in the late spring or summer. Even though it's nice to celebrate that seasonal warmth after a long winter or wet spring, your guests may want to escape the sun's rays from time to time. A solid and sizeable patio umbrella (9 feet or larger) can provide the perfect touch of shade for any guests who find themselves overheating. Look for umbrellas with UV-protective fabric and a sturdy, wind-resistant base.
Lounge chairs are the perfect place to recline and soak up some summertime sun. Aim for at least 3-4 lounge chairs for a party of 10, ensuring there's always a spot available for guests who want to relax. If you don't already have a few around your pool, invest in some comfortable loungers before you throw a pool party. Choose rust-resistant frames and quick-dry cushions for poolside durability. With tons of unique styles and looks to choose from, you can find just the right lounge chairs to match the look and feel of your pool area.
While swimming is at the heart of any pool party, it's always a good idea to include a variety of games and activities outside the pool as well. Outdoor games like bean-bag tosses or oversized dice are pool party staples that can provide hours of fun for you and your guests. Other activities like hula hoops and sidewalk chalk are popular with both kids and kids at heart, and they can add plenty of amusement to your party. Set up 2-3 game stations around your yard to prevent crowding.
No matter what kind of drinks you serve at your pool party, plastic or shatter-proof acrylic cups are the way to go. These options drastically cut down on cleanup time and won't shatter like glass if accidentally dropped on a hard pool deck. Plan for 2-3 cups per guest to account for misplaced drinks. It's also a great idea to keep a permanent marker within arm's reach so your guests can mark their cup and keep track of their drink.
Grilled foods and pool parties go hand in hand, and your guests will love a fresh burger or hot dog after a long afternoon of swimming and poolside play. When it comes to feeding your pool party guests, the bigger the grill area the better—a grill with at least 400 square inches of cooking space works well for parties of 10-15 guests. After mealtime is over, nothing beats roasting marshmallows over a firepit or fire-table for dessert.
Refreshments are an important part of any pool party, and summertime staples like chips and dip or fresh fruit salad pair perfectly with swimming and sunbathing. Bowls, platters, and trays made from shatter-proof melamine or BPA-free plastic won't break if dropped, making them ideal for outdoor meals and treats. Choose pieces with non-slip bases and lids to protect food from insects.
No party is complete without some delicious drinks, and that's especially true of a pool party in the hot summer sun. If you don't have some already, invest in a few cocktail shakers and other drink-making necessities. Arrange drink ingredients and glasses on a poolside bar cart that'll keep delicious summertime beverages within arm's reach for you and your guests. A large insulated cooler or beverage tub filled with ice is essential for keeping drinks cold throughout the party.
If you know your party is going to continue well into the cooler night hours, add a few throws and accent pillows to your poolside space to help keep your guests comfortable and warm. Choose UV-resistant outdoor cushions and water-resistant fabrics that can withstand getting wet without a problem. Look for materials like Sunbrella or solution-dyed acrylic for the best durability.
Lighting is another important addition for nighttime pool parties. Outdoor string lights are great for lending a touch of old-fashioned charm while illuminated accents that float on the pool make it even more fun to enjoy a nighttime swim. Choose LED string lights for energy efficiency and look for waterproof-rated options (IP65 or higher) for poolside use.
Safety should be a top priority at any pool gathering. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit nearby for minor cuts and scrapes. Provide plenty of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant) and encourage guests to reapply every two hours. Have a pool safety hook or reaching pole accessible, and ensure any pool alarms or safety covers are in working order. If children will be attending, designate an adult as a dedicated water watcher at all times.
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker allows you to set the mood with your favorite summer playlist without worrying about splashes. Place speakers away from the pool edge and keep the volume at a level that allows for conversation.
Plan for about 1 pound of food per adult guest if serving a full meal. For appetizers and snacks only, estimate 6-8 pieces per person for a 2-3 hour party. Always prepare 10-15% extra to ensure you don't run short.
Most pool parties work best starting between 12 PM and 2 PM, giving guests plenty of daylight for swimming. For evening pool parties, start around 5 PM to enjoy both daylight swimming and a sunset ambiance.
A typical pool party lasts 3-4 hours, which gives guests enough time to swim, eat, and socialize without becoming too fatigued from sun exposure.
