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Living in Texas, the first signs of summer start to appear at the end of May. The temperature starts to amp up, the sun blares louder than you remembered, and ice cream becomes a nonnegotiable in the afternoons. However, one true mark of summer is the fact that we use every excuse to dive into a pool — and that’s where hosting a pool party is the best way to hang out and celebrate different occasions during the hottest months of the year.
Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to consider when hosting your next pool party with your friends. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pool party theme, the best pool floats and decorations, or Pinterest-worthy summer party inspiration, these adult pool party ideas will help you beat the summer heat and are sure to make a splash.
Choose a Summer Pool Party Themes
1. Fiesta
A fiesta isn’t complete without margaritas in hand. Make sure to serve some delicious drinks, a Tex-Mex taco bar, and hang Mexican paper banners and string lights.
2. 4th of July (Patriotic-Themed)
If you’re hosting a group of friends and family for the 4th of July, it’s the perfect excuse to have a pool party as well. Serve red, white, and blue snacks and refreshments, throw some patriotic floats in the pool, and play your favorite July 4th playlist.
3. The Summer I Turned Pretty
We’ve made it a tradition at this point to watch The Summer I Turned Pretty every summer season. It just makes sense to move the watch-party outside. Blow up an inflatable movie screen and watch the movie from a pool float. We share all the party details here.
4. Aloha
Transport your friends to a tropical oasis by hosting a Hawaiian-themed pool party. This makes for such a fun summer birthday bash as well. Serve tropical drinks at a tiki bar, hand our leis, add some pineapple floats to the pool, and light some tiki torches.
5. Citrus Theme
A citrus theme is perfect for summer and makes sense for a pool party, too. Opt to decorate with pastel oranges, bright yellows, and greens to represent oranges, lemons, and limes. Add some themed pool floats to the pool and serve Lemon Chills.
6. Disco
A disco pool party would be so fun to host at night. The glow of the pool with some neon, light-up floats and disco ball beach balls — can’t you just imagine it now?
7. Matcha & Lemonade Theme
For matcha-loving Gen Z girls in their 20s, this pool party theme is for you! Decorate your outdoor space with green and yellow decorations, serve matcha lemonades, and have everyone wear a cute green bathing suit.
8. Y2K Theme
As a 90s baby, the Y2K theme will not be an option. It was truly one of the best times to be alive. Add some inflatable cell phones to the pool and blast the Back Street Boys & Brittany Spears radio.
9. Summer Cherry
When we think of summer, we think of cherries. Not only is the cherry print iconic for the season, but it’s also such an adorable and unique party theme. Add some cherry-shaped floats to the pool, serve ice cream with cherries on top, and maybe some cherry colas too.
10. Pirate Treasure Hunt Theme
Who says you’re too old for a treasure hunt? This pirate theme just makes sense for a party on the water. In addition to all the fun decorations you can add to your outdoor space, plan a treasure hunt game where you dive for coins in the pool.
11. Aquamarine (Based on the Movie)
If you used to “play mermaids” in the pool, then hosting an Aquamarine party as an adult will feel just as nostalgic. Decorate your pool with blue and green mermaid floats, play the Aquamarine soundtrack, and maybe watch the movie on a blowup screen by the pool for a fun summer movie night.
12. All-White Summer Paradise
Host your own all-white pool party and pretend you’re in paradise. Make a point to serve fancy cocktails and wear all white outfits. This party theme is perfect for a bachelorette party or for the girls who love a classy, minimal aesthetic.
Add Some Pool Party Decorations to Set the Vibes
13. Choose a Color Scheme
Once you’ve chosen the theme for your party, it’s time to start planning decorations that follow your specific color scheme. Whether that’s with a balloon arch, a fun table setting, or a certain dress code you want your friends to participate in for the party.
14. Cute Pool Floats
Pool floats are a must. They’ll add a fun, playful element to the party, and everyone will love using them when they get in the pool. There are so many cute flat options out there. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites below, but Fun Boy has so many adorable options as well.
FUNBOY Floating Cabana Bar
Pink & Green Tanning Bundle
Inflatable Giant Glitter Ball
Large Fruit Slice Pool Float
15. Add Some Cool Lighting
If you’re hosting a pool party in the evening, having cool lighting around the pool or with a few light-up pool floats adds a cozy ambience as the sunlight fades.
16. Set Up Lounge Chairs & Seating
Having multiple seating options available for your friends will make everyone feel comfortable at the party. Set up a few comfy lounge chairs by the pool for people to take a break from the water to soak up some rays. Adding some seating around an outdoor table also creates a space for everyone to sit and eat before jumping back in the pool.
Ponce Outdoor Bean Bag Chair
Langley Outdoor Chaise Lounge
17. Play Fun, Themed Music
The music you choose to play will immediately set the vibe for the party. If you’re hosting a Hawaiian party, turn on some classic, tropical songs. Or if you’re hosting a disco pool party, play some retro tunes from the summers in decades past.
18. Festive Themed Table Setting
A party table setting will help complete the theme of the night, so focus on gathering the perfect outdoor tablecloth, paper plates, and centerpiece decorations for your specific theme. Everyone will eventually sit around the table and eat together, so creating the perfect ambience on your outdoor patio is a must.
Serve Food & Drinks
19. Set Up a Food Bar
Having a food bar set up creates a relaxed, come-and-go environment for guests. Once all the food is prepped and added to the table, give guests the freedom to choose whatever they would like. Serve finger food appetizers, grilled items, and cold beverages.
20. Finger Foods Are a Must (and Easy to Serve)
With people coming in and out of the pool, finger foods are the best menu items to serve. They are easy to prep and even easier for your friends to grab whenever they would like. Some party snacks we recommend serving are mini bagel bites, an assortment of chips, a summer charcuterie board, and fruit kabobs.
21. Cold Drinks
On a hot summer day, keep the cold drinks coming. Serve the classics like water, sodas, or Olipops and an iced tea. You could even serve drinks (nonalcoholic or alcoholic) that go along with your party theme — like margaritas, lemon spritzers, or punch.
23. Grill Out — Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
It’s the season of grilling on the barbecue, so hot dogs and burgers are the perfect pool party entree to serve. It’s something you know everyone will eat, and it’s easy to assemble.
24. Don’t Forget the Frozen Desserts
A party isn’t complete without a sweet treat. Whether that’s frozen popsicles, ice cream, or ice cream cake, a refreshing cold dessert is the perfect cap to the food and drink menu. Think of some creative frozen desserts to serve that match your party theme as well.
Play Pool Games & Other Activities
25. Water Sports
Gather your friends to play some water sports in the pool. Everything from water volleyball, basketball, pool noodle jousting or water polo. This is a great activity for the sporty girls out there.
26. Water Gun Fights
Looking for an opportunity for some friendly competition? A water gun fight is the perfect poolside activity for a sunny-day. Whether you choose to have a water gun fight in or out of the pool is up to you. Either will be so fun and will create lasting memories.
27. Water Balloon Fights
When’s the last time you had a water balloon fight? Probably when you were a kid? Tap into the nostalgia of summer fun with your own adult water balloon fight. Remember…this is an activity to take outside the pool, because nobody wants to clean up water balloons remnants in the pool.
28. Treasure Dive
As we mentioned above, a treasure dive would be on brand for a pirate-themed party. However, you can totally adjust this activity to any theme. If you want some competition, use the diving sticks with marked points and see which team will end up collecting the most points..
29. Floating Mahjong
Mahjong has taken over girls’ game night, and now you can play it in the pool. How cool is that? Companies are literally selling Mahjong floats and waterproof games made for the pool. Gather all your girls, their favorite drinks, and have fun playing your heart out.
3-in-1 Water Mahjong Kit
30. Watch a Movie Poolside
How fun would it be to set up an inflatable movie screen and watch a movie while you chill in the pool? Serve an assortment of popcorn and watch a movie that goes along with your party theme. This such a cozy activity to start at sunset and watch into the night.
