How to Host a Fun & Affordable Pool Party

Pool parties are a great way to enjoy the summer with your friends and family, but they can also be expensive if you don’t plan ahead. You don’t have to break the bank to throw a fun and memorable pool party, though. Below, the San Diego pool and spa pros from San Diego Pools offer these tips on how to host a pool party on a budget without compromising on quality or fun.

Choose a Theme

One of the easiest ways to save money on your pool party is to choose a theme that matches the season, your interests, or your guests’ preferences. A theme can help you narrow down your choices for decorations, food, drinks, games, and music, and it can make your party more cohesive and festive. Some popular pool party themes are:

• Tropical or luau – Think palm trees, pineapples, coconuts, leis, and Hawaiian shirts. You can use fresh or artificial flowers, fruits, and leaves to create a tropical vibe. Serve tropical drinks like piña coladas, mai tais, and fruit punch in coconut cups or pineapple-shaped glasses. Play some Hawaiian or reggae music to set the mood.
• Beach or nautical – Think sand, shells, starfish, anchors, and boats. You can use sand buckets, shovels, beach balls, and inflatable rafts to decorate your pool area. Serve seafood snacks like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and fish sticks. Play some beach music like surf rock, calypso, and salsa.
• ’80s or ’90s – Think neon colors, retro prints, cassette tapes, and boomboxes. You can use old CDs, posters, stickers, and sunglasses to create a nostalgic atmosphere. Serve classic snacks like chips and dip, popcorn, and candy. Play some hits from the ’80s or ’90s to get your guests dancing.

Stick to Understated Decorations

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on decorations for your pool party. In fact, less is more when it comes to creating a relaxing and inviting space for your guests. Here are some simple and cheap ways to decorate your pool area:

• Balloons – Balloons are one of the cheapest and most versatile decorations you can use for any party. You can float them in the pool, hang them from trees or fences, or make them into garlands or arches. Choose colors that match your theme or go for a rainbow effect.
• Lights – Lights can add some sparkle and ambience to your pool party, especially if you plan to host it in the evening. You can use string lights, fairy lights, lanterns, candles, or glow sticks to create a magical mood. You can also use waterproof LED lights or glow-in-the-dark balls to illuminate your pool.
• DIY crafts – If you’re feeling creative, you can make your own decorations using items you already have at home or ones you can find at the dollar store. For example, you can make a tiki bar out of cardboard boxes and bamboo sticks, a photo booth out of PVC pipes and fabric, or a confetti-covered pineapple centerpiece out of paper.

Keep the Menu Simple

Food is one of the most important aspects of any party, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. You can save money and time by keeping your menu simple and easy to prepare. Here are some tips on how to feed your guests without breaking the bank:

• Skip the appetizers – Appetizers can be tempting, but they can also be costly and time-consuming to make. Instead of serving appetizers, focus on the main course and dessert. You can also ask your guests to bring their own snacks or side dishes if they want.
• Go for standard fare – You can’t go wrong with classic pool party food like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches. They’re easy to make, cheap to buy, and satisfying to eat. You can also spice things up with some grilled chicken, shish kebabs, or tacos if you want.
• Serve cooling snacks – Since pool parties are usually held in hot weather, serve snacks that are refreshing and hydrating for your guests. Some examples are fruit salad, veggie sticks, popsicles, ice cream, and smoothies. You can also set up your own ice cream float bar or frozen yogurt bar.

Keep Your Budget in Mind for Games

Games are another essential element of any pool party, but you don’t need to spend a lot of money on game supplies if you think creatively. Here are some ideas for budget-friendly games everyone will enjoy:

• Inflatable toy games – Inflatable toys are cheap and easy to find at any store that sells pool supplies. You can use them for various games like volleyball, basketball, and dodgeball in the pool. You can also use them as props for relay races, obstacle courses, or scavenger hunts.
• Water balloon games – Water balloons are classic pool party game items that never get old. You can use them for water balloon toss, water balloon fights, water balloon dodgeball, or even a water balloon piñata. 
• No-supply games – You don’t need any supplies at all to play some fun and exciting games in the pool. Some examples are Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, Simon Says, and Freeze Tag. You can also make up your own rules or variations to spice things up.

Throwing a pool party on a budget isn’t impossible if you follow these tips. You can have a blast with your friends and family without spending a fortune. All you need is some creativity, planning, and a good attitude. Remember, it’s the company, laughter, and shared moments that truly make a pool party unforgettable.

If you’re ready to transform your home into the perfect party spot with a pool, call on the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. We’re the swimming pool builder San Diego homeowners have trusted for more than forty years to design and install the pools of their dreams. Give us a call today at 888-707-7781 to learn how our innovative designs and high-quality custom construction can be ideal for you and your family.