When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there’s really nothing better than spending time by the pool. If one of your loved ones has a birthday coming up in the warmer months, a Pool Party Birthday is such a fun, relaxed and memorable way to celebrate.
I had the pleasure of decorating for a dear friend Chloe’s Pool Party themed 6th Birthday Party, and thankfully the weather absolutely delivered. It was a beautiful, sunny day and there honestly wasn’t a nicer place to be than cooling off in the pool with friends.
Decorating Chloe’s party taught me a lot about what works best when planning a kids’ pool party. If you’re starting to plan your own, below you’ll find plenty of pool party ideas, inspiration and practical tips to help you create a fun and stress-free celebration.
Pool Party Set-Up Ideas
When setting up for a pool party birthday, having access to a swimming pool is obviously ideal. But if you don’t have one, don’t stress. Kiddie pools, sprinklers or water play areas can still create just as much excitement and fun.
Chloe was lucky enough to have access to a pool at her complex, along with a lovely outdoor area for party tables and a BBQ setup.
We used two tables for her pool party setup:
- One table for the birthday cake and loot bags
- One table for guests to sit at and to display party food
You don’t need heaps of tables and chairs for a pool party, as most of the time is spent swimming. Guests usually only pop out to enjoy some party food and birthday cake.
When planning your own pool party setup, think about what table space you genuinely need and allow plenty of open areas for guests to mingle, dry off and relax.
Pool Party Safety Tips
Pool safety is incredibly important when hosting a pool party, especially if younger children are attending.
If any guests are not confident swimmers, it’s a great idea to ask their parents to stay and enjoy the party with you. Even when adults are around, make sure there is always someone actively supervising the pool. It’s very easy to get distracted chatting and not notice if someone needs help.
Before the party, ensure your pool is clean and that chemical levels have been checked. The last thing you want is party guests getting sick from pool water.
Other important pool party safety essentials include:
- Plenty of drinking water to keep guests hydrated
- Extra sunscreen available for guests
- Shaded areas for cooling down
- Non-water activities for kids who need a break
An arts and crafts table is a great non-swimming option and gives kids something fun to do away from the water.
Pool Party Decorations
At Katie J Design & Events, we offer a gorgeous range of Personalised Pool Party Decorations, designed and printed right here in Brisbane, QLD.
This pool party range comes in four unisex colour options, making it perfect for both boys’ and girls’ birthday parties. The designs feature bright colours, water splashes, beach balls and adorable clipart by Tereveladesign.
Like all of our personalised party ranges, you can mix and match:
- Personalised banners and bunting
- Invitations
- Loot bags
- Stickers and labels for party favours
For Chloe’s pool party, we kept the decorations simple and budget-friendly. I hung personalised bunting between pillars and palm trees, and added Pool Party A4 posters to the pillars for extra impact. Everything was customised with “Chloe’s 6th Birthday Party” and she absolutely loved it.
Pool Party Food & Loot Bags
A BBQ is always a winner for a pool party, and Chloe’s dad cooked up a delicious spread that everyone enjoyed.
You can also keep snacks simple and still tie them into the theme. Some fun pool party food ideas include:
- Goldfish crackers
- Cheese cut into triangle “shark fins”
- Ring-shaped lollies as “inner tubes”
Of course, sometimes the best treats are simply the birthday child’s favourites. Chloe had gorgeous pink cupcakes with sprinkles and a Frozen-themed birthday cake, just as she requested.
For party favours, we handed out personalised Pool Party loot bags from Katie J Design & Events, printed with “Thank you for coming to Chloe’s 6th Birthday Party.”
Easy loot bag fillers include:
- Sunglasses
- Inflatable pool toys
- Bubbles
Chloe’s Pool Party themed birthday party was such a lovely event to be part of. The kids had an absolute ball splashing around, playing games and enjoying the sunshine. The decorations really transformed the space and made it feel special.
I hope this post has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration if you’re planning a pool party of your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Party Birthdays
What age is best for a pool party birthday?
Pool parties are great for a wide range of ages, from preschoolers through to tweens and even teens. Just adjust supervision levels, activities and party length based on the age group.
Do I need a pool to host a pool party?
Not at all. Kiddie pools, sprinklers, water slides or water play games can create the same fun vibe without needing a full swimming pool.
What decorations do I need for a pool party?
Personalised bunting, banners, posters and themed loot bags instantly pull the party together. Bright colours and water-themed designs work beautifully for summer celebrations.
Do you ship pool party decorations outside Australia?
Yes. While we design and print our personalised party decorations in Brisbane, QLD, we ship Australia-wide and also offer shipping to New Zealand and the United States.
Make Sure to Visit Katie J Design & Events
We offer over 250 personalised party themes that can be customised for birthdays, celebrations and special occasions.
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