Poolside Entertaining: Tips for Hosting Stylish Outdoor Gatherings

Get tips for hosting stylish poolside gatherings with smart seating, lighting, safety planning, and design ideas that elevate outdoor entertaining.

Few things are quite as enjoyable as gathering around your pool with family and friends. Listening to the laughter and splashing mixed with cheers from delicious drinks is the perfect combination.

However….

Unless you've intentionally designed your pool area with entertainment in mind, you might not be set up for success.

Fear not, with just a few tweaks your pool area can be ready to wow guests at any impromptu get-together.

In this article:

• The Benefits of Hosting Pool Parties

• Space Planning

• Pool Features Every Host Needs

• Food and Beverage Tips

• Ambiance Matters

Your Pool Can Be A Party All Year Round

Summer pool parties are an American tradition. Families and friends have been enjoying each other's company by the water for generations.

But these days homeowners are spending more time entertaining in their backyards all year long.

Recent studies show that 94% of consumers said they would entertain more, eat outside more, and relax outside more if they upgraded their outdoor living spaces.

That's a lot of people dying to turn their yards into resort-like getaways complete with the newest pool features designed for fun.

Smart homeowners know that by working with professional swimming pool contractors in San Jose and beyond they can create a pool and surrounding patio perfectly suited for entertaining. No more pool just for laps.

In fact, we don't see the at home entertaining trend slowing down anytime soon.

With busy schedules, families want to be able to gather without reservations or large crowds.

Planning Your Space for Guests

Before you can begin throwing the perfect pool party you need to plan your space accordingly.

If your guests don't have room to mingle around your pool, they won't stay long.

Here are some tips for space planning the perfect pool area:

• Leave open deck space away from the pool for guests to gather.

• Create multiple seating areas with loungers, chairs, stools, and even spots for guests to stand around and chat.

• Ensure there is plenty of space between furniture and features so your guests don't feel cramped.

• Make sure there is plenty of shade so guests can cool off if it's hot out. Pool umbrellas and pergolas are great options.

Your pool should have a shallow end for guests to lounge and chat as well as room for those who want to swim laps and dive.

If you have small children be sure there's a fence or some type of safety barrier around your pool when they're not being supervised. This makes for safer parties while still allowing adults to relax nearby.

Features that Every Host Needs

While your guests will be spending a good amount of time in and around the pool, there are certain features that can make your life as a host or hostess much easier.

Outdoor kitchens are at the top of most homeowners lists. By having a grill, refrigerator, and food prep area right beside your pool you never have to leave the party!

Built-in bars are another great addition. Guests will love lounging around your pool while socializing at a convenient place to grab drinks without getting in anyone's way.

Lighting can make or break your party. 

String lights, LED lights under your pool, and even landscape lighting can keep the party going once the sun goes down. Not only does proper lighting create ambiance, but it serves a purpose when parties continue past dark.

Who doesn't love the sound of water trickling from a fountain or waterfall? These can double as decor and provide background noise during parties.

One thing many people forget about is outdoor speakers. When designing your pool area be sure to invest in a sound system designed to withstand outdoor elements. You don't want regular audio speakers dying because of sun or rain.

Pool Party Food and Beverage Tips

When planning your menu for a pool party, be sure to take into consideration the pool itself.

No one wants to swim back and forth to the kitchen to grab a heavy plate of food. Remember guests will be in and out of the water often.

• Stick to finger foods and desserts that people can easily grab with one hand.

• Stock up on fresh fruits and prepare foods ahead of time so you're not running around trying to tend to your guests and cook at the same time.

• Foods on skewers are great for poolside entertaining and sliders are always a hit too!

Here are some tips when designing your food and beverage area:

• Place food stations away from the pool and potential splash zones.

• Use containers with lids to prevent bugs from getting into your delicious food.

• Provide plenty of napkins and plate options for guests.

• Keep food and drinks cold on ice if possible.

Lastly, when designing your pool area around food and beverages take extra precaution near the pool.

• Stay away from glass wherever guests will be swimming or sitting on damp surfaces.

• Serve drinks in acrylic or plastic containers that won't crack or break.

• Create a hydration station with fruit infused water.

This allows guests to fill up on water between alcoholic beverages and looks great too!

Setting the Ambiance

Throwing the perfect pool party isn't all about food and features.

Ambiance plays a huge role in every detail.

Here are some things to consider when setting the mood for your next get-together:

• Create several playlists to match the energy you want throughout the party. Start off with some low key music while guests are arriving. As the night progresses pick up the pace, but don't be afraid to wind down towards the end.

• Decorations should add to the overall vibe but not be distracting. Think floating candles or LED pool lights, punch bowls, tropical plants in decorative planters, matching towel and cushion sets, and even simple table decorations that won't fly away in the breeze.

• Does your patio get hot after lunch? Or maybe cool down fast once the sun sets. Invest in some patio mister to keep guests comfortable when temperatures rise. Fire pits and patio heaters are a great addition as well.

Provide sunscreen, extra towels for poolgoers, and even phone charging stations. These are things your guests will love but may not think to bring with them.

When to Host a Pool Party

This one is important.

No matter how well you design your backyard oasis if you don't choose the right time for your gathering you could be stuck with a failed pool party.

• Late Afternoon – If you plan to serve dinner guests will have plenty of time to swim before eating.

• Evening – As temperatures cool off but daylight remains you can host a great pool party.

• Don't be afraid to start your party later in the evening either. Just make sure you have ample lighting.

Avoid these Pitfalls:

• Hosting your party during the peak heat of the day.

• Trying to party past your pools lighting capabilities.

• Scheduling your party during typical meal times without providing food.

• Being oblivious to wind direction. Do guests have to worry about getting sandy if there's an ocean breeze? How about pool chemicals if it's blowing from your backyard?

Weekends and especially Saturday afternoon tend to draw in the crowds. If you're looking to keep your pool party small and more intimate try weeknight get-togethers where guests can relax after work.

Conclusion

Having the perfect pool set up for entertaining is easy once you know what you're looking for.

Space should be taken into consideration when designing the area around your pool. Not only do you want your guests to be able to swim, but they'll want to lounge by the pool with you.

Features like outdoor kitchens keep hosts and hostesses engaged during parties. Providing guests with everything they need in one convenient location.

Food and decor are just as important but you also have to be mindful of your drink ware choices when planning poolside gatherings.

And last but certainly not least is ambiance. From music to decor and even patio temperatures you can set the mood for a gathering years in advance with just a few extra items.

Bonus: Pools can even increase your home's value by up to 7% when upgraded!

Now get out there and start planning your next backyard bash.