Step One
Remind guests to bring along their bathing suits, and towels, if you won't have enough.
Step Two
Plan a menu and purchase the food and beverages. Try to keep the food light - salads, fruits, veggies and dip - since your guests will be swimming. Keep away from alcohol for swimmers: serve sodas, teas, and juices instead.
Step Three
Clean the pool.
Step Four
Provide a room for people to change into or out of bathing suits, if they need to. Put some extra sunscreen on hand and tell people to use it.
Step Five
Set up a number of patio chairs and tables around the pool area for your guests.
Step Six
Set up two additional large tables, one for snacks, and the other for beverages.
Step Seven
Arrange an ample supply of plates, cups, napkins, and utensils on the serving tables.
Step Eight
Set up a stereo and speaker system near the pool for some background music; surf music is an added plus.
Step Nine
Be creative when decorating. Place sand and seashells in kiddie pools or sandboxes around the pool area to give the look of a seaside escape.
Step Ten
As the evening wears on, light the pool area with candles in lanterns, Christmas lights strung from tree limbs or floating candles in the pool(provided no one is swimming). To deter insects use citronella candles.
Step Eleven
Have some party games prepared for the event. "Sharks and Minnows" and "Marco Polo" are two traditional and popular pool games.
Tips & Warnings
• Inflatable beach balls and rafts help set the mood and provide entertainment for the guests.
• Prepare a few indoor activities in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
• Be sure to have someone keeping an eye on the pool, especially when children are swimming.
• Avoid alcohol when swimming.
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