Adult Pool Party

Adult vs. Kid Pool Parties

A children’s or teen pool party is often filled with beach toys and aquatic games, but at an adult party there aren’t any rousing games of Marco Polo, squirt gun fights, or melting popsicles. At the same time, however, a pool party can be just as much fun for adults who want to keep cool during a hot summer and are looking for a fun way to celebrate Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or other special occasions during the summer months. Adult parties will be more sophisticated but no less filled with splashtastic fun.

Adult Pool Party Ideas

Whether it is a casual get together or a more elaborate party, an adults-only pool party can be a fun event if it is planned appropriately.

Invitations

The invitations to a pool party should clearly indicate that the pool is the focal point of the event. In addition to the regular details of party invitations – date, time, etc. – a pool party indication should note whether guests should bring their own towels or other pool accessories. Furthermore, to ensure the party is limited to adults, the invitation wording “adults only” or “no children please” should be clearly visible.

Decorations

A corny theme or predictable party decorations are not necessary for a sophisticated pool party, but there are several ways to add festive touches to an adult pool party without drowning in crepe and bows.

• Be sure the pool and patio equipment (chair, tables, etc.) are clean and free from debris.
• Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and weed flowerbeds a few days before the party for a neat setting.
• Decorate the refreshments area or buffet table with tropical flower centerpieces, a carved fruit bowl, scattered shells, or other festive but sophisticated items.
• Add simple centerpieces to patio tables and tropical pillows to lounge chairs.
• Be sure there is plenty of seating for everyone, including loungers, benches, and other seats.
• Add a few festive touches around the pool area, such as tiki torches bedecked with plumeria leis or a set of faux palms.
• Float bright colored accessories such as relaxing loungers in the pool to invite guests to enjoy the water.

Activities

Mix up the margaritas!

While a kids’ pool party will involve any number of aquatic games, an adult party is generally more unstructured with plenty of opportunities for socializing freely. The pool – and a whirlpool, if available – will provide some distraction, and a loosely organized sexy swimsuit competition or belly flop contest can be fun diversions. Volleyball and water basketball are also easy games that can be available for interested guests without creating too competitive of an atmosphere.

Food

Great food makes a great party, and there are many options for fabulous pool party menu ideas. Barbeques naturally accompany a pool party, and grilled vegetables, kebobs, bratwurst, grilled shrimp, and steak skewers are sophisticated and delicious items. Add some cold salads, fresh fruit, and veggies and dip for a full menu. For a stronger theme, consider Caribbean party food or luau party recipes. For a sweet dessert, don’t forget a pool party cake.

Of course, drinks are a necessity for any summer party to keep guests hydrated, and a cocktail party can be a great social atmosphere. Alcoholic drinks can be delicious, particularly margaritas, pina coladas, or other tropical brews or good party drink recipes. Not all guests will be interested in alcohol, however, and fresh lemonade, punch, iced tea, tropical smoothies, and chilled soda can fill out the drink menu.

What About the Kids?

While many adults will enjoy an adults-only party, parents may have difficulty attending if children are not invited. If the kids do come to a pool party, however, one or more adults will inevitably become the babysitter and lifeguard while the children monopolize the pool. To keep the event for adults only, the party host should be explicit in the invitations to ensure children do not tag along.

Alternatively, the party host could arrange for different kid-friendly entertainment while the adults enjoy the pool. Hiring a babysitter for several children is easy and economical, particularly if each party guest chips in for the payment (though the host should not require this). Depending on their age, the kids could also enjoy an afternoon at the movies or a day camp center, or parents can make other arrangements for their own children.

Pool Party Safety

Adults can be injured in a pool just as easily as children, and all pool safety guidelines should be followed at an adult pool party.

• Horseplay and reckless behavior, such as diving into the shallow end of the pool or pushing unwilling swimmers into the water, should not be tolerated.
• Alcohol intake should be carefully monitored and designated drivers assigned if necessary.
• No glass dishes or bottles should be present in the pool area where guests will be in bare feet.
• Pool equipment, including nets, safety devices, and toys, should only be used as intended.

An adult pool party can be a great way for friends to share a special occasion and cool off on a hot summer’s day. With careful planning and coordination, an adults-only pool party will make a big splash on the social scene.