6 Expert Tips for Hosting an Idyllic Pool Day Right in Your Backyard This Summer

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing summer pool day: the sun on your skin, a refreshing dip within reach, and all the comforts of a luxurious resort just steps from your back door. Whether you’re planning a laidback afternoon with family or a summer celebration with friends, the right setup can transform your backyard pool into a sun-soaked oasis. 

We spoke to party planners and decor experts to find out everything you need to know to throw the perfect pool day. Here are a few things they never skip for a swimming soiree.

Consider a Theme

Everyone has the cute pool floaties, but if you want to take things to the next level, consider setting a theme. Even if it’s just you and a few friends, this can take your party from just another pool day to a totally memorable event. And if you need some ideas to get your creativity flowing, the experts didn’t hold back. 

“Color is so in—why not assign everyone a color?" says Cummings, co-owner and event planner at The Valley Venues. "This would look so cute in photos! Like pink bikini, pink drinks, pink float."

Alternatively, you could embrace coastal New England charm with a lobster-core meets sailor chic aesthetic, says Frischokorn, founder and CEO at Partytrick. Think red and white striped towels, crisp navy-and-white pool floats, lobster-print cocktail napkins, festive pool floats, and galvanized drink tubs.

If a Mediterranean summer is more your style, Billy Folchetti, founder and creative director of Luxe x Billy Folchetti, says an Italian-themed “piscina” party is his go-to. 

“I have thrown many successful pool celebrations with dress codes and themes, such as 'Mission Missoni,' or 'La Dolce and Gabbana Vita,'" he says. "For 'Mission Missoni,' we had patterned pool floats, towels, and everyone wore something by or inspired by the Italian fashion house… The dolce theme and dress code was full of Sicilian-inspired citrus decor, and small bites inspired by the Italian island."

Stock Up on Cute Pool Supplies

Once your theme is decided, you can have some fun choosing cute pool supplies to bring your vision to life. Stock up on patterned towels, modern pool floats, festive napkins, pretty serveware, colorful glasses, and more. Cummings suggests a floating snack tray or ‘bar’ for a unique and fun touch.

Provide Shade

Beyond fun themes and aesthetic decor, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important you provide shaded areas so your guests can easily find respite from the hot sun. Beach umbrellas or sun hats work if your backyard lacks permanent shade structures, such as a gazebo or pergola. Don’t be afraid to have fun with it and choose umbrellas or hats that tie into your theme. 

Offer Snacks and Refreshments

Of course, no pool party is complete without something to nibble on. You can’t go wrong with classic chips, hamburgers, and canned beverages, but if you’re looking to take your menu to the next level, our experts offered a few suggestions. For his piscina parties, Folchetti loves curating a menu inspired by classic Italian cuisine such as a pizza cart or simple bite-sized hors d’ouevres like bruschetta, arincini, and more. 

As for drinks, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options will ensure everyone can enjoy a refreshment they’ll love. You can keep it simple with canned soda and cocktails or go all-out with handcrafted beverages (mocktails, too!). 

Frischkorn recommends curating a signature drink to match the theme of your event. This won’t just add a playful, personalized touch to your party, but sticking to a single custom beverage also makes it easy to prepare everything you need for simple mixing once the party starts. If you’re up for bartending duties, Folchetti shared his current go-to recipe with us.

“My new favorite summer sip came from a dear friend and fabulous Hamptons host: Don Julio Blanco, fresh-squeezed lime, a splash of Pellegrino and fresh watermelon juice rather than sour mix. It’s light, refreshing, and the watermelon keeps you hydrated under the summer sun,” he says. 

Set Up Some Games

Bring some built-in fun to your event with backyard games! There are the classics: water volleyball, cornhole, horsehoe, and ladder toss, but don’t be afraid to get creative if you want your event to feel a bit more sophisticated. “Try a version of a murder mystery, loosely based off the White Lotus season that took place in Taormina,” Folchetti says.

Another clever idea? Cummings recommends an outdoor sunset movie night to finish off your event. An outdoor projector brings this idea to life. Lean into the water theme with a thrilling summer classic like Jaws or I Know What You Did Last Summer. “Jaws on the big screen, sipping on Bloody Marys,” Cummings says.

Don’t Forget Music

Music ties any party together and will help transport your guests to a sunny, poolside oasis. On that note, a waterproof speaker is always a good idea, Cummings notes.

“For me, outdoor beach-club lounge music that you would hear in the South of France, Ibiza or Porto Cervo is a must—it sets a vibe and transports your guests to their favorite past European holidays, even if you're in your backyard," Folchetti says.