A pool party is the perfect way to cool off during the hot summer months. Pool parties are also a wonderful way for kids to celebrate the end of the school year or a summer birthday, and for adults to kick back and relax with friends.

Here are some things you should know before planning a pool party as well as some fun ideas to make the party a blast for kids and adults!

For a kid pool party, build a reasonable guest list that keeps the number manageable and takes into account the number of adults available to supervise. You can have friends or other parents help watch the kids or hire a local lifeguard. Many lifeguards are high school and college students who'd love to earn some extra cash! 

Once the guest list and logistics are worked out, send out festive online pool party invitations a few weeks in advance to let everyone know the details of the party. Browse designs that are perfect for kid or adult pool parties, like the pool float invitation, Sip & Dip invitation, tropical pool party invitation, and Snoopy pool party invitation pictured below. In your invitation, ask guests to bring their own towel and set a rain date if you're worried about bad weather. When your invitation is ready, deliver it instantly by text or email and easily track RSVPs online.

Keep your guests happy and safe! Set up a sunscreen station to encourage them to lather up. Be sure to provide various sprays and lotions with different SPFs, including waterproof varieties. Roll up or stack towels nearby so guests can grab one if they forgot to bring their own, and have plenty of pool noodles, floats, beach balls, water guns, goggles, snorkles, and other fun water toys on hand. 

Make sure your party space has a place for guests to get out of the sun! Provide shade with patio umbrellas or portable cabanas and place beach or lawn chairs throughout your party space along with a few tables for food. Finally, in case guests need to enter your home, line the entrance with absorbant mats to avoid slippery floors! 

Plan some fun pool party games to keep guests engaged during the party. Kids will enjoy a water balloon toss, diving to retrieve colored rings, and watermelon seed spitting contests. You can also set up a slip and slide or let them run through the sprinkler. And don't forget about the adults! Set up a game of poolside cornhole and a pool volleyball net or basketball hoop to keep them entertained. 

Plan a menu full of appropriate grab-and-go pool party foods like popsicles, fresh watermelon slices, chips and guacamole, and fresh lemonade. If you want to provide more than just snacks, fire up the grill and cook burgers and hot dogs. For adults, provide yummy summer cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and coladas. Lastly, have plenty of bottled water on hand so that guests can stay hydrated in the hot sun!

Pool parties don't necessarily require decorations, but if you want to give your backyard an extra special touch, there are a number of pool party decoration ideas that are easy to execute. Tiki torches along the perimeter of the yard are fun and keep bugs at bay. You can also string lights around the pool to add to the ambiance. If you'd like to add a theme to your party, check out these Havana Nights pool party ideas for decorating tips and more.

One of the best ways to create a fun and festive pool party is to add music. Create a playlist that includes songs by the Beach Boys as well as pool party classics like "Splish Splash" by Bobby Darin, "Summer Nights" from Grease, "Heat Wave" by Martha and the Vendellas, "Summertime" by Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, "Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & the Waves, and "Steal My Sunshine" by Len. Make sure your speakers are waterproof because they're bound to get wet!

Ready to start your pool party planning off on the right foot? Customize online pool party invitations today!