Plan Your Next Pool Party With These 12 Poolside Essentials
Take the plunge with these poolside essentials.
As the days grow longer and the warmer weather steadily approaches, pool party season looms on the horizon. After being inside for so long, the sunshine and splash of water are a welcome change. It's time to make the most of this summer and plan the best pool party. Here’s how you can spend more time outdoors with these 12 poolside essentials.
1. Yard Games
Yard games are a poolside essential you simply cannot do without. These easy-to-set-up games offer hours of amusement on the lawn for children and adults alike. Cornhole, bocce ball, and giant stacking blocks are just a few of the crowd favorites to choose from. You can even offer pool party games like water volleyball by setting up a net that spans the length of the pool for more fun. Enjoy a little friendly competition or bring out your inner child with the low-maintenance fun that yard games have to offer. These are especially useful for guests who don't like to swim or who want a little entertainment outside of the pool.
Whether you need to dry off or stay warm, these poolside essentials will keep you cozy.
Beach Towels: Once everyone has gotten their hair wet, they will want to towel themselves off. Though most guests will bring their own beach towels, it's never a bad idea to have some extras on hand. Choose from our wide assortment of durable and absorbent beach towels to dry yourself off and bring pops of color to your pool party. You can even select the level of beach towel plushness for the exact comfort you desire.
Outdoor Throws: Keep a few outdoor throws on hand just to make sure that everyone is comfortable once the sun begins to set and the night grows cooler. Lightweight outdoor throws provide the warmth you need without being too heavy. Outdoor throws are also made from durable fabrics that are easy to clean, so you don't have to worry about getting them dirty.
When you're done dipping your toes in the water, it's time to soak up the sun. Turn your poolside into an oasis with the best seating for your yard.
Outdoor Lounge Chairs: An outdoor lounger is a poolside essential that ensures you can relax after a long day in the water. Outdoor lounge chairs give you the chance to recline, sunbathe, and put your feet up. Our vast array of outdoor lounge chairs allow you to choose the exact size, style, and design to match your lounging needs.
Hammock: After spending months indoors, you'll want a way to kick back and appreciate the perfect weather. A carefree way to snuggle up outdoors, a hammock gives you a chance to enjoy the good weather. If you don't have the space or means (trees, anchored posts, or sturdy support beams) to hang a hammock, opt for a freestanding model that comes with its own base that can be set up and moved wherever needed.
Small Patio Bistro Set: If your space is limited, a patio bistro set will do just the trick. A small patio bistro set usually comes with a small table and two chairs. This poolside essential will give you a convenient place to enjoy your beautiful summer days. Have a friendly conversation, eat meals, play games, or even take your morning coffee alfresco. You can purchase the small patio bistro set configuration that is best for your space. Many patio bistro sets are foldable for easy storage, making them perfect for smaller areas.
Whether you are making your outdoor seating more comfortable or looking for a quick additional seating option, opt for an outdoor pillow. If you don't have the space for outdoor chairs, floor pillows work well when you are in the mood to settle back and relax. Outdoor floor pillows are a lifesaver when you need additional seating in a pinch. They can easily be stored away once done without taking up too much space. Outdoor pillows are usually waterproof and weatherproof, so you needn't worry about water damage.
Once you are done chilling in the pool, you will likely still want to appreciate the seasonal warmth. Sunburns, however, are something you want to avoid. An outdoor umbrella will help you escape the sun's rays and protect your skin. This poolside essential will go a long way to keep you and your guests shaded and comfortable.
A pool party isn't complete without a good old-fashioned BBQ. This poolside essential will let you and your guests enjoy cooking in the fresh air.
Grills: The sizzle of food cooking on a gas, charcoal, or pellet grill sings of summer. With many sizes available, you can choose a grill that fits your space so you can fire it up and quell your hunger. No matter how you prefer to toast those buns, our extensive range of grills provides an option for everyone.
Grill Utensils: Perfect your cookout with the right barbecuing tools. Whether you are in the market for a brand-new set of grill utensils or looking to upgrade your current culinary arsenal, we've got you covered. Our range of grill tools includes tongs, skewers, thermometers, and whatever else you need to make a quintessential summer meal. And if you are really looking to wow guests, try experimenting with BBQ smoking chips to add a little je ne sais quoi.
Once your BBQ is ready, you'll need tableware for serving your guests! Keep things simple and safe outdoors with disposable tableware.
Disposable Tableware: Providing serveware for a large group of people is not always an easy ask. Though those classic white paper plates do the trick, they are prone to sagging and bending as food soaks through the cardboard. Our range of upmarket disposable tableware will keep your pool party looking elegant. From attractive disposable plates that look like the real thing to disposable tablecloths that set the tone of your party, this serveware is great for all events. Most disposable serveware can even be reused after washing it by hand – just be sure to check its cleaning instructions.
Pitchers: A pitcher of lemonade will easily keep your guests hydrated and refreshed. A large pitcher will provide multiple servings of your favorite drinks, allowing guests to help themselves. Select a durable material like plastic, melamine, or metal so you don't have to worry about glass shattering around the pool.
Keep thirst at bay with a bar cart and tools. These poolside essentials will elevate your party in no time.
Bar Cart: Store all of your drink-making essentials close at hand with a rolling bar cart. Place your glam drink station on the patio and impress your guests with your beverage mixing skills, or simply give your guests access to whatever is on tap. A dedicated area for drinks will free up table space and allow your guests to help themselves to refreshments whenever they need.
Barware & Tools: A bar cart is nothing without the drink-making essentials. Cocktail shakers, wine openers, and drink accessories will all help to bring out your inner bartender. Complex cocktails, straight spirits, whatever floats your boat – our barware and tools will get the party started.
It can be annoying to make multiple trips to grab drinks from indoors (especially with wet feet or if your pool is set far away from the house). These mobile cooling poolside essentials will keep your drinks crisp.
Coolers: A cooler is a great way to keep a good amount of drinks chilled and close by. Many coolers are light and mobile, and some are equipped with wheels for added convenience. Invest in two coolers to separate the adult drinks from the kid drinks. No matter which design you choose, a cooler will prevent you from making multiple trips into the house to fetch beverages, allowing you to maximize your time outdoors.
Beverage Tubs: A beverage tub is a large, often metal canister designed to hold ice and an assortment of drinks. Beverage tubs aren't insulated like coolers, making them better for brief parties rather than all-day poolside lounging. Fill these attractive and on-trend receptacles with ice and an assortment of drinks. Beverage tubs have handles and are extremely portable, so you can carry them right to the poolside and enjoy a drink while in the water. Even if you only want to have a few drinks on hand, beverage tubs are often a prettier addition that create a great summer aesthetic while keeping beverages chilled.
Whether you are prepping for your pool party or packing supplies away once the festivities are done, you'll need a place to store all of your poolside essentials. A dedicated space to keep your pillows, towels, and games, patio storage will offer a safe cache. Select an outdoor storage bench for the all-in-one multifunctionality of seating and storage and make the most of the space available.
Flood your poolside area with light and set the mood with these illuminated poolside essentials that can also serve as pool party decorations.
Outdoor String Lights: Outdoor string lights can add a touch of ambience to your poolside soiree. Line your patio or yard with these plug-in, solar, or battery-powered garlands of light to create a cozy setting. As they are designed to stay outside and withstand water and other elements, you can choose your favorite style of outdoor string lights to both decorate and illuminate your backyard all season.
Decorative Torches: Some gardens need more illumination than what string lights can provide. Decorative torches create real flames using gas, gel, or oil, creating a resort-like atmosphere right in your backyard. Opt for decorative citronella torches to keep the bugs at bay and embrace that tropical feeling. Read our guide 6 Backyard Torch Ideas to Spark Joy to learn more about backyard torches.
Outdoor Lanterns & Lights: Outdoor lanterns and lights can be used to line your driveway, encircle your pool, or dot your party with more intimate lighting. Most outdoor lanterns and lights are solar- or battery-powered, providing the flicker of real flames without the worry of a fire hazard. These beautifully designed outdoor lanterns are light and easy to move to wherever you wish to create the ambience you seek.
Just because the sun has set doesn't mean your pool party has to end. Keep warm and light up the night with a little fire.
Fire Pit: A fire pit is a poolside essential for parties that continue past dusk. Bring your family and friends together around a fire pit to watch the flames, enjoy good conversation, and roast marshmallows. A winner for entertaining guests in the backyard, our collection of gas, wood, and charcoal fire pits will surely have something to keep you warm on those cool summer nights. Choose a fire pit with a spark screen for additional protection against embers and sparks, which may otherwise breach the pit and create potential fire hazards.
Tabletop Fireplace: If you are looking for a smaller and more cost-effective way to add a flame to your party, consider a tabletop fireplace. It is an economical way to bring a real flame right to your table. A tabletop fireplace is sure to become a favorite centerpiece that can even be moved indoors and outdoors (depending on your model). Tabletop fireplaces usually use clean-burning fuels such as gel and bioethanol, meaning there is no soot, smoke, or odor to worry about. Once you are done, simply snuff out the flame and store the tabletop fireplace per the manufacturer instructions.
Want to see more of what we have to offer your outdoor spaces? Browse our wide selection of outdoor furniture and other poolside essentials.
