Pool Party Planning

ONE MONTH BEFORE THE PARTY

-Mail invitations; be sure to make them fun!  Also remind guests to bring bathing suits, towels and if it is during the day, sunscreen.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY

-Get the pool ready by taking a water sample to Pool Town for a complete water analysis so you know the pool is balanced and ready.

-Plan a menu and purchase the food.  Keep it light like salads, fruits, veggies and dip.  Avoid Alcohol for people who will be swimming. Soft drinks, teas and fruit juices are always good. You might want to have a smoothie maker too. Don’t forget paper plates, plastic cups and utensils.

DAY BEFORE

-Make sure your pool equipment is working properly.

-Clean pool. Do a quick water chemistry test with your home test kit.  Make sure the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6 for ideal swimmer comfort.

-Make sure you have a place for people to change.

-Set up a stereo & speakers for some backyard music. Surf music, beach music, Hawaiian music, steel band and calypso make for some great pool party music.

-Be creative in your decorating. Seashells help make a festive beach theme.

-Citronella candles help the mood at night and help keep insects away.

-Have some pool games ready for kids and adults.

AFTER THE PARTY

-Make sure you shock treat the pool when everyone is done or if you have a salt generator put the unit in super chlorinate for 24 hours.

USEFUL TIPS AND CAUTIONS

-Beach balls and rafts help the festive mood.

-Don’t forget to have a plan B in case of rain.

-If thunderstorms are approaching, and you see threatening clouds or hear thunder, clear the pool and go inside.

-Be sure to have a designated responsible person watch the pool for trouble. Guests can take turns doing this. Have a festive Hawaiian lei to designate the pool supervisor and pass it off to the next person watching the pool.

-Do not put floating candles in the pool. Floating LED lights are fine but anything with fire could cause problems.

-NEVER drink alcohol and swim.