30 Fun End-of-Summer Pool Party Ideas: Themes, Tips and Ideas

Can you believe there’s only a month left of summer? Before long, the kids will be heading back to school or off to college, and the easy pace of these warm days starts to wind down. So why not send the season off with a splash? A pool party is the perfect way to celebrate everything summer has been before fall takes over.

That’s exactly why I pulled together this guide. You’ll find 30 ways to throw a memorable end-of-summer pool party: 10 practical tips to help you plan and host with ease, 10 party themes to choose the mood for the age group, and 10 fun ideas to keep guests of every age entertained. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard bash or a laid-back afternoon by the water, there’s something here for everyone, at every age and stage.

The carefree days of summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to. Let’s give summer the send-off it deserves.

When my kids were in school, the most popular parties were always pool parties.

When my older daughter was a senior, we hosted a huge party for her class (there were only 69 kids in her class) by the pool. I’m not sure if the pool was the bigger attraction or the mechanical bull we rented.

There is just something about a swimming pool that naturally lends itself to a party scene, whatever the occasion. Pools are party magnets.

Kids go back to school much earlier these days. It’s still hot in Texas until September, so having a fun end-of-summer pool party is just the ticket for cooling everyone off.

Here you’ll find 30 tips, themes, and ideas for hosting a pool party at the end of summer. Let’s start with 10 tips and 10 theme ideas for an end-of-summer party by the pool.

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10 Tips To Throw An Incredible Pool Party

1. Send festive invitations – let everyone know that this will be a fun occasion.
2. Go big on decorations – outdoor parties require bigger and brighter decorations to make an impact.
3. Keep your guests hydrated with fun drinks – it’s hot, so use big ice chests, half-barrels, a kids’ wagon or large galvanized tub full of ice-cold drinks for all ages and tastes. Keep plenty of ice on tap.
4. Have a nice spread of tasty snacks or a lovely meal – being outdoors increases everyone’s appetite. Use different colors in your foods to make your menu attractive as well as delicious. (Summer Appetizers)
5. Have plenty of paper napkins, paper plates, plastic glasses and utensils for your guests – and big trash cans. Even paper towels and baby wipes are helpful for cleaning hands.
6. Don’t forget the Pool floats – whether this party is for kids or adults, have plenty of floats for everyone to hang out in the water.
7. Have cozy lawn chairs – comfortable seating spots in the shade are a must. It’s OK for guests to bring a folding chair.
8. Plan pool party games – depending on the age of the guests and the theme of the pool party, simple outdoor games will provide all the entertainment you need.
9. Have plenty of towels for those who didn’t bring their own, or use coordinating colors or patterns that contribute to the pool party’s color scheme. You could also use cute beach towels as favors. (I picked out some cute ones below.)
10. Speaking of favors – always have a little something for guests to take home. (A cookie, a cute pool toy from Dollar Tree, or something personal that you made.)

10 Pool Party Themes for the End-of-Summer

You certainly don’t have to have a theme to host a party, but themes give direction and help you plan all the details. Here are ten end-of-summer pool party themes I brainstormed.

• little kids’ end-of-summer pool party – popsicles, games, supply exchange, bring your favorite pool toy
• teacher back-to-school – great for after meet the teacher
• moms celebrate the kids going back to school – let’s be honest, moms are the most excited when school starts. If you have a list of kids in your child’s classroom, ask for access to moms’ phone numbers to invite. It’s a meet and greet.
• send-off for kids going off to college, saying goodbye to their high school friends
• last mani-pedi of the summer pool party
• neighborhood pool party – great if you have a community pool.
• tropical luau pool party
• unicorns and flamingo float party
• ice cream social
• garden harvest pool party – let your guests pick the last of your summer fruits, vegetables or herbs before jumping in the pool to cool off

You also might enjoy 10 Fun Summer Party Ideas.

10 Fun Pool Party Ideas You’ll Love

Here are the great resources I found for having an end-of-summer party at the pool.

NOTE: Remember, safety always comes first when there are kids and water.

Small Fry to Young Kids

What kid wouldn’t want a pool party with popsicles as the focus? Just think: the kids can clean off in the pool after they eat their popsicles.

Play Pools for the Kiddies

For the really little ones, a big pool may not be the right choice. Instead, set up kiddie pools with different activities. And, always remember that safety comes first. Designated eyes should be on the kids and the pool.

Fun Playthings for a Pool Party:

Have lots of fun items on hand for guests: water guns, towels, floats, and cute decor.

Flamingos for the Girls

Flamingos are so popular that they provide tons of decorating and play options. Go all out with pink for a little girls’ or big girls’ pool party. Floats are perfect for decorations and for guests to float in.

This idea for a flamingo-theme pool party has great attention to detail in these eating set-ups.

Unicorn Parties for the Little Ladies

Unicorns may be just as popular for little girls as flamingos. Whether is a birthday party or a back-to-school party or a combination, these unicorn pool party ideas will allow you to host the little girls for an end-of-summer pool party.

Easy DIY Pool Tray

Make end-of-summer pool party drinks handy for guests in the pool. Follow this tutorial to make a cute floating tray.

Cute and Handy Food Stations

You’ll love all these ideas from simple to extravagant. Set up cute food stations or ice cream shop right by the pool for guests.

Beach Theme Pool Party Ideas

You can’t ever go wrong with a beach theme. Ask guests to wear appropriate attire – bathing suits, sarongs, tropical coverups. Pretend you’re at the beach with this fun party idea. Decorate with beach balls, beach towels, and tiki torches.

For the Grown-Ups

Here a bunch of pool party themes for grown-ups. One thing grown-ups always want is great food served at a lovely table.

This movie night for grown-ups is super cool. Instead of the drive-in, watch from the comfort of a pool float while sipping a yummy cocktail.

This picture is of my granddaughter’s 15th birthday party back in May. It was a swim party, movie night, and slumber party all in one.

Things You Need for Any Pool Party

I had to do a little end-of-summer pool party shopping. These decorations can be upstyled and reused to fit your party theme.

Summer Pool Party Questions Answered

Let me know when you have an end-of-summer pool party. Pin these ideas for your future party planning.

Be sure to PIN to keep these ideas handy. Check out these Pinterest Boards: Summer Party Ideas and Summer Party Food.