With your new pool finally in the ground, it's time to give your friends, family, and neighbours what they've been waiting for: a pool party! You may have already had a few people over to take a dip in the new pool, but throwing a pool party brings with it some unique challenges. From preparing your pool for all those extra people to ensuring a safe environment for less confident swimmers and planning the party portion of your event, things can quickly get away from you. That's why we've put together this handy guide to make sure your pool party will rock!
How to prepare your pool for all those extra swimmers
At this point, you're probably well on your way to becoming a pool chemical mad scientist (in the best way). You know the perfect chemical balance to keep your pool fresh and clean, have optimized pH balance for pristine swimming conditions, and are well on your way to mastering the leaf skimmer salsa dance. But all those other sweaty, sunscreen-stained bodies jumping in the pool provide a new challenge for your perfect maintenance routine.
To make sure that your pool can quickly recover to its pre-party perfection, make sure to have the right balance of chemicals and treatments for the heavy use it will get during the party.
One week before the party, you might want to shock your pool so that it's in great shape at the start of the party. Consider adding enzymes to eliminate oily, waterline build-up caused by organic "pollutants" that can find their way into the pool. Pre-treating the water before the party makes sure your water will still be in good shape after everyone goes home.
To properly prepare for a pool party, we suggest bringing in a water sample to one of our stores to find out how best to tackle chemical preparations.
Safety-first considerations for all levels of swimmers
Whenever you have people around the pool, your number one priority should be safety. Safety is especially important when it comes to pool parties, especially if kids are on the invite list. Even if your party is for a more mature crowd, you'll want to make sure that everyone is safe and responsible, especially if there is a lot of "partying" going on.
Keep kids safe
If your party is going to be kid-friendly, make sure you have the proper flotation devices available. Young children and novice swimmers should always be outfitted with life jackets or water wings.
Make sure pool features are in working order
Check that all equipment is safely secured and in working order. That includes making sure any bolts on stairs, hand railings, diving boards, and waterslides are tightened down properly. (If your pool is brand new, this won’t be an issue!)
Have a "lifeguard"
You don't want to ruin anyone's experience (including your own) by forcing them to "babysit" all day, but designating someone as a safety leader for the day can go a long way in ensuring that everyone does their best to swim safely. Designate a few lifeguards for the party; that way, they can take turns being responsible for safety.
But first, a first aid kit
One of the most effective safety tools you can have at a pool party (or any party for that matter) is a first aid kit. Make sure it’s fully stocked with all the essentials.
Other essentials for an awesome pool party
There are some other things you can do to make sure your party goes off without a hitch. While pool accessories like floaties, decor, and pool toys are an essential part of any party, we're talking about things that some people might consider less exciting. Things like extra towels, showers, and changing rooms.
Having extra towels makes sure that people aren't leaving puddles in your living room on their way to the bathroom. It'll also help reduce slips and falls when decks, patios, and garage floors get soaking wet.
Having a shower available will help reduce the amount of oil, dirt, grease, and sunscreen that enters the pool. A simple backyard hose will do the trick!
Changing rooms are a vital part of any pool party, especially if the event starts with everyone dressed in more formal attire. If you've got a shed, you can repurpose it for changing room duties, or block off the garage so people can get into their suits in private.
That's that! You're all set to throw your first pool party in your new pool. All you need now is a theme, a menu, and a guest list.
RELATED ARTICLES
Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles
Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles When it comes to pool liner wrinkles, it’s crucial to distinguish between those caused by installation issues and those arising from other factors. If a wrinkle appears due to a poor fit or incorrect measurements during installation, it will be evident as soon as the pool is filled. Wrinkles…
What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners?
What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners? Owning a pool is a luxury that brings fun, relaxation, and a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. However, with this luxury comes the responsibility of maintaining and managing your pool to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable space.…
Benefits of In-Person Shopping for Hot Tubs, Pools & Swim Spas
We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.
So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.
There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.
Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!
How to Treat and Prevent Metals and Staining
How to treat and prevent metals and staining Metals and Staining in a Pool Metals can be introduced to the water through foreign object or equipment such as: Copper piping and fittings, Heat exchanger, Using Copper Sulphate and other copper-based algaecides, Source water. Metals in pool water may cause staining to the liner, fiberglass, or…
Should I finance my pool purchase?
In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.
Above Ground Pool Closing Instructions
How to close your above ground pool Pool Closing Steps 1 One week prior to closing, bring a pool water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. It is natural for sitting water to become acidic on its own, so balancing the water is very important prior to closing your pool.…
The Benefits of Borate to Treat Your Pool
Why Your Should Use Borate In Your Pool What is Borate? Borate prevents pH drifting, which results in calcium scaling, metal stains, cloudy water, algae, and hard pool water. When you use borate, the water will remain clear for a long period since chloramine (or combined chlorine) does not form quickly as compared to a…
How to Reduce Phosphates in Your Pool
How to Reduce Pool Phosphates What are phosphates? Phosphates are food for algae. Although they are present in all water, once they reach a certain level they can cause issues in your pool. Phosphates can consume chlorine causing a consistently low level in your pool. When you have an extremely low chlorine reading, your pool…
Spring Set-up for Pool UV Systems
How To Open Your Pool’s UV System SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS When spring arrives, it’s time to pull out your UV system and get it ready for the summer pool season. Below is a checklist that will help in getting the most out of your system. If your UV system is still installed on your pool equipment,…
How to Treat Pool Algae
How to Treat and Prevent Algae How to Treat and Prevent Algae during Spring Opening Warning: when following these steps, DO NOT use your automatic vacuum as there is no option of vacuuming on waste/drain. Bring a pool water sample into Buds for water balance assistance. Remove large organic debris from the bottom of the…
How to Change & Clean the Filter Media
How to Clean & Change a sand filter How to Change the Filter Media Sand should be changed in the filter every 3-5 years. However, if the sand is not cleaned once per season the sand may need to be changed much more often than that. 1 Turn off the pump. 2 Take the drain…
How to Clean a Pool Salt Cell
How to Clean a Salt Cell It is important to maintain a clean salt cell so chlorine can be continuously produced. Salt cells that have a lot of scale or calcium build up cannot effectively produce sanitizer and often create flow issues within the pool system. You should check your salt cell weekly to ensure…
How to Treat and Prevent Cloudy or Foggy Pool Water
How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water Bring a pool water sample into Buds Spas and Pools for water balance analysis. Adjust pH and/or chlorine levels as recommended by the water lab. Follow Option A, B or C depending on the level of clarity in the…
Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaning Instructions
How To Clean A Pool Filter Cartridge When should a cartridge element be cleaned? For hot tubs and swim spas, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based on the amount of spa usage. This should include rinsing the cartridge weekly (or more frequently with heavy use), as well as using Rapid Action Filter Cleanse every…
Maintenance for Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pool maintenance Helpful Tips to Maintain Your Pool New pool or new liner customers: Please bring in a water sample to Bud’s Spas and Pools before adding any chemicals and/or before entering your pool for the first time. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should be operating 24/7. If your pump is on…
Maintenance for Non-Saltwater Pools
Non-saltwater pool maintenance HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR POOL NEW POOL OR NEW LINER CUSTOMERS:PLEASE BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE (IN THE SAMPLE BOTTLE PROVIDED) TO BUDS SPAS AND POOLS BEFORE ADDING ANY CHEMICALS AND/OR BEFORE ENTERING YOUR POOL FOR THE FIRST TIME. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should…
Inground Pool Closing Instructions
Pool Closing Instructions Follow these steps to properly close your pool this year 1. One week prior to closing, bring a water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. 2. 48 hours before closing, clean your sand filter with Filter Cleaner. If you have a cartridge filter, it can be cleaned…
Pool Opening Instructions
Pool Opening Instructions Pool Opening Instructions 1. Remove any leaves or debris from the top of your winter cover (this should not go in the pool). 2. Remove the water off your pool cover using a submersible pump. When using a submersible pump, please ensure that the pump is not sitting directly on the pool…
