How to Throw the Perfect Pool Party in 2026

A great pool party is more than a pool and some people. It's cold drinks that never run out, a playlist that keeps the energy right, floats that look as good as they feel, and food that's easy to eat with wet hands. Here's how to throw one that everyone talks about all summer.

The Essentials Checklist

Before you do anything else, nail these basics:

Ice — More than you think. Buy twice what seems reasonable. Then buy more.
Coolers — One for beer, one for water and non-alcoholic drinks. Keep them in the shade.
Sunscreen — Have bottles out for guests. SPF 50, spray and lotion. Be the host who cares.
Towels — Stack extras by the pool. Not everyone remembers to bring one.
Speaker — Waterproof Bluetooth. JBL Charge or similar. Place it where it won't get splashed but everyone can hear.

Drinks

The Beer Setup

Light lagers — The crowd-pleasers. Stock the most of these. Not sure what to buy? Our beer subscription box roundup can help you discover new favorites.
Something craft — A pale ale or wheat beer for those who want more flavor.
Seltzer — Hard seltzer is the pool drink. Light, refreshing, low cleanup.

Beyond Beer

Batch cocktail — Make a big pitcher of something simple: margaritas, palomas, or vodka lemonade. One batch, no bartending.
Water — Freeze water bottles overnight. They chill the cooler and give guests ice-cold water as they melt.
Juice boxes — For the kids. Freeze them too.

Pro Move

Fill a kiddie pool with ice and stock it with cans. It's a giant cooler that looks amazing and guests can grab from anywhere. Level up the drink menu with our summer beer cocktails.

Food

Keep it simple and hands-friendly. Nobody wants to deal with plates and forks by the pool.

Tacos or sliders — Small, self-contained, easy to eat standing up
Chips, guac, and salsa — The universal crowd-pleaser
Fruit platter — Watermelon, pineapple, grapes. Pre-cut and cold.
Popsicles — Homemade or store-bought. Keep them in the freezer and bring them out in rounds.

Floats and Pool Toys

Oversized floats — A couple of statement floats for photos and lounging
Pool noodles — Cheap, fun, and surprisingly entertaining for adults
Beach balls — Toss a few in the pool before guests arrive. Sets the vibe instantly.
Inflatable drink holders — Keeps hands free and drinks out of the pool

The Playlist

Three phases:

Arrival (chill) — Laid-back summer vibes. Jack Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Khruangbin.
Peak party — Turn it up. Doja Cat, Luke Bryan, Dua Lipa. Singalong energy.
Golden hour — Bring it back down. Tame Impala, Zac Brown Band, Fleetwood Mac. Sunset feelings.

The Details That Matter

Lighting — String lights for when the sun goes down. Solar-powered if you have them.
Phone station — Set up a charging station away from the water. Guests will love you.
Bug control — Citronella candles around the perimeter. Light them an hour before sunset.
Pool rules — No glass near the pool. Say it once at the beginning, enforce it kindly.

FAQ

How much beer do you need for a pool party?

Plan for 3-4 drinks per guest for a 4-hour party. For 20 people, that's about 4-5 cases of mixed beer and seltzer. Always have more than you need — warm beer is a tragedy, but leftover beer is a Tuesday.

What time should a pool party start and end?

Start at 1-2 PM to get the best sun. The sweet spot ends around 7-8 PM as it cools off and transitions to evening. If you want it to go later, have a plan for post-pool hangout with a fire pit or patio setup.

How do you keep a pool party fun for non-swimmers?

Set up a shaded lounge area with comfortable seating, a separate snack zone, and lawn games like cornhole. Not everyone wants to be in the water, and that's fine — give them a great time too. Need more party inspo? Check our Fourth of July party guide.

What's the best pool party float?

A large flat float that fits 2-3 people is the MVP. It's a lounger, a conversation spot, and a photo op. Oversized novelty floats are fun but take up space — one or two max.