🏊‍♀️ Things to Remember When Going to a Pool Party: The Ultimate Prep Guide

Nothing beats the joy of a sunny pool party: splashing fun, vibrant energy, good food, and laughter under the sun. To keep the good times rolling however, planning ahead is key—from comfort and hydration to fun and memories.

In this guide, we dive into 10 essential items to bring, why they matter, how to pick the right ones, plus bonus tips for safety, style, and social shareability.

1. Swimwear

#swimwear #poolparty #swimming #comfort #fashion

Why It’s Essential

Great swimwear boosts confidence, ensures comfort during swimming and lounging, and helps you look and feel your best.

Choosing the Perfect Suit

• Fit first: Snug but comfortable for movement

• Style: From bikinis to one-piece sporty suits

• Material: Quick-dry, chlorine-resistant fabrics

• Support: Padding or underwire as needed

• UV protection: Look for suits with built-in SPF

Pro Tips

• Bring two options: swim and dry change

• Carry a sarong or cover-up for shade and modesty

• Match accessories (hats, flip-flops) for a cohesive look

2. Towel

#towel #drying #poolparty #outdoors

Why It Matters

A towel keeps you dry, comfortable, and cozy—plus it marks your space by the pool.

Best Towel Picks

• Oversized beach towels for comfort and coverage

• Fast-drying microfiber for compact packing

• Printed or monogrammed for easy identification

Pro Tips

• Pack two: one for drying, another for lounging

• Bring a quick-dry blanket or picnic cloth for ground use

• Fabric softener keeps towels fluffy—just rinse afterward

3. Sunscreen

#sunscreen #protection #sun #health

Why It’s Vital

UV rays and water reflection can double sun exposure—sunscreen prevents burns, aging, and determines how much you enjoy the party.

What to Use

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+, water-resistant (80+ minutes)

• Choose between lotion, spray, or stick formulas

• Powder SPF or mattifying touch-ups for freshening off-glow

Pro Tips

• Apply 30 minutes pre-splash and reapply every 2 hours

• Don’t miss ears, feet tops, under straps, and scalp part-lines

• Bring mini-packs for handbags or poolside tote

4. Snacks

#snacks #food #fun #sharing

Fuel the Fun

Light, easy-to-grab snacks keep energy high without weighing you down.

Great Snack Ideas

• Fruit platters, veggie sticks, cheese cubes

• Trail mix, capsicum crackers, protein/fiber bars

• Fruit-infused water or cold fruit cups

Pro Tips

• Use peek-proof containers for mess control

• Coordinate with host—bring a crowd-pleaser dish or dip

• Label snacks (vegan, nut-free) to be considerate

5. Water Bottle

#water #hydration #health #water

Why It Matters

Hydration keeps you energized and refreshed in the heat—especially when sipping drinks or dancing poolside.

Pick the Right Bottle

• Insulated stainless steel keeps water cold longer

• Reusable sports bottles for easy sipping

• Clip or handle-friendly to hang on bag or towel

Bonus Tip

Add hydration flavor packets or fruit cubes for taste, and refill at home cooler to cut costs.

6. Flip-Flops

#flipflops #footwear #comfort

Why Bring Them

Protect your feet from hot decks, slippery surfaces, and rough poolside terrain.

Choosing Left/Right

• Waterproof rubber or EVA materials

• Grip sole to avoid slips

• Arch support for comfort during walks or breaks

Pro Tips

• Pack a pair of water shoes or slides for extra comfort

• Dry them in the sun with open straps to avoid mildew

7. Sunglasses

#sunglasses #fashion #outdoors #protection

Why We Need Them

Bright sun and glare reflect off surfaces—eye protection keeps vision sharp and safe.

What to Choose

• UV400 or polarized lenses

• Wrap-around or oversized frames

• Floatable or water-resistant for water play

Pro Tips

• Bring a microfiber cleaning cloth

• Attach a strap or cute chain to keep them around your neck

8. Floaties

#floaties #toys #fun #poolparty

Boost the Fun Quotient

Floaties add excitement and personalization—plus they make great photo ops.

Good Options

• Tubes, rings, or loungers (people, inflatable pizza, flamingo)

• Arm floats or noodles for kids

• Mosaic of colors for a vibrant aesthetic

Pro Tips

• Bring an electric pump or pump pillow for easy inflation

• Deflate and plug holes before packing

9. Camera

#camera #photography #memories

Capture the Day

Photos help you re-live the sunshine and laughter long after the last splash.

What to Bring

• Waterproof camera or smartphone with waterproof pouch

• Waterproof disposable cameras for retro fun

• Compact tripod or extended selfie-stick

Pro Tips

• Bring a lens cleaning cloth

• Keep a collage playlist camera for boomerangs or stories

• Charge and keep extra storage on hand for photos

10. Positive Attitude

#positivity #attitude #fun #experience

The Party’s Essential Ingredient

A good mood makes everything better—weather, company, even forgotten items.

Mindset Hacks

• Stay open-minded—even if rain pops up

• Compliment the host, join activities, dance to the beat

• Laugh off awkward spills—humor wins poolside friends

Pro Tips

• Have backup plans (indoor games, playlists for post-pool) in case of delays

• Know local emergency contacts (lifeguard, first aid, host's phone)

✅ Bonus Tips for the Perfect Pool Party

11. Cover-Up & Accessories

Light cover-ups like sarongs, hats, or tank tops keep transitions stylish and sun-safe.

12. Portable Speaker

Share a soundtrack—compact bluetooth speaker for low-volume background tunes that won’t disturb neighbors.

13. Reusable Cutlery & Cups

Stay eco-friendly and keep things stylish with reusable cups and bamboo utensils for shared snacks or chips.

14. First Aid Kit

Band-aids, aloe gel, antiseptic wipes, and a mini ice-pack for accidental cuts or sunburn relief.

15. Ring & Jewelry Travel Case

Protect precious pieces from poolwater or sudden dips—small cases keep jewelry safe and dry.

🧃 Quick Reference Table

📱 Social Media Snippets

Instagram Caption:

"Ready for your #poolparty? Don’t forget swimwear, towels, flip-flops, sunscreen, floaties—and bring the good vibes! Check out my full checklist to get summer-ready 🌞 #swimwear #sunscreen #floaties #positivity"

Pinterest Pin Title:

"10 Must-Have Items for the Perfect Pool Party"

Tweet:

"Pool party prep? Swimwear ✅ Towel ✅ Flip-flops ✅ Camera ✅ Positive vibe ✅ You’ve got this! #poolparty #summerfun #pooltime"

🌟 Final Word

Pool parties are all about sunshine, splashes, sizzling snacks, and social vibes. With this well-rounded checklist—covering swimwear, sun protection, comfort, fun toys, and positive attitude—you’ll be the guest everyone remembers for all the right reasons.