Pool Party Planning

Following are some tips and pool activities that will make your pool party one to be remembered.

Be sure your pool is ready
To avoid last minute water problems such as cloudy water or a green pool, be sure that your pool water is balanced. In addition, this preventative maintenance will help prevent eye and skin irritation that sometimes accompanies a weekend of swimming in a pool of unbalanced water. Eye and skin irritation is usually due to insufficient sanitizer levels or incorrect pH. Testing your pool water can help prevent these problems. Gohlke Pools offer a free water analysis of your pool water that will give you a report of how your pool water is doing and what is needed to avoid potential problems. This will assure you that your pool stays in top shape for entertaining guests.

Decorating
Decorations and music really help set the mood. For afternoon parties, crepe paper and other decorations really can add to the feel of the party. Party and craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby, are an excellent source for these festive holiday decorations. Paper products, such as tablecloths, plates, cups, and napkins are also available in pool party themes. For evening parties, try stringing Christmas lights along the fence and in the trees and shrubbery or use tiki torches or floating candles. Beach music really adds to the party and is available at music stores. (For July 4th parties, play patriotic music.)

Food
Firing up the grill and serving hamburgers and hot dogs is always a safe bet. For the more courageous, smoke a brisket for the weekend party. If it is a July 4th party, try your hand at a patriotic red, white, & blue dessert, such as topping vanilla ice cream with strawberries and blueberries.

Safety
Pool safety should always be a concern. Many drownings and accidents occur during parties. Children are often ignored while parents socialize. It might be a good idea to either hire a lifeguard or have parents take shifts being the lifeguard (even provide a whistle if you feel it is necessary). If you are serving alcohol, be especially careful.

Activities
Although providing a pool and some food is usually enough to provide for your visiting guests, activities such as pool games can really add to the party.

Eye & skin irritation and sun protection
As you and your guests enjoy the weekend, you should be aware of the possibility of eye & skin irritation and sun protection. Eye drops will usually provide relief for irritated eyes. To treat irritated skin, take a shower and then apply a moisturizing lotion. Sun protection is another important consideration. Applying sunscreen thoroughly and liberally is the key. Many times we overlook the fact that we need a waterproof sunscreen for use in pools. Men with thinning hair should be extremely careful and apply sunscreen liberally to the top of the head or wear a hat.

The main thing to remember is that planning and delegation are the keys to having a good party that even you, the host, can enjoy.