Pointers for a perfect pool party

Emperor Caracalla was famed for his pool parties, which he used to flaunt his power and wealth, and to help distract his guests from the problems within the Roman empire. Work on the site in Rome, which is the size of 33 football pitches, began in 206AD, with over 10,000 prisoners of war levelling the site. A further 6,000 men worked on the construction, using almost seven million bricks and 6,300 cubic meters of marble and granite. All Romans were invited to enjoy the luxurious pools, baths, libraries, gardens, and gym, and up to 8,000 bathers were thought to have visited the site each day.

Ensure your pool is 'party-ready'

You will probably want to be a little more selective with your guest list, but however many guests you plan to invite to your pool party, there are certain things that you will need to consider. After you have decided who to invite, and when to hold the party, you will need to ensure that your pool is ‘party-ready’. Your pool service engineer can help test the filters and pumps and check the chemical balance of your pool. It is advisable to ‘shock the pool’ before a party, to help ensure that chlorine levels are sufficient to cope with the higher-than normal number of bathers.

Clean the pool and filters

Leave yourself time to clean the pool and surrounding area before the event, to help get it looking its best. Empty the skimmer baskets and filters, clear out any debris from the pool, and vacuum the pool floor and sides. You may also want to use a pressure washer to clean the area around the pool.

Consider pool lighting

You will need to decide if you want music, and if so, whether low-key, background music, or a lively soundtrack is more appropriate for your event. It is important to keep the volume within reasonable limits to ensure that it doesn’t alienate any neighbours or prevent guests holding a conversation. If your party will be held after sunset, you will need to sufficient lighting to ensure safety, and to help create the appropriate mood for the event.

Avoid using glassware if possible

Glassware and swimming pools simply do not mix, so please bear this in mind when setting up any poolside bars. It is always advisable to keep an eye on the bar to ensure it doesn’t run dry halfway through the event.

Provide towels

Consider providing large towels as not everyone will remember to bring one, and depending on the time of day and year, you may also want to offer sunscreen and sufficient areas of shade for anyone that may need it. If your guests include children, you can also offer swimming aids and flotation devices/toys to promote confidence and safety. It is also advisable to have a small first aid pack close by to deal with any minor scrapes. You may even wish to assign a lifeguard for the event to keep a watchful eye, especially on younger bathers.

Appoint a photographer

Some hosts like to appoint someone to take photos, or you could consider leaving some waterproof cameras around, and suggest that your guests capture a few spontaneous moments and leave the cameras where they found them afterwards. Alternatively, you can hire a photobooth. In this way, you will have permanent memories of your pool party, and can share your favourite shots with your guests and on your social media (remember privacy settings).

With all these areas covered you are well set up for a fantastic pool party with your family and friends.

Get in touch

At London Swimming Pool Company we specialise in swimming pool maintenance, servicing and refurbishment, so if you need professional help with getting your pool ready for a party, contact us – there’s no substitute for expert advice.