Hosting a pool party might seem expensive once you account for food, decorations, and extras. But with a little planning, you can throw a backyard pool party on a budget and still have plenty of fun in the sun.
Start With a Realistic Budget and a Simple Plan
Planning is one of the best ways to avoid impulse spending. Start by deciding the following:
- The date and time of your party
- Your desired number of guests
- Your spending range
It also helps to take stock of what you already have, like floats, chairs, and dinnerware, so you can avoid buying duplicates.
Budget Pool Party Checklist: Essentials vs. Extras
Before getting into the specifics, think about which items are essential and which are simply nice to have.
Must-Haves
If your budget is tight, set aside money for the essentials first. These may include:
- Seating
- Shade
- Towels
- Drinks
- Food and beverages
- Trash bags
If your pool already has chairs and umbrellas, you might not even need to spend anything on the first two items.
Nice-to-Haves
If you still have room in your budget after picking up the essentials, you might consider a few fun extras, such as:
- Themed decor
- Extra floats
- Lighting
- Speakers or a music setup
These can add to your party if you have the spare cash. But if you’re trying to save money, prioritize necessities over extras.
Cheap Food Ideas for Pool Party Menus
Wondering what foods to serve at a pool party? The food doesn’t need to be fancy. Handheld, low-mess foods are easier to manage around the water, and a buffet or simple self-serve setup can make things easier on you as the host.
Here are some budget-friendly options:
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Sandwiches
- Pasta salad
- Taco or nacho bars
- Veggie trays and fruit skewers
- Big batches of lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water
- Watermelon slices or other in-season fruit
- Popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, frozen fruit cups, and other easy, single-serve desserts
If you can prepare food ahead of time, even better. That way, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while your guests are having fun. You could also consider hosting a potluck where each person brings a dish.
Fun Things to Do at a Pool Party Without Spending Much
You can do plenty of fun things at a pool party without spending much.
Classic pool games like Marco Polo, volleyball, and diving for rings are easy options. Lawn games like cornhole or bocce can give guests something to do when they are not in the pool.
Music can help set the mood without adding much to the cost. Put together a playlist ahead of time and use a speaker you already own if you have one.
Cheap Pool Party Ideas for Decorations
You don’t have to buy an expensive decoration kit to make your pool party colorful and fun. A simple color palette makes it easy to coordinate. If you already have vibrant towels, beach balls, or floats, you can use them as decorations too.
You might also add inexpensive touches like string lights, paper lanterns, tablecloths, or flowers from your garden. Pineapples and citrus fruits can also work as simple centerpieces.
If you are trying to keep costs down, focus your decorating on a few areas, such as the food table or seating area, instead of decorating the entire yard.
Keep It Simple and Enjoy the Party
A pool party doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Setting a budget, using what you already have, and keeping food, activities, and decorations simple can help you avoid unnecessary spending.
FAQ
What Are Some Cheap Pool Party Games for Adults and Kids?
Marco Polo, pool volleyball, and diving for rings are simple options for the pool. If you want activities outside the water, cornhole and bocce are both easy choices. You can also use beach balls, pool noodles, or other items you already have for casual games.
What Are Some Cheap Food Ideas for a Pool Party?
Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit, veggie trays, and frozen desserts can all work well for a casual pool party. Serving food buffet-style can also make things easier for the host. If you want to spread out the cost, you could ask guests to bring a dish.
How Can I Decorate a Pool Party Without Spending Much?
Start with things you already have, such as colorful towels, floats, and beach balls. You can add a few inexpensive decorations like string lights, paper lanterns, tablecloths, or flowers from your garden. Sticking to a simple color scheme can also help everything look more coordinated.
What Should I Buy First for a Pool Party on a Budget?
Start with the things you actually need, such as food and beverages, seating, shade, towels, and trash bags. Then look at what you already own before spending money on decorations, extra floats, or other optional items.
