Everyone loves a good pool party during the Labor Day weekend. It’s the perfect way to soak up the last rays of sunshine and create lasting memories with friends and family. But with so many people hosting similar get-togethers, if you want your pool party to truly stand out from the rest, you’ll have to get a bit creative. Fortunately, our swimming pool experts are here to explain our favorite ideas for throwing a spectacular Labor Day pool party that your guests will be talking about for years to come.

Pick a Unique Theme

While a patriotic red, white, and blue theme is always a great choice for Labor Day, consider thinking outside the box to make your party more memorable. Consider one of these themes for your pool party:

• Tropical Luau: Transport your guests to a Hawaiian paradise. Greet them with leis, serve fruity cocktails in coconut cups, and play island-inspired music. You can decorate with tiki torches, palm fronds, and vibrant flowers. For food, consider a pig roast or grilled pineapple and chicken skewers. Encourage guests to wear their best Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts.
• Hollywood Glam Pool Party: Roll out the red carpet (or a red towel) and let your guests feel like movie stars. Decorate with gold and silver accents, play classic movie soundtracks, and serve sparkling beverages. You could even set up a photo booth with fun props like oversized sunglasses, feather boas, and director’s clapperboards.
• Nautical Adventure: Embrace the spirit of the sea with a nautical theme. Use navy blue and white stripes, anchors, and ropes for decorations. You can serve fish and chips in newspaper cones and create a signature Sea Breeze cocktail. Organize a treasure hunt around the pool area for a fun activity.
• Retro Beach Bash: Go back in time with a 60s or 70s-themed beach party. Play classic rock and roll, set up vintage-style lounge chairs, and encourage guests to wear retro swimwear. Think polka dots, high-waisted bikinis, and bold patterns. Serve classic American fare like burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.

Plan Engaging Games and Activities

While lounging by the pool is a great way to relax, incorporating some fun games into the day will keep the energy high and ensure everyone is having a great time.

• Pool Volleyball or Basketball: Set up a net or a hoop and let the friendly competition begin. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone active and laughing.
• Floating Beer Pong: Take the classic party game to the water with a floating beer pong table. It adds an extra layer of challenge and fun. You can use water or another non-alcoholic beverage for a family-friendly version.
• DIY Boat Regatta: Provide guests with materials like cardboard, duct tape, pool noodles, and plastic bottles, and challenge them to build their own miniature boats. Have a race across the pool to see which creation is the most seaworthy. Award prizes for the fastest boat, the most creative design, and the most spectacular sinking.
• Synchronized Swimming Contest: Divide guests into teams and give them a few minutes to choreograph a short synchronized swimming routine. Play some fun music and have a panel of judges decide the winner.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Night Swim: If your party extends into the evening, toss some waterproof LED lights or glow sticks into the pool. It creates a magical, ethereal atmosphere that’s perfect for a late-night dip.

Curate a Delicious and Refreshing Menu

Food and drinks are central to any successful party. For a Labor Day pool party, you will want to consider choosing menu items that are light, refreshing, and easy to eat. For example, our favorite pool party eats include:

• Gourmet Burgers and Hot Dogs: Elevate the classics by offering a variety of toppings. For burgers, include different cheeses, bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and various sauces. For hot dogs, offer chili, cheese, sauerkraut, and a selection of mustards.
• Fresh Fruit and Veggie Skewers: These skewers are easy to grab and eat, require no utensils, and are incredibly refreshing on a hot day. Create colorful skewers with melon, berries, pineapple, and grapes. For a savory option, try cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
• Frozen Treats: No pool party is complete without something to cool you down. A make-your-own ice cream sundae bar is always a hit. Alternatively, you can offer a variety of popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, or frozen fruit bars.

Don’t forget plenty of cold water to keep everyone hydrated in the sun. Set up a drink station with large dispensers of infused water. Popular combinations include cucumber-mint, lemon-lime, and strawberry-basil. Also, offer iced tea, lemonade, and a signature cocktail (or mocktail) that fits your theme.

Keep Guests Comfortable With a Smart Setup

A great host anticipates their guests’ needs. A thoughtful setup ensures everyone can relax and enjoy the day, whether they’re in or out of the water. While preparing for your Labor Day pool party, keep these ideas in mind:

• Provide Ample Shade: The late summer sun can be intense. Make sure there are plenty of shady spots for guests to cool off. Use large umbrellas, set up a pop-up canopy tent, or utilize any natural shade from trees or a covered patio.
• Offer Plenty of Seating: Have a mix of seating options available. Arrange lounge chairs for sunbathers, and set up comfortable patio furniture or outdoor cushions in shaded areas for conversation and dining.
• Create a Comfort Station: Stock a small table with essentials your guests might have forgotten. Include a basket of extra towels, a few bottles of high-SPF sunscreen, bug spray, and a small container of hair ties. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
• Set the Mood With Music: Create a playlist that matches your party’s theme and vibe. Start with mellow tunes for when guests are arriving and transition to more upbeat music as the party gets going. Ensure the volume is at a level that allows for easy conversation.

Plan for Safety

Fun and safety should always go hand-in-hand, especially around a swimming pool. A few simple precautions can ensure your pool party is memorable for all the right reasons.

• Designate a Pool Watcher: If many children will be swimming, it’s a great idea to designate a responsible adult as the pool watcher for set periods. This person’s sole focus should be on the pool, without distractions from their phone or conversations. Rotate the duty every 30 minutes to keep everyone fresh and alert.
• Use Non-Breakable Drinkware: To avoid the danger of broken glass, serve all beverages in plastic, acrylic, or metal cups. There are many stylish and reusable options available that are perfect for poolside entertaining.
• Have a First-Aid Kit Handy: Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in an easily accessible location. Be sure it includes waterproof bandages, antiseptic wipes, and ointment for minor cuts and scrapes.

Send Guests Home With a Fun Favor

End your fantastic party on a high note by sending guests home with a small token of appreciation. A thoughtful party favor is a wonderful way to say, “Thank you for coming!” Remember, a great party favor is simple but memorable.

• Theme-Related Goodies: Tie your favors into your party’s theme. For a nautical party, consider a small bag of saltwater taffy. For a retro bash, a pair of funky sunglasses would be perfect.
• Practical Pool Items: Give your guests something they can use for their next pool or beach day, like a small bottle of aloe vera gel, a fun inflatable drink holder, or a waterproof phone pouch.
• Personalized Treats: A custom-decorated sugar cookie in the shape of a flip-flop or a sunshine is a sweet and simple way to thank your guests for celebrating with you.

Ready to Make a Splash This Labor Day?

Ultimately, the key to an unforgettable Labor Day pool party is a high-quality pool with crystal clear, inviting water. If your pool could use an upgrade, or if you’ve been dreaming of owning your own backyard oasis, a Gibraltar Pool™ is the perfect solution.

Our pools are designed with the ultimate party experience in mind. For example, the dual filtration system ensures your water remains sparkling clean, even with a crowd of swimmers. The patented custom-fit vinyl liner provides a smooth, comfortable surface, while the elegant walk-up staircase offers easy and safe access for guests of all ages. And, most importantly, the surrounding Alum-A-Clad™ patio decking system provides ample space for lounging, dining, and socializing. It has all the features you need for a great party and a beautiful backyard.

Make your next Labor Day party the best one yet. Contact Gibraltar Pools in New England today for a free backyard survey and let us help you build the pool of your dreams.