Q&A for How to Plan a Pool Party

When you're planning the music for a party, keep the demographics of the entire group in mind. For instance, if you love old country music but nobody else does, you shouldn't make the playlist all that type of music. Instead, try to feature different types of music that will appeal to everyone.

Wet Republic at the MGM and Marquee Dayclub inside the Cosmopolitan are both fun.

As many as you want. If you are more comfortable having fewer people, you can just have a small party. Also, keep in mind that all your guests have to fit in the pool, so if it's a small pool or area, you don't want to have that many people.

In addition to swimming fun, provide food and possibly a small water slide. Plan fun games for the water, like Marco Polo or have swimming races.

There is no limit that you have to spend; it all depends on what you want for party favors, etc. However, you should be able to throw one really cheap if you would like.

A pool party can be difficult to organize, so I would expect to spend at least two weeks on it.

Play Marco Polo; ship, shark, shore; have swimming races; see who can do the biggest cannonball; or submarine, ship, iceberg.

If it is a simple one at home and you already have a pool, it could be priced around £30 - £60 for pool toys (pool noddles, inflatable volleyball court, floating hoop, etc.) and a few quid for some snacks for your friends.

If you only invite some friends, there isn't much to organize. If it's a bigger party, where lots of friends are invited long before the party, then it's better to plan earlier. It can be a month or two before the party starts. Take into consideration your abilities, and the kinds of supplies you will need.

Pool parties typically start earlier than dinner. The ideal time for swimming is 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Any earlier and people are still digesting lunch; any later and people are getting hungry for dinner. Another idea is to have an open start. Swimming is from 2:00 - 5:00 PM, and they can arrive anytime they like. But that only works if you have another activity, like dinner, planned after swimming.

Yes, most likely you can rent out space through the YMCA in your local area, just call them up and ask if they have a time slot free. It might be harder with the local playground though, as it's public space. Call your local recreation department of the community you live in to see if they would allow for this or not.

It is best to do it after swimming, so stomach aches don't occur.

Absolutely. Have the YMCA or recreational department consult with the pool managers about hosting.