2024 Graduation Pool Party Ideas

Are you ready to celebrate your graduation in style? As the summer heats up, there's no better way to celebrate your end of school year achievements than with a poolside bash. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day with family or an epic party with friends, we've got you covered. From finding the perfect pool to creative party ideas, this guide has everything you need to host the ultimate graduation pool party. 

Not a pool owner? No problem. This year, host your summer celebrations at stunning private pools, available for hourly rental through Swimply! Swimply is the go-to app for finding and booking unique pool venues by the hour, making it easier than ever to plan the ultimate graduation bash. 

Selecting A Pool Party Venue

Finding the perfect party pool for a graduation celebration has never been easier with Swimply. Begin your search by entering your desired dates and location to see all available pools in your area. Use the app's search filters to narrow down your options based on criteria such as size, amenities, and price range. Swimply Hosts determine the booking size for their pool and whether or not it’s party-friendly, so be sure to check the pool description for any specific rules or restrictions. To find a pool that is perfect for hosting a party, narrow your search with the ‘party’ filter. This will show you pools that are specifically listed as suitable for events and gatherings.

When browsing through the available pools, take advantage of the photos and detailed descriptions provided by hosts to get a better sense of each pool's layout and features. Filter your search for pools with amenities that will enhance your graduation party, such as BBQ grills for cooking up delicious meals, fire pits for cozy evening gatherings, and hot tubs for relaxing after a long day of fun in the sun. Swimply has every type of pool ambiance, from saltwater to chlorine swims, infinity pools to lap pools, there are hundreds of listings to choose from for your event venue. With Swimply's user-friendly interface and comprehensive search options, you'll be sure to find the perfect pool venue for your graduation celebration in no time.

Setting the Scene

Fun and vibrant decorations can turn your graduation pool party into an Instagram-worthy event! Here are some decoration suggestions for the ultimate poolside grad celebration. 

• Balloons & Streamers: Surround the pool area and food stations with colorful balloons and streamers matching your school colors, or opt for grad-themed balloons like these with encouraging quotes and messages on them. 
• Signs & Banners: Set up a step and repeat for guests to take photos in front of to commemorate the moment in the form of a banner or giant lawn sign letters with your graduation year. 
• Tableware: Stock food and drink stations with graduation themed tableware, set on top of themed tablecloths or match supplies to your school’s color scheme. Top off desserts with graduation cake toppers for extra food festivity.
• Scholastic Centerpieces: Display mini graduation caps or diplomas as table centerpieces. You can also incorporate the graduate's favorite flowers or colors into the arrangements.   
• Decorate the Pool: Don’t forget about decorating the pool itself, after all that’s the true center piece of your party! Fill the water with grad themed pool floats, themed beach balls or giant rubber ducks in caps and gowns. 
• Floating Photo Display: Create a display of the graduate's photos throughout their school years and attach them to inflatable pool toys or floating frames for a personal touch to the pool. 
• Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth area with props like graduation hats, glasses, and signs. Encourage guests to take photos and share with a custom party hashtag.
• String Lights: Use string lights to add a warm glow to the party area. They can be hung around the pool, on fences, or in trees for a magical atmosphere. Lots of Swimply pools come equipped with fun and festive outdoor lighting to set the tone for your party.
• Floating Candles: For an elegant touch, place floating candles in the pool. Use waterproof candles and holders to prevent any accidents.
• Poolside Chalkboard: Have a chalkboard set up near the pool where guests can write messages to the graduate or share their favorite memories as a keepsake for you. 

Engage Guests with Games & Activities

No pool party is complete without some classic water games to keep the energy high and the fun flowing. Here are some splash-tastic games and activities to consider for your graduation pool party:

• Marco Polo – A timeless pool game that's perfect for all ages. One person is 'it' and must close their eyes and call out "Marco," while the other players respond with "Polo." The goal is for 'it' to tag another player, who then becomes 'it.'
• Pool Volleyball – If you’re looking for an active pool party game that everyone can participate in, try out water Volleyball! Set up a net in your pool and divide players into two teams on either side. Each team takes turns hitting or blocking the ball so that it lands in their opponents’ area. Play continues until one team reaches 11 points or more (depending on how many people are playing). Search Swimply for pools with volleyball nets already installed for easy planning.  
• Poolside Karaoke – Set up a karaoke machine near the pool area for those who want to take a break from the water and show off their singing talents.
• Beach Ball Relay - Beach ball relay is a great game that will ensure hours of entertainment for your pool party. Start by dividing your guests into two or more teams and line them up at one end of the pool. Give each team a beach ball and have them race from one end of the pool to the other, passing the beach ball back and forth until they reach the finish line. The first team that makes it across without dropping their beach ball wins!
• Cannonball Contest - The cannonball contest is always sure to draw laughter and delight from all participants at any pool party! Challenge each guest to see who can make the biggest splash with their cannonball dive – then award prizes accordingly at the end of all rounds. Browse Swimply for pools with diving boards for the optimal cannonball competition. 
• Water Balloon Toss - Simple but effective fun for everyone! Fill up a few dozen water balloons and collect them in two buckets. Divide your group into teams and toss water balloons back and forth in one of the classic pool party games. Each time someone catches the balloon, take a step back. The last team standing without breaking their balloon wins.
• Pool Basketball - For a fun twist on basketball, set up a basketball hoop at your pool and challenge your friends to see who can make it in the hoop! This is perfect for kids who may not yet be able to play traditional basketball due to height restrictions or adults who may just want something casual and fun. Play one-on-one games or even have a dunk contest if there's enough room around the hoop! Search Swimply pools with basketball hoops and enjoy pool party basketball fun by the hour. 
• Musical Floats - Imagine a lively poolside game similar to musical chairs but with a wet twist. As the music plays, players walk around the pool, eyeing the colorful array of floating pool toys scattered on the water's surface. When the music suddenly stops, the players scramble to find a pool float to sit on. However, there's a catch—after each round, one pool float is removed from the pool, making the game more challenging as the number of available floats dwindles. The last person remaining, successfully securing a seat on a floatie when the music stops for the final time, emerges as the victorious player. This game adds an element of excitement to your pool party. Award the winner a prize to remember the moment.
• Balloon Stomp - For a hilarious and wet twist on a classic game, fill balloons with water and secure them to your guests’ ankles with string. The objective is for players to stomp on and pop the water balloons attached to their opponents' ankles while protecting their own balloon. Players must use strategy and agility to avoid getting their own balloon popped while attempting to stomp on others'. The game continues until only one player remains with an intact balloon, who is then declared the winner. This exciting and refreshing pool party game is sure to bring laughter and excitement to your event.
• Water Limbo - Put a wet twist on the classic limbo game and use a stream of water from a hose or a pool noodle as your limbo stick! Players must lean backward and pass under the water without falling or touching it. Lower the stream after each round to increase the difficulty and challenge your guests to test their flexibility. Keep guests engaged as they compete to see who can go the lowest.
• Popsicle Relay Race - Freeze popsicles in molds the night before the party. Divide players into teams and give each team a popsicle. Players must race to the other end of the pool while holding the popsicle. The catch? They can't use their hands to hold the popsicle, so they'll have to get creative! The first team to finish their popsicle wins.
• Water Balloon Dodgeball - Water balloon dodgeball is a thrilling team-based game where players are divided into teams and armed with water balloons. The objective is to hit members of the opposing team with balloons while avoiding getting hit themselves. Players who are hit are considered 'out' and must leave the playing area, but can return if they catch a designated 'revive' balloon. The game continues until only one team has players remaining, making it a fun and engaging activity that promotes teamwork and strategic thinking

These games and activities are sure to make a splash and add an extra layer of excitement to your graduation pool party. Just remember to consider the safety of all participants and have some life vests or floaties available for less confident swimmers.

Poolside Refreshments

For a graduation pool party, you'll want to serve food and drinks that are easy to eat, refreshing, and can withstand the heat. Here are some idea starters for feeding your party guests:

• BBQ Buffet: Set up a grill and offer classic BBQ fare like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken. Filter your Swimply search to see pools with grills to rent a space that’s equipped with everything you need. 
• Finger Foods: Serve a variety of finger foods such as sliders, chicken wings, and mini sandwiches for easy snacking by the pool.
• Fresh Fruit Platter: A Summer staple! Prepare a colorful fruit platter with a variety of fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple.
• Vegetable Crudites: Serve a selection of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers with dip.
• Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Create a board with a variety of cheeses, meats, crackers, and olives for guests to enjoy.
• Dessert Bar: Set up a dessert bar with treats like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes decorated in the graduate's school colors.
• Ice Cream Sundae Station: Offer a DIY ice cream sundae station with different flavors of ice cream and toppings like chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and whipped cream.
• Refreshing Beverages: Serve a variety of refreshing beverages such as lemonade, iced tea, and fruit punch.
• Mocktails: Create non-alcoholic mocktails like virgin piña coladas or strawberry daiquiris for guests of all ages to enjoy.
• Signature Cocktail: Create a signature cocktail for the party, such as a sangria or mojito, for the adults to enjoy.
• Water Station: Provide a water station with infused water options like cucumber mint or lemon lime to keep guests hydrated.
• Soda and Juice: Offer a selection of sodas and juices for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

Make sure to have plenty of ice on hand to keep drinks cool, and consider using disposable plates, cups, and utensils for easy cleanup.

Elevate the Fun with Poolside Entertainment

Though food and decor are significant components, entertainment is the real heart of any graduation pool party. Consider the following poolside perks to entertain your grad party guests:

• Professional DJ - Hiring a professional DJ can significantly boost the energy and entertainment value of your poolside graduation party. A DJ’s presence can be pivotal in orchestrating the event’s flow, from making key announcements to energizing the crowd throughout the occasion.
• Fire Pit - Set up a s’mores station with cozy blankets at a fire pit for guests to gather around. Many of the pools on Swimply have gorgeous fire pits with seating for your guests already in place. 
• Water Slides & Inflatables - To add a dynamic element to the poolside fun, consider introducing inflatable water slides or bounce houses. These provide an exciting alternative for those taking a break from the water. Filter through Swimply pools with slides during your search for the perfect grad party spot. 
• Food Truck Rental - A graduation pool party isn’t complete without a variety of refreshing food and beverage options. One fantastic idea is to hire a gourmet food truck to offer a variety of cuisines to satisfy diverse tastes and dietary needs.

Essential Safety Measures for Your Graduation Pool Party

Diving into the festivities is all fun and games until safety comes into question. When hosting a pool party, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of your guests. From ensuring uninterrupted supervision to protect the little ones from accidental drownings to sun protection against the fierce summer rays, safety measures are the backbone of a successful event. Let’s explore some practices to keep your pool party not only fun but also safe for everyone involved.

Lifeguard on Duty

While you’re mingling with guests and ensuring everyone has a burger in hand, having a professional lifeguard on duty can offer peace of mind. A vigilant set of expert eyes can watch over the pool, ready to jump into action if needed. This is especially important if your pool party is teeming with guests or features like diving boards and slides. Remember, the safety of every swimmer is paramount, and a lifeguard can help ensure that everyone has a good time without any issues.

Sunscreen Stop

Sunscreen and pool parties go hand in hand. With the sun beaming down, it’s all too easy for guests to get caught up in the fun and forget about protecting their skin. By setting up sunscreen stations around the pool area, you’re providing a convenient and friendly reminder to slather on some SPF. 

First Aid Readiness

Even with all the fun and laughter, accidents can happen. That’s why a well-equipped first aid kit is non-negotiable for any pool party. Stock it with essentials tailored for the setting, like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a CPR mask. With these safety measures in place, you can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on enjoying the celebration.

Hydration Station

Under the summer sun, keeping your guests hydrated is key, and a hydration station is your best ally. Prepare a table lined with pitchers of fruit-infused water, offering hydration in the form of colorful combinations like strawberry-basil, cucumber-mint, and blue fruit. And for a patriotic twist, serve up non-alcoholic drinks that layer beautifully in red, white, and blue. These thirst-quenchers are sure to be a hit, and they’ll keep your guests cool as they enjoy the festivities.

‍

Finding the perfect space for your graduation pool party is easier than ever with Swimply. Book a private pool today here!

‍