27 End-of-Summer Pool Party Ideas for Adults
Unfortunately, summer is winding down and the cooler temps are trying to sneak up on us (anyone else currently experiencing a Fake Fall besides NYC?). Not to mention, the grocery stores have already started with all things pumpkin. Like, stop trying to force summer out, everyone! If you’re like me and want to desperately cling to these final days of warmer temps and long-lasting daylight, makes sense. And what better way to do that than with an end-of-summer pool party?
Because you can only throw a pool party a few months out the year, they are basically sacred and must be handled with the utmost respect, especially one that’s closing out the summer—it’s basically a celebration and a funeral all at the same time. So, you’re pretty much obligated to go all out. If the thought of that kinda stresses you out though, don’t worry, because below I came up with a bunch of actually fun, actually cute ideas for your end-of-summer pool bash. And here’s the best part: an adult pool party can be cool and chic and fun as hell without it feeling or looking childish.
Whatever you need, this list covers all the bases. From themes, decor, and coordinated attire, to little details, like an SPF station and extra towels, these 27 ideas will either help you plan your entire function or be the start you needed to come up with your own bomb ideas. Either way, keep on scrolling for everything you’ll need to have the most epic end of summer pool party your friends ever did see.
1. Send out cute invites.
Okay, is it easier (and more cost effective) to just shoot a Partiful link to your friends? Of course. But let’s go the extra mile here, people! Snag a custom invite from Etsy that will get everyone in the mood for the theme and prep them for all the excitement to come! And if you’re really trying to do it big, go ahead and print out a few invites and stick them in the mail.
2. Get aaaalllll the on-theme decor.
Truly, the options are endless here. To really set your bash a part, come up with a fun theme and then see that sh*t through. You can choose anything from classic summer vibes to chic Western to something like Tequila Sunrise! Whatever theme you choose, go all out and enforce it like your life depends on it.
Satankya Aloha Luau Party Decoration
3. Create a dress code.
You can do this one a few fun ways. Obvi, if you choose a specific theme, make sure your dress code aligns with this. Going Western? I mean, I can think of nothing cuter than wearing a bolo tie with a bikini! Or if you do Tequila Sunrise, you can do a cute color palette with everyone wearing shades of yellow, orange, pink, or red.
ASOS DESIGN Crochet Knit Maxi Beach Dress
Reign Studio Rosa Fuller Bust Bikini Top in Cherry Red
Now 46% Off
Left on Friday Hi Tide Bottom
RJ Swim Stella Mini Skirt
4. Go crazy with the pool floaties.
Nothing says I was at a bomb pool party than posting a pic on your Insta grid in a giant unicorn (or an avocado or a slice of pizza) inflatable. Depending on the size of the pool, you’ll likely only need about two to four of these since they can be so big!
5. Throw a few floating balloons in too.
On top of the floaties, you’ll want to sprinkle in a couple floating balloons. Some can be played with like beach balls, while others literally serve no purpose other than aesthetics, but if you ask me, that’s reason enough. A few, though, become lights that add fun pops of color for a night swim!
HAPIKAY Solar Floating Pool Lights
6. Set out a few lounge chairs.
Let’s be real, your friends aren’t gonna stay in the pool the whole time. Some might not even get in. A couple lounge chairs will be the perfect spot for them to finally dig into that romance novel you’ve been telling them to read for months or debrief the Love Island reunion drama.
7. Put out pillow seats.
Low on lounge chairs? Snag a few super cute floor cushions to up the chic seating levels.
Marimekko Papajo Outdoor Floor Cushion
8. Have refreshing (and cute!) cocktails.
Fewer things make me happier in the summer than an ice cold spicy cucumber marg. It is quite literally one of the things I look forward to about the warmer temp months, so it’s only right to send the season off with them on the menu. Here’s what you need:
- 1.5 oz. Casamigas Jalapeño Tequila
- .75 oz. fresh lime juice
- .5 oz. simple syrup
- 3 cucumber slices
- 1 jalapeño slice (optional)
Put all the ingredients in your shaker with ice, then go crazy shaking until the tin becomes frosty (that’s how you know the drink is cold). Strain the bevvy into glasses then top with a cute little jalapeño slice for garnish. Et voilà!
9. Stock a cooler with canned bevvies.
For those who prefer a canned cocktail, or even a non-alcohol drink, this is a good way to have different types of liquors without having to prepare multiple custom cocktails. Grab a case of 0% drinks, a whiskey-based, a vodka, and boom—everyone’s happy. (And if they’re not, tell them to BYOB!).
Crown Royal Whisky & Cola 4-Pack
Sprinter Vodka Soda Variety Pack
White Claw Zero Alcohol Variety 12-Pack
Casa Azul Tequila Soda Variety 8-Pack
10. Set up an SPF station.
Is it giving mom of the friend group? Yes, but someone’s gotta do it! Plus, all your besties will be so grateful you did this, especially the one who always forgets their sunscreen (tsk, tsk). Be sure to include all ranges of protection, and have options for both lotions and sprays. If you really wanna get extra, get the mini bottles of the face SPF and put them in a cute dish for guests to grab and go. It’s the details that count!
supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
CAY SKIN Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50
Neutrogena Sport Active Defense SPF 70 Twin Pack
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
11. Have plenty of hydration on hand.
Just because it’s the end of summer doesn’t mean these temps will be all that forgiving. And even though you’ll be swimming, you’ll definitely be sweating and nothing ruins a party quite like a 911 call because someone passed out. Sure, you could (and probably should) provide ample water bottles on ice, but a lot of your friends will probably have their water bottle in tow. Put out Gatorade tablets so folks can drop them in their personal bottles to stay hydrated. No electrolytes will be spared!
Gatorade Zero Tablets Variety Pack
12. Make a bomb playlist.
This one is a given, right? You need some sort of music to get this party bumpin’. I’m a sucker for some 2010’s throwbacks. Or if you’re one of those who are still stuck in the epic time that was summer 2016, go ahead and make a playlist to evoke those times. Truly, one of the only ways to say, “So long, Summer :(“.
Marshall Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Cream
13. Throw something on the grill.
It’s really not a party if I can’t smell charcoal heating up well-seasoned hamburger patties! This can get expensive (especially in this economy!), so have everyone bring a batch of (again, Well! Seasoned!) meat—from burgers and chicken to ribs and shrimp—and designate a grill master. Make sure you have a few other people bring some delicious sides to go with all this meat!
14. Play some classic yard games.
Cornhole? A must. Badminton? Absolutely, especially if you have the space. And don’t even get me started on giant beer pong or Connect 4. Both are no brainers if you ask me. And if you really want to get nostalgic, throw in a few sack races, egg relays, and three-legged runs because you’re never too old to act like it’s elementary school field day.
Jumbo Pong Giant Yard Pong Game
15. And have some for the pool too.
Not sure about you, but the 2024 Paris Olympics had me feeling like getting my water polo on. Cosplay as elite athletes with a net and ball, or keep things tame and go for a waterproof Uno game (but let’s be real, Uno might get way more competitive than anything else).
Mattel Games UNO Splash
16. Have a cute photobooth moment.
Pics or it didn’t happen, amirite? DIY a photo situation with a gorge backdrop and props if that’s your thing. You could also put a polaroid or disposable cameras around the pool so guests can take the impromptu flick!
Polaroid Originals Instant Camera
17. Keep the bugs away with chic outdoor candles.
As the sun starts to set (because ofc your party is gonna go long!), the mosquitos like to come and hunt! Keep them and all their little friends away with cintronella candles so you’re not swatting at your arms all night long.
Better Homes & Gardens Desert Blooms Outdoor Citronella Candle
Crate & Barrel Wilmette 3-Wick Citronella Candle with Wooden Stand
Pottery Barn Seaside Wood Candle in Citronella & Geranium
Better Homes & Gardens Lemon & Lavender Scented Outdoor Citronella Candle
18. Provide cute little sunglasses.
This is such a fun, thoughtful touch. Have them be in line with your party theme, or provide some that yours guests will be eager to wear long after the event is over.
YQVIE 20 Pack Rectangle Sunglasses
19. Hire some life guards.
Listen, nothing ruins a good time like someone getting hurt on your watch, especially if there will be alcohol involved. Put your mind at ease and hire some professional and certified life guards who will literally be keeping an eye on everyone all day.
20. Have lots of lil treats.
Swimming on a full stomach just isn’t the business. The solution? Have lots of little treats—from grazing plates to delish desserts—around for your friends to nibble on if they don’t want a full plate of food. Might I suggest choosing a classic summer staple for dessert? Like a lemon blueberry pound cake (this one linked by Jocelyn Delk Adams is especially fab 🤤) or grilled peaches and vanilla ice cream? You’re not gonna be able to have summer desserts soon, so might as well go all out and have both!
21. Designate specific bathrooms.
Listen, you don’t want people walking through your whole home dripping their chlorine water on your floors. Tell them which bathrooms are good to use, and throw in a few extra toiletries to help the girls freshen up some.
22. Get looots of extra towels.
Idk what it is, but whenever I go to a pool party, it’s like my towel just gets soaked. Stock up on a few good, cutesy towels (that won’t leave you bankrupt, ofc) to both amp up the theme and so guests can get extra dry. Plus, if they happen to run off with one, you won’t care too much!
Urban Villa Oversized Beach Towel – Pack of 6
23. Start a water balloon fight.
Honestly, this is such a fun way to bring the water outside of the pool. But if the thought of filling up and tying endless teeny balloons makes your soul cringe, snag the below reusable ones. Filling them up is a breeze, they bust open upon contact, and you won’t have to clean up pieces of plastic scraps afterwards. Wins on wins.
CRILARY Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons
24. Do temporary tattoos.
Okay, so you know how our childhood pool parties always had a face painter it felt like? Well, this is just the grown up version of that. Kinda. If you have the budget for it, ditch the DIY version and hire someone to do this on site!
glaryyears 20 Sheets Black Tiny Temporary Tattoo
25. Keep the party goin’ with an outdoor movie night.
When the sun has gone down, turn the pool space into a darling little outdoor movie oasis. Set up a projector and screen and you’re good to go.
26. String a few lights.
Something about string lights just makes an outdoor space feel like an entire mood. Put up a few before the sun goes down so that when it does, you’re able to click ’em on and take the vibe all in.
Simple String Lights
27. Have on-theme thank you gifts.
Forego the “Thanks for coming!” text, friends. Prep some cute little gift bags or have one little trinket for your guests to take that lets them know you appreciated their attendance at your shindig.
Christen A. Johnson is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers health and wellness, money, career, pets, home, food, travel and more for print and digital. Christen was previously on Cosmo’s culture team, where she covered celebrity and entertainment news, awards shows, and interviewed some of your faves, like Megan thee Stallion and Queen Latifah. She wrote Cosmo’s first-ever digital cover story featuring Chlöe Bailey. Before joining the magazine, Christen was a lifestyle features reporter at the Chicago Tribune. Several of her health and style stories made the paper’s front page. When Christen isn’t digging through antique stores, she’s likely drooling over home renos on HGTV, sharing her latest therapy revelation, redoing old workouts from her college basketball days, or trying to perfect her homemade buttermilk biscuit recipe. Follow her on Insta for BTS ~ editor life ~ tingz!
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