Backyard swimming pools encourage casual entertaining when neighbor kids drop in for an impromptu swim. Follow these tips for many fun, safe & gracious gatherings!
If you've ever held a garden hose to fill your wading pool, inflatable pool, spa or backyard swimming pool, chances are that you've been watched by a party of youngsters, anxious to jump in and enjoy the water! Instead of looking at this situation as an annoyance, take the opportunity to teach your kids and the neighbor children how wonderful it is to entertain friends! Swimming pool parties, whether planned or impromptu, are a casual way to host a social gathering in a low key, stress-free environment.
Set "Rules of Engagement"
By setting rules as to the usage of the swimming pool, and communicating them to everyone, you will prevent awkward situations and potentially hurt feelings, while also preserving your family's privacy. Try some of these rules at your home:
Use the signal that if the cover is off , then your pool is open to family.
Your pool is open to neighbors and friends when the cover is off and you've given an additional signal (could be flying a flag, hanging out a special towel, or just turning up the volume on the stereo)
All guests must have their parent's permission to swim. This is critical for the pool owner. Make sure to speak with each guest's parent prior to their child swimming, so you are aware of the child's level of comfort in the water. This important step will save you many headaches and stress!
Nobody is allowed in the water unless an adult is present. Obviously, this rule is not really needed for extremely shallow wading pools!
Create an Effective Layout for the Pool Area
Just as you would lay out a buffet for your indoor party, it's important to realize that a swimming pool venue can be positively affected by staging. Try these tips to make your pool area's traffic pattern flow well.
Have a pile of towels readily available. You may end up doing a lot of laundry for the summer, but it's a small price to pay for keeping the kids happy and at home!
Have a freezer full of popsicles and a pitcher full of lemonade at all times. Again, these are inexpensive ways to refresh your guests, and by encouraging your kids to offer them to guests, it will reinforce the notion of paying attention to guests' needs.
Have a supply of sunscreen and some old T-shirts to offer to those guests who are sensitive to the sun.
Have pool toys (splash balls, beach balls, water torpedoes, etc.) available in a plastic storage bin, near the pool area.
Provide lawn chairs or woven mats, so that waterlogged guests will have a place to relax and dry off.
Follow these tips to set the stage for a summer full of aquatic fun. But remember that no matter what the temperature of the water is, it's always the perfect time to be a good host!
The copyright of the article Easy Pool Party Tips in Entertaining is owned by Janice Benoit. Permission to republish Easy Pool Party Tips must be granted by the author in writing.
