How to make the most amazing summertime memories around your pool
Hot summer days spent relaxing around the pool with those you care about most, does it get much better? We think not! Those who were lucky enough to grow up with a pool in their backyard, are likely to have many fond recollections of their time spent there. Here’s how you can make lasting memories around your pool this upcoming summer.
Pool party
Is there anything quite as fun as a pool party? It allows you and your guests to socialise, keep cool, and move your body in a relaxed and informal environment. Pool parties can be held for birthdays, special occasions, events or just because. While the pool will be the main source of entertainment, if you want it to be an awesome pool party that people are going to remember for a long time, you’ll need to put in a little effort to make it that extra bit special. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go all out. Here are some things that you can add to make your pool party more entertaining:
Blow-up pool toys
Every fun pool party features a few different pool floaties. It gives people somewhere to lounge about comfortably while they catch up with others. For entertainment value, consider having a few blow-up balls and a game such as pool volleyball. You can separate your guests into two groups and let them get competitive. Find out everything there is to know about keeping safe around your pool!
Food and cold drinks
No pool party would be complete with a plentiful feast and cold drinks on hand. Did you know that often people will associate their favourite memories with food? So, it’s important to get this right. In summer, you don’t want to be in the kitchen swelting while your guests are having a ball, that defeats the purpose, and it’s not likely you’re going to remember this time as an amazing memory. Plan ahead if you can and ensure there is minimal cooking to be done on the day. If it is within your budget, you can get the most out of your pool party and eliminate the stress by hiring caters. For a cheaper option, you could order some hot pizzas and prepare some salads and desserts the day before. If you don’t have enough room in your fridge to keep everyone’s drinks cold, ask your guests to bring along an esky of their own. No one wants to be drinking a hot drink in the middle of summer. Ensure you have plenty of ice on hand too.
Have a music playlist ready to go
Nothing kills your good vibes quicker than a radio station pumping out ad after ad. Make sure you have a playlist ready to go on the day and ensure it has a selection of music that will put your guests in the mood for a party. Outdoor speakers are a great idea if you love entertaining, you can generally turn them up far more than the volume on your phone, and you don’t have to worry about them getting wet if you forget to bring them inside. Music is an absolute must-have; it can encourage relaxation and boost mood.
A source of shade
The last thing you want is you or your guests getting sunburnt. Nursing agonising sunburn will quickly overshadow the memories made from the day. The Aussie sun in summer can be overbearing at times, and you need to have a spot that your guests can have some time away from the sun. If you already have a shade solution in your pool area, great, you don’t need to do anything but if you don’t, it is highly recommended you organise something before the day. A cost-effective idea is using umbrellas. There are endless options on the market, and they are affordable. Another is a pop-up pergola; they are also economical and are easily accessible. It’s a good idea to have plenty of sunscreen on hand on the day, just in case anyone forgot to pack theirs.
Home days with family
Once the party is over, you’ll want some time to reflect on the great time you’ve had. Sitting around the pool reminiscing while outside in nature can do wonders for the soul. Spending this time with your family can strengthen connections by talking and laughing together. Switch off devices, cook a nice meal and enjoy it by the poolside. If it gets too hot, it’s a problem easily fixed – just can jump in the pool! You can put on some tunes, and by placing some fairy lights in the backyard, you can create the ultimate ambience. Making time to do stuff like this can make lasting memories that will be treasured for years to come.
BBQ's by the pool
BBQ’s and swimming in the pool go hand in hand in the summertime. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Invite some friends over or the family and have some food and a swim together. The great thing about having a BBQ at your place is that you set the schedule to suit you. You can make it fun by mixing up some refreshing cocktails/mocktails for your guests. To ensure you’re not away from the pool for too long, we suggest getting a drink caddy. This way you can make up drinks by the poolside without having to dry off every time your guest wants a refreshment. If you plan on drinking your beverages in the pool, just make sure you don’t use glass. If you do and it breaks, it can be very difficult to see and even more so when the sun goes down, plus you don’t want anyone getting injured.
Organise weekly game nights
Rather than sitting inside playing games, why not take the fun to the pool. Playing games when it’s hot and stuffy will see people getting over it rather quickly. Virtually every indoor game you can think of can be played in the pool. You can even purchase waterproof playing cards, but if you’re after a game that everyone is going to love and you’re guaranteed to get laughs out of, you can’t go past a floating ride-on bull. The concept is much like a land-based mechanical bull; however, this version is an inflatable that floats on top of the water. One person sits on the bull, and there are four anchor points at the base of the floatie that have rope attached, each person grabs a rope each and pulls as hard as they can to get the person on the bull off. Whoever lasts the longest is declared the champion.
Amazing summertime memories are made with the people you surround yourself with not what’s around you but, having something as entertaining as a swimming pool in the backyard sure does help to set the tone for fun, and often those happy memories will be made in the pool not while you are on dry land. If you are missing the ultimate source of entertainment from your home and you have decided now is the right time to install a pool of your own, get in contact with us here at Newcastle Swimming Pools. We specialise in transforming lifestyles with our state-of-the-art fibreglass swimming pools.
