How to Create a Playlist for a Pool Party

For almost every party, music is a necessity. It creates a mood, brings the guests together and can even save a bad party from certain failure. Having a pool party does not excuse you from preparing a great playlist of music. Your guests will probably be out of the pool as much as in, and you want your party to maintain its momentum throughout the day or night.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Pick Your Perfect Pool Party Playlist

1. Select music that fits the theme of your pool party. If you are having a luau, then let the ukuleles twang. If the Caribbean is more your style, then calypso or reggae music will heat things up. Play a little salsa for a south of the border feel.

2. Copy your playlist to an MP3 player or burn it to a CD so that no one has to man the stereo. By estimating when you will be serving food, dancing or playing games, you can create a list that encompasses all the many moods of your party.

3. Consider all your guests when you create your playlist. Refrain from songs with objectionable language if you have older or younger guests or those who are easily offended.

4. Keep music at children's pool parties light and fun. Choose interactive songs that allow children to both dance and play. A sing along playlist will also be a hit with the younger children.

5. Buy a few of the compilation CDs that have the top 10 or 15 songs from the music charts. This enables you to have all the current hits, without the expense of buying 15 different albums.

6. Surprise the guest of honor of a pool party and create a playlist that contains all of their favorite music. Have friends and family help out with ideas for the music. At the end of the night, present the guest of honor with his or her own copy in CD form.

Tips & Warnings

• Play music at a moderate level. Although you want everyone to hear the music, even those in the pool, you also want to encourage conversation between your guests. If you have a time set aside for dancing, then you can up the volume level at that time.
• Make sure that your all electrical equipment is kept away from the water, and if possible use electronics that are made specifically to be used near or in water. There are even speakers that can be placed directly in the pool.