How to Plan a Teen's Pool Party

Having a pool party at a public pool is a great idea. Having a teen pool party in your own above ground or in ground pool
is terrific! No matter where you have your teens pool party the ingredients for success are all the same: Kids, food, water, fun.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pool
• Towels
• Snacks
• Drinks
• Music
• Optional: Volleyball, Basketball, Pool "toys", Water guns / balloons

1. Depending on how many people are attending the party, divide them into groups of 2 or more for teams. One fun idea is to throw pool "toys" in the pool and see how many each team can come up with in a certain time
   frame. An even better twist on this one is to throw coins! Quarters work best. Divide your teams. Set a timer and let each group have a turn diving for coins. Be sure to keep track of results on paper since the teams will go separately and memories tend to get foggy on things like this.

2. If you have a volleyball and something to use as a net you can stretch the "net" across the pool and put teams on each side for a rousing volleyball game. You can also use one of the those children's basketball hoops on the edge of the pool, weighting it down with sand. This gives your crowd a chance to challenge each other as teams,
   or as one-on-one competitions, in basketball.

3. Water balloons, racing, water gun fights are all great pool party games also. Some background music is always a plus with the teen crowd too. (Please be sure the music is AWAY FROM THE WATER!)

4. Be sure to have adult supervision at the party. This should be someone who can swim well and save someone if they have to. Ideally, there should be 1 swimming adult for every 5 kids. This is not always feasible so also have saving tools around the pool at intervals just in case...

5. Did we mention snacks? Let's never forget the appetite of nearly every teen we've ever met! Be sure to have plenty of snacks, drinks (non-alcoholic of course), cupcakes, cookies, candy, etc. If the crowd will be there through a meal time suggest BBQ's, Hot Dogs, or order in a pizza.

6. Print up a large billboard of the rules of your pool. Things like no jumping in, diving, running, etc. Be sure everyone is aware that those rules are there for their safety and WILL be abided by.

7. So, let them swim, play, snack, have gun or balloon fights, listen to music and HAVE FUN!

Tips & Warnings

• Cake is somewhat messy. Cupcakes, cookies, candy are all good substitutes.
• There will be NOISE, NOISE, NOISE!!! Be prepared for that.
• Also be prepared to be firm about your pool rules. Sometimes people get caught up in what they're doing and need a gentle reminder.
• Whether you are using a radio, CD player or boom box, be sure electrical items such as these are not close to the pool!