As summer winds down and the school year approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a back-to-school above ground pool party. Gather your kids and start making your guest list! BrightWater above ground pool kits are perfect for hosting fun and memorable gatherings, offering a refreshing escape and a safe environment for all ages. 

Are you ready to get started on the back-to-school party of the season? Here are some exciting ideas to help you throw an unforgettable bash that will kick off the new school year with a splash.

The Benefits of Above Ground Pools

Before swimming right into the party planning, what you first need is the right pool for your party backdrop. Above ground pools, especially those constructed from steel, resin, or hybrid materials, provide numerous benefits for homeowners. BrightWater hard sided above ground pools are designed to be worry-free, offering exceptional durability and longevity with minimal maintenance. 

The sturdy construction of the Bright Classic™, Bright Hybrid™, Bright Icon™, or Bright Icon+ Salt™ means you don’t have to worry excessively about kids pushing off the walls or engaging in activities that damage your pool, making your selection a safe and reliable choice. 

Additionally, above ground pools are much more affordable than inground pools, making them accessible for families of all sizes. They are easy to install, often setting up in just a few days, allowing for quick enjoyment without a lengthy construction process. With a variety of sizes and styles, these pools can fit seamlessly into different yard spaces and aesthetic preferences, offering versatility for any home. So if you don’t have your perfect pool party location, now’s the time to get started! With shipping right to your home in seven days or less, your BrightWater pool will be ready for the party of the season.

Now, let’s get to planning!

Planning Your Above Ground Pool Party

Invitations and Themes

Start by sending out fun and creative invitations that set the tone for your back-to-school pool party. Consider themes like “Back-to-School Bash,” “Splash into the School Year,” or “Poolside School Spirit.” Themes can make your party more exciting and give guests ideas for how to dress and what to expect.

Decorations

Transform your backyard into a vibrant party space with decorations that complement your theme. Use colorful banners, pool floats, and balloons to create a festive atmosphere. Consider incorporating school-themed decorations like mini chalkboards, school supplies, and streamers in your school colors.

Fun Pool Games

No pool party is complete without engaging games to keep the excitement going. But what about mixing things up a bit with some school-themed pool games? Not only will kids love these fun and exciting activities, it will definitely get them into the school spirit!

1. School Supply Relay

Divide the kids into two teams and set up a relay race where they have to swim across the pool to collect floating “school supplies” (use waterproof items like plastic notebooks, rulers, pencil boxes, and more). The first team to gather all their supplies wins.

2. Math Splash Challenge

Write simple math problems on waterproof cards and toss them into the pool. Players must swim to retrieve a card, solve the problem, and then swim to the other side to hand it off to a teammate. The team that solves the most problems correctly within a set time wins.

3. Backpack Dive

Fill several waterproof backpacks with different items (water toys, small pool floats, etc.) and place them at the bottom of the pool. Players must hustle to retrieve a backpack, bring it to the surface, and see what surprises they’ve picked up for their team. 

4. Teacher Says

It’s a pool-themed twist on the classic “Simon Says.” One player is the “teacher” and gives commands like “swim in a circle,” “float on your back,” or “swim underwater.” Players must only follow the commands prefaced with “Teacher Says.” Those who follow incorrect commands are out. You’ll find the whole crowd laughing at all the fun this brings.

5. Homework Hunt

Scatter laminated cards with different “homework assignments” written on them around the pool. Assignments can be fun tasks like “do a handstand underwater” or “sing a nursery rhyme while floating.” Players must find a card, complete the task, and then return to get a new card. The player who completes the most assignments wins.

6. Spelling Bee Splash

Create a floating letter set using foam letters. Players take turns swimming to collect letters and then racing back to the start to spell out a word. The team that spells the most words correctly in a set time wins.

7. Classroom Charades

Players take turns acting out school-related activities (like reading a book, writing on a chalkboard, or playing recess games) while others guess what they are doing. Keep a tally as the day goes on and have a prize ready for the winners.

8. Locker Toss

Set up a floating target (like a hula hoop) in the pool and give each player a set of small floating toys or balls. Players take turns tossing their items into the “locker.” The player who gets the most items into the target wins.

9. Teacher’s Pet

Players race to retrieve pool toys scattered around the pool. The twist? Each toy has a specific point value, and the player who collects the highest total points within a set time wins the title of “Teacher’s Pet.”

10. Report Card Relay

Divide players into teams and set up a relay where each team member must complete a task (like swimming a lap, going underwater for an item, or doing a trick) before tagging the next teammate. The first team to finish all their tasks and “turn in their report card” wins.

Truly, there’s no end to the fun that can be had in a BrightWater pool! Let your imagination run wild with all of the party games you can play together. Your kids will crown you the cool pool parents of the new school year.

Pool School Snacks and Drinks

Want to make the day even more fun? Delicious themed snacks and refreshing drinks are a must for keeping your guests happy and energized. Consider these fun and easy back-to-school above ground pool party ideas.

11. Backpack Fruit Skewers

Make healthy and colorful fruit skewers that are easy to eat by the pool. Label each skewer with a fun “backpack tag” sticker and use a variety of fruits like watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and strawberries. Arrange them in a way that mimics the colors of school supplies for a fun twist.

12. Veggie Crayon Cups

Serve individual cups filled with sliced veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Label each cup with a colorful “crayon” sticker and provide dips like ranch or hummus. These veggie cups will look like a box of crayons, making them a fun and healthy snack option.

13. Lunchbox Mini Sandwiches

Prepare bite-sized sandwiches with a variety of fillings like turkey, ham, cheese, and veggies. Use cookie cutters to shape the sandwiches into school-themed shapes like apples, stars, and books. Serve them in mini lunchboxes or brown paper bags for an authentic back-to-school feel.

14. Principal’s Poolside Punch

Create a refreshing punch using fruit juices, soda, and fresh fruit slices. Label the punch bowl as “Principal’s Punch” – you can even add a few floating plastic alphabet letters or numbers for a playful touch.

15. Recess Ice Cream Bar

Set up a DIY ice cream bar with different flavors and toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fruit. Label the station as “Recess Treats” and provide small school-themed bowls or cups for the ice cream. Guests can enjoy customizing their ice cream just like they would during a fun recess break.

Light the Night! Enhancing the Atmosphere

Above Ground Pool Lights

Adding above ground pool lights can transform your pool area into a magical evening retreat. LED pool lights come in various colors and can be easily installed around the pool. Consider using floating lights or underwater lights to create a stunning visual effect. Not only do these lights enhance the ambiance, but they also improve safety by illuminating the pool area after dark. Light the night with school colors to make everything magical.

Music and Entertainment

Set the mood with a great playlist that includes summer hits and popular school tunes. Consider renting a portable speaker or setting up an outdoor sound system. For extra entertainment, you could hire a DJ, set up a karaoke machine, or organize a school talent show.

Don’t Forget Your Back-to-School Above Ground Pool Supplies

To ensure your party goes off without a hitch, make sure you have all the necessary above ground pool supplies you need on hand. This includes:

• Above Ground Pool Chemicals: Keep sanitizers, pH and alkalinity balancers, and algaecide on hand for maintaining water quality.
• Cleaning Equipment: Skimmers, brushes, and above ground pool vacuum equipment are essential for keeping the pool clean.
• Safety Gear: Life jackets, rescue tubes, and a first aid kit should be readily available.
• Entertainment Accessories: Pool floats, water toys, and games add fun and excitement to the party.

Back-to-School Season Is More Fun with BrightWater Pools!

Hosting a back-to-school above ground pool party is a fantastic way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. By following these tips and focusing on the incredible benefits of above ground pools from BrightWater Pools, you can create a memorable and enjoyable school-themed experience for all your guests. 

Remember to prioritize above ground pool water care, provide plenty of snacks and entertainment, and ensure the safety and comfort of everyone attending. With the right planning, the perfect above ground pool, and some ultra-fun preparation, your back-to-school pool party will be the talk of the town and a perfect way to start the school year off right!