The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Memorial Day Pool Party with Leisure Pools

As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend marks the perfect time to unveil your fiberglass pool from Leisure Pools and host a celebration that honors both American tradition and the joys of outdoor living. A well-planned pool party combines patriotic elements with poolside fun, creating an event your friends and family will look forward to year after year. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hosting a spectacular Memorial Day pool party that reflects both the significance of the holiday and the pleasure of poolside entertainment.

Memorial Day originated as a day to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Today, while we maintain this important tradition of remembrance, the holiday has also evolved to mark the beginning of summer. With schools winding down and warmer weather settling in across the country, Memorial Day weekend provides the ideal opportunity to open your pool for the season and gather with loved ones.

A fiberglass pool from Leisure Pools transforms your backyard into a personal resort, offering a stunning centerpiece for any celebration. Our portfolio of sleek, durable swimming pool designs provide the perfect backdrop for a meaningful Memorial Day gathering that balances respectful commemoration with the joy of community and summer fun.

Hosting a successful Memorial Day pool party requires thoughtful preparation. Here are some key considerations to ensure your event goes smoothly:

Set the Date and Time Strategically

While Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May, consider whether you want to host your party on the actual holiday or during the weekend leading up to it. Many guests may have multiple invitations over the holiday weekend, so sending invitations well in advance is crucial. A daytime party (noon to sunset) typically works best for pool events, allowing guests to enjoy swimming during the warmest hours while still having evening time for reflection.

Create a Patriotic Pool Atmosphere

Transform your Leisure Pool area into a patriotic paradise with tasteful decorations:

• String red, white, and blue bunting around your pool fence or deck
• Float LED candles or light-up pool toys in your pool for evening ambiance
• Arrange patriotic-colored flowers in waterproof containers around the pool area
• Consider weather-resistant American flag decorations that can withstand pool splashes

Leisure Pools’ elegant designs provide the perfect canvas for patriotic decor, with their brilliant blue water complementing red and white accents beautifully.

Plan a Memorial Day Menu for Poolside Dining

No Memorial Day pool party is complete without delicious food. Create a menu that’s both festive and practical for poolside dining:

• Grill classics like burgers, hot dogs and chicken skewers
• Patriotic fruit platters with strawberries, blueberries and white fruits like bananas or dragon fruit
• Refreshing watermelon slices (a pool party staple)
• Pasta salads, potato salads and other picnic favorites that can be prepared ahead
• Individually wrapped treats that won’t suffer in the heat

Consider setting up your food area away from the pool to prevent accidental splashes, possibly under a canopy for shade. A versatile deck space around your pool can provide ample room for both dining and lounging areas.

While fun is the priority, safety must never be compromised when hosting a pool event. Our pools are designed with safety features, but additional precautions will ensure everyone enjoys the day worry-free:

Pool Safety Guidelines

• Establish and communicate clear pool rules
• Designate responsible adults as “water watchers” who take turns supervising swimming
• Have appropriate safety equipment readily available (life rings, reach poles, first aid kit)
• Consider hiring a lifeguard for larger gatherings, especially if many children will attend
• Ensure all gates to the pool area remain closed and secured

Sun Protection and Hydration

Memorial Day weather can be quite warm, making sun protection essential:

• Provide shaded areas around your pool with umbrellas or canopies
• Remind guests to apply sunscreen regularly
• Offer complimentary sunscreen for guests who forget to bring their own
• Set up a hydration station with water and non-alcoholic beverages
• Consider providing pool-friendly hats or visors as party favors

While enjoying the festivities, it’s important to incorporate elements that honor the true purpose of Memorial Day:

Meaningful Memorial Moments

• Observe a moment of silence at a designated time
• Raise an American flag to half-staff until noon, then full-staff until sunset
• Create a small memorial display with candles or flowers
• Consider a brief reading or toast acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice

These thoughtful touches remind guests of the holiday’s significance while still enjoying the community and connection that your backyard pool from Leisure Pool provides.

Keep your guests engaged with activities both in and out of your beautiful pool:

In-Pool Activities

• Organize pool games appropriate for your guests’ ages (relay races, diving for objects, water volleyball)
• Set up a floating beverage station for adults
• Provide an assortment of pool toys, floats and noodles
• Consider a waterproof Bluetooth speaker for underwater listening

Poolside Entertainment

• Set up lawn games like cornhole, ladder ball or giant Jenga
• Create a patriotic photo booth with props
• Organize a patriotic playlist featuring American classics and summer hits
• Plan a simple craft activity for younger guests

Your Leisure Pool isn’t just a venue for your party—it’s the centerpiece attraction. Showcase its features to maximize enjoyment:

Highlight Your Pool’s Best Features

• Set up specialty lighting to showcase your pool’s design as the day progresses
• Utilize built-in features like tanning ledges or built-in benches for comfortable socializing
• Position seating to take advantage of water features or spillover spas
• Consider temporary additions like floating LED lights or fountain attachments

Leisure Pools’ durable Aquaguard® X gelcoat finish means you don’t have to worry about damage from increased use during your event. The non-porous surface resists staining from sunscreen or food spills, making cleanup after your festivities much simpler.

Ensure your pool is in prime condition before guests arrive:

Pre-Party Pool Maintenance

• Check and balance chemical levels a few days before
• Perform a thorough cleaning of the pool and surrounding areas
• Ensure all equipment is functioning properly
• Stock up on necessary chemicals and cleaning supplies for post-party maintenance

Leisure Pools’ low-maintenance designs make this preparation simpler than with traditional pools. Their exceptional durability means you can focus more on party planning and less on pool upkeep.

As the big day approaches, these finishing touches will elevate your event:

• Send a reminder to guests with any last-minute details
• Prepare a welcome basket with essentials like towels, sunscreen and flip-flops
• Create signage directing guests to bathrooms, changing areas and refreshments
• Have a plan for inclement weather just in case

Your pool provides more than just a beautiful backyard feature—it creates a gathering place for meaningful traditions. As you host your Memorial Day celebration, you’re not just planning a pool party; you’re establishing memories and traditions that can continue for years to come.

The stunning aesthetics and remarkable durability of the fiberglass pools from Leisure Pools make them the perfect centerpiece for celebrations that honor both our nation’s heroes and the joys of summer living. Whether this is your first Memorial Day with your pool or you’re continuing an established tradition, your pool party will undoubtedly be a highlight of the season for everyone who attends.

By balancing respectful commemoration with joyful celebration, your Memorial Day pool party can become a cherished tradition that friends and family look forward to year after year, all centered around the beautiful, inviting waters of your backyard oasis. Connect with a Leisure Pools’ dealer to help you set your backyard pool dreams – and party ideas – in motion.