It’s that time of year to celebrate summer, and what better way to do that than with an epic pool party? It’s fun, refreshing, and the perfect excuse to invite friends and family over for a good time. While it doesn’t require much other than a pool, there are a few things you want to be mindful of to make sure your guests are happy, safe, and enjoying themselves throughout the day. Following proper pool party etiquette will do just that. Whether this occasion is an annual event or it’s your first time hosting, we’ve come up with some pool party etiquette tips to dive into to ensure you and your guests have a great time.

Get creative with festive invitations.

First impressions are extremely important. So, build up anticipation around the party with festive invitations. Consider digital invitations—they’re easy, visually appealing, and help you save money. Additionally, make the invitations pop with color and include any items that guests should bring. Make them informative and enticing so that guests will have even more of a reason to show up to the actual party.

Keep guests hydrated and fed.

Keeping your guests hydrated and well-fed is a no-brainer, and stocking up with ample amounts of food and beverages to accommodate them is a must-do. Besides, there’s no real party without tasty snacks. To make this easy on you and your pockets, keep it simple with light refreshments. If you want guests to bring specific sides or desserts, communicate with them directly to ensure they arrive on time to set up food before guests arrive.

Decor, decor, decor!

Fun, big, and bold decorations offer that wow factor that welcomes guests into a party mode. With them, you can transform the atmosphere and give your guests the feel of a brand new space. Think about jumbo balloon arches, tiki torches, or palm trees. Decorations can get pricey, so stay within your budget, but make sure they truly add to your outdoor space to make guests feel like they’re at the beach.

Ensure safety.

Not all guest will be familiar with the layout and structure of your outdoor pool. It’s likely that this party may run into the nighttime, limiting sunlight and making it harder to keep up with everyone. Though it’s not your responsibility to watch kids while parents are around, it is your responsibility as the host to monitor the situations that arise. That said, creating a safety plan for guests will keep everyone informed on what and what not to do and lessen any scary accidents. Having tons of dry towels or mats on hand for everyone will help to prevent accidental slips and falls when traveling from indoor to outdoor spaces.

Have all pool essentials on hand.

From dry towels, goggles, and sunscreen to bug spray, life vests, and sunglasses, providing these pool essentials will keep your guests happy. Making this day convenient for them will earn you cool points in the long run. Allow them to help themselves with whatever they need by lying everything on a display table. Add wipes, hand sanitizer, and more.

Thank your guests with parting gifts.

Goodie bags to send home with your guests show your thoughtfulness and appreciation for attending. Thank them by putting together goodie bags that contain candy, keychains, or anything that reflects summer and pool time. Guests love a surprise so try not to think too deeply into this. Remember, it’s the thought that counts at the end of the day.