The best parties in Ireland are the ones that exploit the sunny weather at a moment’s notice. The problem is, you just never know when the next sudden heatwave will appear when you’re in Ireland.

We know those sunny days aren’t guaranteed this summer—they’ll just pop up at a weekend’s notice! You’ll probably want to spring into action quickly to make the most of the sudden heat waves with some backyard fun—like a ready-made pool party for the kids in the backyard!

We’ve made it easy with our pool party planning guide for those kid-friendly gatherings, and there’s even a handy shopping list for stocking up.

Ready to Dive- into our pool party ideas?

Plan Your Paddling Pool Party At A Moment’s Notice

What is the trick to getting the party plan ready to go? Have all your essential gear on standby.

● When is a Good Time to Have a Pool Party?

It’s a perfect playdate idea for those long summer holidays when it is easy to get bored if you’re stuck at home in sunny weather. And if the temperature is rising fast – what a great, cost-effective way for them to play and stay cool simultaneously!

It’s also a grand accompaniment to the confirmation or communion gatherings.

Why not include one for the smallies at the annual family or company barbecue?

If you’re blessed with good weather for a summertime birthday, it’s the perfect setting and excuse for an outdoor party during the summer heatwaves!

● Got your Paddling Pool on Standby?

Few of us in the average housing estate have access to a full-on backyard pool like those folks in LA, but we can still make this a splashy summer with our kiddie paddling pools.

They’ve come a long way these days. Here are some ideas for choosing the right pool.

• The Bestway Blue Rectangular Family Paddling Pool €39.95: It’s ideal for young Children. It has durable, extra wide side walls and sturdy I-beam construction that makes it extra stable when children are hopping in and out, with plenty of space for them to invite friends over too. This family pool also comes with a heavy duty repair patch to0o

• Bestway Blue Round Family Swimming Pool 10FT X 30IN €84.95: This 3 metre swimming pool has reinforced walls consisting of laminated heavy duty PVC and a polyester mesh. The inflatable pool can be set up quickly and easily and has a built-in flow control drain valve which attaches to a garden hose, making it easy to drain.

• For the super tiny tots consider the Bestway Lifeguard Water Play Centre With Slide And Paddling Pool €49.95. This fun lifeguard slide play centre will keep little children occupied outdoors for hours. It contains a wonderful play area with a jaws theme, and boasts afun shark design that floats. The removable slide that can be fixed to the pool with tie ropes and built-in grommets. All you have to do is attach the garden hose to the lifeguard tower water sprayer and your children will have even more fun in this mini water park. A cushioned floor is included at the foot of the slide for a safe landing. Plus, a repair patch is included in case of accidental leaks.

● Make Your Invites

Go that extra step further and get some funny, sunny DIY invites. If you’re in a rush, don’t post them—email them or send them to the WhatsApp or Messaging group after designing them yourself on Canva.com with their ready-made templates.

Ways To Set Up Your Pool Party Area

● Got a Good Pool Party Theme?

Why not settle on a party theme, too, just for fun? Dress up the backyard with any of these following pool party ideas. 

• Aquatic Animal Theme Under the Sea – you can use lots of blues and greens in your bunting and tableware. , Hang Cutout fish and starfish decorations, and include underwater-themed games. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about marine life while playing in the water.
• Tropical / Hawaiian Beach Party – Bring the beach home with sand around the paddling pool, beach balls, and umbrellas. Make mini Mocktails with juice and serve them in coconut shells. Host a mini sandcastle-building contest in your backyard and sandpit, and serve snacks on beach pails! Get them to craft their own hula skirts and have a hula dance party!
• Peter Pan/ Pirate Adventure: This one is for boys and girls too! You can decorate with pretend treasure chests made from small cardboard boxes, dress with paper pirate flags as bunting and sprinkle some gold coin chocolates in the prizes and favours. Why not encourage the kids to dress like pirates and organise a treasure hunt around the backyard?
• Little Mermaids Lagoon on the Estate: This one will make the girls happy. If you’re looking after a mixed crowd, throw in an Aquaman theme. Try transforming the backyard and pool area into a sea-inspired haven with blue and green decorations, pretend nets, and seashells. The gals can make and wear their own mermaid tails on a crafting table. Let them all play with fish-themed toys.

● Got any Garden Party Decorations?

• Try making some DIY handmade decorations and get the kids involved in the preparations.
• Create DIY bunting with cut-out cardboard or fabric scraps, a simple stapler, and twine or ribbon!
• You could also make the backyard festive in a jiffy with a bunch of balloons and inflatable toys put out for extra colour.
• Make sure you stock up on disposable plates, cups, and napkins.

● Safety First and Convenience (Especially Where There’s Water)

Here are some safety and party set-up tips for the Kiddie Pool Party

• Don’t forget to schedule or roster in adult supervision when the kids play with water at the paddling pool.
• Watch for slip hazard areas, so try to have the paddling pool on the grass where there’s traction rather than on a smooth surface.
• Have mats and towels on hand.
• Have a first-aid kit onsite.
• Ensure no electrical items, exposed sockets, etc., are nearby
• If you have access to a bigger, deeper pool on the property, then be sure to have arm floaties or kiddie inflatable life vests available at Homevalue, too.
• Have a towel rack or drying rack nearby for drying wet towels.
• Keep a storage bucket handy for securing all the cast-off clothes and pool toys in one place. It will come in handy when the splashing is over. You can use the portable racks at Homevalue or plastic storage bins/ buckets at Homevalue.
• Creating Kiddie-friendly seating and shade with small tents or umbrellas, where kids can take a break from the sun and have their beach towels out for a quick snack and rest.

Ready, Set, Action! At the Pool Party

● Got a ready supply of kid-friendly snacks and drinks?

You can set up designated areas for the kids to replenish and refresh themselves rather than forcing them to sit down at a table.

Set up a Pooltastic Snack Bar on a table outside under the shade, topped with healthy, fruity, easy-to-eat, easy-to-handle snacks such as:

• Create Fruit Skewers chilled in the freezer with grapes, strawberries, mandarin segments and melon cubes.
• Wobbly fruit jelly homemade in small cups
• Stock up on homemade juice lollies in the freezer, too
• Mini finger sandwiches with cold cuts, tuna and egg salad
• Include a Hydration Station with fun drink options like homemade lemonades in colourful cups. You can source a big bell jar juice dispenser with a tap or have lots of jugs – try to cut down on non-recyclable packaged juice drinks

● What a Great excuse for a Barbeque!

YES, You SHOULD be GRILLING OUT. The grown-ups will be grateful, too, and it keeps you prepping outdoors, where you can keep an eye on everyone in the paddling pool.

 It’s not a Party without Games, Music and Entertainment!

This will probably add a little bit more structure to your kiddie pool party day.

Safety and simplicity are key – Have a ball with these fun pool game ideas:

• Water balloon Toss!
• Duck, Duck, Splash: Yes youve guessd it – it’s a a water-themed variation of “Duck, Duck, Goose.” The child who is “it” goes around tapping heads saying “duck,” and when they say “splash,” they splash water at the chosen child, who then chases them around the paddling pool.
• Water Gun Fight – have a few of these on hand or have a Bring-your-Own-Water Gun fight.
• Water Sponge Relay: Give each team a large sponge and a bucket. Place a water-filled bucket at one end and an empty bucket at the other end of a small course. Kids must soak the sponge, run to the empty bucket, squeeze out the water, and run back. The team with the most water transferred at the end wins.
• Create some music and dancing opportunities to keep the party lively. You may need to bring out a portable battery powered Bluetooth Speaker for this.
• Have a Splash Dance Party: Play lively music and encourage the kids to dance in the water. Pause the music intermittently, and everyone must freeze. Those who move are out, and the game continues until one dancer remains.

Ready to Cool Off?

Stuck for supplies? Head to Homevalue today to pick up everything for your kid-friendly paddling pool party. Let’s make a splash this summer!

Shopping list

• You’ll need the Air Hammer Inflation Pump to help you inflate all those blow-up toys and paddling pool sections.
• Need to fill up the sandpit? Use some WestlandPlay Sand found in our catalogue.
• Check out our range of BBQ set-ups in our Barbecue Catalogue if you need a new piece of kit for grilling chicken wings, burgers, or hot dogs.
• Use our handy White Party Folding Trestle Table for snacks and craft areas, which will be a lifesaver for any party here at Homevalue.
• It’s also good to have a shaded area to keep them cool between splashes, like our Round Steel easy-to-set-up 3M Gazebo.
• For shade, we also have an excellent range of portable parasols in several sizes.
• Upgrade your outdoor seating options so they can take a break from the sun with our patio seating and outdoor beanbags.
• Our Portable Flexi Tub is the perfect accompaniment for storing clothes, towels, and toys outside.