Pool Party Shopping List: What to Buy and Bring

A pool party needs more than drinks and swimwear. Plan food and drinks by guest count, then add enough shade, seating, serving equipment and safe storage for wet items. Keep cold drinks in coolers, prepare fruit and snacks before guests arrive, and set out water jugs throughout the day. Pool rules, weather changes and wet phones are easy to overlook, so include those details in your shopping and setup plan.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Lounge chairsqty 12
Party tentsqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Parasolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Water jugsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonqty 80
Bannersqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6
Badgesqty 40

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power Stripsqty 3
Battery chargersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Ice containersqty 3
Thermosesqty 3
Waterproof phone casesqty 4
Pool thermometer

Sports equipment

Inflatable ringsqty 8
Water balloonsqty 100
Water pistolsqty 12
Beach ballsqty 6

Lighting

String Lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 3 cartons
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free lager - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 5 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Mild cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast - 1.5 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Guacamole - 4 tubs
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Pineapples - 3 pieces
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 2 kilos
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 container
- Pepper - 1 container
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- After sun - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Include extra water and use reusable cups so guests can identify their drinks.
Allow one plate, one cutlery set and at least one cup per guest, plus 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. Put serving bowls and tongs at the buffet before food comes out.
Provide one shaded seat or resting place for every two guests. Parasols or party tents are often forgotten until the sun is already strong, so arrange them before the first arrival.
Keep ice in separate ice containers and use coolers for drinks, rather than relying on one container for everything. Chill drinks several hours before the party starts.
Bring waterproof phone cases, pool thermometers and clearly visible waste points. Set up speakers, extension leads and power strips away from splashing water and walking routes.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a pool party?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water, especially for hot weather or active pool games.
How much food should I buy for a pool party?: For a party lasting two to three hours, allow about six to eight small snack portions per guest, plus fruit and a more filling option. Buy extra for children and collect dietary requirements before shopping.
How many cups and plates do I need for a pool party?: Provide one cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, with at least 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item so you are covered for replacements.
When should I chill drinks for a pool party?: Put drinks in coolers or refrigerators at least four hours before guests arrive. Prepare ice shortly before serving and keep a separate reserve so drinks stay cold throughout the party.

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