Pool party shopping list

A pool party needs more than drinks and swimwear. This shopping list covers the items that keep guests fed, shaded, entertained and safe around the pool. Plan reusable tableware, coolers, towels and sunscreen alongside the food and drinks, then add equipment for games and serving. Check how many guests are coming before you shop, especially if you need extra chairs, parasols or storage for personal belongings.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 3
Parasolsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2
Storage boxesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6
Balloon pumpqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Battery lanternsqty 6

Sports equipment

Water balloonsqty 3
Dive ringsqty 2
Pool noodlesqty 12
Inflatable ballsqty 6
Waterproof playing cardsqty 2
Badminton setsqty 2

Safety

Rescue hook
Life ring
First aid kit
Warning signsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Beef burgers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 10 pieces
- Hot dogs - 40 pieces
- Chicken satay - 3 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Mixed green salad - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Corn - 6 cans
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Sliced cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cheddar slices - 1 kilogram
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Hamburger sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Paprika powder - 1 container
- Garlic powder - 1 canister
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Party nuts - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 4 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 six-packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Disposable lighters - 2 pieces

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Use coolers to keep drinks cold and place water where guests can reach it easily.
Have at least one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% extra for replacements. Serving trays and reusable bowls make it easier to keep food away from the pool edge.
Plan one shaded place for every four to six guests. Buy or borrow enough parasols, tables and chairs before the day, because these are often harder to arrange at short notice.
Set out towels and sunscreen before guests arrive, and keep a first aid kit, rescue hook and life ring within quick reach. Warning signs and clear pool rules help prevent risky behaviour.
Choose two or three pool activities, such as dive rings, pool noodles, inflatable balls or waterproof playing cards. Keep badminton sets and water balloons in a storage box so small parts do not disappear between activities.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a pool party?: Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, followed by one drink per person per hour. For a four-hour party with 10 guests, that is roughly 50 to 60 drinks, including water and soft drinks.
How much tableware do I need for a pool party?: Buy or prepare one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus about 10% extra. For 20 guests, plan for at least 22 place settings so you are not washing items during the party.
What safety equipment should I buy for a pool party?: Keep a rescue hook, life ring and first aid kit beside the pool, not indoors or in a locked storage area. Put up pool warning signs and prepare the safety instructions at least one day before the party.
How many parasols do I need for a pool party?: Allow one shaded area for every four to six guests. For 20 people, arrange at least four parasols or an equivalent amount of shade, and set them up before guests arrive.

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