The 20+ Best Pool Entertaining Essentials, According to Experts
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Our list includes a durable and stylish patio umbrella, an editor-favorite charcoal grill, and sturdy stemless glassware.
There’s nothing quite like a pool party to make you wish summer could last forever. Sunshine, balmy nights, fun drinks, good food, and great friends are all elements of throwing the best pool party, no matter what your age. But outdoor entertaining as an adult requires a little bit more finesse than delivery pizza and paper plates (although we appreciate those vibes, too).
Stocking your backyard and patio with pool entertaining essentials is crucial to ensuring your guests feel comfortable and have a fantastic time. First, you’ve got to consider the basics: patio umbrellas to keep everyone cool, outdoor-friendly dinnerware, and glasses. Then there’s the ambiance — string lights and brightly colored outdoor pillows will help set the mood. And because no party is complete without a little good old-fashioned fun, you’ll want to keep pool games and entertainment on hand.
Read on for our full list of pool party essentials — including a few editor-tested and approved picks — and make sure you’re not missing any before you throw your next elevated summer soirée.
Best Fire Pit: Tiki Patio Smokeless Fire Pit
This stylish, editor-favorite fire pit has a clean, smoke-free burn, weather-resistant exterior, a simple-to-remove ash pan, and a generous diameter so you can cozy up with all your friends. Also of note: You can use pellets or standard seasoned firewood in this patio fire pit so you’re not locked into buying specialty fuel for life.
Price at time of publish: $395
Best Patio Umbrella: California Umbrella Sunbrella Patio Umbrella
Sunbrella is a brand of specially blended fabric that’s ideal for patio umbrellas — it’s long-lasting and fade-resistant, not to mention a favorite among entertaining experts, like Liz Curtis, founder of Table + Teaspoon. Finding a Sunbrella umbrella for just $200 is a total score, and this one happens to come in a generous array of color options.
Price at time of publish: $200
Best Outdoor Grill: Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill 22-Inch
Your next cookout will only be as good as your grill, so we tested a variety of popular options to find the best. No brand can top Weber when it comes to charcoal performance, and our testers praised this model in particular for being both beginner-friendly and worthy of expert grill masters. The removable ash catcher makes cleanup easier than ever — a huge win for those who plan on grilling all summer long.
Price at time of publish: $598
Best Outdoor Dinnerware Set: West Elm Kaloh Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware Set
West Elm’s iconic Kaloh dinnerware set has legions of fans, and for good reason: It’s timeless, with just enough personality to stand out from the crowd. We just love that West Elm has released an outdoor-friendly 16-piece set made from unbreakable melamine. It looks just like the original and comes in four lovely colors.
Price at time of publish: $152
Best Outdoor Rug: Safavieh Courtyard Beige and Brown Solid Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Add a pop of textural interest and comfort to your pool party aesthetic with this neutral and durable outdoor rug from Safavieh. Made from durable synthetic fibers that are stain and UV-resistant, it's practically built for a summertime pool hang on the patio.
In our tests, we liked the quality and weave of this rug, noting that there were no loose threads or snags after daily use. Given its ease of cleaning, multiple size and color options, and overall durability, our tester recommends this rug as a solid pick for outdoor use, and we think it'd be a great addition to a pool party.
Price at time of publish: $64
Best Outdoor Tablecloth: Williams Sonoma Navy Oilcloth Outdoor Tablecloth
It takes more than just weather-resistant fabric to make a great outdoor tablecloth. This smart option comes in two different sizes and is available with or without an umbrella hole (why didn’t we think of that?!). Its spill-proof acrylic coating earned this tablecloth the top spot in our review of outdoor tablecloths.
Price at time of publish: $90
Best Patio Table: Williams Sonoma Santa Barbara Outdoor Rectangular Dining Table
Sturdy, gorgeous, and resistant to summer weather’s worst, this editor-favorite steel dining table is the best of the best. We love that it comes in two color options, and is part of Williams Sonoma’s Santa Barbara furniture collection, which includes dining chairs, club chairs, side tables, and more. Browse the entire collection to create your dream poolside lounge area.
Price at time of publish: $1,895
Best Chaise Lounge Set: Desloge 78.25'' Long Reclining Acacia Chaise Lounge Set (Set of 2)
These simple and sturdy chaise lounges come in a set of two and are made with sustainably-sourced acacia wood with a lush honey-hued finish. Weighing under 75 pounds each, they're also lightweight, easy to fold flat, and move around to various parts of your patio or outdoor space for seamless entertaining. We love that these chairs are weather-resistant and also absurdly comfortable for poolside lounging.
Price at time of publish: $410
Best Outdoor Pillows: Williams Sonoma Center Stripe Outdoor Pillows
A new set of pillows can transform any living space, and your poolside patio is no different. We’re mildly obsessed with these weather-resistant pillows designed with a simple thick stripe for subtle-yet-impactful visual appeal. And unlike so many other outdoor pillows, this one is filled and doesn’t require a separate insert.
Price at time of publish: $129
Best Beverage Dispenser: Twine Country Cottage Pearl Beverage Dispenser
Style matters when it comes to the food and beverage station at a pool party, and for that reason, we’re upgrading the typical beverage dispenser to this sleek Twine Country Cottage find. Its tapered top is sealed with an easy-off, easy-on cork, and with its 2.5-gallon capacity, it can hold enough lemonade (or batched gin and tonics) for all your party guests.
Price at time of publish: $87
Best Stemless Glassware: Libbey Stemless Red and White Wine Glassware
Just because you’re drinking around the pool doesn’t mean you should sacrifice the proper glassware. This sturdy set of stemless drinkware comes with six white wine glasses and six red wine glasses. They’re super clear, dishwasher-safe, and pretty much guaranteed to pair nicely with any Sauvignon Blanc or red (may we suggest a lightly chilled Gamay?)
Price at time of publish: $35
Best Hammock: Castaway Living Large Polyester Pillowtop Hammock
After researching the best hammocks on the market, we feel confident in recommending this pillowtop Amazon score. It’s comfy-cozy, thanks to its plush, mattress-like lining, and can handle the elements (including poolside splashes). All of the color options are fun and cheery, and it comes with the necessary hanging hardware. As a fair warning: Neither you nor your guests will want to get out!
Price at time of publish: $130
Best Floating Cooler: Cuddy Floating Cooler
You can find a cheap floating cooler for less than this gamechanger, but good luck matching its durability, versatility, and style. We tested this one side by side with other floating coolers on the market, and it was our favorite by far, for both the pool and more adventurous uses such as kayaking or tubing. The Cuddy holds a massive 40 quarts and stayed afloat even when we loaded it up with ice and drinks. It boasts four cupholders, sturdy handles on both sides, and a strap that can connect it to a boat or floatie. Four latches give it an airtight seal and keep everything contained through bumps, waves, and splashes. Unlike styrofoam or inflatable plastic options, the Cuddy Floating Cooler is made to last for years and works just as great on dry land.
Price at time of publish: $250
Best String Lights: Novtech LED String Lights
The right set of string lights will illuminate your night and add an ethereal ambiance to an outdoor party. This elevated option has a soft, warm, and candle-like glow, and has a 10,000-hour lifespan. The fact that it’s waterproof is just the icing on the cake.
Price at time of publish: $38
Best Acrylic Tumblers: REALWAY Shatterproof Tumblers
Just because your poolside tumblers can survive being dropped onto a concrete floor doesn’t mean they should look like it. This crystal-clear Amazon find looks like actual glass and adds a touch of class to pool party cocktail hours. They’re sold in sets of 6 or 12 and also come in a highball size. Cheers to that.
Price at time of publish: $20
Best Koozie: Yeti Rambler 12-Ounce Colster Can Insulator
Forget flimsy koozies! This insulated upgrade is like a portable cooler for a single drink. We've been using the Yeti Rambler Colster for years and love its sleek style and consistent performance. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks fridge-cold for hours. All you have to do is slip the can inside, screw on the collar, crack open, and enjoy. It's available in standard and slim versions depending on the beverage of your choice, and there are dozens of color options. We love that it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup after a long day in the water.
Price at time of publish: $25
Related: The Best Koozies to Help You Keep Your Cool All Year Long
Best Drink Gadget: Jokari Fizz-Keeper Can Pump
Add this to the list of items you never knew you needed! These fun Fizz-Keepers repressurize and reseal opened cans with a few quick pumps — perfect for those guests (or hosts!) who are always forgetting their drinks. The plastic ring snaps onto the lip of your can — simply close the bubble top and press until you can't anymore. We tested these out at our own pool party and were impressed by how well they worked. We even left resealed cans in the fridge overnight, and they stayed bubbly for when we were ready to resume the next day. They come in a set of three (color-coded so you can remember whose is whose).
Price at time of publish: $17 for pack of 3
Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
When it comes to trusted brands, Bose’s reputation is sterling. This portable, waterproof speaker doesn’t just provide stress-free (and splash-resistant) entertainment: The sound quality is superior and can rival any “regular” speaker. We tested it for weeks and were impressed with the audio output, both outdoors and indoors, whether poolside or tableside. We love its sleek design and long battery life (up to 12 hours per charge).
Choose from four chic colors, and then throw on your favorite party playlist. Oh, and P.S.: It floats! You don't want to leave it in the water for long (when we tested this, the sound eventually cut out), but it does boast an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive being submerged up to one meter. And when perched on the side of the pool, we didn't have to worry about it getting splashed.
Price at time of publish: $149
Best Lawn Game: Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game
Cornhole may be forever, but no lawn game speaks to the moment quite like the wildly popular (and undeniably addictive) Kan Jam. It takes seconds to assemble, can be set up anywhere, and requires no special skills to play, although you may find yourself shooting for expert-level status after a game or two.
Price at time of publish: $40
Best Food-Inspired Pool Float: Jasonwell Inflatable Avocado Pool Float with Ball
This affordable, adorable floatie is a guaranteed conversation starter — especially among those who love food. We took it for a spin and found it inflated quickly and easily and held up well. The avocado shape is surprisingly comfortable to recline in, but the best part is that the pit doubles as a beach ball that you and your friends can toss around.
Price at time of publish: $20
Best Pool Game: JOYIN Inflatable Pool Float Set Volleyball Net & Basketball Hoops
You don’t have to be a sports fanatic to get a little competitive around this inflatable net and b-ball hoop. It comes with weight bags, so you can keep the equipment stabilized as you go for the win (or just horse around). This set is a sure way to relive those carefree childhood summer days… but we’re betting it’d be a lot more fun with a summer cocktail or two.
Price at time of publish: $39
Best Pool Float for Kids: DMAR Donut Pool Float
We’d understand completely if you commandeered this kid’s float for yourself. It’s fun, colorfast, durable, and comes in two “flavors.” Be sure to check out the different diameters before buying: These donuts are available in a variety of sizes.
Price at time of publish: $10
Best Pool Float for Adults: Aqua Leisure Campania 2-in-1 Recliner Float
Whimsical pool floats are good fun, but if you’re looking for one that means business, look no further. This option has a detachable two-cup caddy and can be purchased with a removable sun shade. The soft mesh cover adds a nice cooling touch on scorching summer days.
Price at time of publish: $60
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dress up a pool area?
It's easy to dress up your pool or outdoor patio area. We recommend outfitting your pool area and patio with comfortable, weatherproof outdoor furniture, durable and stylish outdoor rugs, cozy outdoor pillows, fun decor, and plenty of games and music. Invite your crew to come pass a hot summer day — or evening. And don’t forget the snacks!
What entertaining essentials does every pool owner need?
Keep the focus on making your guests comfortable. That means ample shade protection and ways to keep cool (like umbrellas and cold drinks), as well as a variety of seating options, like a table with chairs, chaise lounges, and pool flotation devices. Games and music add pizazz, but once your friends feel at home, the entertaining aspect falls into place naturally.
How do you entertain in a pool?
Of course, pool games like inflatable volleyball nets and basketball hoops are a fun option. But not everyone wants to horse around in the water. Have plenty of sturdy floats and shade protection options on hand, so the conversation can flow naturally. The key is to create a comfortable atmosphere where people will want to linger and let loose.
How do you make a pool party fun for adults?
Music always helps set a mood, so invest in a great waterproof Bluetooth speaker, like the Bose pick from above. Having plenty of snacks and drinks — of both the alcoholic and nonalcoholic variety — will help grease the social wheels, too.
Our Expertise
Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a novelist, a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. In researching this article, she researched dozens of entertaining essentials across a variety of budgets, brands, and styles.
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