It’s pool party season!
And there no better way to take your pool parties to the next level than with creative balloon decor.
Balloons are an affordable and versatile decor option that can transform your pool area into a festive and colorful paradise.
From floating letters to epic balloon garlands, there are countless ways to incorporate balloons into your pool party decor.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, graduation party, bridal shower, or simply want to make a splash with your summer pool party, we’ve got you covered with our list of the 15 best pool party balloon ideas.
So grab your sunscreen and your favorite floatie, and get ready to dive into some seriously cool pool party decoration ideas!
1. Floating Letters
Floating letters are a fantastic addition to any pool party! They are not only eye-catching, but they’re also a versatile and customizable decor option. Plus, they’re perfect for all ages, from kids to adults.
Spell out your guest of honor’s name, a fun message, or simply “POOL PARTY” to make a splash with your decor.
You can even use the floating letters as a backdrop for a fun photo booth or selfie station.
Buy Happy Birthday Balloons >>
2. Balloon Arch Over Pool
Looking for a bold and eye-catching way to add some excitement to your pool party decor? A balloon arch is just the thing!
Balloon arches can create a fun and festive entrance to your pool area, a statement-making centerpiece above the pool, and can also serve as a fun backdrop for photos.
For a truly unique balloon arch, source balloons with a beach ball design on them! A beach ball arch can really make a big splash and create the perfect summertime vibe.
It’s easy to DIY a balloon arch with balloons and a little bit of creativity. Plus, you can customize the colors and size to fit your pool party theme.
3. Balloon Flowers
You guests will bloom with excitement when they see balloon flowers floating in your swimming pool.
To create balloon flowers, all you need are some long plain balloons in various colors and some basic twisting skills. You can create flowers of all shapes and sizes, from daisies to roses to sunflowers, and use them to decorate your pool deck, tables, or even float them on the water.
4. Black Light Balloons
Black light glow balloons can be a unique and exciting addition to any pool party.
These balloons are made with a special fluorescent material that glows brightly under black light, creating a mesmerizing effect that will leave your guests in awe.
To take it up a notch, you could also incorporate glow sticks or other glow-in-the-dark accessories into your pool party decor. Guests can wear neon clothing or accessories to really make the black light glow balloons pop.
They’re sure to make a lasting impression on your guests and create a memorable experience that they’ll be talking about for weeks to come.
Black Light Glow Balloons on Amazon >>
5. Floating Helium Balloons
There’s something magical about floating white and different colored balloons above a swimming pool that just screams “cool party!”
It’s a simple and elegant decor option that adds an extra level of sophistication to any pool party. The white helium balloons create a light and airy atmosphere, and the way they float and dance above the water creates a dreamy and almost surreal effect.
But don’t let the simplicity of this decor option fool you – there are plenty of ways to get creative with floating balloons.
You could add LED lights inside the balloons for a glowing effect, or mix in some metallic or glitter balloons for a touch of glamour.
Or, you can add some greenery or fresh flowers to make it even more stylish.
6. Palm Tree Sculpture
Balloon Sculptures can function as a photo backdrop, a focal point to draw attention to a specific location, or just as the centerpiece of your party decorations.
Create tall balloon palm tree sculptures using green and brown balloons, and place them around the pool area to give your party a tropical feel.
Buy a DIY Palm Tree Kit on Amazon >>
7. Balloon Garland
Are you looking for a versatile and playful way to add some color and personality to your pool party decor? A balloon garland is a sure-fire way to create a lively and vibrant atmosphere at your pool party.
One popular way to incorporate a balloon garland into your pool party decor is to drape it along the length of the pool deck. You can mix and match different sizes and colors of latex balloons to create a playful and dynamic effect, and even weave in some metallic or glitter balloons for some added sparkle.
But why stop at the pool deck? You can also incorporate a balloon garland directly into the pool! Attach the garland to the sides of the pool or float it on top of the water for a fun and whimsical effect. Just be sure to use a sturdy string or fishing line to keep the garland secure and in place.
Another fun variation on the balloon garland is to incorporate fun and playful shapes, like stars or hearts, into the design. You could even create a garland that spells out a fun message like “Happy Birthday” or the guest of honor’s name. For a high school graduation, you could spell out the graduation year.
There are so many different ways to incorporate a balloon garland in your party decor. No matter what you choose, a bright and vibrant garland is an excellent way to create an upbeat atmosphere that your guests will love. So why not grab some balloons and get creative at your next pool party?
8. LED Balloons
For an unexpected nighttime surprise, add LED lights or glow stick inside for your balloons. This creative twist on balloon decor will add an extra glow to your pool party and create a unique atmosphere.
By simply adding LED lights or glow sticks inside of clear balloons, you can create a cool and colorful effect that’s perfect for nighttime parties.
The glowing balloons will cast a soft and ethereal light over the pool, creating a magical and dreamy vibe. Plus, the kids (and adults!) will love playing with the glowing balloons in the water.
Note: The balloons we link to on Amazon need to be carefully inflated with helium to work properly.
9. Fun Patterns
Looking for a fun and playful way to add some personality to your pool party? Mix it up with some patterned balloons! From polka dots to stripes to chevron, air-filled balloons with funky patterns can add a unique and colorful touch to your pool decor.
But don’t stop at just one pattern – mix and match different patterns for a more eclectic and playful effect.
Patterned balloons are a versatile decor option that can work for any theme or color scheme. So why not let your creativity run wild and experiment with different patterns at your next pool party? Your guests will love the fun and playful atmosphere they create!
Buy Polka Dot Balloons on Amazon >>
10. Floating Balloons
Floating colorful balloons are an easy and playful way to add some color and fun to the pool party decor, and are a great way to incorporate your party’s color scheme.
Just blow them up and throw them in!
For a playful touch, mix and match different colors and sizes of balloons, and tie them to the pool deck or let them float freely on the water.
You could even incorporate metallic or glitter balloons for some added sparkle.
11. Floating Balloon Animals
Floating balloon animals add a touch of fun and playfulness to your party. From giraffes to dogs, monkeys to swans, you can create a whole zoo of animals to float in your pool and keep your guests company.
Not only do they make for great decorations, but they also make for fun party favors or activities for guests to enjoy. You could even have a balloon artist on hand to create custom balloon animals for your guests to take home as souvenirs.
This is an especially good idea for birthday parties or at a kid’s pool party.
Whether you opt for a few floating balloon animals or a whole menagerie, they’re sure to add a playful and memorable touch to your pool party.
Shop Balloon Animals on Amazon >>
12. Criss Cross Arch
One popular variation on the balloon arch is the criss cross arch, which features balloons arranged in a diagonal pattern for a more dynamic effect. You can choose balloons in colors that match your party theme or mix and match for a more playful look.
No matter what style of balloon arch you choose, it’s sure to make a statement at your pool party. Be sure to have festive pool floats on hand to take some seriously fun photos under your amazing balloon arch!
13. Sea Creature Sculpture
Make balloon sculptures of sea creatures such as dolphins, sharks, and starfish to add a fun aquatic touch to your party.
14. Beach Ball Sculpture
Use colorful balloons to create balloon sculptures that look like beach balls, and scatter them around the pool area to add some playful decor.
15. Mermaid Sculpture
Create balloon sculptures of mermaid tails using shades of blue and green balloons. These can be used as a backdrop for photos or placed around the pool area for decoration.
DIY Mermaid Balloon Sculpture Kid on Amazon >>
16. Octopus Sculpture
Another unique idea is to use long, thin balloons to create a balloon sculpture of an octopus. Place the octopus near the pool and let its tentacles drape into the water for a whimsical touch.
17. Flamingo Sculpture
Create a flock of pink flamingo balloon sculptures to add a fun and festive touch to your pool party decor.
18. Pineapple Sculpture
Use yellow and green balloons to create balloon sculptures that look like pineapples. These can be placed around the pool area to add a tropical vibe to your party.
19. Balloon Columns
Bright and colorful balloon columns are an eye-catching way to add some pizzazz to your pool party decor. These towering structures can be a great way to add height and dimension to your pool party decor, creating a stunning visual display that will leave your party guests in awe.
Balloon columns are easy to create, requiring just a few basic supplies like balloons, a frame, and some string or ribbon. You can create columns in any color or pattern to match your pool party theme, and even add some extra flair with ribbons, streamers, or other decorative elements.
For an extra special touch, consider having a balloon column at each corner of the pool. This will create a stunning visual frame that draws the eye towards the pool and helps to anchor your entire pool party decor scheme.
But don’t just stop at traditional balloon columns! You can get creative with your design by incorporating different shapes, sizes, and textures of balloons. You could create a spiral column, using balloons of different colors and sizes to create a unique and playful effect.
20. Balloon Bouquet
To create a balloon bouquet, all you need are some balloons, ribbon or string, and a weight to hold the balloons in place. Choose colors and patterns that complement your pool party theme, and consider adding some fun accents like metallic or glitter balloons to give your bouquet some extra sparkle.
Once you’ve created your balloon bouquets, there are countless ways you can incorporate them into your pool party decor. Here are just a few fun ideas to get you started:
- Use balloon bouquets to mark the entrance to your pool party, creating a colorful and festive welcome for your guests.
- Add balloon bouquets to your pool deck, using them to decorate tables, chairs, and other areas where guests will be spending time.
- Float balloon bouquets in the pool itself, using weighted anchors to keep them in place. This is a fun and unexpected way to add some color and whimsy to your pool party decor!
- Create a photo booth area using balloon bouquets as a colorful backdrop. Guests can take photos in front of the bouquets to capture fun memories of your pool party.
- Use balloon bouquets to create fun and festive centerpieces for your food and beverage tables. This is a great way to add some color and excitement to these often-overlooked areas of your party.
21. Beachy Wave Backdrop
A balloon backdrop is a decoration made entirely or primarily of balloons that serves as a backdrop or focal point for an event.
Balloon backdrops are often used as a photo backdrop where guests can take pictures in front of them. They can also be used as a decorative element to add visual interest to a party or event. They can be customized to match the theme or color scheme of the event, and can be made to any size or shape to fit the space available.
Use shades of blue and green balloons to create a wave-like pattern that evokes the feeling of the ocean. You can add some white balloons to give the impression of foam and create a more realistic effect.
22. Tropical Flower Backdrop
Create a lush and vibrant backdrop by incorporating balloons in bright and bold tropical colors, such as hot pink, orange, and yellow. Add some green balloons to represent leaves and stems to complete the look.
23. Summer Sunset Backdrop
Use a gradient of balloons in warm sunset colors, such as orange, pink, and purple, to create a stunning backdrop that will look especially beautiful during the golden hour.
24. Polka Dot Backdrop
Create a whimsical and playful backdrop by using balloons in different shades of the same color to create a polka dot pattern. This can work well for a variety of themes, from a circus-themed party to a baby shower.
25. Mermaid Scales Backdrop
Use shiny, iridescent balloons in shades of blue and green to create a mermaid scale pattern. You can add some pearl balloons for extra shimmer and depth.
Tips for Planning a Pool Party
Now that we’ve given you some pool party balloon ideas, here are a few tips for planning the perfect pool party:
- Have plenty of sunscreen and shade available.
- Make sure there are plenty of towels available for guests to dry off.
- Provide clever party foods like gummy sharks, fresh fruits in the shape of a rainbow, etc.
- Provide plenty of drinks to keep guests hydrated and energized.
- Have a first aid kit on hand in case of any accidents.
- Consider hiring a lifeguard if you think that would add to the overall safety of your guests.
- Set up some fun pool games like pool volleyball or water basketball.
- Have plenty of fun floating pieces (giant swan, inner tube, etc.) for guest to lounge on.
More Fun Ideas
If you want to take your pool party to the next level, here are a few other fun ideas:
- Hire a DJ or create a playlist of your favorite summer songs.
- Set up a photo booth with fun pool props.
- Have a pool floatie race or relay race.
- Create a DIY popsicle bar with different flavors and toppings.
- Have water balloons on hand and organize some fun water balloon games.
- Set up an ice cream sundae bar to cool your guests off on a hot summer day.
No matter the theme of your pool party, balloon decorations are a simple but effective way to add some fun and color to it.
Whether you’re floating letters, creating a balloon arch, or making balloon art, your guests are sure to be impressed with your cool vibes.
We hope you loved these pool party ideas as much as we loved putting this post together.
And from all of us here at MKE With Kids, we hope you have a great time at your pool party!
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
