Thanksgiving in Florida brings a unique opportunity to enjoy outdoor gatherings while the rest of the country may be bundling up. Preparing to host a Thanksgiving party around your pool is key to ensuring your guests have a memorable and comfortable experience. Follow these tips to get your pool area ready for a fantastic celebration.

1. Clean and Balance the Pool Water

A clean pool is the centerpiece of any outdoor party. Start by thoroughly cleaning your pool at least a few days before the event. Skim off any debris, vacuum the pool floor, and brush the walls. Ensure your filter works properly and run it to ensure the water remains clear.

Check the chemical balance of your pool water. Test for proper pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels to ensure the water is safe for swimming, especially if your guests want to take a dip. Balancing your pool’s chemicals will also prevent algae growth and ensure the water looks crystal clear.

2. Prepare the Pool Deck and Surrounding Area

After ensuring your pool is clean, shift focus to the pool deck and surrounding areas. Pressure wash the deck to remove dirt, leaves, or mildew that may have accumulated. A fresh, clean deck not only looks great but also ensures safety, preventing slips or falls.

Check that all outdoor furniture is clean and in good condition. If you have a pool cage or screen enclosure, inspect it for any wear or damage and clear away leaves and debris that may block the view or detract from the atmosphere.

3. Add Comfortable Seating and Poolside Decor

For your Thanksgiving party, you’ll want to create a warm and inviting space where guests can relax. Consider adding extra seating around the pool area with cushioned lounge chairs, outdoor sofas, or even festive floor pillows. Add touches of fall-inspired decor, such as outdoor throw blankets, harvest-themed centerpieces, or string lights for a cozy vibe when the sun goes down.

Poolside decor can also include waterproof decorative items, lanterns, or floating LED lights in the pool to enhance the ambiance, especially in the evening.

4. Heat the Pool for Comfort

Even in Florida, November evenings can cool down. If you expect guests to want to swim, consider turning on your pool heater to keep the water comfortable. A heated pool can make all the difference, ensuring guests can enjoy a swim without feeling chilled.

5. Create a Focal Point for Entertainment

Turn your pool area into a festive entertainment space by designating areas for different activities. For example, set up an outdoor dining area to serve Thanksgiving appetizers, desserts, or drinks. Create a lounge area for mingling with comfortable seating, and perhaps add an outdoor fire pit or heater for warmth. If you have space, consider adding outdoor games or a projector for a fun movie night after the meal.

6. Poolside Safety First

As you prepare your pool for the party, don’t forget to prioritize safety. If children attend the event, consider adding temporary safety barriers or fencing around the pool to prevent accidents. Additionally, ensure pool rules are in place, such as no running on the deck or unsupervised swimming.

It’s a good idea to have pool floats and life vests available, especially if there will be young swimmers. Keep the pool equipment and cleaning supplies stored safely out of reach.

7. Enhance the Experience with Poolside Lighting

As the sun sets earlier during the fall season, having adequate lighting will ensure the party can continue after dark. Enhance your pool area by adding string lights, lanterns, or pathway lights to brighten the surroundings. Floating pools or LED lights in the water can also add a unique and beautiful element to the evening atmosphere.

Consider lighting to highlight specific areas, such as the food and drink stations, while keeping the pool area softly lit for a tranquil effect.

8. Plan for Outdoor Heating

Even though Thanksgiving in Florida is generally warm, planning for cooler weather is wise. Have outdoor heaters or fire pits ready to keep your guests cozy if the temperature drops in the evening. These heaters also add to the ambiance and create a warm gathering space by the pool.

9. Provide Towels and Blankets

If your guests decide to go for a swim, provide plenty of pool towels. You can set up a towel station near the pool so that guests can easily dry off after a dip. You might even choose towels with fall-themed colors or patterns to add a festive touch.

In addition to towels, offer cozy outdoor blankets for guests to use as the evening cools down. This will encourage them to linger outside and enjoy the pool area, even after the sun sets.

10. Keep Pests Away

Outdoor parties can attract bugs, especially near water. Before the event, treat your pool area with natural pest repellents or citronella candles to keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay. This will ensure that your guests can enjoy the poolside without unwanted interruptions.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to host a memorable Thanksgiving pool party in Florida. With a clean pool, festive decor, and cozy outdoor seating, your guests will feel welcome and comfortable while enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. Whether your guests decide to swim or relax by the pool, your Thanksgiving celebration will be one to remember!

Best Pool Contractor in Fort Myers, FL

Lombardo Pools was established by Owner and Designer Matthew Lombardo out of his passion for creating custom luxury pools that break the mold of the typical cookie-cutter pools. It is Lombardo Pools passion to create unique luxury pools and outdoor spaces, paired with the highest quality products and services. Our team of in-house designers and installers have over 25 years of experience in the pool industry.

Our goal as a team, is NOT to build a budget-friendly “swimming pool” but instead to design and build beautiful water features to enjoy and relax in. Lombardo Pools is a division of the Lombardo Luxury Build Group, whose main goal is to design and build luxury outdoor living spaces. Our typical projects range from $75,000 — $1,000,000 plus.

To begin the creation of your personal oasis or pool renovation, call (239) 522–0700 or message us online to schedule an initial consultation today!