8 Pool Party Etiquette Rules Guests Always Forget

Pool parties are a summer rite of passage, and they make for some of the best memories. Those who own a pool and invite guests to splash around know that hosting a pool party comes with an entirely different set of rules and precautions. These are put in place to keep guests safe, to ensure everyone has fun, and to protect the pool and its surroundings. 

Many already know the major pool etiquette rules, like not bringing glass into the water and supervising kiddos (and pets). Before your next pool party day, skim through additional pool guest rules that sometimes get forgotten. 

Follow Typical Party Rules

A pool party is still a party, so all the usual party rules apply. Nick Leighton, etiquette expert and co-host of Were You Raised By Wolves?, says this includes not bringing a plus-one and asking ahead of time about bringing kids or pets. Also, arrive and depart on time, bring an item to share if it's requested, and generally respect the host's home and their house rules. 

Rinse Off Beforehand

Rinse off before you head over and jump into the pool, and refrain from wearing heavy or oily lotions. Leighton says, “Some think this is just a fussy spa formality, but sunscreen, hair products, lotion, and sweat can all wreak havoc on a pool's chemistry, and it's polite to your host to rinse off before you jump in. “Think of it like wiping your feet on the doormat before entering someone's home.” 

Pre-Screen Yourself

Do wear sunscreen, but try to apply before you arrive so it has time to absorb. This saves the pool water and the surrounding furniture, notes professional event planner Marley Majcher. “Applying sunscreen while sitting on outdoor cushions is one of the fastest ways to stain expensive furniture,” she says. “Hosts spend thousands on luxe seating spaces, and many guests don't realize how difficult sunscreen and tanning oils are to remove.”

If you forget to apply beforehand, do so while standing on the pool deck and give it time to absorb before jumping in or sitting down. 

Come Prepared

Although many hosts do provide towels and sunscreen, Leighton says this isn’t always the case. Pack your pool bag with all the necessities, including sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, and whatever else you like to have on hand for a pool party. Lifestyle expert Naye Herrmann also recommends bringing your own pool accessories—like arm floaties, life jackets, and goggles—and giving the host a heads-up that you’re bringing them. 

Be Your Own Lifeguard

Most likely, the host hasn’t hired a professional lifeguard. And as fun as pools are, accidents can happen. “Guests often assume another adult is watching the children, but that assumption can have devastating consequences,” Majcher says. “The host is likely greeting guests, serving food, and managing the party—not acting as a dedicated lifeguard.” 

Herrmann adds that even if a lifeguard is present, it’s still a parent’s duty to keep their eyes on their children. Also, be mindful of running around the pool; decks are usually slippery, which makes falls more common. 

Fully Towel Off

Whenever you get out of the pool, fully towel off before sitting on furniture, entering the house, or enjoying a snack. “Nobody wants you dripping into the salsa or all over the inside floors,” Leighton says. “And not sure where wet towels go? Ask your host where those should go. Don't just leave them in a mushy pile in a corner.” 

Ask Before Inflating

Inflatable pool toys are so fun, and the host most likely is fine with them—but do double-check with them before inflating. The issue is usually having too many in the pool. 

“You may think your giant swan float is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but if every guest arrived with oversized inflatables, the pool could quickly become overcrowded and unsafe,” Majcher says. “Large floats can obstruct visibility, limit swimming space, and interfere with the host's plans for the event.”

Depart As Scheduled

Because pool parties tend to be more relaxed than traditional gatherings, guests sometimes assume they can arrive early, stay late, and make a day of it. Just like any other party, it’s best to stay only within the designated window. 

“Hosts still have cleanup, family obligations, and post-party responsibilities,” Majcher reminds. “Lingering long after other guests have left can unintentionally create extra work and make it difficult for the host to close out the event.”