Hosting a pool party can be a great way to beat the summer heat while spending time with friends and family, but there are some preparations you'll need to make before the party starts. Use this list as a guide to help get your pool and pool area ready for your next gathering.

Have Your Pool Cleaned

While you may keep up with skimming your pool and balancing the PH levels, hiring a swimming pool repair and cleaning service will help to ensure your pool is squeaky clean and ready for company. You may also want to consider hiring the pool service to perform weekly cleanings to help keep your pool running smoothly and looking great all season long.

Arrange For Lifeguards

Whether your party will have children present or not, it's a good idea to arrange for people to act as lifeguards at your event. If alcohol will be served at your party, arrange for at least two adults to remain sober and ready to help in the event of an emergency. For parties with small children, make sure that there is at least one adult for every two children present. Parties with older kids won't require as much supervision, but there should still always be a few adults keeping an eye on the swimming pool at all times. Remember that parties can be a bit chaotic, so you'll want to make sure that the pool is never left unattended. Anyone in charge of pool supervision should have CPR training.

Eliminate All Glass

All drinks and food should be served with plastic or paper cups and plates. Glass poses a danger near your swimming pool. If a bottle or drinking glass shatters in the pool, it will be almost impossible for you to locate all the shards. People in the pool may subsequently suffer cuts, which can sometimes be severe.

Replenish Your First Aid Kit

You should have a first aid kit near the pool in case of emergencies. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for pool-side issues that may arise:

• Ice packs
• Bandages
• Butterfly wound closures
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic cream
• Gauze
• Gloves
• CPR barrier mask
• CPR instruction booklet

In addition, at least one swimming pool rescue pole should be ready and available for rescues. Keep flotation devices and other swimming aids on-hand for small children who might need some extra assistance while playing in the pool.

Once you have all these items checked off on your party prep list, you can plan the fun parts of your party. Make sure you do everything possible to give your party guests a clean and safe swimming pool experience at your next party.

For more information about preparing your pool, contact a local pool service, such as Guaranteed Pool Service & Repair.