Matt Gohlke

Although it seemed to be a fairly wet and mild spring, we all knew that the heat would arrive eventually, which means that swimming pools will be a popular place to be.

Many of the parties that are held in the summer are centered on swimming pools as we all try to beat the heat. This weekend is traditionally the biggest weekend of the year for pool use.

As pool owners and their guests celebrate Independence Day, swimming pools and backyards will be full of guests trying to beat the heat and enjoy the holiday.

Nothing can compare to the fun that can be had whenever family and friends gather around the pool.

Following are some tips and pool activities that will make your Fourth of July party one to be remembered.

Be sure pool is ready

To avoid last-minute water problems such as cloudy water or a green pool, be sure that your pool water is balanced.

In addition, this preventative maintenance will help prevent eye and skin irritation that sometimes accompanies a weekend of swimming in a pool of unbalanced water.

Eye and skin irritation is usually due to insufficient sanitizer levels or incorrect pH. Testing your pool water can help prevent these problems. Most pool supply stores offer a free water analysis of your pool water that will give you a report of how your pool water is doing and what is needed to avoid potential problems.

This will ensure your pool stays in top shape for entertaining guests.

Prepare pool area

In addition to preparing the pool, the area surrounding the pool will also probably need some attention. Mowing, trimming plants, cleaning the patio and other maintenance details can make a difference.

Consider using container plants in the pool area to help dress it up. Also, do not forget to get rid of pests such as wasps and ants.

Decorating

Decorations and music really help set the mood. For afternoon parties, seasonal decorations really can add to the feel of the party. Paper products, such as tablecloths, plates, cups and napkins are also available in a pool party theme.

Party and craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby, are an excellent source for these festive decorations.

For evening parties, try stringing Christmas lights along the fence and in the trees and shrubbery or use tiki torches.

Beach music (try some Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffet) really adds to pool parties and is available at music stores.

Safety

Pool safety should always be a concern. Many drownings and accidents occur during parties.

Children are often ignored while parents socialize. It might be a good idea to either hire a lifeguard or have parents take shifts being the pool monitor (even provide a whistle and a list of pool rules if you feel it is necessary).

If you are serving alcohol, be especially careful.

Make sure that your pool’s depth is known by the swimmers and what areas are safe for diving. In addition, don’t forget to keep lots of water available as spending time in the sun can lead to dehydration.

To make your pool party extra cool, plan some activities geared to your guests. If there will be kids at your party, buy some inner tubes and foam noodles they can splash around with.

For bigger kids and grownups, fill your pool with beach balls and floating rafts (spring for the fancy lounges with cup holders built into the armrests).

Pool fun

If your guests are game for games, play classics like Marco Polo and water tag.

For more organized pool fun, divide teams into two groups for pool volleyball, pool basketball or water polo.

If your crowd is more creative than competitive, divide into groups to choreograph synchronized swimming routines — the funnier, the better. Or try “pool riding,” a splashy twist on bull riding.

There are many pool games that can be found on the Internet at www.thesource4ym.com/games/swim.asp .

Party food

Firing up the grill and serving hamburgers and hot dogs is always a safe bet. For the more courageous, smoke a brisket.

And for dessert, nothing represents summer and pool party more than homemade ice cream.

Keep dining simple by putting out large platters of assorted finger foods you don’t need to restock.

Start with snacks like tortilla chips and salsa, pita chips and hummus, and potato chips with onion dip.

Then serve chilled gazpacho in plastic martini glasses along with assorted salads (pasta, bean and/or veggie) dressed with vinaigrettes rather than mayonnaise-based sauces for food safety.

Cut assorted sandwiches into bite-size pieces. Pan bagnat made with olive oil-packed tuna is a sophisticated choice that can handle the summer heat. Or try Vietnamese fresh spring rolls filled with crisp veggies and herbs.

Finish with assorted popsicles and ice cream cake.

Health concerns

As you and your guests enjoy the pool party, you should be aware of the possibility of eye and skin irritation and sun protection.

Eye drops will usually provide relief for irritated eyes.

To treat irritated skin, take a shower and then apply a moisturizing lotion.

Sun protection is another important consideration. Applying sunscreen thoroughly and liberally is the key.

Many times we overlook the fact that we need a waterproof sunscreen for use in pools. Men with thinning hair should be extremely careful and apply sunscreen liberally to the top of the head or wear a hat.

The main thing to remember is that planning and delegation are the keys to having a good party that even you, the host, can enjoy. Have a great summer!

MATT GOHLKE, certified building professional, is the owner of Gohlke Pools and a member of the National Spa & Pool Institute, Aquatech (a society of pool building professionals), Better Business Bureau and an authorized dealer of Bioguard and Baquacil. His firm has received many national awards, certifications and recognitions in the swimming pool industry. He may be reached 940-387-7521.