SwimRight Pool contractors offer July 4th swimming pool party ideas

If you’re looking forward to hosting a July 4th swimming pool party, or a pool party any day of the summer, here are some tips to help make the planning easier and more fun for both you and your guests!

The 4^th of July is typically marked by spending time with friends and family and food, fun and of course, swimming! Are you planning a party for the fourth and aren’t certain where to start? Even if you’re a seasoned swimming pool party planner, here are some tips that will help amp up the fun and make your party stand out.

1. You could email invitations, but your friends will appreciate getting a snail-mail invitation. If you’re crafty, make your own or mail pre-designed cards. If you have friends who live nearby consider writing the invitation on a mini-beach ball with ink that won’t wash off and ask them to bring the beach ball with them to the party! If you want, write the invitation on a deflated beach ball and drop it in an envelope and mail it. Unique, right! Pin an invitation to a bright beach towel and ask guests to bring it with them.
2. Serve appetizers and finger foods throughout the day as well as a full menu for dinner. Veggie trays and fruit platters with dip and potato chips are always crowd pleasers. Will you serve burgers and hots or chicken and steak or veggie burgers. If a guest asks if he or she can bring something, tell them the menu items, let them choose and thank them!
3. Stock up on adult beverages and beverages for children. Use plastic cups so there is no broken glass by your swimming pool. If you’re serving adult beverages you want to assure no one drinks and drives. Also, anyone drinking should not be in the pool — it’s a dangerous combination.
4. Put food close to the grill – but not too close – away from the pool. Put food under a shaded area and keep foods that need refrigeration cold until it’s time to eat. Use screened domes to keep flies and other insects from getting into the food.
5. Your swimming pool will be the center of the party so you can certainly toss in some red, white and blue beach balls, but you may want to have some streamers or balloons or party-themed lights.
6. If you have pets, make sure your guests don’t feed them table scraps. Also, if you have a houseful of people, it’s probably best to keep the dogs out of the pool. Set up a kiddie wading pool so they can beat the heat.
7. Don’t forget the music!
8. Set up games for in the pool and out.

Talk with your swimming pool service contractor from SwimRight Pools in Scottsdale, Arizona about whether you will need an additional swimming pool service visit — perhaps right before the party and right after.

Happy Independence Day!

Here’s a recipe we found that we think you might like for your party!

Bacon-Stuffed Shell Salad

Serves: 8

Ingredients
12 ounces Canadian-style bacon, sliced
1 cup zucchini, shredded
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teas salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
16 jumbo shells
Romaine leaves

Directions

Cut Canadian bacon into thin strips. In a large bowl combine bacon, zucchini, red pepper and Parmesan cheese; set aside.

For dressing, combine oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour dressing over bacon mixture; toss gently to mix. Cover and chill 30 minutes.

Cook shells according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the bacon mixture into each shell. Place the shells, filled side up, in a baking dish. Cover and chill 2-4 hours. To serve, arrange romaine among salad plates. Place 2 shells atop each.

Recipe and photo courtesy of National Pork Board