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By Natasha Boschetti

Pool season is here! Whether it’s your kids, friends or family, everyone is excited to make a splash at the pool, catch some rays and fire up the grill. Follow these tips to maximize your outdoor space and throw the best pool party of the summer.

First things first, make sure all necessary pool maintenance is completed. Keep these simple but important concepts in mind: circulation, cleaning and chemistry. Like a heart, keep your pump and filter system running daily to maximize circulation. Make sure the water is clear and clean from contaminants and pollutants. Lastly, basic pool chemistry is essential to a healthy pool. Make sure the pH, alkalinity and sanitizer levels are within the ideal range at least a week before you head into the pool.

Don’t let your backyard or patio sit bare. Transform your outdoor space into a tropical oasis with hanging planters, flowers and other greenery. Shade the patio with large, brightly colored umbrellas and fans to keep cool. Hang string lights across the patio to light up the space.

Designate a specific portion of your pool area for lounging. This way, you will have the choice of laying under the warm sun or under a shady spot. Don’t forget to make sure it’s away from the splash zone! If you have lots of trees in your backyard, set up a hammock with pillows for the ultimate comfort and relaxation.

When you have guests, encourage them to protect their skin from the sun by setting up a sunscreen station. Place SPF sunscreen, sprays and tanning lotions near the lounge area so it can be applied as needed. For a little extra touch, provide towels and cold water so everyone stays hydrated.

What’s a pool party without pool floats? Be creative and throw in flamingo, swan and pizza-shaped floats for the kids to play with and for a great family photo op. Set up cornhole in the yard and giant board games on the table for those who would rather play poolside. You can even find cooler floats to fill with ice, beverages and snacks so everything you need is right there with you in the pool.