55+ DIY Pool Party Decorations on a Budget

DIY Pool Party Decorations on a Budget: DIY Pool Party Ideas For a Fun Swim Party on a Budget How to throw a pool party on a dime by upcycling and using common materials and crafts. Float bright paper lanterns or DIY tissue-paper pom-poms on the water, and string cheap fairy lights or battery operated LED balloons around the deck. “Fashion festive garlands by cutting drink umbrellas in half and stringing them with fishing line or by threading together paper straws and mini paper flowers for a tropical lei banner. Re purpose glass bottles and make them into tiki style torches by wrapping zoo with raffia and grommeting citronella candles. Strew bright inflatable pool toys about, and set up painted cardboard cutouts of flamingos and pineapples as playful centerpieces. Round out the scene with DIY photo props — sand-dollar frames, paper-flower-adorned straw hats (the one shown here retails for around $20) and printable luau signs for an entire summer’s worth of fun.

 DIY Pool Party Decorations on a Budget

Check out these 55+ DIY Pool Party Decorations on a Budget that help you cover the backyard with a tropical paradise that won’t cost you a ton of money. Float bright tissue-paper pom-poms and festive paper lanterns on the water, and string up fairy lights or battery-powered balloons that light up at night. String playful garlands made from mini drink umbrellas, paper straws, faux flowers, and transform empty glass bottles into tiki torches using raffia. Acrylic paint cardboard cutouts of flamingos, pineapples, and palm fronds to use as way-bright table toppers, and spread out cheap inflatable pool toys in matching colors. Top tables with seashell-studded mason jars, DIY sand-dollar coasters and tropical paper fans, and set up a selfie station with straw-hat props, paper hibiscus crowns and printable luau signs. And throw in some festive extras like ribbon tassel streamers, beach-ball garlands and pineapple-shaped bunting, so every splashy detail feels fun, colorful and delightfully DIY.

🌴Colorful & Tropical Vibes

• Pool Noodle Garlands – Slice noodles into rings and string them up

• DIY Palm Leaves – Cut green paper into palm leaf shapes and tape to walls or tables

• Flamingo Cutouts – Use pink poster board or print templates

• Pineapple Centerpieces – Real pineapples + sunglasses = instant decor

• Tissue Paper Flowers – Bright, oversized, and tropical

• Beach Ball Garland – Mini beach balls strung together with fishing line

• Fruit-Themed Balloons – Draw watermelon, pineapple, or orange slices on balloons

• Cupcake Liner Flowers – Layer colorful liners into tropical blooms

• DIY Hibiscus Garland – Use colored paper or felt

• Inflatable Decor Wall – Tape pool floaties (donuts, popsicles, flamingos) on a fence or backdrop

• Painted Coconut Cups – Use empty coconuts or brown paper cups

• Tiki Faces on Cans – Paint old cans like tiki totems

• Plastic Tablecloth Fringe – Cut into strips and hang as grass skirts

• DIY Surfboard Cutouts – Use cardboard and decorate with paint or markers

• “Welcome to Paradise” Sign – Hand-paint on cardboard or wood scrap

🍍 Tabletop & Food Area Decor

• Mason Jar Drink Holders – Add fruit decals or tropical straws

• Paper Umbrella Drink Toppers – Dollar store or DIY with toothpicks + paper

• Fruit Skewers in Watermelon Centerpieces

• Lemonade Station Sign – Cute chalkboard or printable sign

• Sand Bucket Snack Holders – Serve chips or candy in clean toy pails

• Tropical Leaf Placemats – Cut from green construction paper

• Water Balloon Ice Bucket – Freeze water balloons instead of ice cubes

• DIY “Pool Water” Punch Jar – Blue punch in a clear dispenser with floating citrus

• Paper Plate Fish Garland – Cut and decorate plates, string them across tables

• Plastic Flamingos as Table Props

• Colorful Striped Table Runners – Use wrapping paper or dollar store gift wrap

• Flip-Flop Coasters – Make mini flip-flop shapes from foam

• Tiki Bar Backdrop – Bamboo mats + handmade tiki signs

• Coconut Shell Snack Bowls – Halved coconuts or brown bowls with texture

• Mini Inflatable Pool Centerpieces – Fill with snacks or drinks

💦 Fun Floaty & Water-Inspired Decor

• Pool Noodle Flower Centerpieces – Noodles cut into petals, glued into flower shapes

• Floating Candles or Flowers – Use plastic blooms or LED lights

• Under-the-Sea Jellyfish – Paper bowls + streamers hanging from umbrellas or ceilings

• “Just Keep Swimming” Wall Sign – Fun Finding Nemo quote

• Hanging Bubble Balloons – Clear balloons hung with fishing line

• DIY Water Droplet Garland – Blue teardrop shapes cut from paper

• Fishnet Table Toppers – Dollar store fishnet with shells or rubber sea animals

• Water Gun Centerpiece – Colorful water guns in a bucket

• Inflatable Ring Toss Game Decor – Also doubles as entertainment

• Beach Towel Banner – Hang rolled towels like buntings

• Shells & Sand Tray – For decorative touch near drinks/snacks

• Underwater Photo Booth Frame – Decorate with bubbles, fish, and goggles

• “Mermaid Crossing” or “Shark Zone” Yard Signs

• Popsicle Garland – DIY with colored paper and wooden sticks

• Pool Float Cake Stand – Place serving trays inside clean float rings

☀️Budget-Friendly Party Enhancers

• DIY Foam Sunglasses Props – For photo booths

• Pool Noodle Sculptures – Create palm trees, arches, or letters

• Flip-Flop Welcome Sign – Decorate old flip-flops with guests’ names

• Spray-Painted Pinecones or Shells – Add shimmer to tables

• Sunscreen & Towel Station Sign – Encourage sun safety in style

• Hula Hoop Chandelier – Wrap with streamers, ribbons, or lights

• Plastic Cup Lanterns – Hang strings of cups with fairy lights inside

• Color-Changing Ice Cubes – Decorative and reusable

• DIY Beach Ball Wreath – Use mini balls or round foam shapes

• Party Favor Sand Shovels – Fill with small toys, candy, or glow sticks