25 Best Swimming Pool Decoration Ideas for Christmas

Transforming your swimming pool into a festive wonderland with these Swimming Pool Decoration Ideas for Christmas can create unforgettable holiday memories for your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas pool party or simply want to add some holiday cheer to your outdoor space, these ideas will help you create a magical Christmas ambiance around your pool.

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1. Floating Christmas Lights

One of the most enchanting ways to decorate your swimming pool for Christmas is with floating lights. These waterproof, battery-operated lights can be shaped like Christmas ornaments, stars, or even snowflakes, creating a mesmerizing reflection on the water’s surface. Choose LED lights that change colors or twinkle to add a dynamic and festive feel to your pool.

Tip: Opt for solar-powered floating lights to keep your energy costs down while keeping the pool beautifully lit throughout the holiday season.

Product suggestions:

1. 1. Floating LED Pool Lights:

1. 2. Solar-Powered Floating Pool Lights:

1. 3. Submersible LED Lights with Remote Control:

2. Christmas-Themed Pool Inflatables

Pool inflatables aren’t just for summer fun—they can be a fantastic addition to your Christmas pool decorations. Look for inflatables shaped like Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees, or even a floating sleigh. These playful decorations will delight both kids and adults, adding a whimsical touch to your pool area.

Tip: Secure larger inflatables to prevent them from drifting to the pool’s edge, ensuring they remain the center of attention.

3. Poolside Christmas Tree

Why not bring the tradition of the Christmas tree to your poolside? Decorate a small to medium-sized artificial tree with waterproof ornaments, tinsel, and battery-operated fairy lights. Place it near the pool or on a floating platform for a unique centerpiece. This idea works beautifully for evening poolside gatherings, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Tip: Choose shatterproof ornaments and ensure that any electrical components, like lights, are waterproof and safe for outdoor use.

4. Underwater LED Lights

Transform your pool into a winter wonderland with underwater LED lights. These lights can be placed at the bottom of the pool, illuminating the water with vibrant colors. Go for Christmas-themed hues like red, green, and white to evoke the holiday spirit. Many of these lights are remote-controlled, allowing you to change the colors or set them to fade, flash, or twinkle.

Tip: Combine these with floating lights for an even more dazzling effect.

5. Poolside Garland and Wreaths

Incorporate traditional Christmas greenery by draping garlands around your pool fence or placing wreaths on nearby walls or gates. Decorate them with waterproof ribbon, pinecones, and ornaments to enhance the festive feel. If you have poolside plants or palm trees, wrap them with string lights to create a cohesive look.

Tip: Use artificial garlands and wreaths to avoid any shedding of pine needles into your pool.

6. Christmas Lanterns and Candles

For a cozy and intimate setting, place Christmas lanterns and flameless candles around your pool area. These can be arranged on tables, around the pool deck, or along pathways. Lanterns with Christmas motifs like stars, snowflakes, or reindeer will tie in with your holiday theme beautifully.

Tip: Choose weather-resistant lanterns and LED candles to ensure they withstand the outdoor elements.

7. Snow Machine for a Winter Wonderland

If you live in a warmer climate and dream of a white Christmas, consider renting or purchasing a snow machine. Set it up near your pool area to create a light dusting of artificial snow over the water and surrounding deck. This is a surefire way to impress guests and create a magical, wintery ambiance around your pool.

Tip: Make sure to use pool-safe snow or cover the pool if the snow contains any chemicals that could affect the water quality.

8. Christmas-Themed Poolside Seating

Elevate the comfort and style of your poolside seating by incorporating Christmas-themed cushions, throws, and seat covers. Choose fabrics in traditional holiday colors like red, green, and gold, or opt for patterns featuring snowflakes, reindeer, or holly. This not only adds a cozy touch to your outdoor space but also ties in the entire Christmas theme, making your pool area even more inviting for guests.

Tip: Use waterproof or quick-drying materials to ensure your cushions and throws stay in top shape, even with splashes from the pool.

9. Seasonal Scented Candles

Enhance the holiday atmosphere around your pool with the warm and inviting scents of Christmas. Use outdoor-safe scented candles with fragrances like pine, cinnamon, or peppermint. Place them in decorative lanterns or along the pool’s edge to create a cozy and aromatic environment that complements your visual decorations.

Tip: Consider using citronella-scented candles if you’re in a warmer climate to help keep insects at bay while enjoying the festive ambiance.

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10. Gingerbread House Poolside Snack Bar

Take your poolside Christmas decorations to the next level by setting up a gingerbread house-themed snack bar. Decorate a table with a large gingerbread house as the centerpiece, surrounded by holiday treats like cookies, candy canes, and hot cocoa. Use festive tablecloths, Christmas-themed plates, and cups to enhance the overall look. This snack bar will be a hit with guests, offering both visual appeal and delicious treats.

Tip: Keep the gingerbread house and snacks covered or in containers to protect them from the elements, especially if you’re hosting an outdoor event.

11. Holiday-Themed Pool Towels

Swap out your regular pool towels for ones with Christmas designs. Look for towels featuring snowflakes, Santa, reindeer, or even Christmas trees. Not only do they add to the festive décor, but they also make practical gifts for your guests to take home after the party.

Tip: Roll the towels and place them in a decorative basket by the pool for easy access and a polished look.

12. Interactive Light Show

If you really want to wow your guests, consider setting up an interactive light show around your pool. Use a projector to cast Christmas scenes or animations onto a nearby wall or even onto the pool’s surface. Coordinate the light show with Christmas music for a fully immersive experience. This high-tech decoration idea will create a magical atmosphere that guests will talk about long after the holidays are over.

Tip: Make sure all equipment is set up securely and is waterproof to avoid any accidents.

13. Festive Poolside Fire Pit

Adding a fire pit to your poolside area not only provides warmth on cool December nights but also enhances the festive ambiance of your Christmas pool décor. Surround the fire pit with comfortable seating, Christmas-themed pillows, and blankets. It creates the perfect spot for guests to gather, enjoy a hot chocolate, and engage in cozy conversations while soaking in the holiday spirit.

Tip: For safety, place the fire pit a safe distance from the pool and keep it on a flat, non-flammable surface like concrete or tiles.

14. Poolside Christmas Ornaments Display

Instead of hanging all your ornaments on the tree, consider using larger outdoor ornaments to decorate your poolside area. Place oversized Christmas ornaments in planters or arrange them creatively around the pool deck. If you have large trees or palm trees near your pool, hang some ornaments from branches to tie in the festive look.

Tip: Choose durable, weather-resistant ornaments to ensure they withstand any outdoor conditions, and secure them properly to avoid wind displacement.

15. Christmas-Themed Pool Noodles

Take your pool noodles to the next level by transforming them into Christmas-themed props. With a bit of creativity, you can decorate your pool noodles to look like candy canes, reindeer antlers, or even elves. These fun and festive pool accessories can float around or be used during pool games for guests.

Tip: Use waterproof paint or wrap them with waterproof fabric to create your Christmas designs without affecting their usability in the water.

16. Festive Outdoor Drapes and Canopies

For a more elegant and sophisticated touch, install outdoor drapes in Christmas colors like rich reds, emerald greens, or icy whites around your poolside seating or pergola. These flowing drapes will not only add a touch of luxury but also serve as a backdrop for your Christmas pool décor. Add fairy lights or garlands to enhance the magical holiday vibe.

Tip: Opt for weatherproof fabric and make sure to secure the drapes properly to prevent them from being blown away by the wind.

17. Candy Cane Pathway Lights

Guide your guests to the pool with candy cane-shaped pathway lights. These adorable and festive lights can be placed along walkways leading to your pool area or scattered around the deck. Not only do they illuminate the space, but they also tie in perfectly with the Christmas theme.

Tip: Use solar-powered candy cane lights for an eco-friendly option that won’t increase your electricity bill during the holiday season.

18. Christmas-Themed Poolside Drinks Station

Create a festive poolside drinks station for your guests. Decorate a table with Christmas tablecloths, garlands, and holiday-themed cups or glasses. Serve Christmas cocktails like spiked eggnog, peppermint hot chocolate, or even a “Santa Punch.” For a healthier option, offer infused water with cranberries, mint, and citrus slices for a festive and refreshing treat.

Tip: Provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to cater to all guests, and add some festive straws and drink stirrers for an extra holiday touch.

19. Holiday-Inspired Floating Candle Displays

Create an elegant and serene atmosphere by adding floating candles to your pool. Choose candles in Christmas colors like red, green, and gold, or opt for scented ones with holiday fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. You can also place these candles in floating holders shaped like stars, snowflakes, or ornaments. The gentle flicker of candlelight on the water will create a calming and magical ambiance, perfect for evening gatherings by the pool.

Tip: Use flameless floating candles to avoid any safety concerns, especially if there are children or pets around.

20. Snowflake String Lights

Snowflake string lights can add a touch of winter wonderland magic to your pool area. Hang these delicate lights along fences, trees, or drape them around the edges of your pool. The twinkling lights will reflect off the water, enhancing the festive feel of your outdoor space. This decoration is perfect for creating a wintery ambiance even in warmer climates where snow is not a part of the holiday experience.

Tip: Opt for weather-resistant and waterproof string lights to ensure they last through the season.

21. Christmas Poolside Dining Area

If you’re planning a holiday feast by the pool, transform your dining area into a Christmas-themed wonderland. Decorate the table with a festive centerpiece, such as a miniature Christmas tree or a bowl filled with ornaments. Use holiday-themed tableware, including plates, napkins, and glassware, to tie the theme together. Add a few sprigs of holly or mistletoe, and finish with a Christmas-themed table runner or tablecloth.

Tip: Consider setting up a buffet-style meal to keep the dining area less cluttered and allow guests to serve themselves at their leisure.

22. Festive Pool Umbrellas

Upgrade your poolside umbrellas by decorating them with Christmas lights, garlands, or ornaments. You can also use festive fabric to create custom umbrella covers that match your holiday theme. This small touch can make a big difference in tying your whole pool area together, making it feel cohesive and holiday-ready.

Tip: Use battery-operated lights or solar-powered options to keep the decoration process simple and avoid the need for extension cords.

23. Christmas-Themed Pool Towels and Robes

Enhance your guests’ comfort and add a festive touch by providing Christmas-themed pool towels and robes. Choose designs featuring holiday motifs like snowflakes, Santa, or reindeer. These not only keep guests warm after a swim but also contribute to the overall festive atmosphere of your poolside area.

Tip: Roll or fold these towels and robes neatly in a decorative basket or on a festive towel rack for easy access.

24. Winter Wonderland Poolside Gazebo

If you have a gazebo or canopy near your pool, transform it into a winter wonderland. Decorate the structure with snowflake ornaments, icicle lights, and faux snow. Add a few cozy blankets and pillows in festive colors, creating a warm and inviting space for guests to relax and enjoy the view of the decorated pool.

Tip: Consider adding a small outdoor heater to the gazebo to keep it warm and comfortable, especially during cooler evenings.

25. Christmas-Themed Pool Mats

Add a festive touch to your pool area with Christmas-themed pool mats. Place them around the pool deck, near the entrance, or under seating areas. These mats can feature holiday motifs like Christmas trees, snowflakes, or festive messages, adding to the holiday spirit while also providing a practical surface for wet feet.

Tip: Choose non-slip, weather-resistant mats to ensure safety and durability throughout the season.

Safety Tips:

• Check Electrical Connections: Before setting up any Christmas pool decorations that involve electricity, inspect all cords, plugs, and connections for wear and tear. Any signs of fraying or damage could pose a serious hazard, especially in a wet environment. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and make sure all connections are protected from water exposure, either by elevating them off the ground or using waterproof covers.
• Keep Decorations Away from the Water’s Edge: It’s important to place decorations at a safe distance from the pool’s edge. This reduces the risk of items falling into the water and prevents guests from tripping over cords or decorations. Consider using battery-operated lights or decorations that do not require close proximity to electrical outlets.
• Supervise Children and Pets: If you have children or pets around, ensure they are supervised at all times when the Christmas poolside decorations are set up. Bright lights and festive decor can attract their attention, and they may not understand the potential dangers of electrical decorations near water.
• Mind the Weather: Weather conditions can change quickly, especially during the winter months. If you’re expecting rain, snow, or high winds, take precautions by securing decorations and unplugging electrical items to prevent short circuits or damage. For areas prone to sudden weather changes, it’s a good idea to invest in weatherproof decorations.
• Use Shatterproof Ornaments: If you plan to hang ornaments around your pool area, choose shatterproof options. Glass ornaments can break easily and create sharp fragments that pose a risk to bare feet. Shatterproof ornaments are a safer choice, especially in an area where people may be walking barefoot.
• Plan for Safe Storage: When the holiday season is over, store your Holiday decor for pool area properly. Ensure that lights, inflatables, and other decorations are clean and dry before packing them away to prevent mold and mildew. Storing items in labeled, waterproof containers can make setting up next year’s decorations easier and safer.

Conclusion

Bringing the holiday spirit to your swimming pool with Christmas pool decorations is a delightful way to celebrate the season. From twinkling lights to festive floats, these ideas will help you create a magical Christmas setting that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas poolside party or just want to make your outdoor space feel more festive, these tips will ensure your pool is the star of your holiday decor.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API