Pool Balloons: Everything You Need to Know About Floating Party Decor That Actually Stays Put

Pool Balloons: Everything You Need to Know About Floating Party Decor That Actually Stays Put

Pool balloons transformed my backyard from “meh” to magazine-worthy in about thirty minutes flat, and I’m never going back to sad floating beach balls again.

You know that sinking feeling when you’ve spent hours planning a pool party, only to realize your decorations look like a desperate afterthought? I’ve been there. Standing poolside with regular balloons that immediately sank or blew away the second a breeze kicked up. Not cute.

That’s when I discovered pool balloons aren’t just regular balloons you toss in the water and hope for the best. These bad boys are specifically designed to handle chlorine, sun, and splashing without turning into sad deflated pancakes within an hour.

Why Pool Balloons Are Different From Regular Balloons (And Why It Matters)

Let me save you from my mistakes.

Regular balloons in a pool are a disaster waiting to happen. They pop from the chlorine, deflate in the heat, or become projectiles that smack guests in the face. Pool balloons are built different.

They’re oversized, they’re durable, and they actually float where you want them to float. We’re talking 16 to 36 inches of pure decorative glory that can handle getting splashed, bumped, and photographed from every possible angle.

The materials are thicker. The designs account for water and weather. And honestly, they just look better.

The Size Game: Picking Your Perfect Pool Balloon

Here’s where things get interesting.

36-inch balloons are your standard workhorses, running between $29.99 and $40 each. These are the Goldilocks option—not too big, not too small, just ridiculously photogenic floating in your pool.

I started with three of these 36-inch pool balloons for my daughter’s birthday, and the pictures alone were worth every penny.

Jumbo latex pool balloons clock in at about $40 each. These are statement pieces. You don’t need a dozen—two or three create serious impact without overwhelming your space or your budget.

Small orb balloons cost around $17 each and are perfect for clustering. I used five of these mixed with larger balloons, and the layered look was chef’s kiss.

Oversized orb balloons at $40 each are for when you want people to gasp when they see your pool. They’re dramatic. They’re bold. They’re absolutely unnecessary and I want ten of them.

Think about your pool size before you go balloon crazy. A small pool with five jumbo balloons looks cluttered. A large pool with two small balloons looks sad.

The Anchoring Situation: How to Keep These Beauties Where You Want Them

This is where I learned the hard way.

Pool balloons float. That’s great until they all drift to one corner, tangle together, or float right out of the pool the second someone cannonballs nearby.

You absolutely need anchoring systems.

I cannot stress this enough.

Pool Weights Are Your New Best Friend

Specialized pool weights run about $15 each. They’re designed with smooth surfaces that won’t scratch your pool liner or concrete.

This matters more than you’d think. I borrowed regular weights from my garage for my first attempt, and they left scuff marks on my pool steps that I’m still annoyed about.

The smooth, coated weights designed for pools are worth the investment. One weight per balloon is standard, though I double-weighted my jumbo balloons because wind is real and chaos is not the vibe.

Fishing Line Is the Secret Weapon

Fishing line or monofilament is practically invisible in water. This is genius.

Attach it to your weight, tie it to your balloon, and boom—floating magic that looks like it defies physics.

Get the good stuff though. I tried dollar store fishing line and it snapped within an hour. Go for 50-pound test or higher because pool balloons catch wind like tiny sails.

Brick Anchors for Helium Balloons

If you’re using helium-filled balloons (more on that nightmare later), you need serious anchoring. I used regular bricks wrapped in waterproof bags and fishing line.

Works perfectly. Costs almost nothing. Looks professional.

Pro tip: Test your anchoring system the night before your event. I learned this after watching three balloons escape my pool at 7 AM on party day.

Making Your Pool Balloons Actually Fun: Lights and Add-Ons

Basic pool balloons are great. Pool balloons with lights inside are spectacular.

I bought LED balloon lights that you pop inside before inflation. When the sun went down, my pool looked like a fairy tale.

Many vendors sell lights that program to different colors or effects. I used steady white for a sophisticated evening swim party, but I’ve seen rainbow patterns for kids’ parties that absolutely slayed.

Streamer add-ons (usually around $6) attach to the balloon tails. They flow in the water and add movement. It’s that extra touch that makes people ask “who did your decorations?” instead of “where’d you get the balloons?”

I clustered waterproof ribbon around my balloon anchors too. Creates dimension and covers up the practical bits that aren’t Instagram-worthy.

The Professional Installation Option: When DIY Isn’t Your Thing

Look, I love a good DIY project. But sometimes you want to show up to your own party without having spent three hours wrestling balloons in the heat.

Full-service balloon installations start around $250 for on-site setup. Delivery typically runs $85 within a 10-mile radius.

Is it worth it?

For a major event where you’re already stressed and want professional results—absolutely. For a casual weekend pool hang—probably not.

I’ve done both. The professional installation for my sister’s engagement party was worth every penny because I could focus on literally everything else. My kid’s birthday party was totally fine as DIY because I had the time and honestly enjoyed the process.

Consider professional installation if:

• You’re decorating a large commercial pool
• Your event has