Apr 4, 2017 - Things to Do

8 options for outdoor summer pool parties in Charlotte

Katie Levans

Want to celebrate your summer birthday sipping specialty cocktails on a private pool deck? Don’t we all.

Unfortunately, short of owning your own pool or living in an apartment complex with one, pickings for private adult pool party venues are extremely slim in Charlotte. As a summer baby (July 9) and astrological water sign, I’m supposed to be offended but I don’t like swimming so it’s fine.

For those of you hunting for a summer pool party venue, all hope is not lost. We’ve got one uptown hotel with cabana rentals that are ideal for day parties as well as a few swanky (read: expensive) private home rentals that also allow on-site overnight events.

If you’re looking for a more casual kid-friendly party, large community centers like YMCA Charlotte and the Levine JCC offer several options.

Craft City Social Club at Sheraton Uptown

If you don’t have access to a pool of your own, this is hands down your best bet for a grown-up pool party. They’ve got four cabanas available to rent beginning Memorial Day. Cabanas are $75 Monday-Friday starting at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m., $125 Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. and $225 for a full day weekend rental.

Three of the cabanas seat up to 12 people and one seats up to 4 people. So theoretically you could rent all of them for a full Saturday for $900 (or $22.50/person with 40 of your friends). That’s an awesome party.

Book your cabana rental online here.

For you high rollers who want to shut down the entire deck for your crew, full pool buyouts are available for $8,000 Monday – Thursday and $10,000 Friday – Sunday (subject to availability).

Waterfront Lake Wylie home

This 5,780-square-foot lakefront home has a salt water pool and hot tub and is available for events up to 80 people. Rental as an event space requires a minimum 7-night stay at $633/night plus an event fee of $1500 – $1800.

Luxury entertainment home in Quail Hollow

This 6,400-square-foot home features a designer palm-lined, vanishing edge pool with a cave and waterfall. Events are allowed but it’s a major commitment with a 4-night minimum stay and a $1,500 nightly rate. So unless you’re eyeing a soiree at $6K and up, this probably isn’t your spot.

Casual Lake Wylie retreat

This lakeside home with a pool and waterfall hot tub is available for small events (up to 15 people) for a minimum stay of 2 nights at the regular nightly rate (priced by number of guests — $150-$455/night). Larger groups can inquire about event-specific pricing.

YMCA of Greater Charlotte

The Y has more than a dozen branches with pools and many are available for party rental. The three below feature outdoor waterpark elements and are available for birthday parties.

University City – Indoor pool available year round, outdoor waterpark available seasonally on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $250 for members / $280 for nonmembers for 2 hours of access to the pool, waterslides, splash features and private picnic area.

Harris – 90-minute pool parties are available on Saturdays and Sundays for 15 children. Fee of $210 – $310 for members / $260 – $360 for nonmembers includes an hour of pool time, 30 minutes of party time, juice boxes, candles, tableware and more (depending on your selected package).