‘Vanderpump Rules’: Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix Reveal Their Ultimate 2021 Summer Pool Party Secrets (Exclusive)

Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval‘s house was the clear choice during the Vanderpump Rules Season 8 dueling pool party smackdown. But what was it about a party at Sandoval and Madix’s house that was so alluring to the majority of the cast (aside from the fact that the other pool party was thrown by Jax Taylor, who uninvited nearly everyone)?

Madix and Sandoval dished with Showbiz Cheat Sheet about what it takes to throw the ultimate pool party, which could translate to an epic start to summer 2021.

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix spill ‘Vanderpump Rules’ pool party secrets

Madix said playing the right music is important to get the party started.

“You definitely wanna have good music,” she said. “If you can afford DJ James Kennedy, but he’s pretty expensive these days. He’s doing pretty well.” Kennedy was spinning discs at Madix and Sandoval’s infamous pool party and guests were seriously into the vibe. If hiring Kennedy is out of your budget, consider turning to one of his Spotify playlists for audio party perfection.

“Definitely [have] sunscreen because you don’t want anyone getting burned,” Madix continued. Madix had a melanoma removed and shared what she learned about the best sun protection.

“I think the biggest thing is making sure you reapply [sunscreen],” she said. “I think people forget. They put on a little bit, they go a few hours, get in the pool, but when they get out they forget to reapply.”

“And really SPF 30 is great,” she added. “My oncologist told me that anything over SPF 30 is overkill. Just make sure you have UVA and UVB protection.”

Another safety move is to keep all glass inside the house. “Also, don’t forget, no glass by the pool,” Madix advised. “Use acrylic glassware, but no glass by the pool.”

‘Vanderpump Rules’ cocktails are key to a sweet rager

Of course, cocktails are another important element to a sweet rager.

“If you’re gonna have cocktails, go with some fresh juices, especially watermelon and cucumber,” Sandoval said. “They contain so much water that they keep everyone hydrated.” At one point during Sandoval’s pool party, he sprayed his guests with a bottle of champagne.

Sandoval also revealed a fruit-filled cocktail he’s been enjoying recently. “It’s easy and I’m into things that are carbonated,” he said. “You take like a spiked seltzer and muddle like raspberries, blueberries, and maybe some citrus.” Mix the fruit with perhaps some vodka or tequila then top it with the seltzer. “It just turns the seltzer into something more fruity and just kicks it up a notch,” he added.

Madix offered her own special drink. “I love anything that’s like a lemony,” she said. “Like Pinky’s Lemonade, that was a drink I created many years ago for Pride actually. It uses Lisa [Vanderpump]’s sangria, the LVP Sangria.” Madix created a video on Instagram showing how to make the drink along with the recipe.

“Definitely a lot of floaties too,” Sandoval piped in. Madix agreed that “you definitely want to have a lot of fun floaties.”

Madix added that she was pumped for the year ahead, referring to the time as the “roaring ’20s.” The couple is also prepping for the roaring ’20s with their favorite recovery mocktail. The duo made a dose of Alka-Seltzer taste amazingly refreshing by infusing two Alka-Seltzer Lemon-Lime tablets with ginger syrup and lavender honey. (Find all of the pair’s recovery mocktail recipes on Alka-Seltzer‘s website.)