The pool party has been planned, and the friends have been invited. The next step is now deciding on what swimming pool games to play!
From relay races to contests, there are many different types of games to choose from. Let’s go through 15 favorite pool games to play with your friends and family.
Sharks and Minnows
Type of Pool: Any Pool
Extra Accessories Needed: None
Sharks and Minnows is a classic pool game enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. It is a relatively simple tag-style game involving one player who is “it” (the shark), and the remaining players are the minnows trying not to get caught.
The game’s objective is for the minnows to reach the opposite side of the pool without being tagged by the shark.
Chicken Fights
Type of Pool: Shallow
Extra Accessories Needed: None
Chicken fights, also known as shoulder wars or chicken in the water, are a fun and challenging pool game that typically involves four participants split into duos, where one player is on top of the other player’s shoulders.
Both teams then attempt to knock the opposing players into the water while ultimately keeping their balance.
Greased Watermelon
Type of Pool: Shallow
Extra Accessories Needed: Watermelon or a ball that can sink
Greased Watermelon is a lively and slippery game that combines teamwork and strategy. A watermelon is lubricated and placed in the center of the pool.
Players strive to grab, carry, and maneuver the slippery watermelon to the opposite side of the pool while keeping it from slipping out of their hands. The game becomes a comical spectacle as participants slip and slide in their attempts to gain control of the watermelon!
Pool Volleyball
Type of Pool: Shallow
Extra Accessories Needed: Volleyball and net
Pool Volleyball brings traditional volleyball into the water. Players divide into teams, volleying a ball over a net while dealing with the challenges of water resistance.
It’s a great way to enjoy a classic sport in a refreshing aquatic setting!
Pool Basketball
Type of Pool: Shallow
Extra Accessories Needed: Basketball and hoop
In Pool Basketball participants shoot hoops in a net designed for pool use with a water-friendly basketball. These nets can either be floating in the pool or on the pool deck.
The game combines basketball skills with the dynamics of swimming in the pool, creating a unique and enjoyable competition that’s perfect for both a competitive game or a shoot-around.
Wet T-Shirt Relay Race
Type of Pool: Deep
Extra Accessories Needed: T-shirt
A Wet T-Shirt Relay Race adds a splash of fun to racing. It’s a great way to inject laughter and fun into a relay race.
Teams soak and wear wet T-shirts as they race from one end of the pool to the other, resulting in a wet and heavy challenge from normal swimming.
Belly Flop Competition
Type of Pool: Deep
Extra Accessories Needed: None
The Belly Flop Competition is one of the most classic pool activities. Participants take turns jumping into the pool and try to land as flat as possible into the pool.
The objective is to make the loudest splash and entertain the audience with your unique technique. There will guaranteed to be laughs, claps, and gasps after each jump!
While this game doesn’t necessarily require a diving board, a pool with a deep end is required.
Marco Polo
Type of Pool: Any Pool
Extra Accessories Needed: None
Marco Polo is another classic swimming pool game of tag in the pool.
One player closes their eyes and calls out “Marco,” while the others respond with “Polo.” The blindfolded player tries to tag others by following their voices, making it an entertaining challenge.
Cannonball Contest
Type of Pool: Deep
Extra Accessories Needed: None
One of the original tricks off a diving board, a Cannonball Contest is seeing who can make a big-time splash!
Participants jump into the pool in a cannonball pose, tucking in their legs and hands to make the biggest splash possible. It’s a playful competition that often involves a blend of creativity and air!
Like a belly flop competition, this requires a pool that has a deep end.
Simon Says
Type of Pool: Any Pool
Extra Accessories Needed: None
Simon Says takes a traditional “follow-the-leader” that can be easily adapted to the pool.
One player, designated as Simon, gives commands prefaced with “Simon says.” Others must follow only the commands that start with that phrase, creating a fun and engaging water-based activity.
Tug of War
Type of Pool: Shallow
Extra Accessories Needed: Rope
Pool Tug of War is another game that can be adapted to a pool setting.
Like its land-based version, two teams pull on opposite ends of a floating rope in the water, testing their strength and coordination. It’s a battle of teamwork and determination in a unique environment.
Invisi-Bottle
Type of Pool: Any Pool
Extra Accessories Needed: Bottle
In Invisi-Bottle, players dive underwater to retrieve a submerged bottle. The catch? That bottle is nearly invisible, blending into the pool, making it more difficult to find.
This game can be played individually, with teams, or even a battle-royale free for all.
Pool Noodle Jousting
Type of Pool: Any Pool
Extra Accessories Needed: Pool noodles and floats or rafts
Pool Noodle Jousting is a fun swimming pool game inspired by the medieval sport of jousting. Players compete to knock each other off their floating devices using pool noodles as their weapons.
Participants use pool noodles as their jousting lance and can either float on rafts or a pool float.
Dolphin Race
Type of Pool: Any Pool
Extra Accessories Needed: Floating ball
A unique twist to a relay race, Dolphin Races require you to swim while navigating a floating ball across the pool using just your nose. Now you know where the game gets its name!
The challenge of this game lies in maintaining a delicate balance between speed and accuracy, making it a fun addition to any poolside gathering.
Atomic Whirlpool
Type of Pool: Shallow End
Extra Accessories Needed: None
A fun and relaxing game that has no competition, Atomic Whirlpool involves participants walking or swimming in a circular motion, generating a whirlpool effect.
As momentum builds, swimmers get caught in the swirling current, creating a unique and dynamic water experience.
