Looking to make your pool time more exciting? Swimming pool games for adults are a perfect way to add fun and friendly competition to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a sunny day by the water, these games will keep everyone entertained.
From classic favourites to creative new ideas, here are 35 of the best swimming pool games for adults that will have you diving in for hours of laughter and enjoyment.
Keep reading to find the perfect game for your next pool day!
Water volleyball is a fantastic way to combine teamwork, fitness, and fun in the pool. Set up a net across the pool, split into teams, and use a beach ball or lightweight volleyball. The rules are similar to traditional volleyball, where teams must keep the ball from touching the water on their side.
This game is perfect for large groups. It encourages friendly competition while keeping everyone active, and it’s also a great way to build communication and coordination between players.
In pool basketball, you set up a floating basketball hoop at one end of the pool, with players split into teams. The goal is to shoot the ball into the hoop while trying to block the opposing team’s shots. This game can be played with varying intensity levels, from casual to more competitive matches.
It’s ideal for those who enjoy shooting hoops and brings an exciting, refreshing twist to the traditional game. The water adds resistance, making the game more challenging and engaging.
Marco Polo is a classic pool game that never gets old and is sometimes even incorporated into private swimming lessons to make learning fun. One person is designated as “Marco,” and they close their eyes while calling out “Marco.” The other players, free to move around the pool, must respond by saying “Polo.”
The aim is for Marco to tag one of the other players using only sound to locate them. It’s a fun game of hide-and-seek in the water, relying on quick movements and sharp listening skills, perfect for players of all ages.
Chicken Fight is a fun and competitive pool game requiring strength and balance. Players team up in pairs, with one person sitting on the other’s shoulders. The goal is to push and pull the opposing team into the water.
No kicking or hitting is allowed, making it a safe yet energetic game. This is best played in shallow water to ensure safety and is great for building camaraderie and team spirit. It’s a classic for pool parties and group gatherings.
Water polo is a more athletic and competitive pool game, often described as a combination of soccer and basketball in the water. Players form two teams to pass a ball and score goals in the opposing team’s net. It requires swimming skills, stamina, and good team coordination.
The game is fast-paced and challenging, as players must tread water to score or defend. Water polo is perfect for those looking for a physically demanding yet incredibly fun water sport.
Sharks and Minnows is a thrilling game of water chase. One player is the “shark,” who starts in the middle of the pool, while the rest are the “minnows,” starting on one side. The shark calls out, “Go!” and the minnows must swim to the other side without being tagged by the shark.
If tagged, they become sharks in the next round. The game continues until one minnow is left, who becomes the next round’s shark. It’s an energetic game that encourages agility and quick thinking.
Swimming pool relay races are an excellent way to incorporate friendly competition into pool time. Players form teams and race across the pool, handing off a floating object, like a noodle or baton, to the next teammate.
You can add fun twists like swimming backwards or using pool toys to increase the difficulty. This game promotes teamwork, as each member’s speed and coordination are crucial to winning. Relay races are ideal for large groups and can be customised to suit different skill levels.
The handstand contest is a simple yet challenging game that requires balance and body control. Players compete to see who can hold the longest handstand underwater. The pool environment makes it easier to balance, but holding the position requires concentration and strong core muscles.
You can have participants perform tricks while upside down or hold poses for extra points. This game is fun and competitive, perfect for showing off your underwater skills while encouraging friendly competition in the group.
In this water version of ring toss, players throw floating rings onto targets around the pool. You can use floating buoys, poles, or inflatable toys as targets. The objective is to land the ring on the target from a distance.
This game requires precision and accuracy and can be played individually or in teams. It’s a relaxed yet engaging game that suits all skill levels. The simplicity of ring toss makes it a great addition to any poolside gathering.
Floating Ping Pong brings the classic table game into the water with a twist. You’ll need a floating ping pong table, paddles, and a ball. Players take turns trying to hit the ball across the floating table, aiming to score points by outsmarting their opponents.
The challenge comes from the gentle rocking of the table, which makes controlling the ball more difficult. It’s a fun and light-hearted game, ideal for pool parties where participants want a mix of competition and leisure.
Pool noodle jousting is a hilarious and competitive game where players sit on inflatable rafts or pool noodles and use other noodles as “lances” to knock their opponent into the water. The goal is to stay balanced while trying to unseat your opponent.
The game requires strategy, balance, and a little strength, making it a fun and engaging way to enjoy the pool. This game is perfect for group settings and guarantees laughter and splashing.
In a pool treasure hunt, various objects are scattered on the bottom of the pool, and players race to collect as many as possible. You can use weighted toys, coins, or small prizes as the “treasure.” The player who gathers the most items wins.
This game encourages swimming and diving skills and is great for kids and adults. In a swimming instructor course, games like this can be adapted to teach techniques in a playful way. You can make it more challenging by assigning different point values to certain items adding an element of strategy to the game.
Mermaid races add a fun and whimsical element to swimming pool games for adults. Players swim with their legs bound together, mimicking the movement of a mermaid’s tail. The challenge lies in swimming efficiently while keeping your legs together, which tests your leg strength and coordination.
You can race across the pool in different rounds, seeing who can swim the fastest or perform tricks while being a mermaid. It’s a fun, lighthearted game that adds creativity and imagination to pool activities.
Water tag is a simple yet energetic pool game where one person is “it” and tries to tag others swimming around the pool. Unlike the land tag, the water adds an extra challenge as players can swim underwater or float to avoid being tagged.
The person who gets tagged becomes “it” in the next round. Water tag is a great way to keep everyone moving and adds excitement to any pool session. It’s easy to set up and play with any number of participants.
Dodgeball takes on a refreshing twist when played in the pool. Using soft, inflatable balls, players must dodge the incoming throws from the opposing team while trying to hit their opponents. The water adds a layer of difficulty, as movements are slower, making dodging and aiming more challenging.
This game encourages quick reflexes, teamwork, and strategic thinking. It’s ideal for groups who want a more active, competitive game that keeps everyone entertained in the pool.
Beach Ball Bonanza is a simple yet exciting game that involves keeping a beach ball in the air for as long as possible. Players stand in the pool and bat the ball back and forth, trying to prevent it from touching the water.
The goal is to work together to keep the ball airborne. This game encourages teamwork and quick reactions, making it perfect for groups looking for a fun, light-hearted challenge. It’s ideal for small and large gatherings, ensuring everyone is engaged.
Simon Says is a fun and familiar game adapted for the pool. One person acts as “Simon,” giving commands like “Simon says swim to the edge” or “Simon says float on your back.” Players must only follow the commands that begin with “Simon says.”
If someone follows a command without “Simon says,” they’re out. The last person remaining wins. This game is easy to play and adds a playful twist to regular swimming, offering mental and physical engagement while keeping the group entertained.
F.I.S.H. is similar to the basketball game H.O.R.S.E. but played in the pool. One player performs a swimming trick or moves, such as a handstand or underwater somersault, and the other players must replicate it. If someone fails, they earn a letter in the word F.I.S.H.
The first person to collect all the letters is out, and the last person standing wins. This game challenges creativity and swimming skills, providing a fun and unique way to test and improve various techniques in the water.
In submarine races, players compete to see who can swim the farthest underwater in a single breath. Players dive beneath the surface and race across the pool without coming up for air. The challenge lies in distance and stamina, as participants must swim quickly while conserving breath.
Submarine racing is a simple yet competitive game that tests lung capacity and swimming efficiency. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a challenge and want to show off their underwater skills.
Floatie Race is a light-hearted, fun game where players race across the pool while sitting or lying on inflatable floats. The challenge is to paddle or push yourself to the finish line without falling off your float.
The race can be played individually or in teams, and the float type can add varying difficulty levels. This game is perfect for all ages and abilities, offering a relaxing yet competitive way to enjoy pool time while having a few laughs.
Bumper Floaties is an amusing game where players sit on inflatable floats and try to bump each other off. The aim is to knock opponents off their floats while staying balanced on your own. The game can be played in rounds, with the last person remaining on their float being the winner.
Bumper Floaties combine balance, strength, and a lot of laughter, making them a favourite for group gatherings. They’re a playful and competitive way to enjoy pool time.
Tug-of-War in the pool is just as exciting as the traditional version but with an added aquatic twist. Players divide into two teams and grab hold of a rope, with each team pulling in opposite directions.
The water resistance intensifies the challenge, making it more about teamwork and strategy than pure strength. The team that pulls the other across the middle wins. This game is great for larger groups, encouraging cooperation while creating a competitive and fun atmosphere.
Bobbing for Balls is a fast-paced and entertaining game. Small, floating balls are scattered across the pool. Players must retrieve as many as possible using only their mouths, keeping their hands behind their backs.
You can increase the difficulty by adding time limits or different coloured balls that offer more points. The person who collects the most balls wins. It’s a simple game that adds a bit of silliness and excitement to any pool party while encouraging quick reflexes.
Water Freeze Tag is an aquatic twist on the classic freeze tag game. One player is “it” and must tag others swimming around the pool. Once tagged, players must freeze until another player swims through their legs to “unfreeze” them.
The game continues until everyone is frozen or the designated time is up. This version adds the challenge of water, making it harder to catch players and offering a fun, active way to keep everyone moving in the pool.
A Scavenger Hunt in the pool involves hiding various items around the pool area or at the bottom, with players racing to collect them. You can provide a list of objects for players to find or have them hunt for weighted items hidden underwater.
The player or team that collects the most items or finds all the listed objects first wins. This game encourages exploration, quick thinking, and swimming skills. It’s perfect for adding an adventurous element to any pool gathering.
The Biggest Splash Contest is a fun and simple game where participants take turns jumping into the pool, trying to create the biggest splash possible. Players can jump from the pool edge or a diving board, and the goal is to create the highest or widest splash.
This game is ideal for casual competition and works well in groups. Judges or spectators can score based on the size of the splash or the creativity of the jump. It’s perfect for adding a playful challenge to any pool day.
Invisible Bottle Hunt is a challenging and creative game where a clear plastic bottle is filled with water and tossed into the pool. Because the bottle is clear, it becomes difficult to spot once it sinks.
Players race to find the bottle first, using observation and diving skills. This game can be more challenging by timing the hunt or adding multiple bottles. It’s a fantastic way to test players’ swimming and visual sharpness while offering a unique and exciting pool challenge.
Water Musical Chairs takes the traditional game and gives it a poolside twist. Players sit on inflatable floats arranged in a circle. When the music starts, players paddle around the pool. When the music stops, everyone scrambles to find a float.
Remove one float each round until one player is left floating. This game is full of excitement and laughter, perfect for large groups. It encourages coordination and quick reflexes, while the water element adds a fun twist to the usual game.
Noodle Races are a fun and lighthearted way to incorporate pool noodles into a racing game. Players sit or straddle pool noodles and paddle with their hands and feet to race across the pool. The first person to reach the finish line wins.
You can add twists by having players race backwards or incorporate obstacles. This game is great for all ages and skill levels, focusing more on balance and paddling than speed. It’s an excellent way to get everyone involved and have fun.
In Target Practice, players aim to throw pool balls or small floating objects at designated targets placed around the pool. You can use floating hoops, nets, or specific spots on the pool edge as targets. Each successful hit scores points, and the player with the highest score wins.
The game tests accuracy and hand-eye coordination, making it competitive yet relaxed. It’s easy to set up and can be played individually or in teams, offering a great mix of focus and fun.
Water Yoga adapts traditional yoga practices for the pool, offering a calm yet challenging game. Players balance on pool floats or practice poses while standing or floating in the water. The water provides gentle resistance and helps improve balance and flexibility.
It’s a relaxing, low-impact game perfect for those who want to focus on mindfulness and physical well-being while enjoying the pool. This game is great for winding down after more energetic activities and helps improve core strength and relaxation.
In this game, players navigate an obstacle course in and around the pool. You can use pool noodles, floats, and rings to create different challenges, such as swimming under or over objects, diving through hoops, or balancing on floats.
The goal is to complete the course as quickly as possible, with time penalties for any mistakes. Obstacle courses are easily customisable based on space and player skill levels, making it an exciting and versatile game that encourages creativity and physical endurance.
Floating Card Games combine relaxation with a bit of strategy. Using waterproof playing cards, participants can float on pool loungers and enjoy games like Poker, Go Fish, or Uno while in the water. This game is perfect for those looking to take a break from more physical activities while staying engaged.
The challenge comes from balancing the cards and playing while floating, which adds a fun and unique twist. It’s a great way to socialise and unwind while staying in the pool.
Balloon Toss is a lighthearted game where players toss water balloons back and forth across the pool. The goal is to catch and throw the balloon without it popping. Each successful toss increases the distance between players, adding to the difficulty.
The game continues until the balloon bursts, and the last team standing wins. It’s a fun and simple game that encourages teamwork and laughter, and it’s ideal for pool parties where players of all ages can join in on the fun.
Pool Limbo brings the classic party game into the water. Players take turns leaning back and attempting to pass under a floating pool noodle or bar without touching it. After each round, the bar is lowered, and the game continues until one person remains who can successfully limbo the lowest.
Pool Limbo adds a fun and challenging twist to regular limbo by using the water to test players’ flexibility and balance. It’s perfect for both casual play and friendly competition in the pool.
Incorporating swimming pool games for adults into your pool time is a fantastic way to make every gathering more enjoyable and engaging.
These games offer endless fun and help improve fitness, coordination, and teamwork. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a day by the water, they guarantee an unforgettable experience.
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Games like Water Polo and Relay Races improve stamina, strength, and coordination by engaging multiple muscle groups while keeping you active in the water.
Yes, games like Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, and Water Tag require no equipment and are perfect for spontaneous fun.
Competitive games include Water Polo, Dodgeball, and Submarine Races, which encourage friendly competition while testing skills and endurance.
You can increase the difficulty by adding time limits, using different strokes, or incorporating obstacles to further challenge players’ abilities.
