10 Swimming Pool Games to Make a Splash This Summer

Looking for some fun and exciting swimming pool games to play this summer? Check out this list of 10 awesome games suitable for all ages and skill levels. From Marco Polo to Cardboard Boat Race, you’ll find something for everyone in this post.

Are you looking for fun and exciting pool games with your family and friends? Whether you have a backyard pool, a community pool, or a vacation rental with a pool, you can spice up your pool time with these 10 awesome games that are suitable for all ages and skill levels.

From classic games like Marco Polo and Noodle Jousting to creative games like Invisi-bottle and Mother Duck, you’ll find something for everyone on this list.

So grab your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen, and prepare to splash this summer, for more reading if you enjoy with heat and know how to heat a swimming pool.

 A group of four children having fun with various pool toys in a blue swimming pool.

Dive into Fun 10 Swimming Pool Games

1. Marco Polo

Marco Polo is one of the most popular and well-known swimming pool games, and for good reason. It’s simple, fun, and challenging and can be played with many players. 

To play, choose one person to be “it”. That person closes their eyes and counts to ten while the other players scatter around the pool. Then, the person who is “it” calls out, “Marco!” and the other players reply, “Polo!” The person who is “it” has to try to tag the other players by observing the sound of their voices while keeping their eyes closed. 

The first person who is tagged becomes the new “it”. You can also add some variations to the game, such as allowing the person who is “it” to say “fish out of water” if they suspect someone is out of the pool or allowing the other players to say “Marco” instead of “Polo” to confuse the person who is “it”.

2. Noodle Jousting

Noodle Jousting is a fun and competitive game requiring some equipment, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll need at least two rafts or kickboards and two pool noodles. To play, simply sit or kneel on your raft and use your pool noodle to joust with the other player until one of you falls off.

You can divide into teams, keep score, or have fun hitting each other with the noodles. To make it more challenging, try standing on the raft and testing your balance. Remember to establish rules before you start, such as no headshots or pushing.

3. Invisi-bottle

Invisi-bottle is a clever game that is harder than it sounds. You’ll only need a clear plastic bottle with a white cap. Fill the bottle with water and reattach the cap before you begin. Then, get all the players lined up poolside, facing away from the pool, and throw the bottle in. The players have to jump in and try to find the bottle. 

The catch is that the clear plastic bottle becomes almost invisible underwater, so you’ll have to look carefully. Whoever locates the bottle and gets it to the surface is the winner!

4. Mother Duck

Mother Duck is a game that involves herding ping pong balls with waves and splashes. To play, throw ping pong balls into the water and wait for them to settle. Then, divide the players into teams and assign each team a designated pool area. 

The players must try to move the balls to their area by making waves and splashing without touching them. Once a ball has touched the designated wall, it can be picked up and put on the side. The team that collects the most balls winner will be declared at the end of the game will be declared the winner! Let me know if you need any further assistance.

5. Change Champion/Treasure Hunter

Change Champion/Treasure Hunter is a game that requires a supervising adult out of the water and a group of strong swimmers. To play, simply throw a bunch of change (or other ‘treasure’) into the pool while all the swimmers wait out of the water. 

At the start of the game, the person in charge shouts, “Go!” and all the participants dive down to collect as much as they can, either in dollar value or quantity of coins. The winner is the one who collects the most. This game is ideally played in a private pool for safety reasons, but it can be played with any number of participants.

6. Atomic Whirlpool

Atomic Whirlpool is a game that creates a strong current in the pool. To play, tell the players to get in the pool and line up in a single-file line along the pool’s edge. First, inform the players to walk around the edge of the pool. 

After walking for approximately 30 seconds, instruct the players to jog around the pool’s perimeter. After about 30 seconds of jogging, ask them to start running. By this time, there should be a significant current pulling them along. Then, tell the players to stop and walk in the opposite direction.

It will be challenging to move against the current. The more players, the stronger the whirlpool. This is a great game for parties!

7. F-I-S-H

F-I-S-H is a game similar to H-O-R-S-E in basketball but with diving or jumping into the pool. To play, choose one person to be the leader. That person performs a dive or a jump into the pool, and the other players must copy it exactly. 

Players who fail to copy the leader get a letter starting with F. The game continues until one player spells out F-I-S-H, and they are out. The last player left in the game is the winner!

8. Cannon Ball Competition

Cannon Ball Competition is a game that tests who can create the greatest splash in the pool. To play, each player takes a turn to perform a cannonball dive into the pool while the other players watch and judge.

The diver who makes the biggest splash gets the most points, and the one with the most points after everyone has a turn is the winner! You can also add variations to the game, such as different types of dives or different criteria for judging, such as style, height, or sound.

9. Cardboard Boat Race

Cardboard Boat Race is a game that requires some creativity and teamwork. To play, divide the players into teams and give them one hour to use cardboard boxes, scissors, packing tape, colored paper, markers, and stickers to build their best, most seaworthy cardboard boat.

Encourage the teams to get creative and ensure each boat gets a name. Have the teams put their boats in the pool when the time is up? The boat that stays the longest wins afloat! If you’re playing this game with younger kids, make sure an adult is around to help cut the cardboard.

10. Basketball and Volleyball

Basketball and Volleyball are classic sports that are even more fun when played in the pool. You’ll need a volleyball, basketball, net, or hoop. You can divide into teams, keep score, or have fun hitting the ball and shooting hoops. 

A family playing Swimming Pool Games

These games offer hours of active fun. Contact your local pool supply store for pool volleyball nets and basketball hoops.

I hope you enjoyed this list of 10 swimming pool games to make a splash this summer. These games will keep you and your kids entertained and active in the water. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

This blog post was written by Ahmaddsk, who works for Hot Tub Patio, a company specializing in hot tubs, spas, and patio furniture. Check out our website if you’re looking for the best deals on hot tubs and accessories.

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