Swimming pool games aren’t just for kids; they can be an absolute blast for adults, too! As the sun beats down and the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like taking a dip in a refreshing pool to beat the heat.
But why stop at a leisurely swim when you can add excitement and friendly competition? Whether you’re lounging by the poolside with friends or looking to stay active while cooling off, there’s a wide array of entertaining swimming pool games for adults.
From classic favourites to innovative challenges, these games provide an opportunity to socialise, exercise, and, most importantly, have an incredible time in the water.
In this guide, we’ll dive into a selection of pool games designed specifically for adults, exploring the rules, the fun factor, and why they’re the perfect addition to your poolside gatherings. So, grab your swimwear and sunscreen, and get ready to try these fun activities at your next pool party!
1. Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a classic favourite swimming pool game of stealth and evasion. It’s fun because it adds an element of suspense as players try to avoid detection in the water while communicating with their voices.
How To Play Marco Polo
One player closes their eyes (Marco) and tries to tag the other players while saying “Marco.” The other players respond with “Polo” and move around to avoid getting tagged.
Marco relies on hearing and locating the other players by their responses. The player who gets tagged during the game will be the next Marco.
2. Water Volleyball
If you want a pool game that’s a little more challenging, play water volleyball. It combines the excitement of traditional volleyball with the challenge of staying afloat in the water. It encourages teamwork, strategy, and physical activity while keeping you cool.
How To Play Water Volleyball
Set up a net across the pool and play volleyball in the water. Teams of players aim to score points by getting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s side of the pool using only their hands.
3. Pool Basketball
Another great adult pool activity that’s dynamic and high-energy is pool basketball. Practise your shooting and blocking skills while enjoying the buoyancy of the water. It’s a great way to engage in friendly competition.
How To Play Pool Basketball
Install a basketball hoop over the pool and use a waterproof basketball to shoot hoops. Players can compete one-on-one or form teams to score points by making baskets.
4. Pool Noodle Jousting
Looking for a fun way to test your balance and coordination? Try pool noodle jousting! It’s whimsical, hilarious, and perfect for laughing and bonding with friends.
How To Play Pool Noodle Jousting
Players sit on inflatable rafts or floats and wield pool noodles as lances. The goal is to knock your opponent off their float while staying on yours.
5. Underwater Treasure Hunt
Immerse yourself in a thrilling and refreshing game of swimming and exploration as you search for hidden treasures beneath the water’s surface. Perfect for individual and group activities, the underwater treasure hunt is an adventure full of excitement, competition, and endless possibilities!
How To Play Underwater Treasure Hunt
For this game, you may need to wear swimming goggles since you will be swimming underwater. You may toss various small objects or weighted items into the pool, such as coins and toys. Players take turns diving underwater to retrieve them. The player or team with the most treasures wins.
6. Water Polo
Water polo is a more structured and competitive water sport, making it a great choice for those looking for a challenging and engaging aquatic game that can improve swimming skills and teamwork.
How To Play Water Polo
Water polo is a team sport where players pass and shoot a ball into the opposing team’s goal while treading water. It involves strategy, teamwork, and scoring goals to win.
7. Floating Card Games
Great for swimmers of all skill levels, floating card games offer a relaxing way to enjoy your favourite games in a unique aquatic setting. What could be better than socialising and cooling off at the same time? It’s the perfect combination for a fun and refreshing experience.
Floating Card Games Recommendations
These days, it’s easy to find waterproof card games that you can bring and play in the pool. Some of the most popular ones are UNO Splash, Poker, and Spot It Splash.
8. Poolside Cornhole
Poolside cornhole is a relaxed and social game that combines the joy of competition with a leisurely poolside atmosphere. It’s perfect for mingling with friends and enjoying some friendly rivalry.
How To Play Poolside Cornhole
Set up a cornhole board at the pool’s edge and take turns tossing bean bags towards the board. Players earn points by landing bags on or inside the target hole.
9. Poolside Trivia Game
It’s an intellectually stimulating game that allows you to challenge your knowledge while enjoying the water. It’s great for learning new facts and having meaningful conversations.
How To Play Poolside Trivia Game
Prepare a list of trivia questions or quiz questions related to various topics. Participants take turns asking and answering questions while floating in the pool.
10. Water Balloon Toss
Beat the heat and unleash some playful chaos with a water balloon toss! It’s a simple game that guarantees laughter and surprise soaks, perfect for adults who want to cool down and have some lighthearted fun.
How To Play Water Balloon Toss
Fill water balloons (tie them well!) and divide them into pairs (or stand in a circle). Toss the balloons back and forth, trying to catch them without breaking them. Increase the distance gradually with each successful catch, or widen the circle if playing with multiple pairs. The team whose balloon pops first is out!
11. Drunken Dive
Test your diving skills and underwater breath control with a twist! It’s a hilarious and refreshing challenge that injects some friendly competition into your pool time. Play responsibly and only with capable swimmers.
How To Play Drunken Dive
Fill a small cup (weighted to sink) with water. Players take turns diving down and retrieving the cup from the pool floor without using their arms. The player who can stay underwater the longest and retrieve the cup wins. Be sure to play responsibly and only with adults who are comfortable swimming underwater.
12. Shark Attack
Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling game of Shark Attack! It’s a fast-paced and strategic game that combines teamwork and evasion tactics, perfect for larger groups of adults who want some active fun.
How To Play Shark Attack
Divide players into two teams: sharks and swimmers. Sharks start on one side of the pool, swimmers on the other. Sharks try to tag swimmers, who can only be saved by reaching a designated safe zone on their side.
The last swimmer remaining wins for their team. Add a twist by having swimmers earn points by collecting objects scattered around the pool floor before being tagged.
13. Flip Cup Relay
This fast-paced relay race is perfect for bringing out your competitive spirit and testing your hand-eye coordination. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with a refreshing twist on a classic party game.
How To Play Flip Cup Relay
Divide players into teams and line them up on opposite sides of the pool. Each team member has a plastic cup filled with water.
The first player races across the pool, flips their cup over without spilling the water, races back, and tags the next teammate. The first team to finish with all cups flipped and minimal spills wins!
14. Water Balloon Dodgeball
Dodgeball gets a refreshing upgrade with water balloons! It’s a classic game with a splash, perfect for larger groups who want some active fun with a surprising soak.
How To Play Water Balloon Dodgeball
Similar to regular dodgeball, divide players into two teams. Instead of dodgeballs, use water balloons filled with water.
The objective is to eliminate players from the opposing team by hitting them with a water balloon. Players can dodge, catch, and throw balloons to stay in the game. The last team remaining wins! Be sure to have a large enough pool area for safe running and dodging.
15. Never Have I Ever – Pool Edition
This classic party game gets a poolside makeover! It’s a fun and revealing way to learn more about your friends while enjoying some laughs. Perfect for unwinding and fostering conversation.
How To Play Never Have I Ever
Gather around in a circle, in or out of the pool. Players take turns saying things they’ve never done before, adding a pool-related twist to the classic “Never Have I Ever” statements. For example, “Never have I ever cannonballed into the pool without checking how deep it was first.”
Anyone who has done the action must take a sip of their drink or get dunked in the pool (depending on the predetermined consequence).
16. Glow Stick Games
Take your pool party fun into the night with glow stick games! It adds a magical atmosphere and opens up unique gameplay possibilities, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
Glow Stick Game Ideas
- Glowstick Capture the Flag: Divide players into teams and hide a designated glowstick on the other side of the pool area. Players use their own glowsticks to navigate and capture the opposing team’s glowstick.
- Glowstick Bowling: Set up empty water bottles or weighted cups as pins at one end of the pool. Players use glowsticks as bowling balls and try to knock down the most pins.
- Glowstick Tag: Similar to regular tag, but in the dark! Players use glowsticks to identify themselves and chase each other around the pool.
17. Floating Beer Pong
A classic party game gets a poolside adaptation! It’s a fun and social game that adds a refreshing twist to a familiar favourite.
How To Play Beer Pong
Set up two rafts or pool floats on opposite sides of the pool, with a distance between them similar to a regular beer pong game.
Fill cups (plastic is recommended for safety around the pool) halfway with water or your beverage of choice (play responsibly and only if of legal drinking age) and arrange them in a pyramid formation on each raft.
Players take turns throwing ping pong balls across the pool, aiming to land them in the opponent’s cups. The first team to sink all their opponent’s cups wins!
18. Pool Noodle Maze
This is a fun and challenging activity that tests your navigation skills and adds a playful obstacle to your pool time. It’s perfect for larger groups who want a pool game that requires a little more strategy.
How To Play Noodle Maze
Use noodles to create a pool obstacle course. Secure them together with string or rubber bands to create a floating maze in the pool.
The noodles can form tunnels, walls, and winding paths. Players have to navigate the maze by swimming around or through the noodle pathways, trying to reach the other side in the fastest time.
Conclusion About The Best Swimming Pool Games for Adults
Make the most of sunny days and cooling waters with the best swimming pool games for adults! Whether you’re looking to challenge your friends, engage in some physical activity, or simply relax by the poolside with loved ones, there’s a game for every occasion.
Interested in diving deeper into the wonderful world of swimming? We have the right class for you. Make a splash by enrolling in JustSwim’s swimming lessons in Singapore!
Our professional instructors are committed to helping you develop your swimming skills, build confidence in the water, and create a lifelong love for swimming. Book a trial adults’ swimming lessons or kids’ swimming lesson in Singapore today.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Swimming Pool Games for Adults
Can I Play Swimming Pool Games If I’m Not A Strong Swimmer?
Yes, many swimming pool games suit individuals of varying swimming abilities. It’s essential to choose games that match your comfort level in the water, and you can gradually build your confidence and skills over time.
What Are Some Safety Precautions To Take When Playing Pool Games?
Safety is paramount when playing pool games. For safety precautions, always have a designated supervisor if necessary, be mindful of pool depth, and ensure the pool area is clear of obstacles. Additionally, consider using appropriate floatation devices or safety equipment, depending on the game.
What If I’m Interested In Improving My Swimming Skills As An Adult?
Learning to swim as an adult is not impossible. If you want to improve your swimming skills, consider enrolling in adult swimming classes. Many swimming facilities and schools offer lessons tailored to adults’ needs and skill levels, helping you become a more confident and competent swimmer.
What Are Suitable Pool Games For A Large Group Of Adults At A Party?
Games like water volleyball, pool basketball, and relay races are excellent choices for large groups of adults at pool parties. These games promote teamwork, competition, and a lively atmosphere.
