10 Exciting Pool Party Games you Must-Try this Summer

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Summer’s here!!

With it comes scorching heat, dehydration, sunburns, sweat and everything that we can possibly hate.

But on the brighter side, with summers we have pool parties and mangoes.

Whether you’re a high schooler or a college fresher or a senior, pull up your sleeves.

Get your swimwear ready, and put on your hats, sunglasses and sunblocks.

We have for you a collection of 10 pool party games that will surely crack up your excitement and fun.

1. Marco Polo

A timeless pool favorite that combines hide-and-seek and tag in the water.

Requirements:

  • Swimming pool

  • At least 3 players

How to play?

One player is “Marco” and closes their eyes, calling out “Marco!” The others respond “Polo!” while swimming away. Marco tries to tag them using only sound and instinct. The first person tagged becomes the next Marco, and the game continues.

2. Pool Noodle Jousting

A hilarious, friendly competition where players battle while balancing on floaties.

Requirements:

  • Pool noodles

  • Large pool floats

How to play?

Two players sit on separate floats and try to knock each other off using pool noodles. The rest of the group can cheer or judge the joust. Whoever stays on the float the longest without falling into the water wins the round.

3. Treasure Dive

A thrilling underwater scavenger hunt that challenges swimmers’ speed and observation.

Requirements:

  • Sinkable toys or coins

  • Goggles (optional)

How to play?

Toss pool-safe sinking objects into the water. Players dive to retrieve as many treasures as they can before time runs out. The player or team with the most collected treasures wins the game.

4. Sharks and Minnows

A fast-paced chase game that’s all about speed and strategy.

Requirements:

  • Pool space (shallow and deep ends)

  • Minimum 5 players

How to play?

One person is the “shark” and starts in the middle. The “minnows” line up on one side and try to swim to the other without getting tagged. Those tagged become sharks too, and the last remaining minnow wins.

5. Pool Volleyball

A competitive and splashy game that gets everyone cheering and diving.

Requirements:

  • Beach ball or water volleyball

  • Floating net or rope

How to play?

Set up a net or rope across the pool. Split into two teams and hit the ball back and forth, aiming to land it on the other side. Teams can rotate after each serve, and points are scored when the ball hits the water on the opposing side.

6. Floatie Race

A wacky race where balance and speed both matter.

Requirements:

  • Inflatable floats (one per player)

  • Open swimming lane

How to play?

Each player gets on a float at the starting line. On “go,” they must race across the pool while staying on their float. The first person to reach the other end without falling off is the champion.

7. Pool Ping Pong Scramble

An energetic game of grab-and-go using floating ping pong balls.

Requirements:

  • Dozens of ping pong balls

  • Plastic cups or buckets

How to play?

Scatter the balls across the pool. Players race to collect as many balls as they can and place them in their buckets. Add bonus points to colored balls or write numbers on them to increase the fun.

8. Belly Flop Contest

A splashy show-off game where the biggest (and funniest) splash wins.

Requirements:

  • Diving board or pool edge

  • Judges or scorekeepers

How to play?

Contestants take turns doing belly flops into the pool. Judges rate each one based on splash size, form, and creativity. The flopper with the highest score is crowned the belly flop champion.

9. Musical Pool Floats

A pool twist on musical chairs that keeps everyone splashing and scrambling.

Requirements:

  • 1 float less than the number of players

  • Music player

How to play?

Place floats in the water and have players swim around them while music plays. When the music stops, everyone scrambles for a float. The one left without one is out, and a float is removed each round. The last player remaining wins.

10. Whirlpool Spin

A cooperative and dizzyingly fun game that creates a mini whirlpool.

Requirements:

  • Circular pool (ideally above-ground)

  • Minimum 5 players

How to play?

Everyone lines up and walks or swims in the same direction around the edge of the pool. After a minute or two, they stop moving and float—the whirlpool continues on its own! It’s fun to drift and get carried by the current together.

See Also:

What are you waiting for?

Pick your theme, plan your dress code and choose your games.

 

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