Summertime is swimming pool time, and there’s nothing more fun than playing a swimming pool game. Fortunately, in the US alone, there are more than 10.4 million residential pools and around 300,000 public swimming pools. Therefore, looking for a pool to enjoy fun pool activities is not an issue. The problem lies in deciding which pool game to play.
Once you have your pool, even if it’s just an above ground pool, it’s about time to plan which game you want to play. Here is our list of 10 fun pool game ideas which you and your friends and family will definitely enjoy:
1. Water Frisbee
Water frisbee is one of the most exciting and fast-paced games you can play in your swimming pool. In this game, you will need a Frisbee and a pair of laundry baskets. To play the game, you need two teams – one team will defend as the other tries to score. A person from the offense team will throw the Frisbee to one of his fellow teammates then join his team afterward. The Frisbee should not rest on your hands but only on your fingertips. Also, you’re only allowed to walk and pass it but not to swim with it. The goal is to score to your team’s basket before you switch turns with the opposing team.
2. Pool Basketball
Likewise known as water basketball, the game combines the rules of basketball and water polo. Two teams with five players each should shoot the ball at the goal within a certain period of time after possessing the ball.
To enjoy the game to the fullest, it’s ideal to use two hoops. Jump shots have a value of 2 points while a dunk is worth 1 point. There are no 3 point shots. Upon gaining possession of the ball, you are not allowed to move, although you can use a pivot foot instead.
3. Water Polo
Water polo is one of the most popular pool games and played as the official water ball sport in the Olympics. It’s a combination of basketball, hockey, and soccer rules with swimming involved. The game consists of two teams with seven players each. Each game has up to four quarters that last for seven minutes long. The objective is to pass the ball between the front of the goal post. Once a goal is scored, players are required to go back to their respective halves of the pool, after which the game resumes. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to use one hand to touch and pass the ball.
4. Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a well-known classic pool game and is considered as the king of all classic pool games. To play the game, you will need at least two people. One person is chosen to play “Marco”, and his task will be to catch the rest of the players. In this game, Marco will have to keep his eyes blindfolded.
The game starts by Marco shouting “Marco” to locate the other players, to which the rest should shout “Polo” in reply. By locating the other players using the direction of the voices, the blind Marco will try to tag one of them, while the others try to stay away as possible to avoid getting caught. The first person to get caught will become the new Marco.
5. Treasure Hunt
Treasure Hunt is a really simple yet enjoyable game, particularly if you have young kids participating. To play the game, you will need “treasures” which could be safe objects or pool toys that can sink. Have the players close their eyes and make them count to ten while you hide a few “treasures” below the pool. After counting to ten, have them dive and look for the treasures. The one to get the highest amount of treasures wins. You can have them wear swimming goggles to make the hunt much easier.
6. Invisi Bottle
This is similar to Treasure Hunt, except that you’re using a clear bottle filled with water. In this game, you will need two teams and have them lined up on opposite ends of the pool. Once you toss the bottle into the water, both teams will have to dive and search for it. The first team to find the bottle wins.
7. Capture the Change
This is an easy yet fun game that is popular with kids. The game involves throwing a few coins into the pool and have your participants dive and search as many coins as possible.
8. Chicken Fight
Yet another popular classic pool game, chicken fight involves hoisting your partner on your shoulders. The objective is to knock down the opposing team. This is really popular, especially among kids.
9. Water Volleyball
Water volleyball, or commonly known as pool volleyball, is a really exciting game that anyone can enjoy. The game can be played with as many players as possible as long as they can fit inside the pool. It includes the use of a volleyball or a huge colorful ball if children are involved and sturdy volleyball nets that come with good poles.
10. Handstand Contest
The handstand contest is a really easy game to play in the pool. Since you can maintain balance as you execute a handstand underwater, it all boils down to who can hold his breath the longest.
Conclusion
No matter how fun pool games are, you have to observe proper safety measures at all times. If you’re not a good swimmer, it is advised to wear a life vest. You should also consider wearing a proper swimsuit or trunk whenever you participate in a swimming pool game.
With these pool game ideas to choose from, you can definitely have an enjoyable and memorable experience with your friends or family.
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