12 Best Swimming Pool Games for Adults to Spice Up Your Next Pool Party

By John Devlin

Are you planning a pool party and need ideas to keep everyone entertained? From lively competitions to relaxing poolside games, here are 12 swimming pool games for adults that will bring fun and excitement to your gathering. If you dream of the ultimate holiday escape with a pool, check out a range of charming pool-equipped holiday properties across the UK.

Top Adult Pool Games: Key Takeaways

Classic games like Marco Polo and Water Volleyball add excitement and laughter to any pool party.
Unique activities such as Pool Noodle Jousting and Underwater Treasure Hunts promote friendly competition and teamwork.
Relaxed options like Floating Card Games and Poolside Trivia are perfect for chilling out while still having fun.

01 — Classic Marco Polo

No pool party is complete without a round of the classic game Marco Polo. This timeless game combines simplicity with excitement and is easy to play:

The Basics
- One player is designated as “it” and closes their eyes.
- “It” calls out “Marco,” prompting the other players to respond with “Polo.”
- The goal for “it” is to tag another player by following their voices.
Adding a Twist
- Players can use pool noodles to create additional challenges.
- If “it” suspects someone is out of the pool, they can shout “Fish out of the water!” to catch any players breaking the rules.
Great for Large Groups
- Ideal for large gatherings, Marco Polo is a fantastic way to create laughter and excitement as players try to evade being tagged.
- Forming a large circle around the pool ensures everyone’s involvement, making it the perfect kick-off for your pool party.

02 — Water Volleyball Fun

Water volleyball combines the thrill of volleyball with the refreshing setting of a pool. Here’s how to set up and enjoy this game:

1. Setting Up the Court

Court Size: Approximately 10 meters by 6 meters.
Net Height: It can be adjusted between 2.5 and 3 feet for comfortable play. This setup is accessible for players of all abilities, from seasoned pros to families.

2. Game Rules

Scoring System: Rally scoring, where points are awarded on every play, regardless of which team served.
Winning a Set: Teams play up to 25 points, with a two-point lead required to win.
Team Size: Typically two teams of 4 to 6 players, allowing co-ed participation and flexible team formations.

3. Game Play Tips

Communication: Effective teamwork and clear communication are key to success.
Skill Building: Great for improving swimming and coordination as players dive and swim to keep the ball in play.

Gather your friends, set up the net, and let the friendly competition begin! Water volleyball is sure to be a highlight and add hours of entertainment to your pool party.

03 — Pool Noodle Jousting

Add a bit of medieval fun with pool noodle jousting. This exciting game involves two players, each armed with a pool noodle and balanced on a raft. The objective? Knock your opponent into the water using your noodle. It’s a hilarious and thrilling game that guarantees lots of splashes and laughter.

Make jousting more challenging by standing on the kickboard instead of sitting. Introduce variations like using only one hand to hold the noodle or balancing on one leg. For larger groups, organize a tournament to see who will be the last knight standing.

Two pool noodles and two rafts are all you need to get started. Pool noodle jousting offers a fantastic way to engage everyone in friendly competition and adds a unique twist to your pool party.

04 — Competitive Water Polo

For something more intense, try competitive water polo. Two teams of seven players each compete to score goals by throwing a ball into the opposing team’s net. Players primarily move through the water by swimming and treading, using techniques like the eggbeater kick. Additionally, swimming games can enhance your skills in the water.

Water polo is played in an all-deep pool, preventing players from touching the bottom and increasing the challenge. A designated referee is recommended to oversee the matches and ensure fair play. Its physical demands make water polo one of the most challenging and rewarding swimming pool games.

Using equipment such as a water polo ball, goals, and protective caps, water polo promotes teamwork and strategic thinking. Ideal for larger groups, it also helps improve swimming skills while providing fun.

05 — Floating Card Games

Floating card games are perfect for a more laid-back activity. These games allow you to relax and enjoy your favourite card games while cooling off in the pool. Popular waterproof card games include UNO Splash, Poker, and Spot It Splash.

They foster social interaction and are enjoyable for swimmers of all abilities. Some waterproof card sets ensure your games stay intact. This simple game merges relaxation with fun, making it a great addition to any pool party. The best swimming pool games enhance the overall experience.

06 — Poolside Cornhole Challenge

Cornhole is a classic game easily adaptable to a poolside setting. To play, you’ll need two durable boards and eight bean bags. Set up the boards facing each other with a distance of about 27 feet between them.

Players score points by tossing the bags onto the board or through the hole: bags on the board earn one point, and those in the hole earn three points. The cancellation scoring system ensures only one team scores per round, keeping the game competitive.

Poolside cornhole adds friendly competition to your next pool party on the pool deck.

07— Water Balloon Toss

The water balloon toss brings excitement and chaos to any pool party. Players start by standing a short distance apart, tossing a water balloon back and forth. The objective is to catch the balloon. The key is to catch the balloon without breaking it.

After each successful toss, teams increase their distance, making the game progressively harder. The last team with an unbroken balloon wins. It engages everyone and tests who can handle the pressure of not making the biggest splash.

08 — Underwater Treasure Hunt

An underwater treasure hunt is perfect for those who love a bit of adventure. Gather various objects like hoops and rubber ducks, marking them with point values for retrieval. Divide players into small teams and assign designated areas at the pool’s edge to store their treasures.

Set a timer for five minutes to create urgency and excitement. The winning team is determined by counting the total points of the items retrieved. This game promotes teamwork and enhances hand-eye coordination.

Add a twist by scattering glow sticks in the pool and letting participants dive for them. This thrilling game keeps everyone engaged and entertained.

09 — Glow Stick Night Games

Glow stick games transform your nighttime pool party into an enchanting experience. The vibrant colours of glow sticks enhance the visual appeal and create a magical atmosphere.

Host a neon dance party with glow sticks to elevate the energy and excitement. These unique and memorable games contribute to the overall fun of your evening gatherings.

10 — Flip Cup Relay Race

The Flip Cup Relay Race adds excitement to your pool party. Teams race across the pool while flipping cups filled with water. The goal is to complete the relay by successfully flipping the cups before the next teammate can go.

Set up the relay by filling several cups with water and lining them up at the edge of the pool for each team. Using glow sticks as batons adds a fun twist to evening gatherings. This relay race encourages friendly competition and guarantees a lot of fun.

11 — Poolside Trivia

Poolside trivia offers a relaxed yet engaging activity for everyone. Use waterproof card sets for trivia games in the pool. It fosters conversations and camaraderie among participants.

Post-game discussions can revolve around trivia questions and shared knowledge experiences. Poolside trivia is perfect for hot days when you want to stay cool while having fun.

12 — Shark Attack Game

The Shark Attack game is a thrilling way to get everyone moving. Divide the players into two teams. One team will be sharks, and the other will be minnows. Minnows must evade being tagged by sharks within the precise boundaries of the pool. Players who are tagged join the shark team, increasing the game’s intensity.

This fun game promotes teamwork as minnows strategize to avoid being caught. Ideal for larger groups, it brings a lot of excitement to your pool party.

Last Word

These 12 swimming pool games provide a variety of options to suit any group or mood. From classic games to thrilling competitions, your next pool party is sure to be a hit. So dive in, have fun, and make unforgettable memories with these exciting swimming pool games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do I need for water volleyball?

You’ll need a water volleyball, a net, and a court about ten by 6 meters. With these, you’re all set to make a splash!

How do you play Marco Polo in the pool?

To play Marco Polo in the pool, the person who’s “it” keeps their eyes closed and shouts “Marco,” while everyone else replies with “Polo.” The aim is to find and tag someone by listening to their voices.

Can I play card games in the pool?

You can play card games in the pool with waterproof card sets like UNO Splash or Poker. Just grab your waterproof deck and have fun!

What are the rules for pool noodle jousting?

Pool noodle jousting is all about balancing on a raft while trying to knock your opponent into the water using a pool noodle. You can spice it up by challenging yourself with one-handed jousting or balancing on one leg!

What is the objective of the underwater treasure hunt?

The goal of the underwater treasure hunt is for teams to dive and collect valuable items, with points assigned to each object, and the team that gathers the most points wins. It’s all about diving, competing, and having a blast!

John Devlin

I’m John, and with my wife, Liane, we’re here to help you find the ideal spot for a relaxing escape. From family-friendly stays to romantic retreats, we’ve done the research so you can unwind.