With summer just around the corner, it's time to bring back some outdoor fun with pool games! Whether you have a small inflatable ground pool or a large in-ground pool with a kiddie pool, pool games are made to be enjoyed in any pool and with swimmers and non-swimmers alike. With the different types of pool games out there, finding one to fit your specific needs can get taxing.
We've scoured Amazon for the best pool games available today that will bring joy to all types of players! Water Sports' Swim Through Rings quickly took first place for its unique design and gameplay suitable for kids and adults. Take a look at the other games that made it to our list. We've also included a handy buying guide and some helpful tips to assist you on your purchase further.
Quick List - Top Swimming Pool Games
Water Sports
Test Your Diving Skills With These Collapsible Rings
SwimWays
A "Finding Dory" Themed Dive-and-Catch Game for Kids
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When buying a swimming pool game, think about the age range of the players and how many people can play at a time. Let's look at those and other important factors before you choose a game for your pool parties.
Before deciding on what pool game you want to get, think about the players’ ages. Luckily, there are many types of pool games that cater to older kids and adults in deeper water and non-swimmers in kiddie pools.
If most of the players joining in on the game don’t know how to swim or are young children, consider pool games and toys such as water guns, boats, and basketball hoops with the base on the ground.
Be careful with pools that have both a shallow and a deep end when playing these games. Remind kids to ask for assistance if some of the toys end up in the deeper end of the pool.
Compared to kid-friendly games, adult pool games can sometimes require players to know how to swim. Some adult pool games are pool volleyball or basketball, which can also be played in shallow water, and bean bag-toss or ring-toss, games where you throw things to score points.
Some of these pool games are better enjoyed in deeper water as you’ll need space to swim while playing. If some players who don’t know how to swim want to join in, they could always use some inflatables to help them stay afloat. However, it will difficult to join in on games that require the player to swim underwater to retrieve items.
Another factor to consider when choosing a pool game is how easy it is to store. If you’re already tight on space, you can go for inflatable pool toys. Although you’ll have to put air in them again when you use them, these are easy to store and won’t take up much space in your backyard.
On the other hand, if you have a large pool area and space is not an issue, you can get away with any type of pool game!
Apart from storage space, the game’s setup is also something to think about. Some games will require a few already-assembled pieces, while others might require you to inflate some parts of the game. For the inflatable ones, make sure that you have an air pump ready just in case the game does not include one.
When buying a pool game, always confirm the minimum number of players required for a round. If you only have two players who know how to swim and a few who don’t, go for games that everyone can play.
In addition, if you plan to go swimming on your own, go for activities that are made for solo players. Consider throw-and-dive activities or a basketball hoop!
The next factor to look into when buying a pool game is your pool’s size and depth. If you have a shallow inflatable pool, it would be difficult if not impossible to play games that require players to swim. You can go for games like floating balls for kids, or a floating card table for adults, in situations like these.
On the other hand, if you have a pool with deep water, you could even play water sports games like swimming through rings. Most of the time, your pool’s size and depth will determine what pool games you can play.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Water Sports Swim Thru Rings Basic Pack|81055-7 | ![]() | Test Your Diving Skills With These Collapsible Rings | |
2 | Watermelon Ball Watermelon Ball | ![]() | A Ball That Sinks and Stays in the Water | |
3 | SwimWays Finding Dory Mr. Ray's Dive and Catch Game | ![]() | A "Finding Dory" Themed Dive-and-Catch Game for Kids | |
4 | GoSports Splash Hoop PRO | ![]() | A Poolside Basketball Hoop for All Ages | |
5 | COOP Hydro Lacrosse Game Set | ![]() | A Lacrosse Set for All Skill Levels | |
6 | Fayoo 23-Piece Set Underwater Pool Toys | ![]() | A Diving Toy Bundle for Solo Swimmers or Groups | |
7 | Polar Whale Floating Card Table|Medium | ![]() | A Floating Foam Table for Cards and Drinks | |
8 | GoSports Splash Net PRO | ![]() | A Large-Size Adjustable Volleyball Net | |
9 | Driveway Games Floating Bean Bag Toss Game | ![]() | Play a Game of Bean Bag-Toss in the Pool | |
10 | GoSports Floating Water Polo Game Set | ![]() | A Classic Game of Water Polo to Beat the Heat |
Adjust each hoop's animal-themed weight to change the depth it sinks at, then try to swim through your ring obstacle course! Kids and adults alike will enjoy diving underwater to see how many rings they can get through. Each has a diameter of 31 inches. When finished, collapse the rings for easy storage.
Buyers did not like that the ring rusted over time. Aside from this, the majority of reviewers really liked the adjustable air feature that changed the depth of the rings. Buyers also liked the included carrying case and collapsing ability of the rings, which made storage a breeze.
This watermelon-shaped ball is made for swimmers to use up to 10 feet underwater. Unlike most inflatable pool balls that float, you fill this ball with water so it has near-neutral buoyancy. You can kick, dribble, and pass the ball underwater, making it perfect for water soccer and football! Use the included hose adaptor to fill the ball with water.
Some reviewers said that once the ball is filled with water, it is heavy, and should not be thrown at people. Still, most buyers commented on how easy the ball was to fill up and how it provided hours of fun for adults and children. Buyers also appreciated the durable and sturdy quality of the ball.
Help Mr. Ray pick up Nemo and his friends with this dive-and-catch game for five years old and above. Toss Dory, Nemo, and other characters into the water and use the net to catch them. They all float at different depths, so kids can enjoy this exciting activity in the pool or even the bathtub!
A few reviewers wished the toys were a bit bigger. Other customers also worried that the paint on the toys would rub off quickly. On the bright side, many reviewers liked the cute unique designs of each toy. Parents also appreciated that some toys floated while others sank, making it perfect for kids just learning how to swim.
This poolside basketball hoop is easy to set up and can be enjoyed by players of all ages! Keep the hoop's base in place by filling it up with water. You get two inflatable water basketballs and a ball pump, and you can get this set in red if blue is not your style.
Some reviewers did not like that the backboard's paint began to chip after a few shots. However, the vast majority were satisfied, pointing out the stress-free installation and sturdiness of the hoop. People also liked that the game kept players of all ages entertained for hours!
This lacrosse game set comes with two sticks and one softball. You can either get a red, blue, or green set at random. This game is easy to learn and fit for seasoned lacrosse players or newbies, and players as young as five years old! The handles are short and the sticks and ball all float.
Keep in mind that it shows a picture of three sets, but the description states it only comes with one. Many reviewers were confused by this.
Some reviewers also mention the netting on the sticks is so taught that the ball is hard to catch. Past this, most buyers praised the durability and quality of the lacrosse sticks. People liked that the game could be practiced alone or played with family and friends!
Fayoo's pack of 23 underwater diving pool toys comes with four diving rings, four torpedos, three wands, and 12 treasure pieces, plus a handy storage bag to keep all the toys in one place! The toys are made from durable plastic, and the rings and sticks stand upright on the bottom of the pool.
One buyer said that a few jewels had sharp edges, and others said the sinkers broke quickly. Past this, reviewers liked the wide variety of toys. They say kids love the way the torpedoes move, and its bright colors. The drawstring bag was also a major plus for buyers.
Bring poker to the pool with this floating card table made of durable UV-resistant foam. The medium-sized table seats four players, while the large table can seat up to six! No assembly is required, and you can use the table indoors or outdoors right away. You get a deck of waterproof playing cards to go with it.
Some buyers found the table relatively small. They wished that there was more space to play different games on it. On the bright side, buyers liked the thick, durable build of the table and that it could be used indoors and outdoors in the pool or hot tub.
This poolside volleyball net has an adjustable maximum width of 25 feet. Place the water-filled weighted bases on either side of your pool to enjoy a fun game of water volleyball! You get two water volleyballs plus a pump. This set also comes in red.
Most buyers were thrilled with their purchase because the net that did not sag, installation was effortless, and the adjustable width made it span any in-ground pool. A few buyers also commented that the product is easy to disassemble and store.
Test your hand-eye coordination with this simple yet fun game of cornhole. Throw the waterproof PVC fabric bean bags to hit the hole in the floating gameboard; each of the eight bean bags that fall in the hole counts for a point! Play solo or in teams. A mesh carry bag is included for easy storage.
Some reviewers found the game hard to play due to the small opening on the inflatable board. Other than this, buyers liked the durable quality of the product and how the bean bags didn't sink. People enjoyed playing this game with friends and family!
Enjoy a game of water polo with your friends and family with this floating water polo set that comes with three balls and a pump. The goal tubes are made of durable PVC plastic. The game is relatively simple to learn, and all you need is two players for a mini-game in the pool.
Some buyers were frustrated that the goal did not stay put in one place, but floated around. Most buyers were satisfied with the sturdy and durable quality of the net and balls. Reviewers also appreciated the straightforward installation that did not require any tools.
The great thing about playing in the pool is that you often don’t need physical props to enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends. Some pool game ideas you can try at your next pool party are freeze tag, Marco Polo, belly flop competitions, and the ever-popular chicken fight!
In addition, safety should always be kept in mind when playing any pool games. Keep extra watch over the players who aren't strong swimmers, young or old. In addition, always remember not to swim right after eating or on a full stomach!
Is your pool ready for the summer? Take a look at these useful pool accessories!
No. 1: Water Sports|Swim Thru Rings Basic Pack|81055-7
No. 2: Watermelon Ball|Watermelon Ball
No. 3: SwimWays|Finding Dory Mr. Ray's Dive and Catch Game
No. 4: GoSports|Splash Hoop PRO
No. 5: COOP|Hydro Lacrosse Game Set
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