Summer is here. The sun is out, those winter coats are stuffed away in the hall closet, and the pool is begging for use. So, why not jump on in?

The summer season brings a variety of ways to have fun, one of them being to dive into the pool with some games handy. There are so many swimming pool games to play that are fun to play, whether it’s for large groups or a small get together.

Whether you’re looking for ways to have fun and be active with your friends, or you’re just looking for a game to play as you invite people over to your place for a pool party, swimming pool games are a fun and exciting way to pass the time.

We like games just as much as you (which is probably obvious by this point), so we’ve decided to compile this master post of our favorite games that you can play in, out, or with a swimming pool.

Here’s to lounging in the sun this summer!

Diving Games

A classic, but still a goodie! We’re sure we’ve all played a diving game at one point in our lives in a swimming pool. It’s easy to play and understand, it’s fun, and you can adapt it or change the rules as you see fit.

There are a variety of ways to play the game. You can play to see who can get all the diving toys in the shortest amount of time. Alternatively, you can throw all the diving objects in the pool, have more than one person dive in to collect said objects, and then see who has the most at the end.

As you can see, there are tons of ways to adapt this game and make it your own. With products like the UNEEDE Diving Set, you can accommodate the diving objects and toys to what you want to play! This specific pack comes with 19 different pieces, making the whole set fantastic for large pool parties or for a longer game with fewer people. Of course, you don’t have to use all 19 pieces at once! Regardless, this is the best diving object pack on the market right now because of the different toys and sizes that come with the set. Even the most experienced swimmer and the diver will be challenged during this game!

Marco Polo

A fun, simple game to play when all else fails. Marco Polo is a classic pool game that will get everyone in the pool having fun.

Basically, one person is “it” and has to close their eyes as they attempt to find another person in the water to tag. As this is happening, the “it” person yells “Marco!” while the others, who are attempting to not get tagged, respond with “Polo!”

Obstacle Course

If you’re looking for a way to use up your whole pool, try putting together an obstacle. Have people swim through hoops in the pool, like these Water Sports Swim Thru Rings, 3 Pack before going on to the next level of the pool obstacle course. Add some of those diving toys we talked about above and have people have to dive for those before the course is up.

This game is fun because you can customize it however you want. Plus, it’s a great way to bring some competition to a fun day in the sun.

Basketball

Who said you could only play basketball on the court? One of the most enjoyable times you can experience on this list comes straight from the Swimline Giant Basketball Swimming Pool Game. I mean, just look at the thing—it looks like pure fun!

This giant basketball hoop is inflatable, making it the perfect swimming pool game to have. This game comes with one ball to toss around and try to shoot into the hoop. The inflatable hoop was also made to be easy to shoot at from any side, which is also helpful for larger groups that want to play a fun game.

Shooting games are always fun to play in the pool, but this inflatable basketball hoop truly is one of the best. Because of its size, it’s much steadier than other hoops while also making it enjoyable to play around with.

If you’re looking for a smaller hoop to play around with in the pool, our favorite is the Swimline Pool Volleyball and Basketball Game Combo. While it’s not much smaller than the basketball hoop above, this one isn't inflatable. Instead, it’s one of those hoops that you can set on the side of your pool and shoot from a distance. Because of its smaller size, it does make the game that much more difficult, which can be a lot of fun for those that might be more athletic… and more competitive.

Both of these games are a lot of fun. It really just depends what type of basketball hoop you’re looking for. Want a big one that will float around your pool? Try the first basketball hoop we mentioned. Looking for a smaller one to set up on the side of your pool? The second one is probably your cup of tea.

Float Race

There’s nothing like a race! Put together a float race with your given floats. You can customize this by using the standard pool floats, like the great Joyin Inflatable Swim Tube Rafts, as you race. You can also use floats like the Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Float. These fun, large pool floats make the race that much harder—and make people look a bit ridiculous in the process. Trust us—it’s a lot of fun.

Volleyball

One of the best games to play with large groups in the pool, volleyball is a classic. With the Intex Pool Volleyball Game Set, which measures at 94” x 25” x 36”, you’re bound to have fun.

The Intex Volleyball Set is an inflatable volleyball set that comes with anchors, making it easy to steady the set so that it doesn’t keep on floating off while you’re trying to play the game. Trust us, there are some products out there that don’t come with this nifty and handy capability, making it an annoying bother when you trying to play the game but it keeps on floating away.

This set is great for those pool parties that tend to run a bit large. With this game, you can have more people on each side of the net, on each team. You can also make this game quite fun, and a bit longer, by throwing a championship. If you have a lot of people who want to play, put everyone in teams to play each other. The winning teams will keep on playing each other until there is one team left standing… or swimming, that is.

The Watermelon Ball

The game that’s taking over swimming pools across America! If you haven’t heard of The Watermelon Ball before, prepare to have some fun. The Watermelon Ball is a pool ball that can be carried easily underwater, whether that means dribbling, carrying, or passing. You know how those inflatable balls normally don’t last well underwater—and really can’t be passed or carried well? The Watermelon Ball doesn’t have this issue.

This makes it a great way to play multiple games. Whether the goal is to get to the other side of the pool with the ball or there’s a “goal” you have to make, this ball can really help do it all. It’s like a combination of football, rugby, and basketball and you really can make up whatever game you want with this one. It really is a lot of fun.

Pairs

Another classic game to play when all else fails, much like Marco Polo. Pairs is a game that you play in pairs, which is obviously self-explanatory.

Basically, two people link up together and race against another pair or multiple pairs. One person can only use their arms to swim, while the other can only use their legs to swim. Together, they have to work to beat the others. It sounds a bit easy, but it really is harder than you would expect. And, it’s a lot of fun and always results in a lot of laughs!

Inflatable Beer Pong

With or without the beer, beer pong is fun to play in the pool. With the GoPong Beer Pong Inflatable Game, you can play beer pong in your swimming pool with your friends to great success.

This float is 6 feet long, comes with 6 pong balls, and comes with 10 spaces to set your cups on (like normal beer pong) on each side of the float. The float also comes with side cup holders. Whether you play with beer or not, the game is fun.

You play in two teams (normally either one person against another person, or two against two). Each side takes turns trying to throw the pong ball into the cup on the other side. If they make it, the other side has to drink the beer (or the water or their given drink). You then remove the cup from the float. The game continues until one side is completely empty of cups!

The lounge itself is quite large and you can even use it to lie on in the pool when you’re not playing pong!

Water Lacrosse

Got some lacrosse players in your friend group or family? Why not try out some water lacrosse? With the COOP Hydro Lacrosse Set, which comes with 2 small lacrosse sticks and one soft pool ball, you can have a mini lacrosse game! Playing water lacrosse is a fun team game to play—and you can even have a mini championship! Like we talked about when playing volleyball above, have teams divided up among your family and friends, and then play each other until one winner is left!

Ring Toss

A classic, fun pool game. Playing ring toss is always a simple yet fun way to relax in the pool. With the Texas Recreation Floating Ring Toss Game, groups can toss the rings at this floating device as it makes its way around the pool.

You can also play this game out of the pool, which is great for those who might just want to relax in the sun and not the pool while they’re over at your place!

Pool Pong

Love ping pong? Why not play ping pong in the pool? With the Swimline Floating Pool Pong Table, you can bring a fun game to your swimming pool! This set comes with the floating pong table, two paddles, three pong balls, and a net! The paddles also float, so you don’t have to worry about losing the paddle at the bottom of the pool.

​This is a fun game to play for both large groups and small groups alike. If you’re looking for some competition, play one on one as a championship until the last winner is left standing!

Waterproof Card Games

If you and your friends or family are more of the poker or card game types, bring the cards in the pool—or, maybe don’t! You don’t want to ruin them. However, with some waterproof cards handy, you could have all the fun you want.

With this Swimline Game Station Set with Waterproof Cards, you can play poker or Go Fish while in the pool! This set also comes with inflatable seats to sit in and lounge while playing, as well as an inflatable game table, to place your cards on during an epic showdown.

This is a great game to play one on one or with a large group. Who’s saying you can’t have a card competition in the pool?

Super Soakers

Super soakers are always fun, especially in the pool. With the KKONES Mini Super Soaker Set, you can play or make up a variety of games.

You can use these super soakers as added weapons of choice during any game we’ve mentioned above (this might be a good tool to add while playing with the Watermelon Ball or during basketball!) or you can just throw the super soakers in the pool and watch everyone go after them. It’s an easy way to bring a lot of fun to the pool party and it’s bound to make more than one person laugh.​