When the summer heat hits, the backyard pool becomes the ultimate sanctuary. But after you’ve done your laps and floated aimlessly on a noodle for an hour, it’s time to spark some energy. Whether you are hosting a lively family barbecue, entertaining a group of restless kids, or just looking to add some friendly competition to your weekend, these pool games will keep everyone entertained for hours.
Here are the best backyard pool games to try this summer, categorized by style of play.
Classic High-Energy Games
These are the tried-and-true favorites that require little to no equipment but deliver maximum fun.
Marco Polo (With a Twist)
The undisputed king of pool games. One player closes their eyes and yells “Marco!” while the other players respond “Polo!” as they move around the pool. The tagger must use their hearing to track down the others.
- The Twist: Add the “Fish Out of Water” rule. If a player steps out of the pool onto the deck to escape, and the tagger yells “Fish out of water!” while their eyes are closed, that player automatically becomes the new “Marco.”
Marco Polo
Dolphin Races
Simple, active, and surprisingly exhausting. Players line up at one end of the pool and must race to the other side—but they can only swim underwater using a dolphin kick (no arms allowed!).
- Best for: Stronger swimmers and teenagers looking for a physical challenge.
Fun in the pool
Low-Cost & DIY Games
You don’t need expensive store-bought pool toys to have a blast. A few simple household items are all it takes.
The Invisible Bottle Hunt
This game is much harder than it sounds and provides endless entertainment. Take an empty, clear 2-liter plastic water bottle and fill it with pool water. Use a cap that matches the color of your pool liner (usually blue or white).
- How to play: Have all players stand on the deck with their backs to the pool. Toss the bottle into the water. When they hear the splash, they turn around and dive in. Because the clear bottle blends seamlessly into the water, players have to look incredibly closely to find it.
Invisible Bottle
Colors
One player stands on the deck with their back to the pool as the “it” person. The players in the water each secretly choose a color. The person on the deck starts calling out colors. If your color is called, you have to try to swim silently to the opposite side of the pool. If the person on the deck hears you swimming, they can dive into the water to try and tag you—but they can only open their eyes after they hit the water.
Playing colors
Young man floating with arms outstretched, enjoying relaxation in a vibrant blue swimming pool during a warm summer day
Team-Based Sports
If you have a larger crowd and a bit of competitive spirit, these sports-centric games are perfect.
Pool Volleyball
If you have a net, great! If not, a simple string tied across the pool or just keeping the ball in the air works beautifully.
- The Rule: To make it a true pool game, players must stay in the water (no jumping from the deck to spike the ball), and standard volleyball rotation rules apply every time a team wins a serve.
Pool Volleyball
“Shark and Minnows”
One player is designated as the Shark and starts in the middle of the pool. The rest of the players are Minnows and start at one end. When the Shark yells “Shark!”, the Minnows must swim to the opposite side without being tagged. Anyone tagged becomes a Shark helper for the next round until only one Minnow remains.
The shark
Calm & Strategic Games
Not every pool game needs to involve splashing and sprinting. These are perfect for a more relaxed vibe.
Treasure Dive
Toss a handful of coins (quarters, dimes, and nickels) into the pool. On the count of three, players dive in to collect as many as they can.
- The Strategy: You can point-score this game based on the value of the coins (e.g., quarters are worth more points, but nickels are easier to see), making it a fun math game for kids or a high-stakes challenge for older family members.
Find the penny
Whirlybird (The Whirlpool)
Perfect for smaller pools or circular above-ground pools. Have everyone line up along the edge of the pool and start walking in the same direction. Slowly increase the pace to a jog, and then a run. Within a couple of minutes, a massive current (a backyard whirlpool) will form.
- The Fun Part: Once the current is strong, tell everyone to turn around and try to swim against it, or lift your feet and let the current carry you around!
Getting ready for the whirlpool
Pool Safety Reminders
While these games are all about fun, safety always comes first.
- Designate a “Water Watcher”: Always ensure there is an adult dedicated solely to watching the pool, free from distractions like phones or the grill.
- Know Your Swimmers: Match the game’s depth to the participants’ swimming abilities.
- Keep the Deck Clear: Ensure toys, towels, and cups are kept away from the pool edge to prevent trips and slips.