Swimming Pool Games

There is perhaps nothing as fun or entertaining as playing swimming pool games. While playing a Wii or Xbox 360 may not be something you will do while in a pool there are many other swimming pool games you can play alone or with friends in any size swimming pool. While any size swimming pool can be used, for the suggested swimming pool games below, a full size swimming pool is suggested for safety purposes and maximum enjoyment.

Warning: As always, safety comes first. Never leave children unattended in a swimming pool even if the child is an expert swimmer. Most importantly, use common sense whenever using a swimming pool or playing swimming pool games. No fighting, no pushing, no dunking, no pulling hair, no decapitating, you get the general idea - play nice.

Diving Board HORSE
Tools Needed: Two or more players, a judge, a swimming pool with a diving board
Rules: This is similar to the basketball game horse. All of the players get in a line one behind the other. The first person jumps from the diving board. The next person tries to do the same jump or dive the same or better than the first person. If the person does not do as good or better, that person gets a letter - "H" then "O" then "R: etc. The next person follows suit. Once someone has gotten a letter, the next person becomes the leader everyone must try to mimic. Once someone has completely spelled out HORSE, that person has to step aside and wait for a new game. The winner is the last person standing or swimming as the case may be.
Suggestion: Only allow the same jump or dive once per game.

Watermelon Polo
Tools Needed: Four or more players, one watermelon, grease or lard, two goals, referee
The players need to be divided into two teams. Once the teams have been decided, the teams meet in the middle of the swimming pool. Then a greased watermelon is placed between the teams. When the referee says "Go" both teams try to get the watermelon to the other side of the swimming pool between the goal. The winner is decided by the first team to get to the predefined winning points number.
Rules: The watermelon cannot leave the water.
Variations: Try using a small beach ball instead.

Bumper Boat
Needed: One inflatable tube or flotation device for each player (make sure each device or tube is relatively the same size), players, referee
Have all the players of this popular swimming pool game get in the swimming pool and on his or her "boat". Once the referee says "go" have all the players try to knock the other players off of his or her "boat". The winner is the last person still on his or her "boat".
Note: Remind the players of playing nice.

Of course, there are many types of fun, amusing, and safe swimming pool games people can play with a little bit of imagination and a swimming pool. However, there are swimming pool games that can be purchased at specialty swimming pool stores or boutiques. Basketball and volleyball are two of the most popular swimming pool games, but how about playing some aqua golf or even pool ping pong. Noodle chairs and pool noodles are a lot of fun for people of all age whether young or just simply young at heart.

Beach balls, fake tropical fish, and splash bombs introduce interactive fun, and with the rise of obesity, swimming pools are a great form of physical activity. Adding a few swimming pools games will definitely make your swimming a favorite for the whole family.