Over the years, I’ve hosted more pool parties than I can count—everything from little kid playdates to full-blown teen hangouts and family get-togethers. One thing I’ve learned is that people don’t grow out of pool games. In fact, some of the most competitive players at our house have been the dads. As my kids got older, the games changed, but the fun stayed the same. And yes—some of the classics still hold up no matter how old everyone gets.
If you’re planning a pool party or just having teens and adults over to swim, this post is going to help you find the best pool games to keep everyone entertained. You’ll find a mix of fun pool games—some you can play with just a few people and others that are perfect for a large group. Whether you're looking for something silly, competitive, or just a great way to enjoy the water, we’ve got you covered.
This post is all about the best pool party games for adults and teens. You’ll learn exactly how to play each one, what you need, and how to make sure your guests have a great time. If you’re ready to add some extra fun to your pool parties, you’re in the right place.
Classic Pool Party Games That Never Get Old
Some games just don’t go out of style. These classic pool games are a great way to get everyone in the pool and having a fun time—no matter their age. I’ve watched everything from little kids to full-grown adults play these games with serious excitement. They’re simple, don’t need much equipment, and work for almost any group.
Marco Polo
This is probably the most well-known pool game out there. If you grew up swimming, you’ve probably played it before—and the best part is, it’s still fun. Marco Polo is one of those classic pool party games that swimmers of all ages can enjoy.
How to Play:
Pick someone to be "It." That person closes their eyes and stays in the shallow end of the pool or near the side of the pool.
"It" calls out “Marco.” The rest of the players respond “Polo.”
Using only sound, "It" tries to tag someone.
Once someone gets tagged, they become the next “It.”
You don’t need anything to play Marco Polo—just a group willing to move around and laugh a lot. It's a great game to start off any pool party.
Sharks and Minnows
This one brings out everyone’s competitive side, and it works really well if you’ve got a large group. You’ll need a little space since players swim from one end to the other, but it’s worth it.
How to Play:
One player is the shark and stands in the middle of the pool.
The rest of the players (the minnows) line up at one side.
When the shark says go, minnows swim toward the opposite side of the pool, trying not to get tagged.
If you get tagged, you join the shark for the next round.
The last person left becomes the new shark.
It’s a fun game that feels more like a challenge. Some people call it a shark attack game, especially when the shark is really fast.
Freeze Tag (Pool Edition)
This is a twist on the playground version of freeze tag. It’s a great option when you want something active but not too rough. Everyone can play this, even if they’re not super strong swimmers.
How to Play:
One person is “It.”
They swim around tagging others. When someone gets tagged, they have to freeze in place.
Another player can unfreeze them with a tag.
Keep going until everyone is frozen—or switch “It” after a while.
You don’t need any equipment for this one, either. It’s just a classic pool game that brings on lots of laughs and friendly competition.
Mr. Shark (What Time Is It?)
This one works best with a smaller group and is fun for both teens and adults. It’s all about timing and quick reactions.
How to Play:
One person plays “Mr. Shark” and stands in the middle of the pool, facing away from the others.
The group lines up behind and asks, “Mr. Shark, what time is it?”
Mr. Shark responds with a time, like “three o’clock.” Players take that many steps forward.
At any point, Mr. Shark can shout “dinnertime!” and turn around to chase them.
The first player caught becomes the next shark.
This is a fun game for pool time that doesn’t take long to explain, and it always leads to laughter.
These four games are the foundation of fun pool parties. They’re a great way to break the ice (especially if some guests don’t know each other well), and they don’t require fancy gear. Just some swimmers and a bit of space—and you’re good to go.
Fun and Competitive Pool Games That Bring Everyone Together
If your group loves a little challenge, these pool games are a great way to keep things active and exciting. They work well for both teens and adults. Most don’t need much setup, and they’re perfect for larger groups who want more than just floating around. These games bring out team spirit, encourage movement, and lead to a whole lot of laughs.
Pool Volleyball
Pool volleyball is one of the most popular games we’ve played over the years. It’s simple, fun, and great for mixed ages. All you need is a net and a ball. You can even get an inflatable volleyball set if you don’t have a built-in net.
How to Play:
Set up the net across the middle of your pool.
Split the group into two teams.
Teams rally the ball over the net.
When the opposing team misses or lets it drop, you score a point.
This is a fun physical activity and an easy way to bring out friendly competition in your group. It’s also a perfect game for both inground and above-ground pools.
Pool Noodle Jousting
This one is always a hit with our teens—and the dads. It’s silly, it’s active, and it gets loud fast. You’ll need pool noodles and inflatable pool floats that can hold an adult or teen.
How to Play:
Each player sits on their float in the pool.
Using a pool noodle, they try to knock their opponent off their float.
The last person still balanced wins.
This is such a fun pool party game and a great game for those who like to compete. It also adds an extra layer of challenge since staying balanced on the float is harder than it looks.
Wet Shirt Relay
This relay race is ridiculous in the best way. It works well when you have team members who aren’t afraid to get soaked (and maybe a little out of breath).
How to Play:
Break into teams and place an oversized, wet t-shirt at one end of the pool.
The first player swims across, puts on the shirt, then swims back.
They take off the shirt and pass it to the next person.
The team that finishes first wins.
You don’t need much—just two big t-shirts and a pool. It’s a great way to get the whole group laughing.
Balloon Bomb Race
Add some water balloons and a little vegetable oil, and suddenly you’ve got a whole new challenge. This game is slippery, awkward, and so much fun.
How to Play:
Coat each balloon in oil or petroleum jelly to make them slippery.
Divide players into two teams.
Each person must move the balloon from one end to the other using only their body—no hands!
The first team to move all their balloons wins.
This game is hilarious and great for a hot day when everyone’s ready for a laugh.
Bottom Dwellers
If your group is more into diving, this game is a fun twist on a classic treasure dive. It's also great for stronger swimmers.
How to Play:
Drop items like coins, dive sticks, or poker chips into the pool.
Assign different point values to each item.
On “go,” everyone dives in and collects what they can.
The player with the highest total wins.
This is a good way to mix things up between team games. You can even use your diving board for a fun start.
Greasy Watermelon
Yes, it’s as messy as it sounds—but also one of the most entertaining games we’ve ever played at a pool party.
How to Play:
- Rub petroleum jelly all over a watermelon.
- Drop it into the middle of the pool.
- Divide into two teams, each on opposite sides of the pool.
- The goal is to move the melon to your team’s side.
No hands, no rules—just get the melon across. It’s wild, chaotic, and an absolute blast. Just make sure to keep an eye on safety.
Beach Ball Relay Race
This one works for all ages and doesn't need much space. It’s one of the best ways to burn energy and laugh while doing it.
How to Play:
- Split into teams and give each a beach ball.
- The first player pushes the ball across the pool using only their head.
- Once they return, the next person takes a turn.
- The first team to get all players through the finish line wins.
This one’s always a favorite with younger teens. It’s simple, fast, and perfect for a sunny day.
Pool Noodle Races
Another easy race game, but with a twist. Everyone rides a pool noodle like a horse and tries to win the race. It’s a fun pick for a large group when you want to cool off and keep things moving.
How to Play:
- Each person straddles a pool noodle.
- On “go,” they race to the other side of the pool and back.
- The first one to finish wins.
No setup needed—just noodles, water, and a group ready to have a fun time.
Octopus Tag
This one is great for swimmers of all ages and gets harder as more people are tagged.
How to Play:
- One person starts as “It” in the middle of the pool.
- When someone is tagged, they join hands and become part of the octopus.
- The octopus keeps growing with each round.
This fun game works best in a straight line pool and keeps everyone moving. It also works well when you’ve got a mix of ages.
Water Obstacle Course
This is one of the best pool games if you have a lot of floats and toys already. It takes a bit more setup but it’s worth it.
How to Play:
- Create obstacles using hula hoops, pool noodles, floats, and more.
- Players race through the course in single file.
- Set a time limit or race head-to-head.
This one’s perfect for teens who like a challenge and adults who still love a good race.
These competitive pool games are a great way to keep your party going strong. They work in any size pool and offer something for every age and energy level. Whether you’re diving for points, racing in teams, or battling it out with a noodle, there’s something here for every kind of guest.
Pool Party Games for Adults (21+)
If you’re hosting a party with teens and adults, you’ll want a few games that lean more social. These fun pool games are perfect when you want guests to relax, laugh, and maybe get a little competitive. They're ideal for late afternoon hangouts or winding down after more active games. You don’t need a lot of gear—just some plastic cups, maybe a few pool floats, and people ready to have a good time.
Floating Beer Pong
This one is a classic for adult parties, and it works surprisingly well in the water. Floating beer pong is a great way to keep guests engaged while they hang out in the pool. It’s also easy to set up.
What You Need:
- A floating beer pong table or float
- Plastic cups
- Ping pong balls
- Drinks of your choice
How to Play:
- Set the floating table in the pool with cups arranged in triangles on each side.
- Players take turns tossing ping pong balls into the opposing team’s cups.
- If a ball lands in a cup, the other team drinks what's in it and removes that cup.
- The first team to clear all the cups wins.
This is a fun pool party game for adults who want to chill but still enjoy a little friendly challenge. You’ll also want some pool toys or floats nearby for people not playing.
Flip Cup Relay
Flip cup on dry land is fun. In the pool, it’s even better—especially as a relay race. This one’s quick to set up and works best in teams of four or more.
What You Need:
- A table near the pool’s edge
- Enough plastic cups for each player
- A drink of your choice
How to Play:
- Divide into teams and line everyone up at the pool’s edge.
- The first player drinks from their cup, sets it near the edge, and flips it upside down by flicking the rim.
- Once the flip is successful, the next person goes.
- The team that finishes first wins.
It’s fast, fun, and gets everyone cheering. This one works best for larger groups and adds a ton of fun time to any pool party.
Never Have I Ever – Pool Edition
This one’s all about connection. It works well with mixed groups of friends, especially if not everyone knows each other yet. Plus, it doesn’t require any setup.
How to Play:
- Everyone stands or floats in the pool.
- One person says something they’ve never done, like “Never have I ever gone scuba diving.”
- Anyone who has done it takes a sip.
- Then the next person shares their “never have I ever” statement.
It’s a fun game that brings out stories, laughs, and usually a few surprises. This one’s also great because swimmers of all ages can join in if you keep it light and age-appropriate.
Creative Pool Party Games for Adults and Teens
If you want to mix things up a bit, these creative pool games are a fun way to keep your guests entertained. They’re not your typical relay or tag games. These ideas are perfect for evening swims, larger groups, or parties where people want something a little different. Many of these work well with teens and adults, and you can adjust the difficulty based on your group.
SKIP N’ HOLE
This game is like a cross between skipping rocks and cornhole—only it happens in the pool. It’s one of those fun pool party games that everyone wants to try at least once.
What You Need:
- Floating boards with holes or targets
- Smooth skipping stones made for water use (some games come with them)
- A small group of players
How to Play:
- Place the floating boards in your pool.
- Players take turns skipping the stones across the water.
- The goal is to land the stones in the holes or hit the targets.
- Keep score based on where the stones land.
This is a great game for calmer parts of the party or when people want something a little less physical. It's also a fun way to use pool toys in a new way.
Glow Stick Games
These games are great if your party goes into the evening. The extra layer of glowing lights adds something special, especially if the pool lights are off.
What You Need:
- Glow sticks in different colors
- A timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Activate the glow sticks and toss them around the pool area.
- Players jump in and try to collect as many as they can within a time limit.
- For extra fun, give different colors different point values.
These are fun swimming pool games that work for all ages. They’re also a good way to keep kids and teens engaged after dark. Just be sure to keep the pool well supervised.
Cardboard Boat Race
If you’ve got a creative group, this one is a total hit. It takes a little more planning, but it’s worth it. We’ve done this a few times, and it always leads to laughs.
What You Need:
- Cardboard
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- A stopwatch or timer
How to Play:
- Divide guests into teams.
- Each team member helps build a boat using cardboard and tape.
- Once time is up, teams race their boats from one side of the pool to the finish line.
- The first boat to make it across (without sinking!) wins.
You’ll need space around the pool area for building and some rules to keep it fair. But this is a fun way to get everyone working together—and it makes for great photos.
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Easy and Fun Pool Games for a Relaxed Good Time
Sometimes, you just want simple. These fun pool games are quick to set up, easy to explain, and work great for mixed ages. They’re perfect for a laid-back afternoon or when guests just want to jump in and start having fun. No fancy equipment or big teams required—just a few people and a pool.
Cannonball Contest
This one never fails. If your group has access to a diving board or even just a raised edge, it’s go time. It’s also one of the loudest and most fun games we play at almost every party.
How to Play:
- Line everyone up near the deep end of the pool.
- One at a time, players jump in using their best cannonball form.
- The rest of the group judges the biggest splash.
- You can also vote on best style or funniest jump.
No supplies needed—just swimmers and an audience. It’s a great icebreaker and works for all ages, from little kids to adults. We’ve had some epic dad splashes over the years.
Water Balloon Toss
If you’re looking for a game outside the pool that still fits the vibe, this is it. It’s a great option for cooling down without swimming.
What You Need:
- A pack of water balloons
- Enough room along the edge of the pool
How to Play:
- Pair up guests and give each team one balloon.
- Players toss the balloon back and forth, stepping further apart each round.
- The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.
It’s simple and fast but still gets everyone laughing. You can also make it more fun by using oil-coated balloons to make them slippery.
Treasure Dive
This is one of those favorite pool games for kids and teens, but adults can get competitive too. You can play it over and over again without it getting boring.
What You Need:
- Dive sticks, coins, or any small objects that sink
- Optional: assign point values to each item
How to Play:
- Drop all the objects to the bottom of the pool.
- On “go,” players dive and collect as many items as possible.
- The one with the highest score (or most objects) wins.
This is a fun way to keep kids entertained while the adults chat, but teens and grown-ups always seem to jump in too.
Invisi-Bottle
The Invisi-Bottle game is a simple yet engaging activity that tests players' observation and diving skills. It's perfect for pool parties and gatherings, offering fun for swimmers of all ages.
What You Need:
- A clear plastic bottle (preferably 2-liter) with the label removed
- A white or clear cap
- Pool water
How to Play:
- Prepare the Bottle: Fill the clear plastic bottle with pool water, ensuring it's completely full to eliminate any air bubbles. Secure the cap tightly.
- Set Up the Players: Have all players line up on the pool deck with their backs turned to the water.
- Hide the Bottle: A non-player or designated individual quietly tosses the filled bottle into the pool, allowing it to sink and blend with the pool's bottom.
- Start the Search: Upon hearing the splash, players turn around and dive into the pool, searching for the nearly invisible bottle.
- Winning the Game: The first player to locate and retrieve the bottle wins the round.
Tips:
- For added challenge, assign point values to different colored caps or use bottles of varying sizes.
- Ensure all participants are comfortable with diving and swimming in the pool's depth.
Conclusion
Hosting a pool party with both teens and adults doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you’ve got the right games. From old favorites like Marco Polo to new ideas like the Invisi-Bottle, there’s something here for every group. These games do more than just fill time—they get people laughing, talking, and having a genuinely fun time together.
The best part is, you can choose what works for your crew. Some parties need high-energy competitions. Others just need a couple of relaxed, easy games to keep people moving. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and try a few different ones throughout the day.
If you have a favorite game we didn’t mention—or you try something new from this list—let us know! It’s always great to hear what worked for other families.
