A swimming pool is not just for lounging and relaxing. There are many fun games and activities that you can do inside a pool to make pool time more active and enjoyable. When choosing a game, keep the swimming ability of players in mind for safety. Exit the pool once you get tired to avoid injury.
King of the Mountain
This game requires a large pool inflatable -- an air mattress also works well -- and a fairly large playing area. The object of the game is to be the last person remaining on the floating island in the middle of the pool. Everyone climbs onto the inflatable object and tries to push each other off into the water. This game is best for children and adults who are competent swimmers who can withstand the shock of a sudden dip into the pool.
Whirlpool
Everyone in the pool walks, swims or runs around the perimeter of the pool in the same direction. Continue to move in the same direction for about five to 10 minutes. After this time, everyone stops resisting the waves and allows the whirlpool to carry them around the pool and into the center of the pool. Participants can also try to counteract the direction of the whirlpool for exercise. This game works best in a shallower pool where people can touch the ground.
Pool Relay
Place two large buckets at one end of the pool. Divide players into two teams. Each team has one boogie board and one plastic cup. The object of the game is for each player to fill the cup with water, use the boogie board to swim across the pool and dump the water into the bucket on the other side of the pool then swim back across to give the next team member the cup. The first team to fill the bucket wins.
Avoid the Ball
Everyone in the pool forms a large ring and holds hands. You can play this game in deep or shallow water. If you play in deep water, players should be able to tread water well for several minutes at a time. A large beach ball is placed in the center of the ring. The object of the game is to avoid the ball. If the ball touches you, you are out. The ring gets smaller and smaller, and it becomes harder and harder to avoid the ball. The last person touched wins the game.