How to Plan Games for a Pool Party

When you give a pool party, you know that your guests will enjoy swimming and lounging by the pool, but did you also know that you can increase their fun quotient by planning games that can be played in and around the pool? Some games can be purchased at online and specialty stores, some only require items that you probably have around the house and some don't require anything at all but a desire for fun.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pool games
• Pool

Make a Game Plan for Your Pool Party

1. Rely on the all-time favorite pool game, Marco Polo, especially for children. This game of in-pool tag requires nothing else but energy and a loud voice. Make sure that children are good swimmers before letting them leave the shallow end of the pool.

2. Have swimming relay races with guests divided up in teams. Make the race interesting by having teams make up their own swim strokes and rules. Make sure to have prizes for the winning team.

3. Plan a treasure hunt. Buy cheap toys or trinkets that are sinkable and throw them into the pool. Give guests a set amount of time to dive for treasure, which they will be able to keep for their own. Keep the playing field fair by grouping treasure hunters by age or swimming ability levels.

4. Enlist the bravest guests in a diving game. Have a contest to see who can make the most impressive belly flop and live to tell the tale.

5. Put on a full scale murder mystery. Pool Party Murder Mysteries will provide you with everything you need for you and your adult guests to enjoy an exciting, mysterious and wet day at the pool (see Resources below).

6. Purchase a wide variety of floating games for your pool party. Choose floating golf, table tennis, or basketball games that can be enjoyed by all ages, whether alone or in teams. Use only one or two at a time so that the pool does not get too crowded.

Tips & Warnings

• Insure the safety of your guests by having a dedicated lookout during game time. If you don't want any of the guests to have to volunteer, plan on hiring a lifeguard from the local YMCA or community center for the day.
• If games will be played in and out of the pool, make sure your pool area is not too slippery. You want to make sure to protect your guests from harm and to reduce your own potential liability.
• If you will be drinking alcoholic beverages, take extra care when playing pool games, as reflexes are slower when alcohol is in the blood system.

Resources

• Pool party games at Pool Party Murder Mysteries