If you’ve got a pool, you know how much fun it can be – but sometimes, just splashing around isn’t enough. That’s where DIY pool games come in. You don’t need fancy gear or expensive inflatables; just a few everyday items and a little creativity can turn your backyard pool into the ultimate playground for both kids and adults. Let’s get into it.

1. Pool Noodle Races

Here’s an easy one: grab a bunch of pool noodles from The Warehouse or Bunnings, and let everyone race across the pool using only their arms while lying on the noodle. Simple, but way more exhausting than it sounds! For a twist, make it a relay race or balance things on the noodle while moving (like a plastic cup of water) to add a challenge.

2. DIY Underwater Treasure Hunt

Got some spare coins or small waterproof toys? Toss them into the pool and let the divers go hunting. The deeper they sink, the harder it gets. If you want to make things interesting, use glow sticks at night for a glow-in-the-dark version. You can grab a pack from Kmart or your local $2 shop.

3. Ping Pong Ball Blow Race

Take a few ping pong balls and set up a race using only your breath to push them across the water. It sounds easy until you realise how tricky controlling where the ball goes can be. If the wind picks up? Even harder! You can usually find cheap table tennis balls at Rebel Sport or Mitre 10.

4. Floatie Battles

Get on an inflatable ring or mattress – whoever knocks the other players off first wins. It’s like sumo wrestling but with way more splashing. Kmart, The Warehouse, and Briscoes all have cheap inflatable pool toys if you need extra gear.

5. Sharks and Minnows

Classic pool tag. One person starts as the shark in the middle, everyone else (the minnows) lines up on one side. When the shark yells “Go,” the minnows have to swim across without getting tagged. If they do, they become additional sharks. It gets chaotic fast, especially in smaller pools.

6. Water Balloon Dodgeball

Not just for the backyard – if you’ve got a shallow pool area, toss some water balloons in and use them for a floating version of dodgeball. Just make sure to pick up all the popped balloons after you’re done. Warehouse Stationery and Kmart usually sell big packs of balloons cheap.

7. Marco Polo – With A Twist

The classic version is fun, but here’s a new take: instead of shouting “Marco” and “Polo,” use sounds. The “it” person has to guess where people are by listening for clapping, splashing, or tapping the side of the pool. It makes things way harder – and funnier.

8. Sponge Bucket Relay

Set up two buckets on opposite pool edges. Give each team a big sponge (like the car wash ones from Mitre 10). They have to soak it, swim it across, and squeeze it into their team’s bucket. First team to fill their bucket wins. Perfect for hot days and kids with way too much energy.

9. Floating Tic Tac Toe

Use pool noodles or duct tape on the water’s surface to form a big tic-tac-toe board. Then, grab two sets of different coloured sponges or small floaty objects. Players take turns tossing them in to try and get three in a row. Way harder when the water’s moving!

10. Giant Whirlpool

Best for bigger groups. Everyone walks or swims in the same direction around the pool until you build up a strong circling current. Then, try swimming against it – spoiler: it’s not easy. If you’ve got an above-ground pool (like the ones from Bestway at Bunnings), this works even better.

Final Thought

At the end of the day, the best pool games are the ones that get people moving and laughing. You don’t need fancy gear or store-bought games – just a bit of creativity. Check your local Kmart, The Warehouse, Bunnings, or even Trade Me for cheap pool accessories, and you’re good to go.

Now, go on and make some waves!