Sun’s out, drinks are chilled, and the pool is calling—but what really turns a warm-weather hangout into a party is the right mix of fun and games. When your guests are looking to sip, laugh, and dive into some boozy fun, pool party drinking games are the way to go. They combine the thrill of water play with adult-only entertainment, creating unforgettable summer memories with every splash.
Whether you're hosting a chill afternoon with friends or a rowdy poolside bash, this list of drinking games is loaded with action, hilarity, and just enough mischief to make your party legendary.
Why Drinking Games Make Pool Parties More Fun
Drinking games are about more than just the alcohol—they’re icebreakers, laughter-inducers, and memory-makers. They help loosen things up, turn strangers into teammates, and bring energy to your event.
Benefits of Pool Drinking Games:
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They keep guests engaged in both water and social play
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They break the ice for groups that don’t know each other well
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They blend physical activity with light-hearted competition
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They add structure and excitement to a free-flowing party atmosphere
Classic Pool Drinking Games With a Boozy Twist
These are familiar favorites adapted for wet-and-wild fun.
Pool Pong
Instead of a table, use a floating beer pong raft or a DIY version with floating cups. Teams try to sink ping pong balls in the opponent’s cups—whoever gets a cup hit drinks it. Floating makes it trickier and way more fun.
Flip Cup Float
Attach cups to the edge of a float or tray, line players on either side, and race to flip your cup after chugging. Loser drinks again!
Never Have I Ever (Pool Edition)
Float in a circle and take turns with “Never Have I Ever” statements. Anyone who has done it takes a sip. Bonus rule: anyone who can't swim to the middle fast enough drinks twice!
Creative Pool Party Drinking Games You’ll Want to Try
Not every game needs to be a classic. These pool-friendly ideas bring originality and splash.
Tipsy Treasure Hunt
Sink waterproof shot glasses or sealed mini alcohol bottles in shallow water. Use pool goggles to dive and collect. Each item found equals a sip or a dare.
Float or Sink
Players guess whether an object will float or sink. If you're wrong—you drink! Add silly objects like oranges, toy dinosaurs, or solo cups filled halfway.
Sip and Slide
Create a mini slip-and-slide that ends in the pool. Before sliding, each player spins a wheel or draws a card: it’ll tell them how many sips to take before their run.
Team Drinking Games That Get Everyone Involved
These team-based games build excitement and create hilarious rivalries.
Floatie Relay
Players must chug a drink, hop on a float, race across the pool, and tag the next teammate. The slowest team drinks a penalty round.
Water Balloon War
Split into two teams with water balloons. Each team gets a color. If you get hit, take a sip. Bonus: fill a few balloons with spiked seltzer for mystery shots.
Sink the Float
Place a float in the pool and players take turns tossing objects onto it—whoever causes it to flip or sink drinks!
Funny Dares and Games That Keep Things Wild
Not every pool party drinking game needs strict rules. Sometimes the goal is just to keep people laughing.
Floating Truth or Dare
Write dares or truth questions on waterproof cards and float them in the pool. Pick a card at random, complete it or take a shot.
Sip If
The host calls out statements like “sip if you’re wearing sunglasses” or “sip if you’ve ever skinny dipped.” Quick, easy, and gets people talking.
The Lifeguard
Assign one person to be the “lifeguard.” They patrol the pool and call out ridiculous pool infractions like “excessive splashing” or “unauthorized tanning.” Violators must drink.
Low-Key Drinking Games for Chill Pool Vibes
Sometimes you want just a touch of alcohol without intense games or soaking your outfit. These relaxed options still bring the fun.
Floating Cheers
Float together in a circle and clink cups each round. Pass around a fun question before each toast—if you don’t answer, you drink.
Drink and Drift
Everyone picks a float and lets the current or gentle pushes move them around. When you bump into another player, toast and take a sip together.
Shot Duck
One person is the “shot duck” wearing a rubber duck ring or floatie. Every time someone tags them in the pool, they assign a shot.
Important Pool Drinking Game Safety Tips
With fun comes responsibility—especially when alcohol and water are involved.
Keep It Safe:
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Never allow games in deep water if players are intoxicated
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Always have someone sober monitoring the pool
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Avoid glassware near the water—opt for plastic or silicone drinkware
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Encourage hydration with plenty of water available
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Limit high-proof alcohol or excessive shots during intense games
Pool drinking games should enhance your party—not put guests at risk.
Plan the Perfect Pool Bash With Boozy Games That Bring the Fun
When it comes to pool party drinking games, the options are endless—just like the laughs they bring. Whether you're floating lazily with a beer or diving for sunken shots, the right mix of games will turn your summer hangout into a full-on splash fest.
You don’t need complex setups or wild stunts. Most of the best games require just a few drinks, a pool noodle, and a great sense of humor. So break out the floats, crank the music, and prepare to party with games that blend sunshine, social vibes, and a little liquid courage.
FAQs About Pool Party Drinking Games
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Can you play drinking games in an above-ground pool?
Yes, as long as space and depth allow. Just avoid games that involve diving or jumping. -
What’s a good game for smaller groups?
Floating Truth or Dare or Drink and Drift work well for 4–6 players and don’t require teams. -
Are there waterproof cards for drinking games?
Yes! You can find waterproof card decks designed for pool use or laminate your own prompts. -
How much alcohol should I provide?
Plan for 2–3 drinks per person per hour, but also stock plenty of non-alcoholic options and water. -
What’s a fun twist to add to pool pong?
Use juice or flavored seltzer instead of beer for a colorful (and less intense) version, or add truth or dare slips under each cup.
