There’s nothing more satisfying than jumping into a cold pool during a particularly hot summer day. And if you’re planning on spending some time in the pool, then you may be looking for fun games to play. Below, we’re going to review the best basketball games to play in the pool. These games are fun for the whole family and can keep you all entertained for hours to come.
Although these basketball games are meant to be lighthearted and fun, there are a plethora of pool workouts for basketball players.
Disclaimer
Please note, we here at Ball Are Life are a part of the Amazon Affiliate Program and may receive a small commission from any purchases made via our links below. While we appreciate the additional commission we may receive, it in no way impacts or biases our ratings or reviews.
Best Basketball for a Pool
There are, without a doubt, a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to a basketball for the pool. However, before choosing a specific brand or model, you must ascertain what kind of basketball do you want to play in the pool.
If you are looking to play basketball with a hoop that floats on the water, then our personal pick and favorite is the Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop by Hoop Shark. This basketball pool hoop is both portable and lightweight, allowing you to carry it easily.
In addition, the Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop by Hoop Shark is made with a durable, textured finish, ensuring that the basketball hoop can withstand impact and won’t be damaged by repeated use. When we used this basketball hoop in our own pool, we found that it inflated relatively quickly and without a hitch.
Lastly, the Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop by Hoop Shark also comes with a basketball. This basketball is ideal for the product as it fits neatly into the hoop and matches well with the color schemes.
However, if you have an inground swimming pool and want to place a basketball hoop on the outer edge, we enjoyed the Go Sports Splash Hoop Pro. Made from robust material, ensuring no breakage or wear-and-tear, the swimming pool basketball hoop has an enlarged backboard and rim, making it ideal for swimming pool play.
In addition, the Go Sports Splash Hoop Pro comes with two inflatable basketballs and a basketball pump. This is a great addition for anyone looking to play basketball games in the pool with multiple people. A high quality, cool looking swimming pool basketball hoop, the Go Sports Splash Hoop Pro is a great choice if you are looking to place a basketball hoop outside of an indoor swimming pool.
Lastly, if you are looking for a swimming pool basketball hoop for an above-ground pool, then we would recommend the FCH Poolside Basketball Hoop. Made of high-quality, high-density PVC, the above-ground pool basketball hoop can be enjoyed for seasons to come.
The FCH Poolside Basketball Hoop is also adjustable, allowing you to higher or lower the rim dependent on your needs and preference. However, this product did not come with a basketball, so buyer beware. In our testing, we found that any normal sized basketball will fit into the rim perfectly.
Around the Pool
A take on the classic basketball game of around the world, around the pool follows a similar format but in the water. Simply designate five shooting locations around the edge of the pool. Have the first shooter attempt a shot from the first location. If they make the shot attempt, they will move on to the next spot adjacent to the first.
However, if they miss the shot, then the next player up will attempt to shoot from the first spot. Again, if they make it, they will move on to the next spot. Continue playing until the first person makes all five shots in total.
1×1
Perhaps there is no better basketball game to play in the pool then 1×1. A game of 1×1 brings out the competitive nature of each player and is definitely a great determination of who is the better player. Additionally, a game of 1×1 is great to play in the pool as the added water resistance makes movements more difficult. Playing 1×1 while in the pool is also aa great cardiovascular exercise and way to stay in shape.
P.O.O.L.S
P.O.O.L.S is another take on a classic game. P.O.O.L.S takes its cue from H.O.R.S.E and is played in a similar fashion. The game can be played with up to five people, making it one of the best basketball games to play in the pool or in the water.
To play P.O.O.L.S, have the first player take a shot attempt of their choice. If they make the shot attempt, then the player shooting immediately after must make the same shot, in the same manner, as the first shooter. However, if the second player misses their shot attempt, they will be assessed a P.
The players who amass all five letters of P.O.O.L.S will have lost the game and the last player to not have all letters assessed against them will be determined the winner.
2×2 Only Dunks
2×2 Only Dunks is a game we used to play back in my younger days and one that I still have vivid, fond memories of. The game is simple enough, with a team of two players, you must score 11-points. However, all points must come in the form of a dunk.
A great, fun, enjoyable game that will leave you wet and soaking at the end of the day.