Family Recreation

Every family creates unique games and ways to use a pool. Some people particularly look forward to an early morning swim or a refreshing plunge at the end of the day. Just reading around a pool can be very relaxing. And there are dozens of water-related and adapted games such as basketball and volleyball that are as much fun in water as they are on land. Participation in games should be permitted only with the swimmer's limitations in mind. Below are some ideas for you and your family to play around with.

Backyard Fishing

A backyard fishing expedition can be fun for people of all ages. Make fish out of plywood, painting them with waterproof enamel to look like different varieties. Attach a magnet to them and throw them in the pool. Rig rods with magnets instead of hooks and begin fishing. Ask kids to identify the fish they catch by looking in a nature book. Turn the fishing trip into a contest. Paint numbers on the side of the fish and have prizes for those who catch fish with a specific number. After the fishing match is over, hold an outdoor fish fry to give kids a "taste" of what it's really like!

Swim Contests

Include anything from a hearty relay race down the length of the pool to a children's balloon race across the width of the pool. Use rubber rafts to paddle from, plastic cups or ping-pong balls to blow across or numerous other pool-safe objects. Have a small reward ready for the winning competitor.

Watermelon Water Polo

Cover one very big, very round watermelon with vegetable shortening. Place it in the pool and let teams of three or four push it back and forth across the pool. Points are scored when the melon crosses into the opposing team's goal area, marked beforehand. The real fun comes in trying to lift the watermelon from the pool to carve up for all players.

Coin Treasure Hunt

This game allows for several variations. You can use all varieties of coins or several of just one type. You can even tape secret numbers or emblems under each coin. Toss the coins in the pool, let them settle, then let the swimmers, one-by-one, gather as many as possible in one breath. The object of the game is determined by your coins: either find the most coins, the most of one kind or the one with the special something underneath.

Checkers

For the more docile, how about a floating checker board game. This is a perfect shallow end mind-tester for tired swimmers or less vigorous adults.

Of course, there are many, many more games. Check with your pool store or neighborhood friends for other ideas. And after playing these games, remember to remove all game items from the pool to prevent any damage to the pool or pool equipment.

Pool Parties

Relaxing with friends after an exhilarating swim may be the most enjoyable part of your day. A pool makes entertaining easier and more fun, and it's an attractive setting for anything from an afternoon bridge party to an evening barbecue. Here are just a few of the party ideas you can try with your pool.

For Your Office Friends

Invite fellow employees over for a poolside luau and greet everyone with "aloha" and a flower lei to wear. Have ocean sound effects on tape and play it by the pool. Serve fruit drinks in hollowed-out coconuts. Give everyone a grass skirt or hat to wear, and they'll feel like the office is a million miles away!

For The Bridge Club

Why not take the summer off from card playing and get together instead for exercise in the pool and a low-calorie lunch. Have a different person each week select the music and lead exercises. Keep up the routine when no one else is around. Start with exercises like the Toe Bounce. Standing in waist-to-chest deep water with hands on hips, jump high with feet together. Repeat.

For The Wedding Couple

For weddings both romantic and informal, consider one poolside. Float flowers in the pool with the ceremony at one end and the musicians at the other. Have the groom toss the garter in the water for single men to jump for. To make a romantic mood, seat guests around the pool and say your vows as the sun is setting. At night, lighted candles floating in the pool add a nice touch.

For Your Olympic Contenders

During the summer when school kids are home, hold your own "Pool Olympics". Make a list of all the different athletic events that could be held in a pool, from dog paddling to relay races. Have an awards ceremony after each event, with homemade plaques or ribbons for the winners. Younger children could form cheerleading squads or have their own doggy paddle races. Be sure all the events are safe and well supervised.

For The Teenagers

Hold a "Teen Dance" in the swimming pool. Put on favorite albums including some featured in old beach movies. Food can be light - chips and soft drinks. Stage a dance competition in the pool with the winning couple getting to choose the next pool event.