How to Play Pool Volleyball

Your pool is a commitment to good physical health through exercise, and good mental health through positive interaction with family and friends. Pool toys and water games help you use your swimming pool to the fullest. Pool volleyball is fun for players of all ages and all skill levels. The net is specially designed for pools; the ball is colorful, oversized rubber; and the rules are loose.

Guidelines for pool volleyball

Rule 1: There are no set rules. The pool owner makes the rules before the game gets underway. End of rules! What remains are common practices.

Boundaries are determined before the game begins. A ball that hits the deck may or may not be considered legal.
2 players per side cover the entire court; 3 or more players form a front and back row. A coin toss determines the first serve.
The server is allowed 1 serve, initiated on the far right court, behind the second row of players. The ball is tossed overhead with 1 hand and fired across the net with the other hand.
Children under 10 years of age get a second attempt at a serve if the first serve does not go over the net.
Whoever scores a point gets the next serve.
Each team can make up to 3 contacts with the ball before the point is lost.
Points are scored when a team fails to return the ball, when the ball is out of bounds, or when a team hits a ball more than 3 times before getting it over the net.
Rotate positions clockwise before each serve.
Teams change sides after each round.
A team must win by 2 points. Short games play to 16 points, and long games to 25 points.
Unlimited timeouts are allowed for refreshment and bathroom breaks.