Celebrate Christmas Poolside – Fun Game Ideas for Kids and Adults

While many people imagine Christmas around a cosy fireplace, in Western Australia, it often looks very different. Backyards come alive with laughter, barbecues, and the cooling relief of a fibreglass swimming pool, turning backyards into lively holiday hubs. To help people make the most of their celebration this year, we wanted to share with you some fun pool games for the whole family, some tips for easy poolside entertaining, and essential safety advice for the festive season. Let’s dive in…
Celebrate Christmas Poolside with Barrier Reef Pools

Why Pools Are Perfect for a Perth Christmas

A pool transforms the way families experience Christmas. Perth summers can be intense, and a backyard pool gives everyone a place to cool off and enjoy the day. Kids can swim and splash for hours, while adults relax poolside with a festive drink.

Pools also encourage family bonding and socialising. Children can invent games, friends can join in races and relays, and everyone can enjoy a bit of friendly competition. Hosting Christmas gatherings becomes easier, whether it’s a full Christmas Day celebration or a relaxed afternoon with close family.

Fun Christmas Pool Games for the Whole Family

Pool games are a great way to involve all ages. Children, teens, and adults can all participate, creating laughter and lasting memories. Here are some favourite games to try this festive season:

Pool Treasure Hunt

This is a favourite for younger children. You can hide waterproof toys or floating objects in the pool and challenge kids to find them. Adding festive colours such as red, green, and gold gives the game a seasonal touch. Children love the excitement of searching under the water, and adults can join in by timing the hunt or giving playful hints.

pool treasure hunt sinkie toys

Santa Relay

The Santa Relay is ideal for slightly older kids or groups of friends. Divide everyone into teams and have them race across the pool carrying a Santa hat or a lightweight gift. You can even add challenges along the way, such as balancing the gift on a float or swimming under a “Christmas tunnel” made from pool noodles. This game encourages teamwork and lots of laughter.

Marco “Ho Ho” Polo

A festive twist on the classic Marco Polo. Instead of calling “Marco,” the seeker shouts “Ho Ho,” giving the game a cheerful holiday vibe. It is simple, energetic, and suitable for any pool size.

Floating Gift Surprise

This game is a creative way to combine swimming and gift-giving. Wrap small waterproof gifts in floating containers and let children collect them from the pool. You can turn it into a friendly competition by seeing who collects the most gifts in a set time.

These games are easy to set up and guarantee fun for the whole family. You can also explore pool and spa options to create a more exciting and versatile backyard setup.

kids jumping into pool fun

How To Make Poolside Entertaining Easy

Christmas entertaining often works best outdoors, and a pool naturally becomes the place where everyone gathers. With a little planning, your pool area can stay comfortable, social, and easy to enjoy all day.

For pool owners, the festive season is a great time to refresh the space with decorations, lights, and extra seating. You can also explore pool accessories to make the area even more fun. For those considering a pool in 2026, now is the perfect time to imagine a backyard ready for many future Christmas celebrations.

Poolside entertaining essentials to have ready:

  • Shaded areas where guests can escape the heat
  • Lighting that works from afternoon through to evening
  • Plenty of seating close to the pool
  • A few festive touches to set the Christmas mood
  • Drinks and snacks within easy reach

When the space is set up well, adults can relax nearby while kids enjoy the pool safely. If you are planning upgrades or layout changes, it can help to find a pool builder who understands how to make the most of your backyard.

Pool Safety During the Festive Season

With extra guests, excited kids, and long summer days, pool safety should stay front of mind over Christmas. A few simple habits can help keep everyone safe while still enjoying the fun.

Key pool safety reminders for the festive season include:

  • Always supervise children around the pool, even confident swimmers
  • Set clear pool rules like no running, no diving in shallow areas, and no rough play
  • Make sure pool fencing and gates are secure and self-closing
  • Keep rescue equipment and a first aid kit nearby and easy to access
  • Encourage regular water breaks, sunscreen use, and time in the shade
  • Avoid glass or breakable containers near or in the pool
  • Keep alcoholic drinks away from the pool if children are swimming

Taking these steps helps create a relaxed environment where adults can unwind and children can enjoy the pool safely. A little preparation goes a long way toward a stress-free and enjoyable Christmas poolside.

Learn more about how to stay safe around the pool with our family pool safety guide.

Thinking Ahead? Start Planning Your Pool for 2026

For households without a pool, or those looking to upgrade, planning now for next year is a smart move. A plunge pool, inground pool, or fibreglass pool can transform a backyard into a space for relaxation, play, and entertaining.

Planning early gives families time to explore different designs, choose layouts that suit their backyard, and complete approvals well before the busy season. It also allows for careful consideration of pool features, safety, and accessories, so your backyard is ready to host summer fun from day one.

Imagine spending future Christmases in a sparkling pool, enjoying family games, summer barbecues, and lasting festive memories. 

Explore our fibreglass and plunge pool designs to start turning your backyard vision into reality.

Merry Christmas from Barrier Reef Pools Perth

Whether families are enjoying their current pool this festive season or planning for the future, Christmas in Perth is brighter, cooler, and more fun with a pool. From all of us at Barrier Reef Pools Perth, we wish everyone a joyful, safe, and splash-filled holiday.

Contact us today to explore pool options and make 2026 a year of unforgettable Christmas memories.

Request A Free Quote Today​

We invite you to visit our display centres or contact us today for a free quote and site appraisal. Let Barrier Reef Pools WA and its skilled, experienced and friendly sales staff work with you in selecting the very best design to meet your special needs.

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Visit A Barrier Reef Pools Display Centre​ Today​

Our Mandurah display is undergoing a large renovation. We are still open for business.

With three display centres around Perth, there is always someone close by to answer any questions you have on our fibreglass pools and to show you our extensive range of pools.

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