There’s just something about a swimming pool in summer, isn’t there? Whether we’re heading to our local leisure centre, taking a dip at an outdoor pool, or making the most of a hotel pool on holiday, it’s the perfect excuse to jump in, move our bodies with a few tricks to do in the swimming pool, and have a laugh.
Tricks to Do in the Swimming Pool
As a swimwear brand, we spend a lot of time thinking about how swimwear moves. In particular, how it supports our upper body, stays secure during big movements, and feels comfortable whether we’re floating gently or powering through lengths like seasoned lap swimmers. So today, we’re sharing our favourite easy pool tricks, playful challenges and a few of the coolest tricks to try, all while feeling confident in what we’re wearing.
Before we begin, we should mention a few things about health and safety when doing pool tricks. It’s a good idea to always check the pool design, depth markings and lifeguard rules. Some tricks are perfect for the shallow end of the pool, while others need deep water and confident swimmers. For more ideas, take a look at our post about swimming pool games or pool games without toys.
1. The Underwater Handstand
A true classic. Take a deep breath, submerge yourself, place your hands firmly on the bottom of the pool, and kick your legs straight upwards. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen your upper body while improving balance and body awareness.
This is a great confidence-builder for beginner swimmers, particularly if you practised in the shallow end of the pool before attempting it in deeper areas.
2. Bubble Rings Challenge
This calming pool game is always a favourite. You start by kneeling or standing in shallow water. You dip under, exhale slowly and attempt to create perfect bubble rings. It encourages breath control and relaxation, which are skills often introduced during swim lessons.
It’s gentle, focused, and surprisingly satisfying to master.
3. The Underwater Somersault
For something a little more dynamic, the underwater somersault never disappoints. From a standing position, you should tuck your knees, roll forward, and push off the wall of the pool for momentum. This trick engages your entire body, improving your coordination and water confidence. It’s one of the coolest tricks to watch, especially if you perform it like a pro!
4. Flip Turn Practice
Those looking to swim more efficiently can practise a flip turn, an important technique used by experienced swimmers.
Approaching the side of the pool, you should tuck, rotate and push off the wall in one fluid movement. This drill strengthens your lower body while refining your technique for your freestyle stroke. It’s a good one for anyone moving towards more complex strokes in swimming.
5. Cannonball Competition
No list would be complete without a cannonball competition. You are best to start in safe, deep water. The players jump in while tucking their knees tightly to their chest, aiming for the biggest big splash possible. It’s a lively and energetic, fun way to cool off. It’s perfect for families and groups of friends. Always check depth before jumping and be aware of other people.
6. Treasure Dive
This activity combines skill-building with excitement. Weighted rings or pool toys are dropped to the bottom of the pool, and you’ll need to retrieve them one by one. It’s excellent practice for breath control and strengthens both your upper body and lower body during descent and push-off. It’s a good one, effective for building confidence among beginner swimmers and kids.
7. The Mushroom Float
A gentler trick that promotes relaxation. Swimmers hug their knees into their chest, dip their head underwater, and allow their back to rise naturally to the surface. The buoyancy supports the entire body, creating a calm floating position. It will give you a serene moment in the water. It has been likened to “little mermaids” drifting beneath the surface.
8. Wall Push-Off Glide
With your feet planted against the wall of the pool, you should streamline your arms overhead, with your middle fingers overlapping and push off into a long glide.
This drill improves your body position and control, helping you move more efficiently through the water. It’s practised by lap swimmers and so will help improve your technique, as well as being a lot of fun.
9. Freestyle Sprint Challenge
Not all pool tricks are acrobatic; some focus on speed and strength. Mark out a short distance and swim at a pace using a strong freestyle stroke, engaging your upper body for propulsion and your lower body for a powerful kick. It’s excellent conditioning and reinforces the technique you will have learned during your swimming lessons.
10. Poolside Photo Ops
Pools naturally lend themselves to memorable moments, which can be captured on your phone. From synchronised jumps to playful poses in the shallow end, or dramatic entries into deep water, there are endless photo ops to capture the energy of summer. Bright colours and confident movement always stand out beautifully against blue water.
Choosing Swimwear for Pool Tricks
Movement matters, especially during high-energy activities.
When practising flips, sprints or splash contests, you should pick a swimsuit which has -
- Secure straps and a supportive fit
- One that is chlorine-resistant
- A cozzie that gives a comfortable stretch, which moves with your body
- Most importantly, an opaque lining that remains reliable when your swimsuit is wet
Important Safety Tips
Fun should always go hand in hand with safety. Before attempting any trick, swimmers should:
- Check the depth and confirm whether the area is suitable for jumping or diving.
- Keep energetic tricks like cannonballs to designated deep water zones
- Be aware of other pool users and avoid obstructing lap swimmers
- Avoid running on slippery surfaces on dry land
- Practise new skills close to the side of the pool for stability
From Beginner to Confident Swimmer
What makes pool tricks so appealing is their flexibility. They suit every skill level.
Beginner swimmers can start in the shallow end of the pool with bubble rings and mushroom floats. As your confidence grows, underwater somersaults, flip turns, and freestyle sprint challenges become achievable goals. Over time, these playful challenges build strength, breath control and water awareness.
Whether you are refining your technique, developing essential skills during swim lessons, or simply enjoying a cannonball competition with friends, the swimming pool remains one of the best places to move, practise and create some good time.