12 of the best pool toys and games under $40 to add to your summer collection

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Whether you like diving in the deep or playing Marco Polo in the shallow waters, swimming pools are the ideal place in the summer. But if you really want to make a splash this season (and keep things interesting during the next heat wave), you might want to consider adding a few new toys and games for the whole family.

From water-safe playing cards to inflatable volleyball nets and everything in between, we’ve got 12 of the most fun pool accessories under $40 worth prune skinning.

People playing an Intex volleyball game in a swimming pool

Intex/Intex/Amazon Pool Volleyball Game

Volleyball is one of the greatest summer pastimes of all time, and now you can play your next round right in the pool with this inflatable net. At 94 inches wide (or just under 8 feet), it will fit most in-ground pools, and it comes with matching volleyball, anchor bags on each end so it won’t not float and a repair patch in case the net ever gets a hole in it.

Buy it: Amazon

People sitting in swimming pool with game station and waterproof playing cards

Play Station with Waterproof/Swimline/Amazon Playing Cards

Host your next game of cards on the water with this gaming station, which gives you a dry surface for dealing hands of poker or blackjack. It comes with waterproof maps as well as two inflatable sling seats with built-in cup holders. Tired of cards? Flip the game table over and play checkers instead. You also don’t have to worry about accidentally falling over when it’s not your turn – the chairs have bungee ties that keep them connected to the table.

Buy it: Amazon

People sitting on a towel playing UNO Splash

UNO Splash / Mattel/Amazon

Why stop at traditional card games with your new floating play station? The cards in UNO Splash are transparent and completely waterproof, so it doesn’t matter if you throw cards into the bottom during a heated game. The cards also have a hole punched in the corner, so you can carry them with the included clip.

Buy it: Amazon

People in a swimming pool using the inflatable battle logs

Inflatable Battle Logs / BAXIA/Amazon

Channel your inner lumberjack and challenge your pool mates with this inflatable log set. Once you’re ready to fight, jump on the logs, grab the included jousting spears (also inflatable) and start punching your opponent. The first person to knock their competitor into the water wins.

Buy it: Amazon

Child in a swimming pool dipping a basketball into a 360 Splash Hoop

Splash Hoop 360 / GoSports/Amazon

Instead of doing slam dunks on a basketball court, take your skills to the pool with this floating hoop, which comes in red or blue and includes two water-friendly basketballs and a pump. Assembling the hoop only takes a few minutes (all you have to do is attach the net to three poles that sink into the floating ring) and then you’ll be ready to score.

Buy it: Amazon

Two men swimming underwater in a pool trying to reach a watermelon ball

Watermelon Ball / Watermelon Ball/Amazon

This ball may look like a watermelon, but it’s actually your ticket to all kinds of awesome activities. Beyond all the things you can do above water when inflated with air, you can also fill it with water, as it comes with an adapter that attaches to your air hose. watering. When filled, the ball acts like a watermelon in water, sinking to the bottom and then slowly floating to the surface.

Buy it: Amazon

Two children playing with a Toss 'N' Splash in a swimming pool

Toss ‘N’ Splash / Poolmaster Inc./Amazon

Test your tossing skills with a fun round of floating Toss ‘N’ Splash. The set comes with 10 balls and a 27-inch-wide inflatable circular bubble with nine built-in holes to aim for. Targets are worth different values, so you can earn between 10 and 50 points depending on your ability to throw objects.

Buy it: Amazon

Two kids squirt water guns into a swimming pool

Water Jets/Prime Time Toys LLC/Amazon

Relive some of your favorite childhood memories with a good old fashioned water fight. But this time, fire from that six-pack of blasters to blast the competition out of the water, literally. The colorful toys use the same material as pool noodles and can spray liquid up to 30 feet away.

Buy it: Amazon

Child swimming underwater in a pool through three swimming rings

Swim Thru Rings / Water Sports LLC / Amazon

Design an underwater obstacle course for you and your family with this set of three swimming rings. Each inflates to a diameter of 31 inches and has an air chamber at the top that allows you to adjust the depth of the ring. The rings can even fold up for easy storage when you’re done for the day.

Buy it: Amazon

Four people in a swimming pool playing with an inflatable Cornhole set

Inflatable Cornhole / Sunshine / Amazon

Cornhole is a beloved backyard game usually reserved for playing on a patio or in the grass. But this versatile set, which includes two inflatable boards and eight beanbags, can be enjoyed on land or in the pool. Each board is fitted with eyelets so that it can be anchored to the sides of the pool. Fortunately, the cornhole pockets are closed, so you only have to worry about diving underwater to retrieve the beanbags if they bounce or miss their target.

Buy it: Amazon

People in a pool throwing rings at a Jasonwell Inflatable Cactus Ring Toss which also carries drinks

Jasonwell Inflatable Cactus Ring Toss / Jasonwell/Amazon

Transform a classic game of ring toss with this airy two-in-one cactus that also functions as a floating cup holder. Everyone can take turns squeezing one of the six included rings in their arms. Those who don’t want to play can always grab an ice cold drink from the brackets section while she passes.

Buy it: Amazon

Four LED beach balls floating on a pool surface next to umbrellas and palm trees

LED Beach Ball / Changying/Amazon

Useful both as a pool toy and chic decor, this waterproof LED beach ball comes with a remote control (effective up to 100 feet) that lets you choose from 16 color options, four effect modes, and five brightness levels. Pick a few to keep the vibe going at your all night pool party.

Buy it: Amazon

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