Greased Watermelon

Make a splash at your next pool party by playing greased watermelon. This team oriented swimming pool game will bring laughter and competition for everyone to enjoy.

greased watermelon illustration
Swim Level

Intermediate

Type of Pool

Shallow

Accessories Needed

Watermelon

Brace yourself for an exciting and slippery challenge with greased watermelon! There are no surprises with the name of this pool game; players must move a greased-up watermelon into the opposing team’s side of the pool.

This team game is all about teamwork, strategy, and of course, plenty of laughter, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, pool parties, or just a fun-filled day at the pool.

Accessories or Set Up Needed

Setting up for greased watermelon is pretty easy and self-explanatory.

The most important item is, of course, the watermelon, and the larger, the better! The main reason why a watermelon is a perfect choice for this game is because they are neutrally buoyant. Watermelons do not instantly float back to the top of the water if they are put at the bottom of the pool; rather, they rise slowly. This makes for a more entertaining game where you can pass the watermelon underwater to teammates!

Lastly, to grease up the watermelon use a water-soluble lubricant or even sunscreen.  Don’t use any petroleum-based solution as that can gum up pipes and cause an unnecessary mess!

Understanding that having watermelon in the pool might not be something every pool owner would enjoy cleaning up if it breaks, you can use any ball as a substitute.

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How To Play Greased Watermelon

This game aims to get a greased watermelon across the pool and into the opposing team’s goal area first.

Teams must work together, strategizing and coordinating their efforts to move the slippery watermelon through the water while preventing the opposing team from doing the same. Here is a video of the fun in action!

Setting the Gameplay Before Starting

Before starting, players should first agree on the overall boundaries and goal areas for each team.

Also, decide how the watermelon can be passed or moved across the pool. In general, underwater passes are acceptable while football passes are not. This is a safety issue as watermelons, especially one that is greased, are very heavy and hard to catch.

Gameplay

Here’s how greased watermelon is typically played:

  • Two sets of teams are set up on their respective sides of the pool
  • A referee or non-participating swimmer either tosses or places the greased-up watermelon in between both teams in the middle of the pool. At the start signal, players from both teams rush to gain control of the greased watermelon
  • Teams then work together to move the watermelon toward the opposing team’s goal area. The watermelon can be thrown or tossed to its destination.
  • The first team to successfully get the watermelon into the opposing team’s goal area wins the round.

Rules to Follow

  • The greased watermelon must not be lifted out of the water. It should always remain at or below the water level. Underwater passes are OK.
  • Players cannot hinder others by grabbing, holding, or pulling them.
  • Excessive force or aggressive behavior is not allowed.

Strategy

Success in this pool game hinges on teamwork and strategy. Teams need to coordinate their efforts to both attack and defend effectively.

Aiming to control the middle of the pool can be a helpful strategy, giving your team more options for both advancing the watermelon and defending your goal area.

Variations to Play

  1. Add more watermelons to increase the challenge and fun.
  2. Implement special rules where every member of the team must touch the watermelon before a round can be won.

Safety Precautions

  • Ensure all players are confident swimmers and comfortable in the pool.
  • Adult supervision is recommended for younger participants.

Grease it Up!

Greased watermelon brings a wave of laughter and enjoyment to any swimming pool gathering.

So gather your teams and let the slippery challenge begin!

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