Here is the short answer: no, standard volleyballs are not waterproof. Most indoor and even many outdoor volleyballs will absorb water, get heavy, and degrade over time if you use them in a pool or lake. But there are volleyballs specifically made for water play, and knowing the difference will save you money and frustration.
What Happens When a Regular Volleyball Gets Wet
When a standard indoor volleyball hits the water, several things go wrong.
Weight gain. Leather and synthetic leather panels absorb water quickly. A ball that weighs about 260 grams dry can gain 50-100 grams or more after extended water exposure. That extra weight makes setting and passing noticeably harder.
Surface degradation. Water breaks down the adhesives that bond the outer panels to the carcass underneath. Repeated soaking causes panels to separate, bubble, and eventually peel off.
Mold and mildew. A waterlogged ball that gets tossed in the garage after a pool day will develop mold inside the bladder lining. Once that happens, the ball smells terrible and the internal structure weakens.
Loss of grip. The microfiber or composite leather surface that gives indoor volleyballs their tacky feel becomes slippery when wet, making accurate passes and hits nearly impossible.
Bladder damage. Even if the outer panels survive, water can seep through stitching holes and degrade the rubber bladder inside, causing slow air leaks over time.
Bottom line: using your gym volleyball in the pool is a quick way to ruin it.
Which Materials ARE Waterproof?
Not all volleyball materials respond to water the same way. Here is how they break down.
Neoprene. This is the gold standard for water volleyballs. Neoprene is the same synthetic rubber used in wetsuits — it is completely waterproof, buoyant, and offers good grip even when wet. Most dedicated water volleyball balls use neoprene construction.
Rubber. Solid rubber volleyballs shed water well and are extremely durable. They tend to be heavier and harder than neoprene balls, which makes them less pleasant for extended play but nearly indestructible.
PVC (vinyl). Sealed PVC panels with welded seams resist water effectively. Many beach volleyballs use PVC construction. They are lighter than rubber but less soft than neoprene.
Synthetic sealed leather. Some outdoor volleyballs use a synthetic leather outer with sealed stitching and a waterproof bladder. These handle splashes and rain fine but are not designed for submersion. They are a middle ground — better than indoor balls near water, but not truly waterproof.
Genuine leather. Avoid near water entirely. Leather absorbs water like a sponge, warps as it dries, and cracks over time.
How to Tell If a Volleyball Is Water-Safe
If you already own a volleyball and want to know if it can handle the pool, check these things.
Read the label. Manufacturers will explicitly state “water volleyball,” “pool volleyball,” or “water-resistant” if the ball is designed for wet use. If the packaging only says “indoor” or “outdoor,” assume it is not water-safe.
Check the material. If the outer cover is neoprene or rubber, you are good. If it is leather or composite leather, keep it dry.
Inspect the seams. Waterproof balls typically have machine-stitched or thermally bonded seams rather than hand-stitched ones. Hand stitching creates needle holes that let water in.
Test the surface. Run the ball under a faucet for 30 seconds, then dry the surface with a towel and weigh it. Do the same thing after 10 minutes. If the weight increased noticeably, the ball is absorbing water.
Can You Waterproof a Regular Volleyball?
You will find suggestions online about spraying volleyballs with waterproofing sprays or coating them in silicone sealant. In practice, this does not work well for a few reasons.
Waterproofing spray wears off quickly with the abrasion of normal play. Silicone coating changes the ball’s grip and feel dramatically. Neither approach seals the stitch holes where most water enters. The internal bladder remains vulnerable even if you seal the outside.
If you need a ball for the water, buy one designed for it. A quality neoprene water volleyball costs $15-30 and will last several seasons. That is cheaper than replacing a ruined indoor ball.
What to Buy for Pool and Beach Play
For pool play, look for a dedicated water volleyball. These are designed for the unique demands of playing in a pool — they float, grip well when wet, resist chlorine damage, and are soft enough that they will not hurt on wet skin. Browse our full guide to water volleyball equipment for net and ball recommendations.
For beach play, beach volleyballs are built to handle sand, wind, and occasional splashes. They use water-resistant synthetic panels and are slightly larger and lighter than indoor balls (about 66-68 cm circumference vs. 65-67 cm, and 260-280 grams vs. 260-280 grams). Beach balls handle moisture better than indoor balls but are still not designed for submersion.
If you want to play volleyball in a pool with a proper setup, check out the best pool volleyball nets and learn how to play water volleyball with the right rules and technique.
How Chlorine Affects Volleyballs
Pool water adds another challenge beyond simple moisture. Chlorine is a chemical oxidizer that breaks down materials over time. Even water-safe volleyballs will degrade faster in chlorinated pools than in freshwater lakes.
Chlorine fades colors, weakens adhesives, and can make rubber and PVC surfaces become brittle after prolonged exposure. This is normal wear, not a defect. Rinsing your ball with fresh water after every pool session dramatically extends its life.
Care Tips for Water Volleyballs
Even a ball built for water will last longer with basic maintenance.
Rinse after every use. Fresh water removes chlorine, salt, and sand that cause long-term damage. This is the single most important thing you can do.
Dry before storing. Towel off the surface and let the ball air dry completely in the shade before putting it away. Storing a damp ball promotes mold growth even on waterproof materials.
Store indoors. UV exposure degrades rubber and PVC over time. Keep your ball in a garage, shed, or bag when not in use.
Maintain pressure. Check the air pressure periodically and re-inflate as needed. Water play is harder on bladders than dry play, so expect to top off air more frequently.
Avoid extreme heat. Do not leave a water volleyball in a hot car or in direct sunlight for hours. Heat expands the air inside and stresses the seams.
The Bottom Line
Standard volleyballs are not waterproof and should not be used in the pool. If you want to play volleyball in the water, invest in a purpose-built water volleyball made from neoprene or sealed rubber. It will perform better, last longer, and cost less in the long run than replacing ruined indoor balls. Once you have the right ball, learn how to hit a volleyball in the water and get playing.