Best Pool Volleyball Nets [2026]: Buyer’s Guide

If you already own a good water volleyball and just need a net, you are in the right place. Buying a complete volleyball set is one option, but sometimes you already have the balls and just want a solid net that fits your pool. Maybe your old net finally gave out after a few seasons, or you are setting up a pool volleyball court for the first time and want to get the net right without paying for accessories you do not need.

This guide focuses specifically on pool volleyball nets – not full sets. We will walk through what to look for, how to choose the right net for your pool type, and which nets we recommend after testing and researching the top options on the market.

What to Look for in a Pool Volleyball Net

Before you start shopping, there are a few key factors that will narrow your options quickly.

Pool Type Matters Most

The single biggest factor in choosing a net is whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool. In-ground pool nets typically use weighted bases that sit on the pool deck, while above-ground pool nets use bracket mounts that clamp onto the pool’s top rail. Buying the wrong type means it simply will not work with your pool.

If you have an in-ground pool with a freeform or curved shape, pay close attention to adjustable-width nets. A net designed for a standard rectangular pool may not stretch properly across an irregularly shaped one.

Net Width and Adjustability

Pool volleyball nets generally range from 16 to 30 feet in width. Measure the distance across your pool where you want the net to go before you buy anything. Most quality nets offer some adjustability – look for nets with adjustable straps or telescoping poles that let you dial in the right width for your specific pool.

For a regulation-style game, you want the net to stretch across the full width of the playing area. For casual play, a shorter net that covers most of the pool works fine and is often easier to set up and take down.

Net Height

Standard water volleyball rules call for the net to be 4 to 5 feet above the water surface. Most pool volleyball nets are designed with this height range in mind, but check the specs. Some nets have adjustable height, which is useful if you play with both adults and kids and want to lower it for younger players.

Material and Durability

Pool volleyball nets take a beating. They are constantly exposed to chlorinated water, sun, wind, and the occasional aggressive spike. Look for nets made from UV-resistant nylon or polyester mesh. The poles should be PVC, aluminum, or stainless steel – avoid anything that will rust after a few weeks of pool water exposure.

The bases matter too. Weighted bases that fill with water or sand are the most common for in-ground pools. Look for bases that hold enough weight to keep the net stable during play – at least 80 pounds per base when filled is a good target. Anything lighter and you will spend more time repositioning the net than playing.

Setup and Takedown

If you plan to leave your net up all season, setup convenience is less of a concern. But if you are the type to put the net up for weekend games and take it down during the week, you want something that goes up and comes down in under 10 minutes without tools. Our guide on how to set up a pool volleyball net walks through the full process step by step.

Floating nets are the easiest to set up – just toss them in the pool. But they are also the least stable. Weighted base nets take more effort but stay put during play. Permanently mounted nets are the most stable but require installation and cannot be easily removed.

Best Pool Volleyball Nets by Pool Type

Best for In-Ground Pools: GoSports Splash Net PRO

The GoSports Splash Net PRO is our top recommendation for in-ground pools, and for good reason. The net is adjustable up to 25 feet wide, which means it fits across virtually any residential in-ground pool – rectangular, oval, or freeform. The weighted bases fill with water or sand and provide solid stability, even during competitive play.

The net itself is made from durable all-weather material that holds up to chlorine and UV exposure. The PVC poles are sturdy without being overly heavy, and the whole system goes up in about 10-15 minutes once you have done it a couple of times. The first setup takes a bit longer as you figure out the strap adjustments for your specific pool shape.

What we like most is the net tension. Once it is dialed in, the net stays taut and does not sag in the middle the way cheaper nets tend to. This makes a real difference during play – a saggy net kills the game.

The downside is price. This is not the cheapest option, but the build quality justifies the cost if you plan to play regularly. If you are looking for something to use once or twice a summer, a less expensive option will do. But for regular players, this is the net to get. Keep an eye on our best pool deals for summer roundup for seasonal discounts on this and other top-rated nets.

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Best for Above-Ground Pools: Poolmaster Above-Ground Volleyball/Badminton Game

Finding a good net specifically designed for above-ground pools is harder than it should be. Most pool volleyball nets are built for in-ground pools and simply do not work with above-ground pool rails. The Poolmaster Above-Ground set solves this problem with bracket mounts that attach directly to the top rail of your above-ground pool.

The brackets fit rails that are 4 inches or wider, which covers most standard above-ground pools. The 16-foot net is shorter than in-ground options, but above-ground pools are generally smaller, so it works. The mounting system is portable, meaning you can adjust the bracket positions or remove the whole setup without leaving any permanent marks on your pool.

The net comes as part of a volleyball and badminton combo set. Honestly, the badminton component is mediocre, and the included volleyball is just okay. But the net and mounting system are solid, and that is what you are really paying for. We would suggest pairing this net with a dedicated water volleyball for the best playing experience.

Setup takes about 15-20 minutes the first time. After that, you can get it up in under 10 minutes since the brackets stay adjusted to your rail width.

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Best Budget In-Ground Option: Poolmaster Across In-Ground

If the GoSports price tag is too steep, the Poolmaster Across In-Ground is a solid mid-range alternative. The net reaches 16 feet wide and comes with sand/water-fillable bases. It does not have the same adjustability range as the GoSports, but for standard-sized rectangular pools, 16 feet is usually sufficient.

The included ball and inflating needle are a nice bonus if you do not already have a volleyball. The bases are smaller than the GoSports bases, which means they are lighter and easier to move but also slightly less stable during intense play. For casual family games, the stability is perfectly fine. For competitive adult games with hard spikes, you may want to add some extra weight to the bases.

One thing to note: the poles on this model are 30 inches tall, which puts the net at a reasonable height for most pool depths. But if your pool has a very shallow end where players are standing on the bottom, the net may feel a bit low for taller adults.

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Best Floating Option

If you do not want to deal with bases, poles, or mounting brackets at all, a floating net is the simplest path to a pool volleyball game. Floating nets sit on the water surface, supported by foam floats or inflatable tubes. You literally toss it in the pool and start playing.

The trade-off is stability. Floating nets drift during play, especially with aggressive hits or when players move around a lot. They work best for casual, low-key games where nobody is keeping score too seriously. For kids and family fun, floating nets are great. For competitive play, you want a mounted net.

Our two favorite floating options:

The Joyin Inflatable Pool Float Set is our top pick for floating nets. It includes both a volleyball net and a basketball hoop, which gives you two games from one product. The inflatable construction is sturdy enough for casual play and deflates for easy storage. It works in any pool type, including above-ground and even large inflatable pools.

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The Swimline Floating Super Volleyball Game uses foam floats instead of inflatable tubes, which means no pump required and no risk of deflation mid-game. The foam is durable and UV-resistant. The net is shorter than mounted options, but for a quick-setup casual game, it gets the job done.

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Check out our full water volleyball sets guide for more floating set recommendations.

Net Maintenance Tips

A pool volleyball net will last significantly longer if you take basic care of it between games.

Rinse the net with fresh water after each use, especially if your pool is heavily chlorinated. Chlorine breaks down nylon and polyester fibers over time, and a quick rinse removes the residue before it can do damage.

Store the net out of direct sunlight when not in use. UV radiation is the other major enemy of net materials. If you leave your net up all season, that is fine – just know it will wear faster than a net that gets stored between uses.

Check the net tension periodically. A net that sags in the middle puts extra stress on the attachment points and poles, which can lead to premature wear. Tighten it up if you notice it drooping.

At the end of the season, clean the net thoroughly, let it dry completely, and store it in a dry place. Do not fold or roll the net while it is still wet – mildew will set in and the net will smell terrible by next spring.

For more detail on net care and specifications, check out our complete water volleyball nets guide.

How to Choose: Quick Decision Guide

If you are still not sure which direction to go, here is a simple way to decide:

You have an in-ground pool and want the best net available – go with the GoSports Splash Net PRO. It is the most adjustable, most stable, and best-built option we have tested. If you are also considering the DunnRite brand, read our detailed GoSports vs DunnRite comparison before you decide.

You have an above-ground pool – the Poolmaster Above-Ground is really your only good dedicated option. The bracket mount system works well and nothing else on the market targets above-ground pools as effectively.

You want something cheap and easy for casual play – a floating net gets you playing in under a minute with zero setup headaches. Just manage your expectations on stability.

You want a complete set with net, balls, and accessories – skip the standalone net and check our 7 best water volleyball sets guide instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a pool volleyball net be?

The standard height for a water volleyball net is 4 to 5 feet above the water surface. This is lower than indoor or beach volleyball net heights because players are standing in water, which limits their jumping ability. For games with kids, lowering the net to 3 to 4 feet makes the game more accessible and fun for younger players.

Can I use a regular volleyball net in my pool?

You can, but it is not ideal. Regular volleyball nets are not designed to resist chlorine and constant water exposure. The materials will degrade much faster than a purpose-built pool volleyball net. Regular nets also lack the mounting systems designed for pool decks and rails. If you already own a volleyball net and want to try pool volleyball before investing in a dedicated pool net, it will work for a few games – just do not expect it to last a full season.

How wide should my pool volleyball net be?

Measure the width of your pool at the point where you want the net to cross. Your net should ideally span the full width of the playing area. Most residential pools need a net between 16 and 25 feet wide. If your pool is wider than 25 feet, you may need to look at commercial-grade nets or accept that the net will not cover the full width.

Do I need to take my pool volleyball net down every time?

You do not have to, but your net will last longer if you take it down between uses and store it out of the sun. If you prefer to leave it up all season, that is perfectly fine – just expect to replace the net portion every 2-3 seasons instead of every 4-5 seasons. The poles and bases will last much longer than the net material regardless.

What is the difference between a pool volleyball net and a pool volleyball set?

A pool volleyball net is just the net, poles, and mounting system. A pool volleyball set includes the net plus balls and sometimes additional accessories like a pump or carrying bag. If you already own water volleyballs, buying just a net saves you money. If you are starting from scratch, a complete set is usually a better value. Check our water volleyball equipment guide for a full breakdown of everything you need.