You can technically play water volleyball with any ball — a beach ball, a basketball, even a soccer ball. But if you want a good game, get a purpose-built water volleyball. Regular balls like soccer balls and indoor volleyballs absorb water and become heavy, waterlogged, and miserable to play with after a few minutes.
A proper water volleyball is waterproof. It handles chlorinated pool water, salt water, and lake water without breaking down. Most are coated in vinyl or rubber to seal out moisture. Many also have a soft-touch exterior that improves grip on wet hands and stings less when someone takes a spike to the face.
Water volleyballs tend to be slightly larger and heavier than standard indoor volleyballs. That extra size helps the ball stay visible and playable on the water’s surface. They’re also inflated to lower pressure, which makes them softer, easier to grip, and more forgiving on bare hands during long pool volleyball sessions.
What Makes a Good Water Volleyball
Not all water volleyballs are equal. Here’s what separates a good one from a bad one:
Waterproof Construction
This is non-negotiable. A ball that absorbs water gets heavy, loses its bounce, and develops mildew inside. Look for sealed seams and a vinyl, rubber, or closed-cell foam exterior. If the manufacturer doesn’t explicitly say the ball is waterproof, assume it isn’t.
Soft-Touch Exterior
You’re hitting this ball with bare, wet hands — often for hours at a time. A hard ball will leave your forearms red and your palms stinging. Soft-touch coatings (sometimes called “pillow cover” or “no-sting” designs) make a huge difference, especially for casual play and younger players.
Grip Texture
Wet hands are slippery hands. The best water volleyballs have a textured or slightly tacky surface that gives you control on serves, sets, and spikes. Smooth balls slip off wet fingers and make the game frustrating.
Size and Weight
Standard indoor volleyballs are about 8.2 inches in diameter and weigh 9-10 ounces. Water volleyballs typically run 9-10 inches in diameter and may weigh slightly more. The extra size makes them easier to track against the glare of the water and easier to contact with wet hands.
Inflation and Valve Quality
Water volleyballs use lower inflation pressure than indoor balls, which keeps them soft and grippy. Look for a secure, recessed valve that won’t let water seep inside. Some balls come with a pump; for those that don’t, any standard ball pump with a needle will work.
Visibility
Bright, high-contrast colors (yellow, orange, neon green) are easier to see against the water’s surface, especially in outdoor sunlight. Dark-colored balls get lost in shadows and glare.
Types of Water Volleyball Balls
Different playing situations call for different balls:
Foam/Neoprene Balls: Ultra-soft, lightweight, and virtually no-sting. Great for kids, beginners, and casual play. They don’t fly as true in wind and lack the responsiveness competitive players want.
Soft-Touch Vinyl Balls: The sweet spot for most players. Waterproof, durable, good grip, and soft enough for bare-hand play. This is what most dedicated water volleyball balls are.
Standard Volleyballs (Outdoor): Some outdoor volleyballs are water-resistant enough for occasional pool use, but they aren’t truly waterproof. Fine for a quick game, but they’ll degrade faster with regular water exposure.
Beach Balls: Free, fun, and terrible for any real game. They blow around in the wind, can’t be spiked, and pop easily. Fine for toddlers; frustrating for everyone else.
Popular Brands and Models
Several manufacturers make water volleyballs worth considering:
Mikasa Squish Series: The most popular choice among regular water volleyball players. The “no-sting” pillow cover is genuinely soft, the ball holds up well in chlorine, and it plays consistently. Available in several sizes.
GoSports Water Volleyball: Comes in multi-packs with a pump included. Good value for families or groups that go through balls. Decent grip and durability.
Coop Hydro Volleyball: Neoprene construction with excellent wet grip. Plays a bit differently than a traditional volleyball — more like a hybrid water ball — but popular for casual pool games.
Waboba Surf Ball: Designed to bounce off water, which makes for a completely different (and entertaining) style of play. Not a traditional volleyball, but a fun option for pool games.
Size and Weight Quick Reference
| Ball Type | Diameter | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam/Neoprene | 7-8 in | 5-7 oz | Kids, beginners |
| Soft-Touch Vinyl | 8-10 in | 9-11 oz | Most players, casual & competitive |
| Outdoor Volleyball | 8.2 in | 9-10 oz | Occasional water use |
| Beach Ball | 16+ in | 1-2 oz | Toddlers only |
Matching Your Ball to Your Game
The right ball depends on how you play:
Casual backyard pool games: A soft-touch vinyl ball or foam ball is your best bet. Comfort matters more than performance when you’re playing with mixed ages and skill levels. Check our full water volleyball equipment guide for more gear recommendations.
Competitive pool volleyball: Go with a quality soft-touch vinyl ball like the Mikasa Squish. You want consistent flight, good grip, and enough weight to spike effectively. Pair it with a proper pool volleyball net for the best experience.
Kids’ games: Foam or neoprene balls are safest. They’re light enough for small hands to serve and soft enough that nobody cries when they get hit. See our tips on water volleyball rules for kid-friendly modifications.
Deep water play: Slightly heavier balls work better in deep water since lighter balls tend to float away between plays. Make sure everyone can see the ball clearly against the water.
Maintenance and Care
A good water volleyball will last multiple seasons if you take care of it:
Rinse after every use. Chlorine and salt water break down materials over time. A quick rinse with fresh water from the hose takes 10 seconds and doubles the life of your ball.
Dry completely before storing. A wet ball stuffed in a bag grows mildew inside. Towel it off and let it air dry before putting it away.
Store out of direct sunlight. UV rays degrade vinyl and rubber. Keep your ball in a shed, garage, or bag when it’s not in use.
Maintain proper inflation. An underinflated ball plays dead and is hard to control. An overinflated ball stings and can stress the seams. Check the manufacturer’s recommended PSI and use a ball pump with a pressure gauge.
Inspect regularly. Look for cracks in the coating, peeling seams, or soft spots that indicate internal damage. A ball with a compromised outer layer will start absorbing water.
Don’t sit or stand on it. This stretches the panels unevenly and weakens the seams. It sounds obvious, but it’s the most common way pool volleyballs die young.
Water Volleyball Ball Reviews
Check out our in-depth reviews of popular water volleyball balls: