How to Build a Pool Pong Table

Friday, 11 June 2010 01:36

Ah, Summer: When every waking moment of free time should be spent poolside. When the sun beats down on tan backs and bare midriffs, and cool water and a stiff drink provide the best respites from the heat. But anyone can swig beer from a koozie while floating in a pool. Gainesville summer veterans know the way to prove your worth is on the table: the beer pong table. A beer pong table is hallowed ground, where honor is defended and heroes are made. There is no greater feeling than parading into a crowded pool, table in tow and taking on all challengers.

By Patrick Annesty; Photos by Rodney Rogers

Try it out this weekend at the Gainesville Place Pool Party!

Though a floating beer pong table can be ordered online or purchased at some novelty stores, glory cannot be bought and sold. You and your fellow warrior must forge a dynasty through sweat and tears. A beer pong table is your battlefield, your territory, and you should make it your own.

Step 1
Choosing materials is the most important step in making a floating beer pong table. Several options exist. Simply attaching empty water bottles or pool noodles to a piece of plywood is one option, though the wood must be protected from the damaging effects of the water. If you happen to have an old surfboard lying around, you can just cut holes in that. However, for most people, solid foam is the most durable choice and readily available at most home hardware stores. At any rate, your playing surface should measure 8-feet by 2-feet, preferably in two pieces, each 4-feet by 2-feet.

Step 2
After you decide on a playing surface, you must measure holes for the cups to sit in. This is the most difficult step because you want the holes to be big enough for the cups to fit snugly, but small enough to keep the cups out of the pool water below, where the beer inside would quickly turn warm. Aim for holes with a 3-inch diameter. Spacing is also important, as improperly placed holes will cause gaps in between cups, or cups jumbled together on top of each other. Lay out a full rack of cups, six or 10 depending on your style of play, and trace around the bottom. Cut outside these tracings with a serrated knife or box cutter to allow the cups to fit snugly in the foam.

Step 3
Finally, attach the two sides of the table together. Drill three small holes opposite where the cups will go on each half of the table. When it comes time to play, attach the two halves with twine or snap-ties threaded through the holes. Not only does splitting the table in two make it easier to transport and store, it increases stability in the water since each side of the table can float independently. Now all you need is a solid comrade-in-arms, a case of your favorite brew (cans for safety!) and two unsuspecting victims. Time to stake your claim and lay waste to all challengers.

House Rules

• One shot at a time.
• Once a cup is made, pull it! Two balls in the same cup equals game over.
• Made cups must be drunk before your next
• Bounce shots are worth two cups and are defendable (good luck in the pool!).
• If both teammates make a cup, they go again.
• Re-racks must be called at the beginning of a turn (two racks for 10 cups, one rack for six).
• If both players make the last cup, the losing team receives no rebuttal.
• During rebuttal, each player shoots individually until they miss.
• If a rebuttal is successful, play a three-cup overtime with no re-racks.