When you work out in the pool, you push and pull your body against the resistance of the water while engaging your entire body. Most exercises will require you to engage your abdominal muscles in order to hold your body straight and tight while swimming laps or performing exercises. In order to more fully exercise your abs, focus on moves that require you to stay upright in the water or that create an angle between your thighs and midsection.
V-Sit
Float on your back at the surface of the water. Push your buttocks down into the water, forming a "V" with your torso and legs, keeping just your head and pointed toes out of the water. Tighten your tummy and focus on keeping the "V" position. Tread your hands at your side to keep yourself afloat. If you find your legs wanting to dip down into the water, lean your torso back slightly to make the exercise easier. Hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds. Once you feel comfortable with the exercise, add resistance by placing a kickboard under your buttocks while you perform the exercise. You will have to press forcefully with your hips and fully engage your abs in order to keep the board under the water while performing the exercise.
Sit-Ups
Float on your back with your calves on the edge of the pool or with your feet inside the pool's gutter. Press your bottom down into the water, forming a 90-degree angle at the knees and forming a sharp "V" shape with your thighs and torso, so that your belly is as close to your thighs as you can get it. Cross your arms over your chest. Keeping the 90-degree angle at your knee, lean your torso back, pressing through the water, then reverse the movement and pull your body back through the water to your thighs. Repeat 15 to 20 times.
Kickboard Hug
Start on one side of the deep end of the pool, with your feet dangling down into the water. Hug a kickboard to your chest and turn so that your back faces the direction you want to travel. Lift your legs up so that your legs and torso form an "L" shape in the water. Tighten your abs and start kicking your legs in a butterfly fashion, so that your legs move in unison. Your kick will start to move you backward across the pool. Concentrate on keeping good, L-shape form as you push your body backward through the body. This will ensure that you work your abs as you exercise.
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