The 15 Best Pool Floats for Relaxing in the Water This Summer (2024)

The 15 Best Pool Floats for Relaxing in the Water This Summer (1)

Picture this: It's a blazing summer day, and you're relaxing poolside with a book and an ice-cold drink. The only thing missing is a pool float to lounge in while you hang out in the water. Whether you want a waterborne lounge chair or a raft big enough for you and a friend, these floats help you make the most of your pool.

To find the best pool floats, we compared dozens of options based on type, size, portability, and durability. We also consulted Lisa Cheatham, category director at Leslie’s Pool Supplies, for tips on what to look for when browsing for a new pool float.

“For durability in inflatables, look for material thickness and the inflate valve technology, which should be sturdy to keep the air in through lots of use," says Cheatham. "Plus, these better technologies allow you to inflate/deflate more quickly.”

FunBoy Clear Rainbow Chaise Lounger Pool Float

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This colorful float has an ergonomic design you can comfortably lounge on all day—and the impressive length (70 inches!) means you can relax and stay completely dry. The vibrant ombre hues add a stylish flair to your next pool party, while the reinforced cup holder keeps your favorite beverage on hand. This pick also has a tether point so you can secure it to a dock or boat. According to the brand, it inflates and deflates in under two minutes.

Price at time of publish: $79

Dimensions: 70 inches long | Inflatable: Yes

Intex Sit 'N Float Inflatable Lounge

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For a wallet-friendly pool float, opt for this one from Intex. It’s easy to inflate and super portable, so you can tote it to any lake, ocean, or pool. While this pick isn't ideal for those who want to stay completely dry, its seat-like design supports you while keeping you partially submerged in the water. It has two handles, two cup holders, and a backrest you can lean on. It even comes with a repair kit, so if you get a hole in your float, you can patch it instead of replacing it.

Price at time of publish: $13

Dimensions: 60 x 39 inches | Inflatable: Yes

CoTa Global Inflatable Pool Float Tube

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For a round tube that stands the test of time, this CoTa Inflatable Pool Float is a no-brainer. It’s made of heavy-duty PVC vinyl that’s UV-resistant and will last season after season. You can inflate this tube by mouth, manual pump, or air pump, making it easy to set up for on-the-go floating. With 11 playful hues and shiny confetti, this float can make an adorable addition to any pool party or backyard bash.

Price at time of publish: $15

Dimensions: 36 inches in diameter | Inflatable: Yes

Jasonwell Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger

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This unique pool float can double as a waterborne raft or shallow inflatable pool to cool off—just add water to the interior tub and immediately escape the scorching summer heat. The comfortable pillow, cushioned base, and built-in cupholder make for ultimate relaxation regardless of where you use it. Plus, the pool float’s thick vinyl material is easy to inflate and won’t tear for a summer staple you can use year after year.

Price at time of publish: $34

Dimensions: 71 x 48 inches | Inflatable: Yes

SwimWays Spring Float Papasan Inflatable Pool Lounger

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This lounger from SwimWays has a breathable mesh interior with an inflatable edge, allowing you to stay partially submerged without constantly treading water. The circular shape features an innerspring technology for stability but can seamlessly fold into the included carrying bag for easy storage and portability.

Price at time of publish: $16

Dimensions: 36 x 35.5 x 2.5 inches | Inflatable: Yes

If you want a luxurious, cushioned, and comfortable float, opt for this pick from Big Joe. The quick-dry, quick-drain mesh fabric is filled with supportive buoyant beans, so you can skip the hassle of inflating and deflating every time you hop in the pool. We love the vibrant range of patterns and colors, from a watermelon-inspired design to tropical palm leaves. This float isn't suitable for lakes, rivers, or oceans but can double as a lounge chair on land. Before storing the float, allow it to dry completely.

Price at time of publish: $90

Dimensions: 35.5 x 44 x 26 inches | Inflatable: No

Airhead Sun Comfort Cool Suede Pool Mattress

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This float is reminiscent of a mattress but keeps you cool by allowing water to flow through its evenly spaced holes. It’s a relaxing place to soak up the sun, with a velvet, suede-like material and a removable head pillow for added support as you read or lounge. It also has a molded rope holder you can tether to docks, boats, or buoys. If you want to float with a friend, you can upgrade to a double, which is available in playful hues like lime, sapphire, and raspberry.

Price at time of publish: $61

Dimensions: 40 x 88 inches | Inflatable: Yes

Wow Sports Foam Pool Noodle

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Say farewell to the flimsy pool noodles of your youth—this extra-large foam version can support up to 250 pounds. The Wow Sports Dipped Foam Pool Noodle is great for adults and kids and offers more support than your usual noodle. The durable, UV-resistant material is less likely to break or deteriorate over time, while the thick vinyl coating won’t fade, even when exposed to plenty of sun and water.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: 46 inches long| Inflatable: No

Bote Inflatable Hangout Chair Classic

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This Adirondack-style float has a submerged and supportive PVC sling seat and a floating upper half for a refreshing dip in the pool. The chair also comes with a repair kit, a nano hand pump, a mesh carry sling, and four dock link connectors for easy setup without additional tools. You can recline the seat to cool off comfortably, and the BVA foam is water-resistant, lightweight, and long-lasting. The chair arms are compatible with the brand’s magnetic accessories that elevate it from a basic pool float to a fully equipped waterborne lounge.

Price at time of publish: $349

Dimensions: 48 x 44 x 4 inches | Inflatable: Yes

Sun Squad Pocket Lounge

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Long enough to keep you completely dry, this classic rectangular float is ideal for sunny days spent lounging in the pool. If you do decide to take a dip, the 18 inset pockets can double as drink holders—that's plenty of space to hold refreshing co*cktails for a full-fledged pool party. The PVC material is puncture-resistant for long-term durability, and at such an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with this lightweight and easy-to-carry choice.

Price at time of publish: $10

Dimensions: 11 x 69 x 25 inches | Inflatable: Yes

Sunny Life Mesh Hammock Float

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If you want to enjoy the comfort of a hammock from the water, this Sunny Life Mesh Hammock Float will be your summertime staple. It’s made of durable, non-toxic phthalate mesh and PVC and boasts inflatable bolsters for your head and feet. You can use it as a seat with the bolsters as armrests or as a lounger for laying out. The maximum weight of this float is 175 pounds, so keep that in mind as you shop.

Price at time of publish: $38

Dimensions: 64 x 38.75 x 1.5 inches | Inflatable: Yes

Diveblast Premium Floating Drink Holder

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Pool floats aren’t just for people—the Diveblast Floating Drink Holder keeps your drinks and snacks on hand as you swim, perfect for pool parties or as a companion to traditional floats. This innovative, inflatable holder is made from vinyl, can hold up to 50 pounds, is easy to inflate, and won’t flip over—even in a hot tub with the jets on. It has nine slots that securely hold your phone, drinks, snacks, and more so you never have to hop out of the pool to grab a bite.

Price at time of publish: $23

Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 4 inches | Inflatable: Yes

Ledge Lounger Laze Pillow

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If plastic floats aren’t your thing, this giant pillow from Ledge Lounger may be your perfect match for summertime unwinding. Although more expensive than our other selections, this one-of-a-kind floating pillow makes for comfortable lounging in and out of the pool. You can use this pick on the lawn, in the water, on a boat as a seat, or as a beach lounger in the sand.

The marine-grade fabrics won’t fade in the sun and are mold- and mildew-resistant for long-lasting durability, and the outer layer is machine washable and bleach-safe. Unlike most other pool floats on our list, this pillow requires zero inflation, so you can begin relaxing without the hassle of finding your pump. It also comes in summery patterns like palm leaves and cabana stripes.

Price at time of publish: $699

Dimensions: 68 x 44 x 10 inches| Inflatable: No

Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float

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This mystical float can hold two people or up to 400 pounds and is made of a thick, durable raft-grade material for longevity. The unicorn shape has made waves across Instagram posts and pool parties alike but is still comfortable enough for all-day lounging. You can inflate it with a hair dryer (on cool), electric pump, or air pump—and even though this is one of the largest floats on our list, the valves allow for quick setup and deflation. This isn’t just a one-time-party float; with its premium build, you can float in style summer after summer.

Price at time of publish: $60

Dimensions: 114 x 55 x 47 inches| Inflatable: Yes

Aqua Leisure Campania 2-in-1 Recliner Float

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This float has a cushioned, adjustable backrest that can be angled upright or fully reclined so you can work on your tan. It also has a handy caddy to hold your drink that attaches to the chair, so it won’t float away while you laze in the sun. The convenient side handles make this pool float portable, too.

Price at time of publish: $60

Dimensions: 56 x 36 inches| Inflatable: Yes

How to Shop for Pool Floats Like a Pro

Type

There are three types of floats: fabric, foam, and PVC inflatables. To decide what type of float is right for you, consider ease of inflation, how many people you anticipate to use the float, and of course, durability.

“Fabric and foam floats deliver great comfort, and you can look for built-in features like headrests, footrests, armrests, and cup holders,” says Lisa Cheatham, category director at Leslie’s Pool Supplies. Those types of pool floats may also be more long-lasting, however, there are plenty of PVC inflatables with thick, durable walls you can inflate season after season. PVC floats are usually less expensive than their foam or fabric counterparts.

Size and Weight Capacity

Most pool float listings will include the weight capacity and how many people it can accommodate, along with dimensions. If you’re shopping for a float for your kids, always check the age range to ensure pool safety. “Safety is always a consideration with kids—they should have adult supervision at all times when they are in the water,” says Cheatham.

Portability

If you have a pool in your backyard, portability is probably less of a concern as you shop for a float. But for those who want to take their pool float to the lake, beach, or boat, portability is important.

Inflatable floats can deflate to be compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. That said, they will require you to inflate and deflate them regularly, unlike foam or fabric pool floats. You can also look for design features that improve portability like storage bags and handles.

Some floats on our list include bags for transportation and off-season storage, like the SwimWays Papasan Pool Lounger. Others have handles that make it easy to carry once inflated, such as the Aqua 2-in-1 Lounger. If you’re transporting your float frequently, these features come in handy.

If you plan to store your pool float year after year, also consider the deflating process and where you keep it during the off-season. “When wrapping up the season, be sure to wash your floats and dry them well before storing them away for the season," says Cheatham. "This will prevent mold growth while in storage, which can damage the float surface."

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Allison Faccenda, a lifestyle, pop culture, and commerce writer with experience in video content creation. She was previously a market writer at BuzzFeed and produced short-form video content for their various social platforms. To write this article, she spent hours researching the best pool floats and spoke with Lisa Cheatham, category director for pool, spa, and lifestyle products at Leslie’s Pool Supplies.

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The 15 Best Pool Floats for Relaxing in the Water This Summer (2024)

FAQs

The 15 Best Pool Floats for Relaxing in the Water This Summer? ›

Our top choice for 2023 is the Aqua 4-In-1 Monterey Hammock Inflatable Pool Float, which operates as an in-water hammock, lounger or drifter and offers a fun design to boot. It's true that pool floats aren't as big of a purchase as, say, an entire above-ground pool.

What is the best float for 2023? ›

Our top choice for 2023 is the Aqua 4-In-1 Monterey Hammock Inflatable Pool Float, which operates as an in-water hammock, lounger or drifter and offers a fun design to boot. It's true that pool floats aren't as big of a purchase as, say, an entire above-ground pool.

What is the best material for a pool float? ›

Selecting a pool float that is crafted from sturdy materials is crucial to ensure its longevity and prevent the need for frequent replacements. Opt for durable PVC or polyethylene foam products, as they are less susceptible to punctures and leaks.

What brands are like Sunnylife? ›

Sunnylife's competitors and similar companies include Mary & Martha, Dayes, Ficosota and Office Depot. Sunnylife is a retailer of consumer goods products. Mary and Martha is a retailer of consumer goods. Dayes (formerly known as Nedac Sorbo) is a wholesale distributor of non-durable goods.

How much weight can a pool float hold? ›

PPS: In researching this, I've found that there are a lot of floaties that list their weight capacity at 250lbs. Many of those have reviews where people have indicated they weigh more (sometimes significantly more), and the float has handled them well.

What time of day is best for float tank? ›

The middle of the day can be a good time to have regular floats, but it is also a great chance to practice relaxing when stressed. Dealing with stress during a break allows one to take care of problems and get into a healthy mindset before those problems get any worse. End of work.

What time of day is best to float? ›

One of the great benefits of floating is the decompression of the central nervous system. Clients float in the evening to help unwind at the end of the day. A decompressed central nervous system also prepares the body and mind for deep levels of rest.

Where is Sunnylife made? ›

Proudly designed in Sydney, Australia since 2003 and manufactured in China.

What are the best offshore clothing brands? ›

Ocean & Offshore Sailing Clothing
  • Extremities.
  • Gill.
  • Helly Hansen.
  • Musto.
  • SealSkinz.
  • Windward.

What brands are like Charles Tyrwhitt? ›

Charles Tyrwhitt's competitors and similar companies include Skims Body, Koton, Charming Charlie and Hunkemoller. Charles Tyrwhitt is a multi-channel clothing retailer, specialising in formal men's shirts, shoes, suits, knitwear and accessories. Skims Body is a company that retails clothing.

Is it OK to leave floats in the pool? ›

To frame an immediate and simple answer: no. You should not leave floats and toys in your pool for an extended amount of time.

Does floating count as swimming? ›

It is trusting that the water will hold you up (buoyancy), and working with the water to move. And this is why floating is so important in swimming because floating IS swimming. If you can float with your face in the water and move your arms, BAM, you have a freestyle.

How do I choose a float size? ›

The larger the diameter, the more buoyant and stable the float will be in the current. The greater the carrying capacity (marked in grams), the farther you can cast, the deeper you can fish and the better the float will track as it trots down river. Larger-diameter float offers more resistance to a striking fish.

What is the best float weight? ›

Too heavy and fish might drop the bait early because of the resistance of so much weight. On a calm stillwater you'll generally want 0.1g in float size for every 1.5ft of water. So for example a 0.2g float is ideal for 3ft of water and a 0.4g-0.6g for 6ft of water.

How do I choose the right float? ›

The trick is to choose a float that is large enough to get the bait where you need it and sensitive enough to show every strike (before the fish drops the bait). If your float pulls under too often in the current or won't track straight, change to a larger or thicker float.

What type of fishing float is best? ›

Although a favourite on stillwaters, wagglers can also be used to great effect onrivers as long as they are slow flowing. However, when fishing faster water I would suggest a stick float. Stick floats are attached top and bottom which gives greater control in fast moving water.

What shape floats the best? ›

Hollow, wide and long shapes are more buoyant because they have a larger surface area than compact shapes, such as a sphere. This means that in addition to density, shape also plays a role in an object's ability to float, because it can make use of the power of buoyancy.

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