The 25 Best Pool Floats for Your Next Beach Party
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Let’s face it: Rectangular rafts are boring. These days you can even find classic donut rings made more exciting and photo-worthy with funky patterns and iridescent colors. As you gear up for your next pool or beach bash, you can make a splash (sorry, we had to) with a flotation device worthy of a spotlight on the 'Gram. We’re talking inflatable swans, floating pizzas and, yes, a personal yacht.
How We Chose the Best Pool Floats
To pick the best pool floats, we searched through top-reviewed rafts, looking for a variety of shapes and sizes to give you the ultimate assortment for the pool party of your dreams. Fun aside, we also prioritized floats that were made of durable PVC and were easy to inflate and deflate, so they can last season after season. Finally, we chose floats that could accommodate either one or multiple people and at different price points to work with different needs and budgets.
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The Best Pool Floats At A Glance
1. TRC Recreation Sunsation Foam Raft
They don’t call it a pool mattress for nothing: This full-length float boasts a cushy full-roll foam pillow for maximum comfort while your body is gently dipped in a bit of water. At 70 inches long, it should fit most people, so adults can lounge while the kids splash around. The best part, though? No inflation required.
2. Bestway CoolerZ Tropical Breeze
Make lake days more of a party with this extravagant float that can hold up to six people. What’s more, you get a shade canopy, pillowy backrests and six cup holders. Though it may be a bit of a challenge to fully inflate and deflate this one (we recommend an electric pump for that), it'll be well worth it for fun on the water. File this one under ‘family staycation.’
3. Funboy Clear Rainbow Chaise Lounger
With a rainbow hue, this float brightens up any pool day. It’s multipurpose, too, with a resting back that allows you to use it on land as well, so you can inflate it on the beach for the ultimate tanning spot and quickly deflate it for easy portability. You’ll be the talk of the sand.
4. Sun Squad Strawberry Donut Pool Float
Inner tubes are naturally shaped like a donut, so it only makes sense to deck one out with a donut theme. Featuring a chomp mark and sprinkles, this cheeky pool float is ideal for one and will inflate quickly. Plus, at just $10, it's cheap enough to grab several for a donut pool party.
5. Funboy Giant Inflatable Flamingo Pool Float
Tell us something more Instagrammable than a giant bird-shaped pool float. We’ll wait. This glittery float (also available in swan form) measures approximately 6 feet long once inflated, making it the perfect size to lazily swim along on. Even better, there’s a secret cup holder to place your piña colada in while you ride.
6. Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge
Roomy armests, comfortable backrest, a cup holder, cheerful rainbow colors and enough space to stretch your legs. Need we say more? The lounge form makes it easy to hop on and the bottom of the float is also open to dip your feet in if you need to cool off a bit. Summer just got much more relaxing.
7. AQUA 2-in-1 Recliner & Tanner Float
While some floats are designed for keeping you dry above water, this mesh one allows for some water to pool through—making it ideal for scorching days. You can kick back in a reclining position with a frosty beverage, or lie flat on your stomach for optimal sunning. Plus, the floating side table for accessory and drink storage is pretty nifty, too.
8. Funboy Pink Mesh Lounger
This pool raft is essentially a more supportive version of floating on your back. With a comfy headrest, a drink holder and a buoyant headrest, the mesh in the middle allows you to keep cool while you float. Bonus: You can always opt to flip over to get some sun on your backside.
9. Swimline Waffle Slice Pool Raft
At 82 inches by 61 inches, this floating waffle slice is perfect for any food lover. The raised corners make it easy on the head and there are two cup holders on each slice. Purchase four to make a whole waffle with four different friends for a delicious day of floating.
10. Funboy Yacht Pool Float
This bad boy has a daybed for two and boasts a cooler you can fill with ice and a bottle of bubbly. That way you really feel like you’re on a yacht when you’re floating in the backyard pool. Otherwise, that spot is a great place to store some snacks.
11. Jasonwell Inflatable Shark Pool Float
Jaws takes on a whole new meaning with this clever inner tube, but no bites will appear thankfully. The small float holds up to 250 pounds and the tube itself is four feet tall. Plus, the fins make for a great resting spot for your feet and arms while you float the day away.
12. Swimline Giant Inflatable Baseball Glove Pool Float
Your pool party will be a home run with this giant inflatable glove. Measuring 62 inches by 50 inches, it’s large enough to hold a couple of people or even bring a dog along for the ride. The glove design also provides a backrest that will make you wonder if baseballs are this comfortable.
13. Funboy Tropical Bali Cabana Lounger
Don’t let the summer heat impede on your float time. Scoop up this roomy, tropical-themed floating cabana and you’ll have it made in the shade. Plus, the curved design provides ergonomic neck and back support for two people for a truly relaxing pool time.
14. Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float
Unicorns, they do exist and this one is perfect for any summer Instagram post. The oversized design allows you to ride it like a horse or lounge by resting your head on its head or tail. Bring it to your next pool party and watch people fight over who’s getting the next ride.
15. Sun Squad Sloth Pool Float Yellow
Just look at how relaxed that sloth is. This could be you, friends. At 72.8 inches by 41.3 inches, it was made for lounging and the two of you could seriously float all day. Its head makes the perfect headrest, and you can dangle your feet on the bottom legs, allowing yourself to really sprawl out.
16. Sloosh 3-Pack Inflatable Pool Float Hammock
Sometimes you just want your float to be more of a treading water assistant. This unique floating hammock does just that. It has a mesh center and two floating pillows at the ends that allow you to use it in four forms: saddle, lounge chair, hammock and drifter. It comes in a pack of three so the whole gang can join in.
17. Frontgate Drift Chaise Float
To use on land or sea, that is the question. While on the pricier side, this inflatable chaise is perfect for floating on the water or lounging comfortably by the pool. It has an extra-durable bottom lining for water drainage and to protect the chaise from out-of-water use, and the 100 percent Sunbrella fabric exterior means the pretty patterns won’t get sun damage.
18. Swimline Labyrinth Island Inflatable Pool Toy
Why have one sitting spot when you can have eight? This massive float has inner tube-like spots that can sit up to eight people. Kids and adults alike will have a blast relaxing or challenging each other to see how many flips they can do between the holes. Just be sure it has enough air before the crew jumps on.
19. Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat
This inflatable mat serves two purposes: to float on open water and a place to lay on land that isn’t sand. It’s incredibly large at 114 inches by 84 inches, so it can comfortably fit up to four people. Note that while it does still float, it will dip slightly into the water with some weight, which can help keep you cool.
20. H2OGO! Inflatable Iridescent Swim Tube
The classic inner tube reaches a whole new level with this pretty iridescent tube. The shimmering swim tube is perfect for photos on the pool, beach or lake, especially as the light makes it appear different colors. You seriously can’t go wrong with this simple floatie.
21. Intex Giant Gator Ride-On
Somehow, gators just go with pool floats, and this one is durable enough to last the long haul. It's quite large at 80 inches by 45 inches, so it can hold a couple of kids or is long enough for one person to outstretch on their own. There are two handles for stability, and it even comes with a repair patch kit if anything does go awry.
22. Play Day Inflatable Hydro Cool Lounge Float
Bring the tropics poolside (even if you’re just in your backyard) with this pretty plant-themed float. For the hotter days, it features 15 hydro holes that allow water to seep through and quickly cool you down. If that wasn’t enough, the comfortable pillow on the lounger makes for a full day of relaxation.
23. Airhead Sun Comfort Suede Double Pool Mattress
Soft suede makes this a cozy spot for lounging while catching some rays. It's large enough for two at 7 feet long and 6 feet wide, and there are extra cozy features, like removable pillows and evenly spaced holes at the bottom to let some cooling water sneak in. There's also a speed valve for quick inflation and a molded rope holder, so you can tether the float without drifting too far.
24. PoolCandy Leopard Print Jumbo Pool Tube
Embrace your wild side with this fun leopard print float that will never go out of style. The oversized inner tube is comfortable for lounging whether you in a pool or floating down a lazy river. Made of durable PVC, you can use it season after season without worry even if you do take it on an adventure outside your home pool.
25. Splash Runner 2.5 Motorized Pool Lounger
Floating is fun, but it does have a lack of control — like when you find yourself in the middle of the water, and you have to awkwardly kick about to get back to the edge. This high-tech lounger comes with a 66-watt motor that allows you to drive, spin and turn with the touch of a button. It requires D-Cell batteries to work, the propellers are neatly covered, so no fingers and toes will get nicked as you move about.
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