It’s a dreamy thought to have the luxury of lounging by the water on a cushy beach chair sunbathing, reading or sipping your strawberry lemonade. But sometimes you want to lounge in the pristine water, too–without getting the aforementioned book, drink or yourself wet. Enter: the pool float. These days, many of the most popular pool floats serve as both functional and Instagram-worthy. After all, a giant flamingo or golf cart-shaped float makes a pool day just that much more memorable.
But no matter what kind of float suits your fancy, there’s something out there for everyone, including pool floats for adults, large groups and couples, and even pets and babies. Many come with extras like drink-holders and sunshades to make pool lounging even more convenient. So if you’re shopping for a float, look no further: we’ve rounded up the best pool floats that’ll suit all your summer lounging needs.
- Best Pool Float Overall: Aqua 4-In-1 Monterey Hammock Inflatable Pool Float
- Best Pool Float For Adults: Frontgate Floating Mesh Pool Chair
- Best Pool Float Lounger: Frontgate Drift Chaise Float
- Coolest Pool Float: Funboy Bali Cabana Lounger
- Best Pool Chair Float: Frontgate Lana Floating Seat
- Best Unique Pool Float: Funboy Giant Cabana Dayclub
- Best Foam Pool Float: Frontgate Resort Pool Float
- Most Durable Pool Float: Intex River Run River Tube
- Best Pool Float For Two: Funboy Golf Cart Float
- Best Pool Float With Drink Holder: Funboy Yacht Pool Float
- Best Flamingo Float: GoFloats Flamingo Pool Float Party Tube
- Best Unicorn Float: Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float
- Best Dog Pool Float: Frontgate Dog Pool Float and Lounger
- Best Baby Pool Float: SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center
Best Pool Float Overall
A Multi-tasking Inflatable Pool Float
Versatility is key when it comes to pool floats, and the Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock is one of your best options for all manner of poolside activities. This float has two buoyant ends, connected by a supportive mesh lining, allowing it to be used as a hammock, lounge chair, exercise saddle or drifter. Plus, its unique design is incredibly easy to get in and out of, saving you the hassle of jumping off the side of your pool, trying to land right-side-up on a tippy inflatable.
Best Pool Float For Adults
A Versatile Float For All Activities
Finding a sturdy pool float effectively angled for reading, sipping and lounging can be difficult, but this Floating Mesh Pool Chair does just that. Filled with buoyant polystyrene beads, the chair has built in armrests and an attached floating ottoman that offer full-body support. It’s available in three colors: aqua, blue and flamingo pink. If you’re on the fence about it, reviewers appreciate how versatile the chair is for reading, relaxing and napping.
Best Pool Float Lounger
A Reclining Chaise For Maximum Relaxation
For full body relaxation, this Drift Chaise Float provides ample stretching room to achieve maximum comfort. Filled with buoyant polystyrene beads covered in quick-drying fabric, this pool float boasts a soft exterior and fluffy interior. And since it’s made with SunMax and SmartMax fabric, there’s no need to worry about stains, fading or mildew. This unsinkable reclining chair supports up to 250 pounds and resists water.
Coolest Pool Float
Wow Your Friends With A Float That’s Both Fun And Practical
There’s no doubt that people will scramble for a turn once they see this Cabana Lounger from Funboy. Its shape stands out for being both fun and practical, with the top acting as a removable sunshade and the curved sides ergonomically providing neck and back support. Two drink holders are built into the float and side handles ensure effortless maneuvering. The float comes in several patterns and can hold multiple people so you can lounge alone or with friends.
Best Pool Chair Float
A Floating Seat That Puts Comfort First
Chair-style floats are ideal for having conversations in the water, and the Lana Floating Seat blows away the competition thanks to its extra-large noodle backrest, which provides superior comfort and buoyancy. This floating seat has an 8.5-inch pool noodle as the back support, and its seat is made from a quick-drying mesh with a Sunbrella fabric border. It can support up to 250 pounds, and many reviewers say they’ve had to purchase more than one to stop their families from fighting over the super-comfortable seat.
Best Unique Pool Float
An Unusual Float With Countless Extra Features
One look at the Cabana Dayclub will tell you that it’s definitely not a pool float you’ll find in the dozens online. Though pricier than all the pool floats on this list, this one has a ton of fun mechanisms, like a separate water entry, mesh foot baths, central cooler, backrests and a removable sunshade. Side ropes and an included storage bag make maneuvering and transporting easy despite its large size. The float is built thickly to ensure durability and comfort but is recommended for ages 14 and up. It can hold up to four people, though it’s a tempting idea to take the whole float for yourself, no?
Best Foam Pool Float
Your Best Option For Sunbathing
If you’re looking for the best pool float for soaking up the sun, you’ve found it in the Frontgate Resort Pool Float. This option may not be cheap, but its high-quality foam construction is lightweight and incredibly buoyant, comfortably supporting up to 350 pounds and keeping your whole body out of the water (if you want). It comes in a rainbow of bright colors, and the heat-processed PVC vinyl coating resists splits, tears and punctures to increase its longevity.
Most Durable Pool Float
A Heavy-Duty Float You Can Use In Rivers
The Intex River Run River Tube is a good option for any household that’s particularly rough on their pool toys. This popular one-person inner tube has an especially durable design (as well as a repair patch) that makes it perfect for use on rivers and lakes, as well as in your backyard pool. It features two air chambers and heavy-duty handles, as well as a grab rope, backrest, mesh bottom and dual cup holders.
Best Pool Float For Two
An Oversized Float With Convenient Additions
When it’s too hot to go golfing, bring the experience to your pool with this float. With its oversized design made for two, you can stretch out comfortably against the built-in backrest alongside your best friend. Equipped with a fringe-lined removable mesh sunshade, the construction actively works to protect your skin from the sun's bright rays. Plus, two reinforced cup holders on each side let you enjoy your favorite drink all day. This float is recommended for people ages 14 and up.
Best Pool Float With Drink Holder
A Luxurious Float To Lounge In For Hours
Can’t get on an actual yacht? This yacht pool float is a fun and fancy way to feel like royalty while staying cool all summer long. Made with a reinforced built-in cooler compartment and two cup holders, sunbathers can spend hours relaxing on this luxurious daybed. The 9-foot inflatable pool float comfortably holds up to 250 pounds, and reviewers love it because drinks stay intact, even when things get a little slippery. And if you have to run to the bathroom or reapply sunscreen, your beverage will be safe without you.
Best Flamingo Float
A Classic Flamingo For Perfect Pool Photos
You’d better snatch this adorable float up quickly, because they’re selling faster than hand sanitizer did last summer. People are simply obsessed with these Flamingo Pool Floats, and it’s easy to understand why. The bright pink tube features an adorable flamingo head, and its spacious 48-inch diameter is the perfect spot to lounge. The float even comes in a kids’ size so little swimmers can get in on the fun.
Best Unicorn Float
A Colorful, Oversized Unicorn That’s Perfectly Photogenic
There’s no better prop for a poolside photoshoot than this Giant Unicorn Pool Float. Its oversized design can easily accommodate two adults or several children, and you won’t be able to help smiling as you see its rainbow mane bobbing around in your pool during the summer. Plus, it features two large valves that allow for faster inflation, so you can get to splashing in no time.
Best Dog Pool Float
A Puncture-Resistant Float That’ll Withstand Your Dog’s Claws
Some dogs love playing on pool floats alongside the family, but chances are they’ll rip a hole in any standard option with their nails. That’s why this dog pool float, made from puncture-resistant woven mesh, is a good investment for folks who like to relax in the water with their pups. The floats come in several bright hues and three different sizes, and they even stay cool when wet, making them the perfect poolside lounging spot for your faithful companion.
Best Baby Pool Float
A Baby Float With Tons of Toys To Keep Your Bub Busy
Get little ones in on the summer fun with the SumWays Baby Float Activity Center, which features a variety of built-in toys, plus a removable canopy to shade your toddler from the sun. It’s recommended for ages nine months to two years, and young swimmers will love playing with the spinning octopus toy, stacking rings and other accessories as they float around with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Floats
Should I Leave My Pool Float In The Pool?
Pool floats are generally made of plastic or vinyl, which can break down from overexposure to water, sun, pool chemicals and heat, so as a rule of thumb you should not be leaving your pool float in the pool for an extended amount of time. Plus, if your pool float is left under the harsh rays of the sun, the air in your float will expand, eventually causing it to pop. If you’re leaving the pool, your float should too.
How Do You Make Pool Floats Last Longer?
The key to making your pool floats last longer is by cleaning and storing them properly. Wash and dry your floats with mild soap and water. Never leave your pool float in water or damp storage, both of which could make your float get moldy.
If your float has gotten to the mold point, mix water with a tablespoon of bleach for a deep clean. After rinsing and drying, deflate your float and store it in an airtight box to keep it away from water or mold. If your float is challenging to deflate, store it as is but keep it in a dry area away from sharp objects.
