We spent hours researching the best pool floats on the market for babies, toddlers, and adults, evaluating quality, durability, and value. Our favorite, the Aqua Campania Ultimate 2-in-1 Pool Float Lounger, has an adjustable backrest, an attachable caddy for snacks and drinks, and is made of soft mesh fabric. Here are the best pool floats to relax in style. If you’re looking for a pool float with maximum versatility, the Aqua Compania Ultimate Two-in-One Recliner and Tanner Pool Lounger is it. The adult-sized inflatable chair has it all, including an attached drink caddy, so you can sip on your beverage of choice while you bask in the sun. (There’s even room for your sunscreen). To use the chair as a recliner, flip the backrest into the upright position or nestle it down into the hole in the floatie to use the chair as a lounger for resting or tanning, . This isn’t your typical plastic float, either. The super buoyant float (it’s 20 percent thicker than your average inflatable), is made of a soft coolweave fabric—a high-quality mesh that helps create a supportive and cooling seat. Though rather large, the float is relatively portable, too, thanks to convenient carry handles. Users love how easy it is to get in and out of this float and the multiple seating positions possible. They report that the drink float is stable and won’t tip over easily. One thing to note: inflating may be a bit difficult at first because it has a double valve, but once this is mastered, inflating and deflating is a breeze. Price at time of publish: $60 There are plenty of convenient features, too, including a removable pillow insert and a foldable design that fits in an included tote bag. Perhaps best of all, the float is machine washable, so you can keep it in like-new condition for as long as possible. Price at time of publish: $13 When it comes time to call it a day, the mesh fabric ensures the chair dries quickly. A handle at the top of the chair allows for easier transport and storage, too. Price at time of publish: $149 Price at time of publish: From $169 Because of their size, the tubes are easy to inflate and deflate, too, making them ideal for a day trip to the town pool or even the lake or the beach. Still, they’re sturdy enough to accommodate those well over 100 pounds. Smooth inner seams mean no scratching, either—just a super comfortable place to float. Price at time of publish: $10 Once inflated (use a pump for this one), the pool float can comfortably fit up to six adults (it’s suitable for kids, too) in an array of different seating positions. Sit in the loungers on the exposed side, or pick a seated spot under the retractable, detachable sunshade. With extra-wide pillow backrests and built-in cup holders for each person, one thing is for sure: This is one extremely comfortable way to party in the pool. Price at time of publish: $212 Because kids can be a bit rough on their toys—especially during outdoor play—the inflatable lounger is made from a durable 12-gauge PVC material to keep it in tip-top shape for longer. Still, it takes less than 10 minutes to inflate—even faster if you opt to use an air pump. Price at time of publish: $70 In terms of comfort, the raft has a large removable canopy with mesh sides crafted from UPF 50+ fabric. And, to keep your tot occupied, the adorable octopus accessory turns 360 degrees and includes toys like a squeaker, rattle, stacking rings, and a soft touch star. Despite all of this, the inflatable folds easily into an included carry case for storage and transport. Price at time of publish: $29
Portability
If you plan to tote your float to nearby pools, lakes, and beaches, you’ll want something that’s easy to carry. Check to see if the float you’re eyeing is transport-friendly. Some options boast a built-in carry handle or come with a storage bag. Investigate how small your float will be when folded up. Be sure to double-check the float’s weight, as well. Even when deflated, some floats are surprisingly hefty.
Size and Weight Capacity
Before committing to a pool float, double-check its size and weight capacity. The last thing you want is to go through the trouble of inflating a float only to realize it’s the wrong size for you, your kid, or your pool. Also, you certainly don’t want a float to start sinking, moments after being deflated, because it was subjected to more than it could handle.
Special Features
Many pool floats come equipped with special features, like cup holders, removable pillows, included coolers, and kid-friendly squirt guns. These details may not be must-haves, but they’re certainly nice-to-haves. When already already treating yourself to a pool float, you might as well go all out on something truly luxurious.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent the last 10-plus years researching the best home goods for various digital publications, including The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. Brigitt has always relied on the Frontgate resort pool float, though she’s also used the Intex transparent tubes and the SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center With Canopy for her children. Additional reporting was done by Lindsey Lanquist, who has spent years covering home and lifestyle products for a range of publications including The Spruce and MyDomaine, and Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021.
