The best pool floats you can buy

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best pool floats 3

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  • Is there a better way to celebrate bright and balmy days than lazily drifting in your swimming pool, drink in hand, and sunscreen slathered on your nose?
  • With any of these durable and stylish pool floats, you'll be weightless on the water without a care in the world.
  • Read more: The best pool toys and games you can buy

It's pool season, and if you're not swimming in the water, you're probably lounging on top of it. A pool float is the ultimate accessory you need to relax and enjoy a day in the sun.

There's a whole wide world of pool floats out there that put the "fun" in functional, and look great while doing it. We whittled the choices down to the best ones for a variety of styles and needs.

Here are the best pool floats:

  • A pool float for your entire body: Poolmaster Chaise Lounge
  • An animal-themed pool float: Swimline Giant Peacock Lounger
  • A high-end pool float: Frontgate Luxe Edition King Lana Float
  • A food-themed pool float: Intex Watermelon Island Float
  • A classic inner tube pool float: GoFloats Rainbow Pool Float
  • A pool float for groups: Bestway CoolerZ Tropical Breeze Floating Island
  • A pool float for babies: Poolmaster Mommy & Me Baby Rider

Prices and links are current as of 7/17/2020. Many pool floats are selling out quickly, so we've updated the guide with in-stock options. There are currently new picks for best pool float for your entire body, pool float for groups, and pool float for babies.

A pool float for your entire body

Amazon

The Poolmaster Chaise Lounge lets you enjoy your favorite beverage while you soak up rays and enjoy the cool water.

The only downside you might find to the Poolmaster Chaise Lounge is having to get out of it when it's time to go home. This pampering pool lounger is long enough so you can stretch out in comfort.

It's actually more comfortable and supportive than a traditional pool float, since the part your body sits on isn't made from inflatable material. Instead, it's an all-weather material supported on the sides by two flotation arms. These arms are extra wide and feature two built-in beverage holders.

While it's usually difficult to climb on top of pool float recliners and stay stable, this lounger always feels sturdy and supportive. Many reviewers use it to read in the cool waters of the pool for hours. You can also adjust the float to an upright sitting position by pushing down with your legs.

An animal-themed pool float

Amazon

Of the many animal-themed pool floats to choose from, the Swimline Giant Peacock Lounger is one that balances looks and practicality.

Few animals are as flashy and eye-catching as the peacock. You can ride in style with this roomy float, where the peacock's plumage also makes for a comfortable backrest.

Due to its shape, it may be a little difficult to climb onto, but once you're on, you have plenty of space to get in the best position, whether you want to lay down or straddle the sides. The neck also has handles for additional support.

The fun and colorful design is definitely worth capturing in photos — if you don't want to attract attention, this float probably isn't the way to go. If you want a different animal float, Swimline has plenty of other options, including a giraffe, dinosaur, and other birds.

A high-end pool float

Frontgate

Frontgate's Luxe Edition King Lana Float is truly a luxury purchase, but that's because it's made with durable, weather-resistant Sunbrella fabric and filled with more than just air.

Sunbrella fabric is a premium material used on outdoor furniture. It's known for being durable, comfortable, and easy to clean. It can withstand all kinds of weather conditions, including anything with water, and won't fade, degrade, or grow mildew.

Underneath the fabric are buoyant foam beads, so laying on the King Lana Float becomes even more comfortable. The float actually molds to your body; you're not just sitting on top of an inflated surface. The float also had sewn-in neck pillows for head support.

While many pool floats may need to be tossed after a few summers, Frontgate's option is made to last. It helps that the striped pattern will never go out of style.

A food-themed pool float

Walmart

Nothing's quite as refreshing on a hot day as a slice of watermelon. The Intex Watermelon Island Float is shaped like the quintessential summer fruit and can fit two people.

The fun and simple design is perfect for fans of fruit, or more specifically, watermelon. It has a 72-inch diameter, which is enough room for both you and a friend to hop on (with the help of the grab rope) and enjoy.

If you're laying in the middle, it's unlikely your feet will be unable to dip into the pool, so this float might be better for summer days that aren't absolutely scorching. And even though it doesn't have a backrest or armrests, some reviewers have found it so comfortable that they fell asleep on it.

A classic inner tube pool float

Amazon

You might not want bells and whistles like creative shapes or cup holders, in which case a classic, straightforward inner tube float like the GoFloats Rainbow Pool Float, will do the trick.

These days, it almost seems easier to find flashy floats geared for Instagram than regular ol' tube floats. While the brand GoFloats makes plenty of the former, it also makes floats like these.

With its colorful rainbow pattern, it's far from boring, and it's pretty big at 45 inches wide. It's also reversible. The other side is clear if you want to change up the look.

GoFloats claims its vinyl material is 25% thicker than that of competitors, plus the float inflates quickly because of a unique rapid valve design. All in all, the Rainbow Pool Float is a quick, reliable, and affordable choice when you want to take a dip in the pool.

A pool float for groups

Amazon

If you want to hang out and chat with your buddies while enjoying the lake, river, or beach, you'll love the Bestway CoolerZ Tropical Breeze Floating Island, which holds up to eight people.

This thing is huge, so unless you have a large swimming pool, you'll be using it on a lake, pond, river, or beach, not in your backyard. Measuring 11 ft. 1 in. x 9 ft. 4 in, the raft has plenty of room for eight adults.

There are two sections to this raft: a group lounging area complete with removable sunshade and a "dock" with two detachable loungers (in case anyone has had enough of the group and wants to drift off on their own).

Other amenities include pillow backrests, six cup holders, and grab ropes.

Unless you plan on drifting downstream, you'll want to use the side loops to anchor the raft to a nearby dock, boat, or post. Because of its size, it does take a while to inflate, and it's far too large and heavy for one person to carry alone, so you'll need your friends' assistance in getting it down to the water. But once afloat, this is where summer memories will be made.

A pool float for babies

Walmart

If your child isn't too comfortable in the water yet, the Poolmaster Mommy & Me Baby Rider will provide extra security and let them join in on all the fun without the worry.

The adorable ocean-themed float — complete with retractable sun canopy and inflatable characters — lets the parent or caretaker hang on and steer it in any direction.

It's great for introducing kids up to age 2 to the water before you give them actual swimming lessons. Since the parent will be right by the baby's side the whole time, they'll have some extra peace of mind.

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