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.
The 25 Best Pool Floats for Your Next Beach Party
Sloth floats are the new unicorn floats
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
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.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
The Best Pool Floats At A Glance
Best Pool Float Raft
1. TRC Recreation Sunsation Foam Raft
What We Like
- no need to inflate
- comfortable pillow
What We Don't Like
- hard to store
TRC
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.
Best Pool Float For A Crowd
2. Bestway CoolerZ Tropical Breeze
What We Like
- fits six people
- features canopy and cup holders
What We Don't Like
- needs a large pool
Bestway
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.’
Best Pool Float Lounger
3. Funboy Clear Rainbow Chaise Lounger
What We Like
- can be used on land
- sunny colors
What We Don't Like
- better as a lounger
Funboy
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.
Best Donut Pool Float
4. Sun Squad Strawberry Donut Pool Float
What We Like
- fun design
- inflates quickly
- inexpensive
What We Don't Like
- only good for one
Sun Squad
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.
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.
Best Rainbow Pool Float
6. Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge
What We Like
- backrest
- cup holder
- spot to dip feet in water
What We Don't Like
- deflates easily
Intex
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.
Best Pool Float For Cooling Off
7. AQUA 2-in-1 Recliner & Tanner Float
What We Like
- recliner
- flattens for tanning
- mesh material
What We Don't Like
- canvas can tear
Aqua
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.
Best Pool Float For Water Lovers:
What We Like
- keeps head supported
- mesh allows you to cool
What We Don't Like
- can feel too submerged
Funboy
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.
Best Food Themed Pool Float
9. Swimline Waffle Slice Pool Raft
What We Like
- cup holders
- oversized
What We Don't Like
- need to order multiple for full waffle
Swimline
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.
Best Pool Float For Two
What We Like
- fun shape
- oversized
- fits two
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Funboy
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.
Best Shark Themed Pool Float
11. Jasonwell Inflatable Shark Pool Float
What We Like
- funny shape
- fins make good armrests
What We Don't Like
- small opening
Jasonwell
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.
Best Sports-Themed Pool Float:
12. Swimline Giant Inflatable Baseball Glove Pool Float
What We Like
- backrest
- oversized design
- fits two
What We Don't Like
- cheesy
Swimline
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.
Best Cabana Pool Float
13. Funboy Tropical Bali Cabana Lounger
What We Like
- offers shade
- fits two
- ergonomic support
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Funboy
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.
Best Unicorn Pool Float
14. Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float
What We Like
- fun shape
- photo worthy
- oversized
What We Don't Like
- hard to store without deflating
Jasonwell
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.
Best Sloth Pool Float
15. Sun Squad Sloth Pool Float Yellow
What We Like
- picture worthy
- large size
- comfortable
What We Don't Like
- needs a large body of water
Sun Squad
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.
Best Hammock Float
16. Sloosh 3-Pack Inflatable Pool Float Hammock
What We Like
- 3-pack
- keeps you cool
What We Don't Like
- must be mostly submerged in water to use it
Sloosh
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.
Best Pool Float Chaise
17. Frontgate Drift Chaise Float
What We Like
- multiple pattern options
- can use on land
- good for lounging
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Frontgate
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.
Best Pool Float Game
18. Swimline Labyrinth Island Inflatable Pool Toy
What We Like
- holds multiple people
- large size
What We Don't Like
- hard for adults to use
Swimline
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.
Best Pool Float Mat
19. Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat
What We Like
- holds multiple people
- works on land
What We Don't Like
- takes up a lot of space
Intex
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.
Best Inner Tube Pool Float
20. H2OGO! Inflatable Iridescent Swim Tube
What We Like
- durable
- inexpensive
- pretty color
What We Don't Like
- small
H2OGO!
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.
Best Alligator Pool Float
What We Like
- hilarious shape
- handles for stability
What We Don't Like
- kitschy
Intex
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.
Best Tropical Pool Float
22. Play Day Inflatable Hydro Cool Lounge Float
What We Like
- hydro holes
- comfortable pillow
What We Don't Like
- can get wet
Play Day
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.
Best Soft Pool Float
23. Airhead Sun Comfort Suede Double Pool Mattress
What We Like
- soft material
- large size
- quick inflation
What We Don't Like
- suede can make it harder to get on
Airhead
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.
Best Animal Print
24. PoolCandy Leopard Print Jumbo Pool Tube
What We Like
- fun print
- oversized
- durable
What We Don't Like
- too large for kids
PoolCandy
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.
Best Motorized Pool Float
25. Splash Runner 2.5 Motorized Pool Lounger
What We Like
- motorized
- can go forwards and backwards
- cupholder
What We Don't Like
- batteries not included
- expensive
Splash Runner
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Store Pool Floats?
When inflated, pool floats take up an immense amount of space, so it’s best to deflate them before storing for an extended period of time. Once deflated, you can store them in an airtight container that will prevent drastic changes in temperature, which can damage your pool floats during the off season. Common damages include mildew, mold, and pests.
But if you’re planning on using your floats pretty consistently, it should be okay to leave them poolside. Just note that leaving an inflatable in direct sunlight could cause the float to expand. Conversely, if you leave your float overnight in cool air, it may deflate a bit and you’ll need to add some additional air
How Do You Blow Up Pool Floats?
You have two options when it comes to blowing up pool floats: manual and pump. With manual you’ll be doing quite a bit of work for the reward of lounging on the water. You’ll have to blow into the air hole until it’s filled with enough air to comfortably float a person (or several). It will, admittedly, take a lot of time.
Inflatable pumps, on the other hand, will make things vastly easier. You can either use a hand pump, where you’ll press a handle on the pump up and down to add air into the inflatable, or an electric pum, which will blow air into your pool float with a press of a button.
How Do You Deflate Pool Floats?
Unfortunately, some pool floats are more of a challenge to deflate than others — namely, those with more intricate shapes like unicorn heads and canopies. Honestly, the easiest way to get the job done is with a pump with deflation capabilities. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself squeezing and rolling up certain sections of the float to remove the air. Once it’s deflated, you can easily fold it up for storage.
How Do You Clean Pool Floats?
Before storing your pool floats or if they start to look a bit grimy from consistent use, it’s a good idea to clean them. They may be used in the water, but they still need a good scrub. Cleaning pool floats isn’t too much of a challenge: Just use a dry cloth to wipe off any dirt before rinsing it with clean water. Then, fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap and dip a cloth into your soapy mixture and scrub your pool float, making sure to get in all the nooks and crannies. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly and leave your inflatable out in the sun to dry.