The Best Pool Floats, According To Forbes Vetted Staff

Forbes

a day ago

Swimming season is here, and if you're cooling off in a pool, the best pool floats will keep you bobbing happily along—with some fun extra features, too. Pool floats can range from simple devices to elaborate, multi-person, motorized designs. Lying on one can be a wonderful way to relax in the water so you can literally take a load off: Some floats include cushioned headrests, handy cupholders for your chilled beverage of choice or enough space to float alongside a friend. We polled the Forbes Vetted team to find out which pool floats they've been loving this season and rounded them up below.
We polled the Forbes Vetted staff for their thoughts on the best pool floats so you can lounge in ... More style this summer. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
While pool floats can be a fun way to level up your lounging, keep in mind that they aren't safety devices. Always swim safely and with supervision as needed. With that said, here are the best pool floats the Forbes Vetted staff recommends.
Best Motorized Pool Float
Amazon PoolCandy Splash Runner Pro 2.0 Motorized Pool Lounger Shop At Amazon
Dimensions: 66 x 43 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Colors: Blue | Warranty: 30 days
This next-level, motorized pool float will let you cruise seamlessly around the pool. 'I hesitate to admit how fun this motorized float from PoolCandy can be,' says staff writer Steve John, who's used the 2.0 version of this float. 'If you're okay with not taking yourself too seriously—and not being taken too seriously—then there's really no better way to kick back, relax and float in abject comfort and laziness.' It holds up to 350 pounds and comes with a 30-day warranty, too. These floats seem to be popular, and we've noticed stock fluctuating; if this version sells out, PoolCandy also makes a 9v Motorized Deluxe Pool Lounger with a similar design.
Best Hammock-Style Pool Float
Amazon Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Pool Float Shop At Amazon
Dimensions: 44 x 26 inches | Weight: 0.85 pounds | Colors: 7 | Warranty: 30 days
A hammock-style pool float is versatile—you can sit, lay or lean on it. 'My family loves these, particularly for how easy they are to pack and take on vacation,' says supervising deals and coupons editor Kara Cuzzone. 'They hold you up similar to a noodle, but the mesh hammock adds a little more support.' The Monterey Hammock comes in an array of bright colors and size variations (you can get a wider lounger, too), as well as in multi-packs so you can get some for the whole family. This float supports up to 250 pounds.
Best Carpet-Style Pool Float
Aqua Lily Pad Aqua Lily Pad 15-Foot Water Carpet Shop at Dick's Sporting Goods
Dimensions: 6 feet x 15 feet x 1⅜ inches | Weight: 25 pounds | Colors: 1 | Warranty: 1 year
If you're looking for a pool float to hold a crowd, this one comes highly recommended. 'My preferred float has become a lily pad–style floating mat,' says senior distribution strategist Kristina Bornholtz. 'My family doesn't have a pool, but we do have a lake house, and we've abandoned most of our inflatable floaties in favor of a 15-foot lily pad that the whole crew can lounge on.' Aqua Lily makes an even bigger, 18-foot version of this float, too, if you really want to max out. The 15-foot version is designed to hold seven to eight adults, or 1,050 to 1,200 pounds of distributed weight.
Best Roomy Float
Amazon Funboy Giant Inflatable Luxury Yacht Speed Boat Pool Float Shop At Amazon
Dimensions: 9 feet long (width not listed) | Weight: 9.25 pounds | Colors: 1 | Warranty: 30 days
For a thematically fun but still supportive float, this boat-shaped option is a winner. 'I don't have a pool but live close to a very calm beach, and I just love the Funboy Inflatable Yacht,' says updates writer Claire Epting. 'I actually got this to use at my Love Island-themed birthday party on the beach a few years back, and I've used it several times since then. It makes such a statement! I use the front compartment to store drinks, a Bluetooth speaker and my phone. A pro tip is to use a sandbag anchor to keep you from floating out to sea.' This float holds up to 200 pounds.
Best Upgraded Noodle Float
Amazon Wow World of Watersports First Class Foam Pool Noodle Shop At Amazon
Dimensions: 46 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Colors: Four | Warranty: 1 year
The classic noodle has gotten an upgrade with this extra-buoyant design. 'I've used these foam noodles at a neighbor's pool a few times and really like them,' says assistant deals editor Jordan Thomas. 'They don't look special, but they're much thicker, cushier and more buoyant than your classic noodle. You also don't have to inflate them, so you can just keep a stack ready to go.' She recommends storing them in the shade, though; in her experience, she's seen these stick together when left in the hot sun.
Best Novelty Pool Float
The Home Depot Swimline Giant Flamingo Pool Float Shop at The Home Depot
Dimensions: 46 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Colors: 4 | Warranty: 1 year
A statement pool float adds delight to any pool day but gets extra bonus points when it's comfortable. 'I bought this flamingo float for my brother for his birthday a few years back originally as a joke, and it has become an absolute family favorite every summer (my parents live on a lake),' says director of features and special projects Kim Peiffer. 'Everyone loves this float. It is absolutely huge, and when we bring it out at the end of our pier we always have boats stop and ask us where we got it. Kids also love this float.' This flamingo-float has room for two, and doesn't list a weight capacity.
Best Value Pool Noodle
Target Sun Squad Pool Noodle Shop At Target
Dimensions: 50 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches | Weight: .25 pounds | Colors: Varies | Warranty: None
I'm a simple girl, and I like a simple pool float. This minimalist noodle is lightweight and easy to pack into a car for transport, or even to bend into a tote bag to walk to the pool. These noodles are so affordable that you'll need to order for local pickup. While pool noodles offer buoyancy, these don't list a weight capacity. I like to double them up, too.
Best Noodle Floats
Amazon Oodles of Noodles Deluxe Foam Pool Swim Noodles - 6 Pack Shop At Amazon
Dimensions: 9 x 2.5 inches | Weight: .4 pounds | Colors: 14 | Warranty: None
If you're keen on getting pool noodles for delivery, or want a few to share with friends or pool guests, this variety pack comes in a set of 6 and will let you mix and match colors. The brand also makes a Jumbo size with a larger diameter.
Best Baby Float
Amazon SwimWays Baby Spring Float Shop At Amazon
Dimensions: 34 x 30 x 20.5 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Colors: 3 | Warranty: None
If you're looking for a baby pool float, this one offers support and shade. 'It's the first year my 1-year-old can go in the pool, so I picked up this float,' says senior updates editor Karen Tietjen. 'It's foldable, and since only the outside rim holds air, it can be inflated by mouth super quickly. I like the security of the harness and the added canopy for extra sun protection. The float holds him up but is still close enough to splash in the water, and it's also a nice way to give us parents a few (mostly) hands-free moments while enjoying the water.' The float packs down flat and also comes with a handy carrying bag. While this float doesn't list a weight limit, it's recommended for babies ages 8 to 24 months.
How To Choose A Pool Float
When it comes to choosing a pool float, you'll want to keep a few factors in mind. Many pool floats are affordable, so you can always get a few to suit your mood or the vibe, whether you're lounging solo or hosting a pool party.
Size And Weight Capacity
When you're choosing a pool float, check out the dimensions and weight limits if you want to share a seat with friends, partners or family. Most floats indicate how many people or how much weight they can hold. Before jumping on one, we recommend checking the manufacturer's guidelines to make sure you'll get the most life out of your float. Keep in mind that pool floats aren't safety devices.
Portability
Some floats are easier to carry than others: They can be big, bulky and even heavy, or they can deflate and pack down to fit easily in a tote bag. If you're transporting pool floats to and from a local pool, for example, you'll want to consider portability before purchasing.
Inflation Needs
Oftentimes, what makes one of these pool devices float is air. You may need to blow up an inflatable float, and depending on its size, a device like a pump may come in handy. You can buy an electric pump , similar to one you'd use to inflate an air mattress. Alternatively, you can use a hand pump like you would with a sports ball, a bicycle pump or an electric pump specifically intended for pool floats . Always read a pool float's instructions for how to best inflate it.
How To Store Pool Floats
Pool floats are designed to get wet, but it's key to properly dry and store them to prevent their materials from breaking down over the years. That way, they'll be ready to go next swimming season. Here are some tips to keep in mind about how to store pool floats.
Clean And Dry Your Floats
Before putting away a wet item like a pool float, it's key to clean and dry it so it doesn't harbor mold or mildew. Floatie Kings , a brand that makes custom pool floats, recommends spraying floats down with dish soap and a garden hose, then letting them completely dry before packing them up. Leslie's Pool Supplies offers some additional suggestions using vinegar and water or baking soda and water solutions. You can also towel off floats to dry them.
Don't Let Them Bake In The Sun
Sun exposure can cause materials to fade, crack or even meld together. While you can let your floats dry out for a short window, store them for longer periods of time in shaded or covered areas. Leslie's Pool Supplies advises that keeping pool floats shaded will help keep them from cracking or degrading.
Fold, Pack And Store
When it comes to storage, deflate and neatly pack your any inflatables. Pool supply brands like Floatie Kings and Leslie's Pool Supplies offer differing advice on whether you should store your pool floats in a ventilated or airtight container. You can consider open-weave mesh or plastic crates or baskets, or sealed plastic bins. Storing inflatables on a rack or shelf if available is also an option. Whichever you choose, make sure your floats are dry before putting them away for the season.