Summer holidays are literally on our doorstep, and the December weather is perfect for lounging around the pool. If you plan to spend more time at the pool, you may want to brighten the experience with a wacky blow-up pool float or something practical to relax on while the kids are splashing around.
If you’re looking for durable and great looking swimming floats for adults, you will find this guide very useful, as we look at some of the best single and double floats and how to use them. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 blow-up rafts for the pool. So, compare the quality, cost and design to find the best fit for you.
Our top 5 pool floats for 2020
IntexPetal Lounge Floating Recliner —Best for parties
Pros
- A well-known and trusted brand for pool accessories.
- Built-in cup holder.
- Comes with connectors, so two or more floaters can be joined.
- Two air chambers for safety.
Cons
- No carry handles.
- No carry bag.
The Intex Petal Lounge floating recliner is one of the popular brands in pool floats for adults that’s durable and comfortable for reclining. It is suitable to use alone or with friends and family, with its easy-to-use connectors. Connect two or more Intex inflatable floats for group fun in the pool.
Specs
- 185cm x 120cm.
- Built with 16ga vinyl.
- 100kg maximum weight limit.
Customer Reviews
According to customer reviews, this inflatable party float is durable and high quality. Customers have been very impressed.
Kelsyus Floating Hammock—Most comfortable
Pros
- Comes with carrying straps.
- Folds into a carry bag.
- Jet valves allow quick and easy inflating and deflating.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Mesh seating may split with a heavyweight.
- The Kelsyus Floating Hammock is slightly more expensive than others at $66.20.
Price (RRP): $66.20
Source: Amazon
The Kelsyus Floating Hammock is made by SimWay and is ideal for relaxing, with a headrest, mesh seating and footrest. It has a built-in cup holder and strap so it can be docked to float in one place. The mesh seat suspends the lower body just below the water’s surface for optimum cooling. It also has an innerspring around the outer edge for stability and comfort.
Specs
- 5.08 x 50.8 x 53.34 cm
- Weighs 1.5 kg
- Supports up to 113kg
Customer Reviews
Some customers were pleased with the purchase and said it great for pool fun. A few said that the air stopper popped out and the chair failed to hold air for a long period.
Luxe Lie-On Watermelon Float— Fun for the whole family
Pros
- Attractive, fun design.
- Suitable dimensions for easy reclining.
- You have the option to pay over 4 instalments.
- Comes with repair patch in case of punctures.
Cons
- Does not come with many added features.
- Punctures are possible with the thin PVC material.
Source:
Sunnylife
The Luxe Lie-On Watermelon Float is a fun summer accessory to use in the pool or at the beach. The bright, eye-catching design will add to the jovial summer holiday mood.
Specs
- Made from 0.25mm PVC.
- 89 x 185 x 18 cm.
- Suitable for ages 12+.
- Packaged weight is 1.2kg.
Customer Reviews
Customers have been happy with the quality and design, saying it added a fun element to the pool as well as being a comfortable surface to lie on.
Aqua Leisure Monterey Hammock— Most versatile
Pros
- Seat sits below the water surface, rather than on top, so it’s easy to get on without jumping.
- Very affordable at $19.93.
- DuoLock inflatable system quickly inflates and deflates pillows for portability.
- Rolls up to make it compact for travelling.
Cons
- Flexible material may by unsteady if you are looking to lie on a firm surface.
- The valve flap is very firm and may cause difficulty with inflating.
Price (RRP): $19.93
The Aqua Leisure Monterey Hammock can be used as a pool chair, recliner or exercise saddle, making it a versatile option for pool rafts. Unlike other blow-up rafts for the pool that rest on the water, this one is flexible and allows your body to be slightly submerged in the water for cooling and relaxation.
Specs
- 137cm x 70cm
- Made from luxurious Coolweave fabric.
- Suitable for ages 15+.
Customer Reviews
Customers have found this hammock to be very comfortable and compact.
Intex Mega Llama Island Pool Lounger — Most spacious
Pros
- Comes with two heavy-duty handles
- Two air chambers
- Size can be beneficial for comfort and easy floating.
- 3m cord.
Cons
- No carry bag.
- The big size can be cumbersome.
The Intex Mega Llama Island Pool Lounger is a mega-size with larger than standard dimensions of 201 x 147 x 173 cm and offers enough room for comfortable lounging in the pool. The creative design adds to the festive feel so that you can maximise on the summer fun.
Specs
- 201 x 147 x 173 cm.
- Item weight is 3.53kg.
- Made from vinyl.
Customer Reviews
Customers generally like the big size, saying it is a lot of fun. However, some found the size to be impractical and said they had trouble climbing on and off.
What to look for when buying your pool float
Here are some tips for purchasing the ideal inflatable float for you:
- Size: If you’re looking to buy an inflatable pool tube or float, consider whether the size is suitable for one person or if it can accommodate more than one person, depending on your needs. Sizes generally range from around 50cmx50cm to 200cmx170 cm for a large inflatable pool ring.
- Quality: It’s important to look at the quality of manufacturing since you do not want any punctures. Thin PVC materials are likely to puncture without extra care, while thick vinyl or fabrics should be more durable. Check if your purchase comes with a patch kit in case of punctures.
- Easy cleaning: Since your pool lounger will be used in the water, it is essential to clean and dry properly after use for product longevity. Choose an item with a material that is either machine washable or easy to wipe clean.
- Portable: To get the maximum value from your pool float, it should be easy to fold up and take on vacation or trips to the beach and pool. Carry handles and tote bags are useful for portability.
- Inflating mechanisms: Inflating and deflating should be easy, so look for a product that comes with jet valves or an electric pump for convenience. The valve flaps should also be easy to open and close, but also tough enough to keep the lounger inflated.
- Easy to get on and off: With a large inflatable pool ring or giant inflatable pool floats, it can be challenging to get on and off due to the height. Choose an option with handles or something small and flexible enough for you to climb on without jumping.
- Price: Pool floats for adults can range between $20 and $80, but the price is not always a reflection of what you get from the product. Depending on your budget, opt for something that is durable and comes with at least a few added features like a carry bag and patch kit to get the best value for money.
Compare the best hair dryers
| Product | Price (RRP) | Size | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intex Floating Recliner Lounge | $48.50 | 185cm x 120cm |
|
| Kelsyus Floating Hammock | $66.20 | 50.8cm x 53.34cm |
|
| Luxe Lie-On Watermelon Float | $79.95 | 89cm x 185cm |
|
| Aqua Leisure Monterey Hammock | $19.81 | 137cm x 70cm |
|
| Intex Mega Llama Island Pool Lounger | $70.94 | 201cm x 147cm x 173 cm |
|
Source: eBay, Sunnylife, Amazon, December 2020
Conclusion
There is no better way to round up 2020 than by relaxing in the pool on your regular swimming float for adults or a giant inflatable float. If you are looking for a simple, yet fun a pool or beach accessory, the Lux-Lie On Watermelon float is a good option. If you require maximum comfort while lounging in the pool, you might prefer the Kelsyus Floating Hammock.
For something with maximum space, go for the Intex Mega Llama Island Pool Lounger or the Intex Petal Lounge Floating Recliner that can connect with up to five other loungers. If you will be travelling, the Aqua Leisure Monterey Hammock rolls up very nicely into a suitcase.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What are the best pool floats?
The Intex Petal Lounge Floating Recliner is a good quality pool float and has the unique feature of being able to join onto other floats. The Kelsyus Floating Hammock is also one of the best pool floats, with its mesh seating and backrest for added comfort, it is made from high quality fabric, and it can be folded for travelling.What is the best brand of inflatables for the pool?
Intex is a trusted and reliable brand, which has been manufacturing products for indoor and outdoor recreation for years, including pool accessories. Their products are tested and sold in over 100 countries worldwide.Are blow up boats and loungers the same thing?
Blow up boats tend to float on the water’s surface, and some pool loungers do the same. However, certain pool loungers take on the shape of a hammock and dip below the surface of the water, so that your body can be partially submerged in the water while allowing you to stay afloat.Which pool float can I take to the beach?
The Kelsyus Floating Hammock and the Aqua Leisure Monterey Hammock can be neatly folded and taken to the beach.Which pool floats don’t get slimy?
A smooth, breathable fabric, such as that used on the Kelsyus Floating Hammock will keep grime away. Vinyls made for marine use usually have qualities incorporated into the manufacturing process to keep mould away. However, all pool floats should be cleaned and dried after use to prevent any slime build-up.
