There’s nothing worse than a naked swimming pool. Being naked in the pool, sure. Swim trunks aren’t for everyone. However, empty swimming pools sans a single pool float aren’t ideal. Loungers, tubes, pool noodles, and such are summer staples. And today’s pool floats aren’t just for kids — they’re built with adults in mind, too. The only issue when choosing the right one? There are simply so many options.
Friday Morning Swim Club, a weekly jump into Lake Michigan that garners thousands of attendees each week, has seen just about every kind of pool float. “I think the three that stand out the most are a giant inflatable convertible car, a massive pelican, and a true-to-size inflatable beer pong table,” says co-founder Andrew Glatt. “My favorite floats are the ones that make me do a double take and ask someone to make sure I’m understanding [what I’m seeing] correctly.”
Sure, personality is important for a pool float purchase, but not everyone is picking up a pool float with the same intention. Some buyers are looking to ball on a budget. Kinnelon dad and non-profit COO Kevin Kelly has a pool in his backyard and religiously purchases new pool floats each summer. Almost always, they’re an impulse buy. “Last time, I spent $50 on chicken fighting floats for my kids,” he says. “They’re 27 and 29 years old.”
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Chicago-dweller Adri Iaconis refuses to spend more than $10 on a pool float. “I just wanted something cheap for swimming in Lake Michigan,” she says. Proving that incredible pool floats can cost pennies, Iaconis was able to find her glitter float in the sale section of Target for… wait for it… just 90 cents.
Ultimately, choosing the right pool float all depends on the buyer’s intent. Do they want the pool float for years to come or will they not mind if it pops as September looms? Below, the best pool floats for every budget and aesthetic.
The Best Pool Floats: At a Glance
Aqua Original 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Pool Float
We’re lucky to exist in the same world as the Aqua Monterey Hammock Pool Float. It’s one of the few affordable options that will last buyers years instead of months. How? Well, the patented non-stick PVC is a hell of a lot thicker (around 50 to 70 percent) than typical plastic, meaning there is less of a chance the float will pop. Users can sit in the traditional hammock setting or utilize this float in chair, drifter, and exercise saddle configurations with the help of a mesh center. Plus, it’s just $12. That’s borderline impossible to beat.
FUNBOY Clear Rainbow Chaise Lounger Pool Float
FUNBOY has been making a name for itself with its huge, eclectic pool floats that have been taking the Instagram algorithm by storm. At 70 inches long, this ombre option melts pink, orange, and yellow hues seamlessly for that ultimate summertime feel. Each lounger uses an ultra-thick plastic material that will stand tall for ages in the pool, on the lake, or even on the front lawn. Lounge wherever, whenever.
JOYIN 3-Pack Inflatable Pool Floats
Three for the price of one doesn’t mean that these will last the whole summer, but it does mean buyers are picking up a pretty solid deal. Each fruity float costs just over $5 apiece, styled in the likes of a watermelon, a lemon, and a kiwi. The rings are 32.5 inches each and perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, if one pops, the set comes with repair patches that the buyer can use for quick fixes.
Sun Squad Glitter Tube Pool Float
This is almost the exact same pool float Iaconis picked up for 90 cents. The only difference is that hers was pink. Who knows — if you wait a few days, maybe teal will go on sale for 90 cents, too.
Frontgate Resort Collection Pool Float
Looking for something unsinkable? Seek out the Resort Collection Pool Float from Frontgate. As children, we all knew someone with a pool who owned something similar. Now, adult buyers can have one of their own. This float is made from what Frontgate calls the “highest-quality marine-grade closed-cell foam,” which is ultra-buoyant and compatible with both salt and chlorinated water. Bonus: each float is also easy to clean and dries on the fly.
Jasonwell Inflatable Unicorn Flamingo Pool Float
Sometime during the mid-2010s, the unicorn float began appearing in swimming pools across the country. Today, they’re still everywhere. Snag one at an affordable price point, alongside a flamingo friend, over at Amazon.
FUNBOY Giant Cabana Dayclub
To keep it real, this is the pool float of all pool floats. The Giant Cabana Dayclub is a massive, four-person float built for lounging the day away with VIP pals. It’s designed with extra-strong materials, thicker seams, and backrests for effortless comfort. Tied together with footbaths (plus a storage compartment to keep drinks cool), the Giant Cabana Dayclub is like a party yacht for people who don’t have an actual party yacht.
GoPong Pool Lounge Beer Pong Inflatable
This isn’t necessarily a pool float buyers will float on, but it is a must for anybody who plans on hosting a pool party this summer. Come on, who wouldn’t want to play a game of beer pong waist-deep in the water?
Intex Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge
Heavy-duty handles, two cup holders, and a reclined back for maximized comfort? This is the kind of pool float that’s sure to cause a fight or two in the swimming pool. Everyone’s going to want to lay out on it this summer.
Lapras Pokemon Sunset Pool Float
Pokémon lovers, rejoice. This Lapras float is the ultimate nostalgia trip in pool float form.