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Summer is short, which means every day at the pool counts. Although we’re all swimmers, we’re also big fans of floating. After all, nothing says “out of the office” quite like spending the afternoon sprawled out in an inflatable lounge chair with a cold drink nearby, a good playlist in the background, and being absolutely nowhere.
Fortunately, swim floats have come a long way from the flimsy inflatable rings of yesteryear. Whether you’re looking for a pool float that helps you achieve that perfect color, or even a tan, a lounge chair designed to relax all day or a giant inflatable jet that turns you into the leader of the pool party, there really is something for everyone. These days, you can relax on everything from floating bean bags and hammocks to ducks, golf carts and dragons that add an extra personal touch to the water.
In this roundup, we’ve included a mix of practical favorites and fun conversation starters. Some prioritize comfort with mesh seats, built-in backrests, and oversized designs, while others are simply designed to make your friends laugh and your Instagram photos look better. Either way, they all make a strong case for spending as much time as possible in the water this summer.
Of course, we’re still obsessed with the new pool floats that make everyone smile. But we also appreciate a design that’s built for serious relaxation and can keep you comfortable from your first dip of the day until sunset. That’s why our list includes a mix of statement pieces and practical favorites across a variety of styles, sizes, and price points.
So slather on your sunscreen, hold your ground in the water and get ready to float through the summer. These are the pool floats we’re reaching for this season.
Frontjet Floating Mesh Pool Chair
What’s better than throwing your most comfortable lounge chair into the water? Frontgate Deluxe Floating Mesh Pool Chair. It brings comfort to your living room, thanks to its padded back, oversized armrests and attached ottoman.
Funboy Clear Rainbow Recliner Chairs (Set of 2)
Known for her celebrity fans, FUNBOY has been spotted poolside with stars including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Shay Mitchell and Vanessa Hudgens.
DBX pool chair
When it comes to the best pool floats, sometimes you don’t need to go the extra mile — and this ergonomic chair is proof. It’s equipped with two cup holders and two heavy-duty handles on each side for maximum relaxation.
New Sun Squad Duck Ride On Float Float
Some pool floats are designed for relaxation. This one is designed to make an entrance. With its colorful, dyed finish and playful duck image, it’s guaranteed to add a dose of whimsy to any pool party.
The original Swimline bathtub
Whether you prop this up in the backyard as a mini dipping station or toss it into the pool, the Colorful Inflatable Swim Chair from Swimline lets you put your feet up while soaking up the sun (with plenty of SPF and your favorite pair of sunglasses, of course). UV resistant vinyl measures 70″ long, 46″ wide and 8″ tall.
Float face down
For anyone wishing they could nap in the pool without moving their neck at a questionable angle, this float is the answer. Its inverted design allows you to sit comfortably on your stomach while soaking up the sun – and yes, it’s roomy enough for everyone to enjoy relaxing.
Funboy yellow fabric sun lounger
In keeping with the Funboy design, it doesn’t look more stylish than a sunbed covered in striped fabric. Relaxing in the pool has never looked so sophisticated.
Inflatable water float for 6 people from Bestway
If you really want to go all out, we’re big fans of the party float. This inflatable float comfortably seats six people and is complete with pillows, cup holders, a detachable lid and an opening to allow your feet to dip into the water. It’s the perfect water toy for days at the lake with the whole crew.
Big Joe Lagoon Lounge
If your summer goal is to become one with your pool, the Big Joe Lagoon Lounger is ready to support your ambitions. Filled with thriving beans instead of air, this oversized chair allows you to recline, stretch out, and master the art of doing absolutely nothing.
Funboy golf cart pool and cooler set
For the person who treats every summer gathering like a tournament weekend, this cool golf cart cooler package delivers just that. It’s fun and over-the-top in the best way, and practically guarantees you’ll get the best seat in the pool.
Intex Inflatable Umbrella Island Float
An on-the-water cabana awaits with this pool float, which is spacious enough for two and has ropes on the side so other swimmers can literally hang out. It comes with a quick-fill electric air pump that has three nozzles to inflate more than just this stylish lounge chair (think the rest of your pool setup plus air mattresses and exercise balls).
Luxy Float, Golden Dragon Float
The mother of all rubber dragons is ready for your next journey game of thrones– Summer inspired evening. Made of heavy-duty vinyl, this 103-inch gold float has two built-in handles on the neck and can hold up to 400 pounds.
Aqua Original Monterey Hammock 4-in-1 Pool Float
If you don’t trust us, at least trust the other 50,000+ Amazon users who agree that this multi-purpose pool float is the GOAT.
It’s a hammock, a chair, or even a piece of exercise equipment if that’s your thing. It also gets bonus points because, unlike many of its competitors, the seat is submerged in water, making getting out of it consistently easy.
Funboy Airplane Pool Float
No boarding pass needed. This float plane is perfect for anyone whose summer travel plans include floating from one end of the pool to the other with a cold drink in hand.
Joyin Inflatable Peacock Pool Float
Instant fusion is inevitable when you’re soaking up the sun on this Peacock Pool Float, which can hold up to two people and is made of UV and tear-resistant raft material.
