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Summer is short, which means every pool day counts. And while we’re all for swimming, we’re even bigger fans of floating. After all, nothing says “out of office” quite like spending the afternoon stretched out on an inflatable lounger with a cold drink nearby, a good playlist in the background and absolutely nowhere to be.
Fortunately, pool floats have come a long way from the flimsy inflatable rings of summers past. Whether you’re looking for a pool float that helps you score that perfect, even tan, a lounger built for all-day relaxation or a giant inflatable jet that turns you into the captain of the pool party, there’s truly something for everyone. These days, you can lounge on everything from floating bean bags and hammocks to ducks, golf carts and dragons that bring a little extra personality to the water.
For this roundup, we’ve included a mix of practical favorites and playful conversation starters. Some prioritize comfort with mesh seating, 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 in the water as possible this summer.
Of course, we’re still suckers for the novelty pool floats that make everyone smile. But we also appreciate one that’s built for serious lounging and can keep you comfortable from the first dip of the day until sunset. That’s why our list includes a mix of playful statement pieces and practical favorites across a variety of styles, sizes and price points.
So grab the sunscreen, claim your spot in the water and prepare to float your way through summer. These are the pool floats we’re reaching for this season.
Related: The Most Stylish Patio Furniture for Designing a Hollywood-Worthy Outdoor Sanctuary
Frontgate Floating Mesh Pool Chair
The next best thing to throwing your comfiest lounge chair into the water? Frontgate’s luxe floating mesh pool chair. It offers the comfort of your living room, thanks to its cushioned back, oversized arm rests and attached ottoman.
Funboy Clear Rainbow Chaise Loungers (Set of Two)
Known for its celebrity fans, FUNBOY’s summer-ready inflatables have been spotted poolside with stars including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Shay Mitchell and Vanessa Hudgens.The Los Angeles-based company’s chaise loungers come in a set of two — enough to get the pool party started.
DBX Pool Float Chair
When it comes to the best pool floats, sometimes you don’t need to go (or spend) big — and this relaxing lounger is proof. It’s equipped with two cup holders and two heavy-duty grip handles on each side for maximum relaxation.
Sun Squad Duck Ride On Float Novelty Float
Some pool floats are designed for relaxing. This one is designed for making an entrance. With its colorful tie-dye finish and playful duck silhouette, it’s guaranteed to add a dose of whimsy to any pool party.
Swimline Original Suntan Tub
Whether you prop this up in the backyard as a mini dipping station or you throw it in the pool, Swimline’s colorful inflatable lounger lets you kick up your feet while you soak up sunrays (with plenty of SPF and your favorite pair of sunglasses, of course). The UV-resistant vinyl measures 70 inches long by 46 inches wide by 8 inches tall.
Face Down Float
For anyone who’s ever wished they could nap in the pool without cranking their neck at a questionable angle, this float is the answer. Its face-down design lets you lounge comfortably on your stomach while soaking up the sun—and yes, it’s roomy enough that everyone can get in on the relaxation.
Funboy Yellow Fabric Sunbed Lounger
Keeping with the Funboy lounger theme, it doesn’t get much chicer than this striped fabric-covered sunbed. Lounging in a pool has never looked so sophisticated.
Bestway Hydro-Force 6 Person Inflatable Party Island Water Float
If you really want to go all out, we’re big fans of the party raft. This inflatable float comfortably seats six and is complete with cushions, cup holders, a detachable shade and a hole for letting your feet in the water. It’s the perfect water toy for days on the lake with the whole crew.
Big Joe Lagoon Lounger
If your summer goal is to become one with the pool, the Big Joe Lagoon Lounger is ready to support your ambitions. Filled with buoyant beans instead of air, this oversized lounger lets you recline, stretch out, and perfect the art of doing absolutely nothing.
Funboy Golf Cart Pool Float & Cooler Bundle
For the person who treats every summer gathering like a tournament weekend, this golf cart float and cooler bundle delivers. It’s playful, over-the-top in the best way, and practically guarantees you’ll have the best seat in the pool.
Intex Inflatable Canopy Island Float
Your cabana on the water awaits with this canopy pool float, which is roomy enough for two people and has ropes on the side so other swimmers can quite literally hang around. It comes with a quick-fill electric air pump that has three nozzles for inflating more than just this stylish lounger (think the rest of your pool accoutrements as well as air mattresses and exercise balls).
Luxy Float Golden Dragon Pool Float
The mother of all dragon inflatables is ready for your next Game of Thrones-inspired summer soirée. Made of heavy-duty vinyl, this 103-inch golden dragon pool float has two built-in handles on the neck and can accommodate up to 400 pounds.
Aqua Original 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Pool Float
If you don’t trust us, at least trust the 50,000+ other Amazon users who agree that this multi-purpose pool float is the GOAT. It’s a hammock, a drifter, a chair or even a piece of exercise equipment if that’s your kind of thing. It also gets extra points because, unlike so many of its competitors, the seat is submerged in water making it consistently easy to get out of.
Funboy Airplane Pool Float
No boarding pass required. This airplane float is perfect for anyone whose summer travel plans involve floating from one end of the pool to the other with a cold drink in hand.
Joyin Inflatable Peacock Pool Float
Instant ‘grammification is inevitable when you soak up the sun on this peacock pool float, which can seat up to two people and is made with UV fade- and tear-resistant raft material.