9 Best Pool Floats in 2019 | The Ultimate Guide To Our Favorite Pool Floats
If you’re looking for the absolute best pool float in 2018, then this is the perfect resource for you. In this review of the best pool floats, we will highlight, discuss and rank the ten best available this summer. We will also share various tips on how to know if you’re in need of a new pool float (who isn’t?!). Plus, how to keep your floats lasting a long time.
Here is our quick guide list of the top 10 best pool floats of 2018
All ten pool floats that are on display in this review article are unique in their own ways. We will discuss the pros and cons of each one and leave you with all of the information necessary to make an informed buying decision.
After all, what good is having a nice pool without a cool pool float? Oftentimes, too many pool owners are disappointed with the quality of their pool float. It is our goal, however, to help you choose one that is not only attractive and comfortable, but that has a chance to survive more than a few good pool parties.
Why Is Having a Cool Pool Float Important?
Pools are fun even with no floats, but they are far better with a quality pool float. There is nothing like lying on a float in your pool on a hot, sunny day. In this moment, it seems as if all your cares simply fade away.
Needless to say, having the right pool float is important. No one enjoys lying on a float that is ugly, uncomfortable and constantly deflates when you lie on it. However, it can be very difficult to find a cool pool float that is attractive, comfortable and durable.
When you find the right one, you will know it! The reviews are very important when purchasing any sort of pool raft online. If a pool float doesn’t have good reviews as it relates to the quality of the raft, then it probably isn’t a real good float.
Fortunately for you, however, we’ve eliminated all doubt by putting together this ultimate guide to the best pool floats. But first…
Can You Only Use a Pool Float in a Pool?
If you purchase a good quality, durable pool float you can use it anywhere, including lakes, oceans and even rivers. With that said, if your pool float constantly loses air and requires you to get out and adjust your position, you probably will be limited to only using your float in a pool or lake. If you attempt to use one of poor quality in the ocean or river, you run the risk of the float going flat and ruining all those pictures you had planned with your pals.
Related: Best Above Ground Pools
How Do You Know It’s Time For a New Pool Float?
As a pool float ages, its color will begin to fade, which leads to a very unattractive pool float. If you own a pool, the last thing you want is an attractive, inviting pool with old and ugly pool floats polluting the space.
Also, pool floats will begin to deflate while in the water once they begin to age, which means you’ll constantly have to inflate the float time and time again.
What Makes a Pool Float Great?
So what constitutes a good pool float? How do you distinguish the difference between a cool pool float and one that only seems cool on the surface, or maybe isn’t even cool at all?
For pool floats, the proof is in the pudding. You can tell everything you need to know about the quality by assessing its features, considering the quality of the reviews and factoring in the price.
The most important factors you will want to consider when choosing the best pool float for you is the design, how comfortable the float is and the durability of the float. You should also consider how easy it is to use the float, including setting it up as well as using in the water. Does it have any unique features? And, perhaps most importantly, is the price good?
Does that sound like a lot to consider? Well, don’t worry. We will break down all of it in a format that is easy to understand, so you will have all the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision on the float that will fit best with your pool and personal preference.
How to Take Care of Your Pool Float
While some pool floats are more durable by nature, there are certain precautions and care techniques you can implement to make sure your floats are well taken care of and last you a long time before needing to be replaced.
First and foremost, it’s always a good idea to keep your floats put up and out of the water when you are not using them. Otherwise, sunlight along with chemicals that may be in pool water will cause the colors on your floats to fade faster and reduce their long term durability.
It’s also important to clean your float regularly. As mentioned previously, chemicals can hurt the pool float over time. Washing the float can help preserve the attractiveness and functionality of your pool float.
Ranking and Reviewing The Best Pool Floats
Now that you have an understanding of what all goes into a great pool float, it’s finally time to show you our favorite pool floats on the market in 2018. In the list below, we’ve ranked the top ten floats and provided you with a detailed explanation of why each one made the list.
We will focus on the eight main pool float factors, which include price, design, comfortability, extra features it may have, ease of use, durability and an overall combination of every factor. And since it’s nearly impossible to find an absolute perfect float, we will discuss the pros as well as the cons so you will be able to make the most informed decision possible.
1. Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge, 78″ X 59″
About 
By far the most luxurious pool float you will find, the Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge is both stylish and comfortable. It is extremely large and contains a detachable fabric sun shade, which makes this the perfect pool float to take a nap on.
Price
At $73.99, the Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge is one of the more expensive options you will find. With that said, it might be worth its price to some. After all, it includes all of the features you can possibly desire in a great pool float.
Design
One reason this pool float is more expensive is due to its unique and creative design. This pool float is arguably the most stable float on the market in 2018, and you will only get wet if you want to.
Comfort
Along with the great design, the Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge is extremely comfortable. It is 75 ½ inches in length and 59 inches in width, which means you will have plenty of space to spread out and spend a relaxing day on the water.
Features
This cool pool float has all the features you could dream of and more. It consists of two air chambers for added safety, two drink holders, a detachable fabric sun shade, and a repair patch.
Ease of Use
Due to its larger area space, the Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge is harder to get in and out of the water than other floats. With that said, it is extremely easy to use this great pool float while in the water.
Durability
Thanks to two air chambers, you will have added safety. With that said, due to its size you will need to keep it put up during bad weather. In general, larger pool floats run a higher risk of getting holes than smaller pool floats.
Overall
Overall, this is a fantastic float if you don’t mind paying a higher price. It is arguably the most comfortable pool float with the most luxurious design. Amongst the best pool floats in 2018, this one ranks towards the top.
Buy Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge, 78″ X 59″
2. Kelsyus Chaise Lounger
About 
Arguably the most practical pool float on the list, the Kelsyus Chaise Lounger is easy to use, comfortable to lay in and has all the features you can expect from a great pool float. This float is also backed by great reviews and trusted by many who are already using it.
Price
While it is one of the higher priced pool floats on this list at $39.99, the price is still very reasonable when considering all that the float has to offer. For instance, there’s a patented inner spring around the outside edge to ensure greater stability.
Design
Depending on your preference, you’ll either love or hate the design of the Kelsyus Chaise Lounger. Although it isn’t flashy by any stretch of the imagination, it is well designed for comfort and stability to ensure the float will not flip while you are in it.
Comfort
This cool pool float is one of the more comfortable floats on the list. Included with the Kelsyus Chaise Lounger is a head rest, footrest and drink holders. It is perfect for reading your favorite book, taking an afternoon nap or just simply going for a relaxing float whenever you desire.
Features
As mentioned previously, the Kelsyus Chaise Lounger isn’t a flashy pool float, but it does have all the features you can expect out of a great pool raft. There’s a head and foot rest, as well as a drink holder. The patented design keeps you from tipping over while in the water.
Ease of Use
Due to the patented design of the Kelsyus Chaise Lounger, it is very easy to use while in the water. This pool float is certain to keep you from flipping out but it’s still lightweight. It’s not overly large, which means it is easy to pull out of the water after you are finished.
Durability
You don’t get close to a five-star rating on nearly 2,500 reviews if your product isn’t durable. The Kelsyus Chaise Lounger is certain to last you a long time if you take care of it. To get the most out of it, bring it inside when not in use, especially during rough weather.
Overall
Overall, we’d say this is the best pool float on the market in 2018. Largely due to its patented design that makes it easy to use, comfortable and more durable than most other pool floats.
3. Intex Pool Lounger
About 
Intex has become one of the most trusted pool float sellers for a reason. When purchasing an Intex pool float, you should feel very confident that you are receiving one that is of fantastic quality. With the Intex Pool Lounger, you get all of the cool pool float features you can dream of in one float.
Price
At a low price of $21.97, the Intex Pool Lounger is one of the more affordable pool floats on the market. When considering all the cool features this pool lounger has to offer, combined with its extreme comfort and durability, this float is more than worth its price.
Design
The Intex Pool Lounger has a very unique design in which you are able to sit back in a very comfortable position. Plus, there are two armrests and two built in drink holders. It utilizes a variety of different colors to create a highly attractive and cool pool float.
Comfort
This is one of the more comfortable pool floats on this list–and on the market in general. It allows you to lie back in a very comfortable position. It includes a feet decliner feature that allows you to rest your legs in a relaxing position.
Features
The Intex Pool Lounger has a slew of cool features, including two air chambers, two cup holders, two heavy duty handles, and armrests. All of the features included with this pool float make for a very relaxing time on the water.
Ease of Use
This pool float is very easy to put in and take out of the water. It doesn’t balance as well in the water as several other floats, but it still provides an overall solid floating experience. The two handles make it easy to get up on the float from inside of the water.
Durability
The Intex Pool Lounger seems to hold air well over time. Although it’s important you take care of it when necessary, you shouldn’t have too many problems out of this float for quite a few summers.
Overall
You can’t go wrong with the Intex Pool Lounger. Good reviews don’t lie, and when you have over 1,800 of them, you are doing something right. With all of the extra features this pool float has to offer, the comfort and the incredible price, this makes for the perfect pool float purchase.
4. Swimline Suntan Tub
About 
The Swimline Suntan Tub is one of the more spacious pool floats on this list and is extremely comfortable as a result. With that said, it also remains very portable and easy to maneuver in and out of the water.
Price
The Swimline Suntan Tub costs $28.99. We think this is a pretty honest price in the world of pool floats, taking into consideration its size, comfort and quality design. There are options that are perhaps cheaper or of higher quality, but this pool float might just be the best combination of price and quality.
Design
On the surface, the Swimline Suntan Tub may seem as if it has a very basic design. However, this pool float consists of a very spacious area to lie down. There’s an extra outer area to fill with water, which works to give you an even cooler ride on the hottest summer days.
Comfort
If you enjoy having a lot of space on your pool raft, then this is the one for you. Measured at 70 inches in length by 46 inches in width, this is one of the more spacious and comfortable rafts to lie on that you will find.
Features
Our favorite feature of the Swimline Suntan Tub is the outer ring that holds water and keeps you cool. This pool raft also includes a comfortable headrest and is perfect for taking daytime naps under the sun.
Ease of Use
Despite its large size, the Swimline Suntan Tub is very easy to use both in and out of the water. While in the water, you can very easily climb on and not have to worry about falling off or getting wet unless you absolutely want to.
Durability
As long as you take care of this pool float and keep it away from harmful weather, you shouldn’t have any problems with it and it should stay in good condition for a long time.
Overall
If you are looking for a comfortable, relaxing floating experience and can do without the fancy design and fancy features, this is the raft for you. The Swimline Suntan Tub is perfect for both adults and kids.
5. GoFloats Unicorn Party Tube Inflatable Float
Intro 
Unicorn floats are never a fail, but this pool float takes unicorn floats to a whole new level. At 45 inches wide and three feet tall, this unicorn float is the perfect pool accessory.
Price
With this GoFloats Unicorn Party Tube, you can have a high quality unicorn float for the low price of $14.99. With its unique design, ease of use, fantastic durability, and super cheap price, this unicorn float is a can’t-miss pool accessory purchase.
Design
Of course the design is fantastic; it’s a unicorn float! Unicorn floats always make for a great time in the water, and this pool float by GoFloats is one of the best unicorn pool floats we’ve found.
Comfort
Although this pool float isn’t as spacious and comfortable as others in this guide, it still is rather comfortable to lie on in the water and allows you the ability to lie and sit in multiple positions.
Features
The best feature of this cool pool float is that you’ll have a friend, in the form of a unicorn, on the float with you at all times. Another great feature is the rapid valve inflation, which allows you to inflate this pool raft 10x faster than most other pool floats.
Ease of Use
The Gofloats Unicorn Party Tube is arguably the easiest float to use. Within minutes you can have your float full of air and in the water. While in the water, you can easily maneuver your body to pull the unicorn float around.
Durability
With the highest rated reviews of any product on this list, the Gofloats Unicorn Party Tube is winning. Like any float, you will need to protect it from bad weather, but this pool float should last you more than enough time to get your $15 worth of pony-pal fun with it.
Overall
You can never go wrong with a fun unicorn float. And with this unicorn float in particular, it’s about as close to a sure thing as you’ll get. With the quick and easy inflation and the creative design, you will have one of the best pool floats in 2018 at a very competitive price.
Buy GoFloats Unicorn Party Tube Inflatable Float
6. Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge, 63″ X 33.5″, 1 Pack (Colors May Vary)
About 
This is another great pool float by Intex. The Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge is well constructed to allow for a comfortable and relaxing time in the water. With its numerous features and unique design, this is one of our favorite pool floats.
Price
Although shipping is significantly more expensive than other floats, this one comes at an unbelievably low price of $4.67. And no, that’s not a typo. You can have this really cool pool float for under five dollars + the cost of shipping and handling.
Design
The Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge is designed to allow for an amazing floating experience. This float has a transparent top with multi-colored beams and comes in two assorted colors.
Comfort
With a spacious seat area, comfortable armrests and backrests, it doesn’t take much to fall asleep in this uniquely designed pool raft. It also has an open foot spot, so you can let your feet hang in the water if desired.
Features
With comfortable armrests, a properly placed backrest and a drink holder, the Intex King Kool Inflatable has all the features you can possibly want in a pool float. It also comes with a repair patch in case something goes wrong.
Ease of Use
This pool float is very easy to take in and out of the water. It’s large enough that you’ll only get wet if you want to while in the water. Although it does tend to need to be inflated slightly more often than several others, you should be able to use this raft with ease more times than not.
Durability
This pool float is backed with great reviews in large part due to its durability. If something were to go wrong, however, the Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge comes with a repair patch to fix any minor holes that may occur with your raft.
Overall
Overall, this is a great float at an unbeatable price. Its unique design ensures a comfortable and relaxing lounge in the pool. Plus, you’ll be looking pretty cool with your pal King Kong.
Buy Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge, 63″ X 33.5″, 1 Pack
7. GAME Giant Derby Duck Inflatable Pool Float
About 
The Giant Derby Duck Pool Float by GAME is a fun and unique float that works to provide a peaceful float on the water. As one of the taller rafts on the market, it makes for the ultimate poolside decoration.
Price
Priced at $36.49, this float is slightly more than the average cost of a pool float. The quality of the Giant Derby Duck is said to be above average to make up for the cost.
Design
The Giant Derby Duck by GAME is arguably the most creative design on this ultimate guide. At close to four feet tall, this is a fantastic poolside attraction and brings with it lots of pool time fun.
Comfort
This float is very soft and cozy. Measured at 81” long and 76” wide , it is very easy to cuddle up on this pool float and fall asleep. Due to its round nature, there are multiple ways to sit or lie on this really cool pool float.
Features
The Giant Derby Duck Pool Float offers all the features you would expect from a truly great pool float, including built in cup holders and handles, and a unique design that you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, it has quick fill valves which are 5x faster than standard valves.
Ease of Use
When placed in the water, this pool float is fairly easy to use. Although, getting in from inside the water can, at times, become difficult given the size of the float. At least the handles will allow you to easily pull the float out of the water whenever you are finished.
Durability
While bigger floats such as this Giant Derby Duck Pool Float tend to have more problems than smaller floats, this cool float actually holds up fairly well over time. With that said, you may need to take extra special care of it to ensure its long-term reliability.
Overall
Overall, this is a fantastic pool float. Due to its extremely unique design, spacious comfort and cool features, you are sure to be happy with this purchase. With that said, it does require more work and space to take it in and out of the water and to store it during bad weather.
Buy GAME Giant Derby Duck Inflatable Pool Float
8. Intex Inflat-A-Bull, Inflatable Pool Toy, 96″ X 77″ X 32″
About 
The Intex Inflat-A-Bull has the most unique design of all the floats on this guide. It is the perfect float to have for pool parties, but it may not be the best float if you’re trying to relax alone.
Price
Although the Intex Inflat-A-Bull is one of the more expensive options at $45.99, it is fully worth it if you plan on throwing any pool parties. This float is certain to be the hit attraction.
Design
Depending on your taste, you will either love or hate the unique bull design of this pool float. While it isn’t designed for lying down and relaxing in the water, it is, however, designed for massive amounts of fun in the water.
Comfort
Although this pool float is fantastic for delivering an extremely fun pool experience, it doesn’t deliver much in the comfort category. Therefore, unless you find comfort in riding a bull, don’t expect to lie down and take a nap on it.
Features
This cool pool float comes with numerous neat features, including multiple handles, three air chambers and, of course, a bull that moves around to simulate you riding a bull in the water.
Ease of Use
Along with comfort, ease of use is another sacrifice you will have to make with this bull riding pool float. With that said, it does have multiple handles which allow for easy removal from the pool when finished.
Durability
Backed by good reviews, the Intex Inflat-A-Bull Pool Float is very durable and will more than likely last you a long time before needing to be replaced. Due to its size, however, you will need to take extra special care of it and have a place to store it when it’s not in use.
Overall
You will need to have a preference for uniquely designed floats, but the Intex Inflat-A-Bull Pool Float is an amazing pool party float. If you like to have fun and a get a little crazy while in the pool, then this is the pool float for you.
Buy Intex Inflat-A-Bull, Inflatable Pool Toy, 96″ X 77″ X 32″
9. Intex Rockin’ Inflatable Lounge, 74″ X 39″
About 
Another great pool float by Intex, the Rockin’ Inflatable Lounge is the perfect pool float for relaxing in the pool on a lazy, sunny day. The contoured design provides extra comfort while you float along without a care in the world.
Price
At $24.85, it’s hard to beat the combination between quality and price with this Rockin’ Inflatable Lounge Pool Float. With all its awesome features and comfortable design, this pool raft can be bought at a very reasonable price.
Design
As previously mentioned, this pool float has a unique design to provide extra comfort. Also, at 74” in length by 39” in width, the Rockin’ Inflatable Lounge is a larger than average float that provides stability, and you will only get wet if you want to.
Comfort
One of the more comfortable pool floats, the Rockin’ Inflatable Lounge makes it easy to lie back, relax and read a book or fall asleep in the pool. It also has a drink holder, so you can keep your drink nearby while you float and chill.
Features
While this comfortable pool raft doesn’t have any extravagant bells and whistles, it does have some convenient features, like a drink holder. As simple as it may seem, this pool float can be very user friendly.
Ease of Use
As far as ease of use, this is one of the best pool floats you can buy in 2018. It is extremely easy to inflate, and is very easy to get on and off while in the water. When you are ready to put it up, it stores very easily.
Durability
The Rockin’ Inflatable Lounge is backed with a 4.6/5 average review in large part due to its durability. Although this is one of the more affordable options on this list, you are still getting one of the more durable options available on the market.
Overall
While it doesn’t have a crazy unique design or any extravagant features, this cool pool raft is a pool’s best friend. It can be difficult to use in rivers or oceans, but make no mistake that this is one of the most comfortable and relaxing pool floats available for the price.
Buy Intex Rockin’ Inflatable Lounge, 74″ X 39″
10. Intex Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On Pool Float, 79″ X 55″ X 38″
About
What better way to close out this list than with an old fashion unicorn float? This cool unicorn float features a large lounging area, a fun design, and is backed by quality reviews.
Price
At $17.44, this is one of the more affordable options you will find in 2018, right after the Unicorn in a Tube listed at $14.99 and mentioned above. But, this one is larger.
Design
This is a unicorn float. Enough said, right? Well, even better than that it has a larger design than most unicorn floats. Along with the gigantic size, this float has two handles on each side for you to hold onto.
Comfort
Oftentimes, unicorn floats can be uncomfortable and seem as if there isn’t much room to sit and relax. However, that is not the case with the Intex Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On Pool Float. There’s tons of sitting room and extra comfort.
Features
This pool raft has some really sweet features, including two heavy duty handles, a repair patch, and a friend in the form of a unicorn in case you get bored. While it isn’t flashy with over the top features, it has all you need to make for one of the best pool floats.
Ease of Use
The Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On Pool Float by Intex is one of the easiest floats to navigate both in and out of the water. It is extremely lightweight, which makes it easy to place it in the water and remove it from the water when you are finished.
Durability
Due to its larger size, this unicorn float runs a higher risk of going flat. However, there is little reason to suspect that it will not be durable as long as you take care of it and keep it out of harm’s way, like bad weather and harmful chemicals.
Overall
It only ranks tenth on this list, but this is still one of the best pool floats available in 2018. While it requires that you like unicorns, this pool float is great for anyone who does. Plus, it should last a long time.
Buy Intex Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On Pool Float, 79″ X 55″ X 38″
Things to Remember
Well, there you have it! We feel confident that all ten of these pool floats make for great options. It’s important, however, that you conduct your own research and pick the one that is best for your personal preferences.
Once again, the most important considerations to make are: the design, the comfort, ease of use, durability and any extra features the pool float may have. Price should certainly be a consideration when purchasing anything, but don’t forget to weigh the cost over time. In other words, simply because a float is cheaper doesn’t mean you will save money. If you invest in a less expensive float that isn’t quite as durable, then you may end up paying more rebuying floats. Depending on how much you plan to use your float, it might be better to invest in a more expensive float that will last longer.
Another important consideration to make before purchasing is: who will use the float? If you have kids that plan on using the pool float often, then you may want to buy one that is more suitable for them. However, if you plan on it being your own personal pool float, then you should buy the best pool float for you personally.
In the end, having an attractive and inviting float alongside your pool can enhance the aesthetic value of your yard. You’re also sure to have more fun when in the pool. Choosing the right one is crucial, and you can’t go wrong with any of these ten pool floats. Happy swimming!
