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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Pool Floats

The right float transforms pool time. We compared floats from classic loungers to Instagram-worthy shapes, finding what actually supports adults without tipping.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Intex

Giant Inflatable Unicorn Float

4.4 (23,456 reviews)

The float that broke Instagram. This unicorn is so ridiculously oversized it basically IS the pool. Two adults fit comfortably while sipping drinks from built-in cup holders. Summer has never been more extra.

Size

114" x 79" x 64"

Capacity

440 lbs

Material

Heavy-duty vinyl

Features

2 cup holders, handles

Pros

✓ Massive Instagram presence
✓ Holds two adults
✓ Heavy-duty vinyl

Cons

✗ Takes forever to inflate
✗ Storage is a nightmare
✗ Wind catches it easily

$34

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Giant Inflatable Unicorn Float Best Intex	4.4	$34	View
4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Float Value Aqua	4.6	$24	View
Floating Lounger with Canopy Kelsyus	4.5	$69	View
Giant Pizza Slice Pool Float Sloosh	4.3	$16	View
King Kool Inflatable Lounge Intex	4.4	$22	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Intex

Giant Inflatable Unicorn Float

4.4 (23,456 reviews)

Size

114" x 79" x 64"

Capacity

440 lbs

Material

Heavy-duty vinyl

Features

2 cup holders, handles

Pros

✓ Massive Instagram presence
✓ Holds two adults
✓ Heavy-duty vinyl

Cons

✗ Takes forever to inflate
✗ Storage is a nightmare
✗ Wind catches it easily

$34

View on Amazon

Best Value

Aqua

4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Float

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

No pump, no problem. This mesh hammock float holds you half-in, half-out of the water—the perfect temperature regulation. Folds up tiny for storage. The most practical float you'll actually use all summer.

Size

64" x 33"

Positions

4 configurations

Material

Mesh fabric

Inflation

None required

Pros

✓ Hammock, lounge, chair, or drifter
✓ Mesh bottom keeps you cool
✓ No inflation needed

Cons

✗ Less supportive than solid floats
✗ Gets waterlogged eventually
✗ Fabric can fade

$24

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Premium Pick

Kelsyus

Floating Lounger with Canopy

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

Shade follows you into the pool. The built-in canopy blocks UV while you float in the mesh seat, drink in hand. This is peak pool lounging—you might forget to swim entirely.

Size

58" x 32"

Features

UPF 50 canopy

Material

Nylon mesh

Bonus

Cup holder, backrest

Pros

✓ Built-in sun canopy
✓ Cup holder and mesh seat
✓ Detachable shade

Cons

✗ Bulkier than basic floats
✗ Canopy can flip in wind
✗ Higher price point

$69

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Budget Pick

Sloosh

Giant Pizza Slice Pool Float

4.3 (8,765 reviews)

Buy six and make a pizza party. These slices connect together for group floating, or use solo for the person who always wants the last slice. Food-shaped floats peaked here.

Size

72" x 62"

Material

Vinyl

Feature

Interlocking design

Weight Limit

200 lbs

Pros

✓ Connects to make full pizza
✓ Under $20
✓ Perfect for pool parties

Cons

✗ Thin material
✗ Solo float is narrow
✗ Connectors can separate

$16

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Intex

King Kool Inflatable Lounge

4.4 (15,678 reviews)

The OG pool lounger. Actual backrest support, armrests for your book-holding arm, and dual cup holders because hydration matters. Fifteen bucks of summer comfort that's outlasted fancier trends.

Size

63" x 33.5"

Capacity

220 lbs

Material

Vinyl

Features

Backrest, armrests, cup holders

Pros

✓ Comfortable backrest
✓ Two cup holders
✓ Armrests for lounging

Cons

✗ Takes time to inflate
✗ Can tip if not balanced
✗ Seams can leak over time

$22

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Pool Floats

How to Choose a Pool Float

Pool floats divide into two camps: the practical ones you'll actually use, and the ridiculous ones that exist purely for photos. A balanced float collection has both. Here's how to stock your summer.

Float Categories

Loungers
Actual seating with backrests. Best for reading, tanning, and long floats. These are the floats adults buy for themselves.

Rafts
Flat surfaces for laying out. Classic, simple, often the most comfortable for genuine relaxation. Less Instagram-worthy, more actually relaxing.

Mesh/Hammock
Fabric seats that let water through. Keep you cooler than solid floats. No inflation needed—the luxury of simplicity.

Novelty
Giant animals, food shapes, pop culture references. These exist for fun and photos. Not necessarily comfortable, but definitely memorable.

### Material Matters

Vinyl
Standard pool float material. Affordable, widely available. Quality varies wildly—cheap vinyl cracks and leaks within weeks. Reputable brands last seasons.

Mesh Fabric
Nylon or polyester mesh on foam frames. More durable long-term, stays cooler, stores easier. Higher upfront cost but better investment.

Foam
Solid foam floats never deflate or puncture. Pool noodles are foam. Some premium loungers use foam cores with fabric covers. Bulletproof reliability.

### Size vs. Pool Size

Giant floats need giant pools. That 8-foot unicorn won't fit in a 12-foot pool—or rather, it will, leaving zero room for swimming. Match float scale to pool scale. The novelty wears off when you can't actually use the pool.

### Inflation Realities

Large floats require electric pumps. Period. A manual pump on a 6-foot flamingo is 45 minutes of regret. Invest in a good electric pump and inflate everything once at season start.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Floats

How do I keep pool floats from getting moldy?

Rinse with fresh water after each use (chlorine degrades vinyl). Dry completely before storing—trapped moisture creates mold. Store indoors or in sealed containers. White vinegar spray kills existing mold. Prevention is easier than treatment.

Why do pool floats deflate overnight?

Temperature changes. Air expands when warm, contracts when cool. Your perfectly firm afternoon float goes soft overnight as temperatures drop. This is physics, not a leak. Top off in the morning or inflate slightly firm to compensate.

How do I find a leak in a pool float?

Inflate fully and listen for hissing. Submerge sections and watch for bubbles. Soapy water brushed on seams shows leaks via bubble formation. Mark leaks with permanent marker while still inflated. Patch kits or vinyl cement fix most small holes.

What's the best way to store pool floats?

Deflate fully—trapped air expands in heat and can burst seams. Clean and dry completely. Fold loosely (tight creases crack vinyl). Store indoors away from direct sun. A dedicated bin or mesh bag keeps everything organized and prevents punctures from sharp objects.

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