There’s only so much lemonade you can drink on your favorite lounge chair by the pool before the itch to jump in the water kicks in. But if you’ve been relaxing, reading or sipping on your favorite summer beverage, chances are you don’t want to get completely soaked. You’re probably looking for more of a way to chill out than swim, and that calls for a pool float. 

You’ve likely seen your favorite influencers relaxing in donut pool floats or sitting on top of unicorns, and now it’s your turn. Of course, you don’t have to have an artsy float to bask in the rays of the sun. There are floats for adults who want some alone time, kids who want to have fun with friends and everyone in between. You can also find floats that support multiple people at once, or inflatables that double as pool toys. Whether you’re looking for an inflatable to hold your cold drinks or one to lounge and read a book, here are the best pool floats to suit your summer relaxation needs.

Best Pool Float Overall

Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Inflatable Pool Float

Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Inflatable Pool Float

Versatility is key when it comes to pool floats, and the Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock is one of your best options for all manner of poolside activities. This float has two buoyant ends, connected by a supportive mesh lining, allowing it to be used as a hammock, lounge chair, exercise saddle or drifter. Plus, its unique design is incredibly easy to get in and out of, saving you the hassle of jumping off the side of your pool, trying to land right-side-up on a tippy inflatable.


Best Pool Chair Float

Frontgate Lana Floating Seat

Lana Floating Seat

Chair-style floats are ideal for having conversations in the water, and the Lana Floating Seat blows away the competition thanks to its extra-large noodle backrest, which provides superior comfort and buoyancy. This floating seat has an 8.5-inch pool noodle as the back support, and its seat is made from a quick-drying mesh with a Sunbrella fabric border. It can support up to 250 pounds, and many reviewers say they’ve had to purchase more than one to stop their families from fighting over the super-comfortable seat.


Best Foam Pool Float

Frontgate Resort Pool Float

Resort Pool Float

If you’re looking for the best pool float for soaking up the sun, you’ve found it in the Frontgate Resort Pool Float. This option may not be cheap, but its high-quality foam construction is lightweight and incredibly buoyant, comfortably supporting up to 350 pounds and keeping your whole body out of the water (if you want). It comes in a rainbow of bright colors, and the heat-processed PVC vinyl coating resists splits, tears and punctures to increase its longevity. 


Best Tube Pool Float

Intex Recreation Color Whirl Tube

Intex Recreation 48" Color Whirl Tube

Inflatable pool tubes are a classic style of float, but they’re notorious for springing leaks and ending up sad and lifeless. If you’re looking for a pool tube that you can use all summer long, go for the Color Whirl Tube from Intex. It has two air chambers and heavy-duty handles, and it comes with a repair patch, just in case. Reviewers say it’s the perfect size for adults, and many confirm that the materials truly are durable. 


Most Durable Pool Float

Intex River Run River Tube

Intex River Run I Sport Lounge Inflatable Water Float

The Intex River Run River Tube is a good option for any household that’s particularly rough on their pool toys. This popular one-person inner tube has an especially durable design (as well as a repair patch) that makes it perfect for use on rivers and lakes, as well as in your backyard pool. It features two air chambers and heavy-duty handles, as well as a grab rope, backrest, mesh bottom and dual cup holders.


Best Pool Float For Two

Funboy Golf Cart Float

Golf Cart Float

When it’s too hot to go golfing, bring the experience to your pool with this float. With its oversized design made for two, you can stretch out comfortably against the built-in backrest alongside your best friend. Equipped with a fringe-lined removable mesh sunshade, the construction actively works to protect your skin from the sun's bright rays. Plus, two reinforced cup holders on each side let you enjoy your favorite drink all day. This float is recommended for people ages 14 and up.


Best Pool Float For Reading

Frontgate Floating Mesh Pool Chair

Floating Mesh Pool Chair

Finding a sturdy pool float effectively angled for reading can be difficult, but this Floating Mesh Pool Chair does just that. Filled with buoyant polystyrene beads, this mesh floating chair has built in armrests and an attached floating ottoman that offer full-body support. It’s available in three colors: aqua, blue and flamingo pink. If you’re on the fence about it, reviewers appreciate how versatile the chair is for reading, sleeping and lounging.


Best Pool Float With Drink Holder

Funboy Yacht Pool Float

Funboy Yacht Pool Float

Can’t get on an actual yacht? This yacht pool float is a fun and fancy way to feel like royalty while staying cool all summer long. Made with a reinforced built-in cooler compartment and two cup holders, sunbathers can spend hours relaxing on this luxurious daybed. The 9-foot inflatable pool float comfortably holds up to 250 pounds, and reviewers love it because drinks stay intact, even when things get a little slippery. And if you have to run to the bathroom or reapply sunscreen, your beverage will be safe without you.


Best Chaise Pool Float

Drift Chaise Float

Drift Chaise Float

For full body relaxation, this Drift Chaise Float provides ample stretching room to achieve maximum comfort. Filled with buoyant polystyrene beads covered in quick-drying fabric, this pool float boasts a soft exterior and fluffy interior. And since it’s made with SunMax and SmartMax fabric, there’s no need to worry about stains, fading or mildew. This unsinkable reclining chair supports up to 250 pounds and resists water.


Best Flamingo Float

GoFloats Flamingo Pool Float Party Tube

GoFloats Flamingo Pool Float Party Tube

You’d better snatch this adorable float up quickly, because they’re selling faster than hand sanitizer did last summer. People are simply obsessed with these Flamingo Pool Floats, and it’s easy to understand why. The bright pink tube features an adorable flamingo head, and its spacious 48-inch diameter is the perfect spot to lounge. The float even comes in a kids’ size so little swimmers can get in on the fun. 


Best Unicorn Float

Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float

Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float

There’s no better prop for a poolside photoshoot than this Giant Unicorn Pool Float. Its oversized design can easily accommodate two adults or several children, and you won’t be able to help smiling as you see its rainbow mane bobbing around in your pool during the summer. Plus, it features two large valves that allow for faster inflation, so you can get to splashing in no time.


Best Dog Pool Float

Frontgate Dog Pool Float and Lounger

Dog Pool Float and Lounger

Some dogs love playing on pool floats alongside the family, but chances are they’ll rip a hole in any standard option with their nails. That’s why this dog pool float, made from puncture-resistant woven mesh, is a good investment for folks who like to relax in the water with their pups. The floats come in several bright hues and three different sizes, and they even stay cool when wet, making them the perfect poolside lounging spot for your faithful companion. 


Best Baby Pool Float

SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy

SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy

Get little ones in on the summer fun with the SumWays Baby Float Activity Center, which features a variety of built-in toys, plus a removable canopy to shade your toddler from the sun. It’s recommended for ages nine months to two years, and young swimmers will love playing with the spinning octopus toy, stacking rings and other accessories as they float around with you.