Pool Floats Buying Tips

Buying Guides: Pool Floats Buying Tips

If you own a swimming pool or travel to the lake or ocean during summer you probably have seen pool floats being used. Pool floats are floating mattresses made from buoyant materials. Since 2003 we have been offering pool floats from different manufacturers and we often receive questions from customers on how to make a choice. This guide will help you understand different pool floats and hopefully decide what suits your needs best.

Choose a type of pool float. Pool floats are available in three main categories. Foam, inflatable and canvas. They all serve the same purpose but they have pros and cons.

Foam pool floats are made with closed cell synthetic foam. While choosing a foam pool floats consider the thickness and size of the float. The thicker the float the more buoyant it is.

  • Pros:
    • Unsinkable. Provides great buoyancy.
    • Buoyant even when punctured.
    • Will last many years.
    • Minimal maintenance.
    • Easy to clean.
  • Cons:
    • Heavy and bulky.
    • Not easy to store during off season.
    • Vinyl covered foam floats tend to crack and peel after a few years.
    • High pricing.

Inflatable Pool Floats: These are vinyl products that are inflatable. They are widely available.

  • Pros:
    • Easy to inflate and deflate.
    • Easy to transport and take with yourself on vacations.
    • Available in many sizes and shapes.
    • Light in Weight. Easy to carry.
    • Inexpensive.
    • Easy to clean.
  • Cons:
    • Short life.
    • Wind might fly them.
    • Hard to fix if punctured.

Canvas Pool Floats: This category is the newest of our floats. Canvas pool floats are made with 100% acrylic fabric with buoyant beads inside. They look like beanbags that float.

  • Pros:
    • Very comfortable to lie on.
    • Many color options.
    • Can be used in and out of the water.
  • Cons:
    • Heavy when wet.
    • Bulky and consumes space.
    • Gets dirty fairly easily.
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