If you’re unsure where to get your new favorite pool accessory, check out our list below. Taking into account the product's durability and ease of use, we’ve rounded up some great options for all ages. We’ll also give you some tips for choosing good quality inflatable rafts and looking after your pool accessories.
Whether you’re throwing an extravagant pool party or simply want to float around with your favorite book in hand, an inflatable raft or pool float can bring a whole new dimension of fun and relaxation. Pool rafts are no longer just rectangular or round. The elite inflatable rafts in 2024 are available in a huge range of shapes and sizes, from unicorns and dogs to lounge chairs and watermelons.
The Wateraft Inflatable Raft is an innovative floater designed for maximum fun and utility. This 8-foot round dock comes with a mesh water hammock area situated at its center, allowing users to rest or cool down in the water. It is made of sturdy, UV-resistant PVC and fused with nylon for added stability, allowing it to support up to six adults. It is suitable for use in both saltwater and freshwater, making it great for pool, lake, and ocean usage.
This inflatable raft also features built-in D-rings for easy anchoring or tethering to any boat, dock, or shore. Portable and lightweight at 20 pounds, this dock packs down to 14 inches high by 14 inches wide by 18 inches long when deflated. Included air pump and storage bag make this dock incredibly easy to transport. The Wateraft Inflatable Raft has endless possibilities; you can use it as a water hammock float, swim platform, sunbathing pad, boat docking float, or even as a water recreation raft! It’s the best overall product on our list for people of all ages looking for an exciting, convenient floating experience.
This is undoubtedly the ultimate luxury inflatable raft. Bestway presents to you an amazing six-seater floating island for the whole family. With this white and blue floating flatboat, you’ll be the star of the show on your next lake trip or beach adventure. The raft includes seating space with backrests and cup holders as well as a detachable sunshade. Dip your legs in the water while floating out in the lake using the mesh floor area. The unit features a grab line all around and handles to make getting on and off effortless for everyone.
This giant cactus party float will bring a whole new world of fun to your backyard. The float is large enough for adults to enjoy lazy days on the water and includes a cup holder so you can keep your drink nearby. The floats are highly durable and hold air well, even with kids and dogs enjoying the pool fun too. Jasonwell also offers a popular pineapple design that works just as well for seaside adventures as it does in the pool.
This inflatable raft bundle will up the pool party fun factor and ensure there’s no fighting over pool floats. The pack includes three fun fruity designs: a kiwi, lemon, and watermelon ring. They’re ideal for kids nine years and older and can be used to laze around or play games in a swimming pool, lake, or at the beach. These fruity loops are easy to inflate, deflate, and transport for holidays.
Say hello to Buddy, your new swimming pal. With his happy puppy face and wagging tail, Buddy the floating dog is ready to offer you hours of fun in the sun. His sizable donut shape is ideal for adults of any size, offering great comfort to lie back, relax, or even catch a tan. Kids will also love Buddy with his floppy ears and large body. The premium UV-treated vinyl provides extra fade protection and durability.
Take your drinks to the pool and unwind in a floating lounge chair! Designed with two cup holders and armrests, you’ll be good to spend the whole afternoon relaxing in the water. The purchase includes two chairs with backrests and a submerged center seat. Each float also has two handles so you can easily get in, adjust your position, or tie a rope around to keep you from floating too far away. They’re great for the beach, lake, and pool due to their easy portability. These pool loungers are designed with two separate air chambers, making them easy to inflate and deflate but also allowing for improved air holding and durability.
Nothing quite beats the feeling of floating on the water on a hot sunny day, except perhaps doing so with a cocktail in hand. Inflatable pool rafts are great for relaxing, tanning, and bringing loads of fun to pool games and parties for adults and kids.
Many people even love taking their water accessories down to the beach or lake to up the fun factor. Regardless of where, when, or how you are using your inflatable raft, you should consider a few things when choosing a suitable inflatable water accessory.
Most pool rafts are made from vinyl and need to be inflated before use. This is usually pretty easy to do by blowing some air into the nozzle with your mouth or small hand pump. When not in use, you can release the air from the raft and reduce it back to its original size. This makes it super easy to pack for the beach or to take with you on vacation.
The only downside to inflatable pool accessories is that they can get punctures which can deflate the fun. Make sure to get a good quality inflatable that comes with a puncture kit so you can quickly repair any leaks if they do happen.
When it comes to size, you need to consider the size of your pool, the size of the float, and the size of the person using it.
First up, the bigger your pool, the bigger the float you can go for. If you only have a small pool be careful that the raft doesn’t keep banging into sharp pool edges that can cause punctures.
The size of the raft will affect how long it takes to blow up. If you want to lie on it (or in it), make sure it’s big enough to fit an adult. For kids, a small raft may make them feel more secure and a little more comfortable.
Keep in mind that every time you want to transport the inflatable to the beach or pack it away, you will need to deflate it and inflate it again, which can become tiring with extra-large inflatables.
Inflatable rafts come in a variety of shapes. Some are simply small donut rings that are easy for kids to hold onto or sit on, while others feature an upright chair setup with armrests, cup holders, a backrest, and a seat. If you are lying down, you may want something that has an inflatable pillow at the top end for extra comfort. Kids most likely want something they can hold onto, push and pull each other around in and climb over or swim under. Look at something with handles or an attachment for a rope if you’re taking it out to sea.
Inflatable rafts are going to be subject to pets, the elements, rough ground, and overexcited children. Although you probably won’t get five years out of your pool float, spending a little more on something that won’t puncture after the first few uses is still a good idea.
A slightly thicker vinyl material that is well sealed around the edges and has a leak-proof nozzle is a good choice. Check if the purchase comes with a patch kit.
You’ll also want to check if the material is UV treated to prevent it from getting overly hot and soft during long days out in the sun.
Although this may not be too big of a deal for smaller kids, it should be a consideration if you are planning to have more than one person sitting on the float at a time. Not all inflatable rafts are designed to be as buoyant as others. Larger floats with thicker material can hold more air without caving.
Wash your inflatable raft after use to remove any chemicals, salt, or dirt. Make sure it is completely dry before deflating it and packing it away in a secure airtight container. Don’t leave the inflatable in the hot sun for long periods of time when not in use.
You will be able to do this if you have the correct adaptor to fit the nozzle. However, it won’t work for all nozzle types.
Each product will be different with the weight capacity listed on the packaging. Most lilo-type floats that are made for adults will be able to hold between 200 to 250 pounds. Some can hold up to 500 pounds, and others are made for an entire family.
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