Best Foam Pool Floats (Lounger & Chair)
Best High End
TRC Recreation Ultra Sunsation Float
Best Mid Range
Aquatic Ultra Luxury Pool Float
Best Inexpensive
TRC Recreation Sunsation 70'' Foam
Last Updated: 10th Mar, 2023
The best foam pool float will offer excellent comfort, good support, and keep you floated at all times. But finding the right one which ticks all the checkboxes is easier said than done. That's why we tried and tested several pool foam mats, so that you don't have to. So, whether you're looking for a lounger or a chair, we've got you covered.
In this article, we have rounded up our top 6 picks for the best Foam Pool Floats for the money.
The best part of summer is hanging out in the pool, enjoying the sun while lounging on your float. The sun beaming down on your body as you soak in the vitamin D. The wind gently breezing over you just enough to keep you comfortable. An ice-cold beverage within reach to quench your thirst. "Ahhhhhh!"
And then you realize your soaking wet! Your float is taking on water at a fast rate. "Bummer!" The summertime pool bliss is ruined because your inflatable float got a hole in it.
For years inflatables have been the "go-to" for flotation devices. This is because they are affordable and easy to store; however, they don't have a lengthy lifespan. Most inflatables last one season, and that's if they don't blow away before you have the chance to put them into storage.
Foam mats will still float with a hole or two in them, and they tend to be heavier, so they aren't as likely to take flight into the neighbor's yard.
Here is a list of our top 6 foam pool floats for your pool time leisure.
Our Top Picks for the Best Foam Pool Floats
- Aquatic Ultra Luxury Pool Float- Pro Pick (Ideal for heavy adult)
- TRC Recreation Ultra Sunsation Float - Runner Up
- Eva Float Swimming Pool Floating Lounge Chair - Best foam chair
- TRC Recreation Sunsation 70 In. Foam Raft Lounger Pool Float - Budget Pick
- Robelle Foam Pool Float - Multiple Color options
- Airhead Sun Comfort Pool Saddle - Best Saddle
1. Aquatic Ultra Luxury Pool Float
This is our pro pick! Made extra thick (2.25" for added buoyancy) to accommodate a heavy adult. This float is extra-large (dimensions are 74" x 26"), making it ideal for lengthy legs. It also comes with a built-in head-rest and a cup holder.
This foam float is vinyl covered for added protection. It is also UV protected and chlorine, mold and mildew resistant. You get the style and longevity.
Most users say it stores well, although you may want to consider storage space before you purchase. Due to its strong thick foam material, rolling it up can be somewhat difficult. We recommend a storage container where you can lay the mat flat or stack it in a rack. It holds up well in freezing temperatures.
My favorite feature of the Aquatic Ultra Luxury Pool Float is its reversibility. There is a smooth texture on one side and a wavy texture on the reverse side. You don't just get elegance with this one. You get full functionality and options. Who doesn't love options?
Top Features:
- Extra thick for heavy adults
- Extra-large for tall adults
- Quality vinyl-covered foam
- UV protected
- Chlorine, mold and, mildew-resistant.
Final Note:
If you are the type to splurge on a pool accessory, this is the float for you! Luxury is in the name, and it certainly fits the mold. Priced just below $150, this float gives you that eclectic pool time experience with its chic design and versatility. This one made our list for a good reason.
2. TRC Recreation Ultra Sunsation Float
The TCR made runner up on our list. This beautiful float boasts luxury! It is approximately 2.5 inches thick and made of buoyant foam with a waterproof vinyl coating. It has a cool texturized design as well to give you that spa-like sensation.
This mat is available in an array of vibrant, beautiful colors and its long enough (dimensions 72" x 26") to sprawl out and lounge all day on the water.
Users love the thickness of this float and the durability. When you invest in a good pool float, you want it to last for more than a season or two. The average users are getting approximately 5 years out of the Ultra Sunsation float.
This luxury float is priced fairly at less than $160. When you divide that by the average 5-year lifespan, you're getting a whole lot of bang for your buck. I love a good quality deal!
Top Features:
- 2.5 inches thick for added buoyancy and support
- Available in multiple colors
- Durable
Final note:
This is the float I picture in the pools of the hottest A-list celebrities. It’s stunning and screams “classy” from every chic angle. My favorite is the white one as lighter colors absorb less heat. To each their own. If you don’t mind splurging on a great value product, this is the best choice for you.
3. Eva Float Swimming Pool Floating Lounge Chair
Imagine sitting on top of the water, reading your favorite book with an ice-cold lemonade at your fingertips. You can do all of that with Eva!
This chair lounger has two armrests, both equipped with cup holders. It measures 52" long by 32" wide and is suitable for people ages 13 and up.
The blue and white colors are great for keeping cool. The foam sling has a ribbed texture that makes for a comfortable platform to stretch out and sunbathe on.
My favorite feature of Eva is the non-sticky foam material of the sling. It's no secret that sunbathing leads to sweaty stems, and those stems stick to the sticky foam. That isn't fun for anyone. You can rest assured this won't be the case with this gorgeous lounger. Soak up the vitamin D with comfort and style.
Top Features:
- Armrests with cup holders
- Non-sticky foam sling
- Elegant design
Final Note:
This float is a bit pricier than the previous ones at just under $300, but it’s also more complex than just a flat piece of foam. You get the advantage of sitting upright plus two armrests with cup holders. This is the perfect complement to your shimmering pool on a toasty summer day.
4. TRC Recreation Sunsation 70 In. Foam Raft Lounger Pool Float
This is our budget pick! For less than $100, you can still get the beauty and luxury of a thick foam pool float. Plus, it has an adorable design to add some flare.
This float is crafted from 1.75" durable foam with a vinyl coat to add to the durability. The roll pillow makes a great head-rest and brings the added benefit of enhanced buoyancy. It measures 70" long by 26" wide to accommodate a standard full-sized adult.
Users absolutely love this float. It's a great value for the price and a fan favorite for sunning in the pool. It isn't quite as thick as some of our other choices, but this mat seems to hold up well for adults 160 lbs or less.
My favorite feature of the TCR lounger is the green leaf design, which gives it a Hawaiian vibe. This float would blend greatly in a pool with some beautiful palm trees and tropical landscaping.
Top Features:
- Affordable
- Thick and durable
- Perfect for sunning
Final Note: For the budget conscience, this is a great pick. You get a gorgeous design that would blend well among tropical landscaping coupled with durability and enhanced buoyancy. What’s not to love? Cheaper doesn’t always mean lesser. You can have it all on a budget with the TRC lounger.
5. Robelle Foam Pool Float
This luxurious, vinyl-coated foam float is comprised of closed-cell foam to allow for air pockets making it more buoyant. It is 70” long by 25” wide by 1.5” thick. The surfaced is rippled for maximum comfort.
The Robelle is soft but long-lasting. It is durable and easy to clean. There really isn’t anything bad that can be said about this float. It is even fairly priced from less than $90 to under $120.
My favorite feature of this mat is the multiple color options. Many floats come in one or two colors so you aren’t left with much decision making other than “to buy or not to buy?” The Robelle gives you an array of vibrant colors to choose from that are absolutely stunning.
Did I mention it comes with a built-in headrest? Oh and it’s manufactured using eco-friendly processes, it’s made with responsible recycling meaning it’s a product you can feel good about owning.
Top Features:
- Available in multiple colors
- Soft and long-lasting
- Durable
- Closed-cell foam for enhanced buoyancy
Final Note: Robelle has been providing superior, dependable and durable pool products since 1973. With ecofriendly manufacturing and multiple color choices, this option is one that puts you in control and allows you to feel good about that choice. With long-lasting success in the Robelle brand, you can have that assurance as well.
6. Airhead Sun Comfort Pool Saddle
This is the only saddle float that made into the list. It comes in 3 different colors (pink, green and blue) with cool marbleized designs. Saddle work great for all water occasions! They also take up such a small amount of space in the trunk compared to large loungers. It has small but mighty dimensions of 32" x 16" x 1.25".
The Airhead Saddle is made of eco-cell foam and is long-lasting. It is environmentally friendly and 100% PVC free. That means zero off-gassing and no harmful oils seeping onto your skin. Plus it won't make the fish sick if you take it out to the lake or the ocean.
The best part of any saddle float is convenience. Everything about the Airhead Saddle boasts convenience and simplicity. It is buoyant enough to keep your shoulders above water, allowing for you to indulge in a crisp cold adult beverage without filling it with water. There is no inflation required and it's the new hip thing when it comes to pool floats.
Top Features:
- Best Saddle on the market
- Compact for travel
- Versatile
- Environmentally friendly
Final Note:
This is the best pool float saddle on the market. Beautiful marble patterns and 3 gorgeous color choices make for an aesthetically pleasing float great for all occasions. Take it to the lake or the ocean or hang out in the pool when it's warm enough for you to be in the water rather than on top of it. Float around and hold your drink with ease. This Airhead float is priced reasonably under $25, so you can purchase one of each color.
Buyer's Guide
Purchasing a float for your pool isn’t quite as big of a decision as choosing your next vehicle but it is important to make an informed decision. Pool float mats are still an investment and one that you hope will last you multiple seasons. Some of the most important factors in selecting the right float for yourself are the thickness of the foam, size, and price.
Key Considerations
<Foam Thickness>
The thicker the foam, the more buoyant the float will be. Foam is a great choice for pool floats because it will continue to float even with a few holes or tears in it. Foam floats are virtually unsinkable.
Typically foam floats should last for many years, and they are easy to clean and maintain. There are some cons to foam, though.
Foam floats are generally more expensive than inflatable rafts, and they are heavy and bulky. They can also be difficult to store during off-seasons because they don't roll easily, especially the thicker ones. The vinyl also tends to crack and break open after a few seasons, but that doesn't necessarily affect the integrity of the float.
<Weight Limit>
The next factor you need to look for is the weight limit, i.e. the max weight it can handle. Typically 1.5'' thick foam float can handle weights till 150 lbs. Heavy adults (200 lb or more) should look for at least 2 to 3'' thick floats. For kids, 1'' thick floats are more than suffice. If you're over the max weight-bearing capacity, the foam float will struggle to remain afloat, and part of your back will always be underwater.
Thicker foams floats pack more air in the between them, resulting in better buoyancy.
<Size>
The size of a float is another important factor to consider. If you're going to go with foam, bigger isn't always better. If you plan to use your float at the lake or the beach, you want to make sure you get one that will fit in your vehicle or that can at least compress down enough to fit in your vehicle.
Size is also important, depending upon the size of people that will be utilizing the float. Larger floats don't tend to fare well with heavier people because the weight distribution all goes to the middle causing the float to bow and take on water. You can make up for this with a thicker foam if you require a larger size float.
It's important to keep in mind that the larger the float, the heavier it will be. Foam is dense and weighs way more than an air-filled inflatable. If you don't have the muscle to heave around a heavy pool float, it may be best to go with a smaller size float.
<Price>
Let's face it! The end-all factor in most buying decisions is the price. Foam floats are more expensive than inflatable rafts because they last longer, and they are far more durable. You get what you pay for with foam rafts.
The thicker the raft, the more expensive it will be. The larger the raft, the more expensive it will be. You're paying for high-quality foam, so you can expect to pay more for more. It would only make sense.
Foam pool floats range in price from $10 pool noodles up the $500 luxury loungers with multiple features. With pool foam floats, you truly get what you pay for. Cheaper floats may be more appealing but you will notice the foam is thin and they don't last long.
If you're up for buying a new float every season, then cheaper floats may be the route for you. If you want something that will last through the years, consider investing in a pricier foam float and storing it in a safe place where it can be protected from the elements during the offseason.
Foam Floats Vs. Inflatable Floats
Inflatable floats are the most common types of floats available. It also happens to be the first choice for many new pool owners, mainly because of its affordable pricing. But inflatable floats have a number of drawbacks. First and foremost, they're prone to punctures. You also need to top-up the air from time to time as they lose air during use. You would also need to deflate them while storing and inflate them to use, which can be cumbersome. Another downside is that they're not particularly comfortable, especially for the adults.
A foam float solves all the above problems and more. Foam floats offer excellent buoyancy allowing you to relax while maintaining a comfortable posture. They don't require any inflation either and are ready to use as soon as you unroll it. It's also portable and easy to store. Excellent durability and floating properties make foam floats a preferred choice. The only downside to foam float is the high-upfront cost but it pays off in the long run.
Let's Wrap Things Up:
As the summer days are blazing upon us floating on the water is the best place to be. Whether you’re sunbathing or cooling down, a proper float can make the smallest occasion feel like a grand one. Your foam float should be soft and comfy, yet everlasting and durable. It should meet all of your requirements and provide you the perfect platform to bronze your skin and cool off at the same time.
