Laying out by the water is a great way to catch rays. But relaxing on one of the best pool floats for tanning is even better. You can cool off anytime you want, plus you have a comfortable place to enjoy the sunshine.
The best pool loungers today are way better than the cheap floaties of yesteryear. They have space enough to stretch out, a headrest, and sometimes a place to put a drink. Some tanning pool floats are made for tall people, too.
If you’re ready to recline in the sun while enjoying the coolness of the water, check out the top pool floats below:
| The best pool floats for tanning | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Aqua Campania Ultimate 2-in-1 Pool Float Lounge |
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| Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey XL Pool Float & Hammock |
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| TRC Recreation Sunsation Foam Raft Lounger with Pillow Headrest |
|
| Airhead Sun Comfort Cool Suede Pool Mattress |
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| FUNBOY Clear Blue Chaise Lounger |
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| Inflatable Adult Tanning Pool Suntan Tub by REY Inflatables |
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| Intex King Kool 58802EP Inflatable Swimming Pool Float |
|
How we chose the best pool float loungers
When we decided to review pool loungers, we took a hard pass on novelty floats for the most part. Pool floats for adults aren’t toys – they are stable in the water and have space for adult-sized bodies to soak up rays without dipping half their body into the pool. Some are inflatable, others are not, most have pillows, and a few include cupholders and armrests.
Comfort
We prefer pool floats that don’t stick to the skin, get too hot to touch, or have sharp seams. If you’re going to lay out for a while, it’s best to have a lounger that supports or at least conforms to the body. Although it’s convenient to shop online, there’s nothing that can substitute for trying out a float in person. Whenever possible, we tested the loungers.
Ease of use
Blowing up a pool float can be a real pain. We like the ones that require minimal effort to inflate or come with a pump. Happily, some floats don’t even need air, but the inflatable ones are usually more portable (when deflated). Keep in mind that some pool loungers are quite heavy and awkward to tote around, so check for handles and look at the weight.
Capacity
Speaking of weight, double-check the size and capacity of the float to make sure it meets your needs.
Durability
It’s tempting to save a few bucks by getting a cheaper lounger, but will that discount float last all summer long? Does it come with a warranty?
Maintenance
Do you have a place where you can let the pool float dry before deflating it and storing it? Can the float be cleaned without a lot of trouble?
These are the guidelines we used to pick the best pool loungers. Learn more in the reviews below.
Best Pool Floats for Tanning in 2024
Aqua Campania Ultimate 2-in-1 Pool Float Lounge
This is one of the most popular pool floats for an average-sized human being. You can sit up or lie flat on it, and it has a pleasant cool-weave fabric surface that won’t stick to the skin.
It comes with a floating cupholder with room for two drinks and an adjustable pillow for the back. It’s the removable pillow that allows you to lay down or recline in a seated position.
The lounger measures 56 inches long by 36 inches wide and it holds up to 250 pounds. If you look at the photo, you can see that it might be a tight fit for anyone over 5’6”.
On the bright side, reviewers say it’s handy because it can be used as a raft or a lounger, making it easy to tan both sides of the body if you’re willing to lay flat. Moreover, the floating caddy can be attached to the side so that it doesn’t wander off. (It’s a good place to put your tanning lotion).
Another point in its favor is the dual-valve system. The small valve is for inflating the float and the large for deflating. It’s compatible with air pumps so that you don’t have to get out of breath filling it up. Then, it folds up flat for storage.
Pro tip: Remember that temperature affects the air level inside the float. Cold water may cause it to deflate and hot air may cause it to expand.
Pros:
- Popular convertible pool float acts as a recliner or raft
- Comes with a floating caddy for two drinks
- Two-valve system for inflation and deflation
- Fabric surface stays cool in the hot sun
Cons:
- Not for tall people
Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey XL Pool Float & Hammock
Which is the best pool float to pack in a suitcase? We’re happy with this one because it doesn’t take up much space at all.
The same brand that sells the convertible pool lounger above also offers this versatile pool hammock AKA exercise saddle and pool floatie. It stays buoyant with up to 250 pounds and measures 53 x 33-inches.
More importantly, it’s suitable for people 5’8” to 7’4” tall. Instead of a stiff raft, it’s a flexible floaty that will keep you on the surface of the water but still let you get wet. There’s an inflatable cushion at either end to prop up your head and feet.
It’s actually pretty easy to get on and off and it doesn’t get too hot or sticky, either. The pillows have a fabric finish and the middle is non-stick, soft PVC mesh.
Reviewers say it’s stable and comfortable because they can move around on it without worrying that it will flip.
Pro tip: sit in the middle on the net with the cushions on either side. Then lean and turn to lay down.
Pros:
- Made for people ranging from 5’8” to 7’4” and up to 250 pounds
- Cool fabric-covered cushions for the head and feet
- Soft, flexible, non-stick PVC mesh for the body
- Both a pool hammock and exercise saddle
Cons:
- Not for people who don’t want to get wet while tanning
TRC Recreation Sunsation Foam Raft Lounger with Pillow Headrest
This floating foam lounger is not cheap although it’s generally less expensive than the Frontgate Resort Pool Float which it resembles. If you hate having to blow or pump air, it’s the ideal non-inflatable pool float for adults.
The foam is 1.75-inches thick and covered with waterproof vinyl. It floats on top of the water unlike most water hammocks, making it ideal for tanning in the pool because you don’t have soak in pool water the whole time.
What’s more, it’s 70 inches long and 26 inches wide. Most adults will find it a comfortable size. One end has a full roll pillow (that isn’t adjustable or removable) so that you don’t have to lay completely flat.
It rolls up in a flash, but will take up more storage space than an inflatable lounger. Also, it weighs 9 pounds. But it’s made in the USA and comes in a variety of colors like Bahama blue, yellow, pink, and white.
Pros:
- Perfect for tanning because it floats on top of the water and can keep you dry
- No need to inflate, ready to use right out of the box
- Measures 70” x 26” and has a pillow headrest
- Available in several colors
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Takes up more space for storage than some pool floats do
Airhead Sun Comfort Cool Suede Pool Mattress
Skip the sticky vinyl and go for the soft suede of this floating mattress. It can keep you cool because pool water settles into the open holes of the design but the raft stays buoyant all the same.
What’s nice is the removable pillow. It lets you stay propped up a little bit, but you can pull it off and lay flat to tan your back. Pro tip: don’t overinflate the pillow because it’s more comfortable when it’s just a little squashy.
The mattress comes with a built-in place to tie a rope (but doesn’t come with a rope). Plus, it has a speed safety valve for rapid inflation/deflation. It can be blown up by mouth if necessary.
Reviewers say that it’s nice and stable in the water even for people who are 6-feet tall.
Pros:
- Suede-finish is pleasant to touch
- Removable pillow
- Built-in holes allow water to cool the body
- Place to tie a tow rope
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a tow rope although it has a place to tie one
FUNBOY Clear Blue Chaise Lounger
If you’re in search of the best pool chair float, look no further. This inflatable lounger is just like a pool chair for the water. The comfortable ergonomic shape will let you snooze in the sunshine.
The floating chair is 70-inches long, plus it inflates in under two minutes. It has a tether point so you can tie it up to a boat or dock if you’re out on the lake. What’s also fun is the Connection Cooler (sold separately) that can hold your drinks and let you latch onto an adjoining chair.
Pros:
- Comfortable pool chaise that’s 70-inches long
- Inflates in less than 2 minutes
- Can be tied up to a boat or dock
Cons:
- Not for people weighing over 250 pounds
Inflatable Adult Tanning Pool Suntan Tub by REY Inflatables
Here’s our best budget pick for tall tanners. It’s a pool raft that doubles as an outdoor pool. Float it on the water or leave it on the grass and fill it with water, it doesn’t matter.
The inside measurements are 76.5” x 29.5” so it accommodates most adults easily. There is a built-in pillow for your head.
So, what’s the catch? Well, we saw several complaints about air leaks. That’s why we suggest not over-inflating the mattress and laying down towels underneath it if you place it on the ground.
Pros:
- Made for tall adults
- Floats like a raft or can be filled with water like a pool
- Built-in pillow
- Budget price
Cons:
- May be susceptible to developing leaks
Intex King Kool 58802EP Inflatable Swimming Pool Float
If funds are really tight, you can roll the dice and hope for the best with this inexpensive pool float for tanning. We’re hesitant to recommend it just because it seems like the 12-gauge vinyl will be prone to leaks and the float won’t last even one summer.
The design is comfy, however, as long as you’re not over 5’5”. It’s an inflatable chair with a headrest, armrests, and a cup holder. It’s not big at x 63” x 33.5” but it’s lightweight at just over 3 pounds. It doesn’t take very long to inflate, either.
Reviewers say it’s pleasant for reading or hanging out at the pool. There’s an opening where you can dangle your legs into the water while you drift.
Pros:
- Inflatable pool chair with head and armrests
- Built-in cup holder
- Lightweight and compact
Cons:
- Not durable, but inexpensive
Conclusion
We hope our reviews today helped you find your new favorite pool float for tanning. If you’re loving it, we’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave us a comment below.