It has been a while since we had a completely carefree summer but with the worst of the pandemic in our rear-view, the warmer months are set to most fun-filled yet.
Whether you’re planning to spend it beside a pool at home or away, there’s one accessory you’ll need to enhance your enjoyment - the pool float.
Available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, there are plenty of chic and stylish options to help you soak up the rays with a glass of something icy cool in hand as you drift over the water.
The blow-up designs fold down compactly so you can even squeeze them into your cabin case to enjoy on a long-anticipated trip overseas. Who needs clothes anyway?
Ready to shop? Scroll on to find our pick of the best pool inflatables for adults.
Fatboy Original Floatzac, stripe ocean blue
Bliss out under the sun atop this plush floating chair from outdoor specialists Fatboy. The puffy weatherproof bean bag can be used for relaxing indoors as well as in the pool, and is chlorine and UV resistant.
Adjust the straps to your preferred reclining angle or unlock them to lay flat.
Buy now £289.00, Finnish Design Shop
Intex Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge
Lying flat on your back isn’t always the most comfortable position if you’re planning a day-long pool sesh. This 180 x 135cm armchair-style inflatable lounger is the perfect design to have you gliding on the water, and makes cocktail-sipping much easier thanks to two integrated cup holders. Priorities, people.
Buy now £39.95, Amazon
Intex Realistic Print Pool Mat Orange
The juice is most certainly worth the squeeze when it comes to this float. Designed to resemble a slice of orange, it won’t fail to turn heads when you get to the pool. Measuring 178 x 85cm it can hold up to 100kg in weight, and a repair kit is included with every purchase.
Buy now £11.90, Amazon
Bestway Inflatable Luxury Swan Ride-On
It may have been a few years since Calvin Harris-era Taylor Swift posted her pool snap artfully balanced on an inflatable swan, but do we still yearn to recreate it? You betchya. Make your Wildest Dreams come true with Bestway’s blow up bird which comes with two handholds at the neck to help you stay steady.
Buy now £31.79, Amazon
Funboy Inflatable Swan Pool Float
What’s better than an inflatable swan? A gold inflatable swan, of course. As water-focused props go, it doesn’t get much more boujee than this. Measuring around six foot long it looks as good in the water as it would in the grass as somewhere scenic to sit and be admired.
Buy now £77.00, Revolve
David Shrigley Pool Float
One more swan entry, with a hilarious arty twist. From the sketchbook of one David Shrigley comes this version of a swan float, complete with a nonplussed expression and bolt upright neck.
Buy now £49.99, End Clothing
Bestway Inflatable Rhino Pool Float
Water-based animal floats are all good and well, but for the truly unexpected look to land-dwellers instead. This inflatable is themed on a rhino, but given a summer transformation with a bright pop-art pattern. Two handles on each shoulder give you plenty of stability to pull yourself up onto his back. Measures 2.01 x 1.02m.
Buy now £34.08, Amazon
Intex Inflatable Pink Seashell Island Pool Float
Feel Botticelli-levels of boujee with this ridiculously fun shell-shaped pool float. Filled with glitter particles, this floatie will make you feel like the 21st version of Venus rising from the sea. Silly - but fun.
Buy now £45.79, OnBuy
Funboy Yacht Inflatable Pool Float
Get closer to your yachting club membership with this vinyl float, designed for swimming pool use rather than sailing the high seas. The wipe-clean design comes with handles to help you get in and out of the water with ease.
Buy now £1575.00, Revolve
Versace Baroque print inflatable ring
That’s right; esteemed fashion house and champions of flamboyant style Versace has ventured into the heady world of pool floats. The classic ring has been given a luxury makeover with the label’s instantly recognisable baroque print framing the outer edge. Obsessed.
Buy now £165.00, Farfetch
Oliver James Double Shore Linen
If you’re serious about your fun, you may be willing to invest big money in your leisure-time accessories. If so, say hello to Oliver James’ swish upholstered double lilo, which has enough room for two to recline and smell the roses. Forget skin sticking to PVC, this baby is covered in gorgeously tactile fabric for an elevated experience that, once tried, is tough to forget. There are twin valves for easy set up and deflation. Also available in a blue stripe.
Buy now £1600.00, Oliver James
Luxe Lie-On Spritz Float
Love a good Aperol in the summer? Why not buy the extra-large, inflatable kind to lounge upon in the sunshine while you’ve got your favourite drink in hand. This floaty measures a whopping 70x200x18cm and even includes a repair kit in case of punctures.
Buy now £55.00, Trouva
Third Drawer Down x Jon Burgerman Hot Diggity Dog pool float 160cm
Hot diggity dog indeed. This oversized sausage inflatable is the result of a fantastic collab between Third Draw Down and artist John Burgerman. It’s sure to be the envy of all your goofiest pals. Whip this out at your next pool party and laughs are bound to ensue.
Buy now £55.00, Selfridges
