The heat of the summer season means one thing: getting into the water. While you might have your own pool at home, you might also choose to visit a calm lake nearby. Regardless of the location, having the right gear makes the experience even more enjoyable.
While swimming is fun on its own, floating on the water is the epitome of luxury. Finding the best pool float for the summer can help you make the most of the season. At iROCKER, we value quality water gear. Whether it is our durable paddle boards or comfortable floats, your gear should enhance your experience. This guide will help you choose a float that offers both comfort and enjoyment.
Key features of top summer floats
Not all floats are created equal. Many cheaper options tend to deflate after just one use. For a better experience, it is worth looking for features that ensure quality and longevity.
Durable materials for long-lasting use
The material is the most critical factor to consider. Thin plastic punctures easily on pool decks or rocks, which can ruin your day.
- Choose heavy-duty options: You will want to look for floats made from heavy-duty PVC or vinyl.
- Resistance to damage: These materials resist punctures and hold their shape well, even when compressed.
- Premium technology: Top-tier floats often use the same durable drop-stitch technology found in our inflatable SUPs.
Ergonomic design for maximum body support
Comfort determines how long you stay on the water. A flat raft often causes back pain after a short while, so look for floats with ergonomic contours.
- Support points: Features like built-in headrests, armrests, and leg supports keep your body in a natural position.
- Relaxation: This reduces strain on your neck and back, allowing you to nap or read without discomfort.
Easy inflation and deflation for travel
You want to spend your time floating, not pumping air. The best pool floats for summer feature high-flow valves.
- Quick setup: These valves allow for rapid inflation with a standard pump.
- Easy packing: Equally important is deflation. A good design lets air escape quickly so you can fold the float flat.
- Portability: This makes it easy to take your float to the beach, lake, or a friend's house.
Benefits of a water hammock with mesh
Among the various styles, the water hammock with a mesh center has gained immense popularity. This design offers a unique floating experience compared to solid rafts.
Staying cool while floating in water
- Beat the heat: Avoid the overheating often caused by solid plastic rafts that separate you from the water.
- Suspend your body: The mesh center allows you to rest just below the water's surface.
- Regulate temperature: Let cool water wash over you to stay comfortable under the hot sun.
- Retain buoyancy: Enjoy the effortless float of a raft without sacrificing the cooling effect of the water.
Versatile positions for every relaxation style
- Switch up your stance: You are not limited to lying flat on your back like traditional floats.
- Try multiple modes: Sit in it like a chair, straddle it like a saddle, or use it as a drift bar for support.
- Adapt to the moment: Change positions easily whether you want to tan, chat with friends, or exercise.
- Move freely: The flexible shape adjusts naturally to your body movements.
Soft fabric surface prevents skin irritation
- Eliminate stickiness: The fabric cover prevents the uncomfortable sensation of hot plastic on sweaty skin.
- Feel the softness: Smooth mesh material feels gentle and non-abrasive against your body.
- Ditch the squeak: Enjoy a quiet, comfortable surface unlike the "squeaky" texture of traditional vinyl.
- Prevent friction: Lounge for hours without worrying about friction burns or skin rashes.
Ideal scenarios for using pool floats
Floats serve different purposes depending on your company and location. Choosing the right one depends on how you plan to spend your day.
Perfect companion for pool parties and socializing
For gatherings, you need mobility and interaction. Upright floats or water hammocks are ideal here. They allow you to hold a drink and chat with friends easily. You can drift in a group without bumping into each other awkwardly. Some floats even come with connectors to link up with friends, creating a floating island of fun.
Relaxing alone with a good book
Solo relaxation requires stability. A larger, lounge-style float is best for this. You need a stable platform that keeps your upper body dry. This allows you to hold a book or tablet without fear of splashing. The gentle motion of the water combined with a comfortable headrest creates the ultimate reading nook.
Top Picks for Summer Relaxation
Finding the right gear can be overwhelming. To help you choose, here are our top recommendations from the iLAND collection that guarantee a perfect day on the water.
iLAND® by iROCKER 6' Round Float: The Perfect Conversation Pit
This float is designed specifically for socializing. Its circular shape ensures everyone faces each other, making conversation natural and effortless.
- Create a social hub: The round design brings everyone together in a circle for easy chatting.
- Enjoy stability: Built with durable materials, it remains stable even when people move around.
Check out theiLAND® by iROCKER 6' Round Float to start your party.
iLAND® 10' Inflatable Hammock: The Crowd Pleaser
If you have a large group, this is the ultimate solution. It functions as a massive floating island that keeps the whole crew together comfortably.
- Stay cool together: The mesh center allows water to flow through, regulating temperature for everyone on board.
- Maximize space: With a 10-foot diameter, there is plenty of room for friends and family to lounge without feeling crowded.
Experience the massiveiLAND® 10' Inflatable Hammock for your next gathering.
Friends relaxing and socializing on the iLAND 10 foot inflatable hammock dock with mesh center for cooling.
iLAND® Bar Table: The Ultimate Party Upgrade
No pool party is complete without refreshments. This specialized accessory transforms your regular swim into a luxury experience.
- Secure your drinks: The design holds beverages firmly, preventing spills even in moving water.
- Keep snacks accessible: You do not need to leave the water to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Add theiLAND® Bar Table to your setup for maximum convenience.
Aerial view of the massive iLAND bar table inflatable oasis dock floating on the ocean.
Simple maintenance tips for your floats
Taking care of your gear ensures it lasts for many seasons. Simple habits make a big difference in durability.
Rinsing with fresh water after use
Pool chemicals and salt water break down materials over time. Chlorine can fade colors and weaken seams. Always rinse your float with fresh tap water after you get out. This removes harmful residues and keeps the material pliable.
Proper storage to prevent sun damage
UV rays are the enemy of inflatables. Never let your float bake in the sun when not in use. It will expand and may even damage your seams. Prolonged exposure also makes the material brittle. It is best to keep your deflated float in a shaded area or in a box.
Upgrade your summer experience with iROCKER
Your summer deserves the best equipment. Whether you are looking for high-performance paddle boards or accessories to help you unwind, quality matters. At iROCKER, we make water-loving gear that is durable, stylish, and weather-resistant so that your water adventures never come to a stop. Get on the water and make this summer one to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing the Best Summer Float
1. Do I need a special float for a lake/river/beach trip?
Yes. Open water environments often have rocks, branches, or rough sand that can puncture thin plastic. For these trips, always choose floats made from heavy-duty PVC or those with a fabric cover for extra durability.
2. Can I use large inflatable floats in a standard backyard pool?
Absolutely, but check your dimensions first. Ensure the float fits comfortably while leaving enough open water for people to swim safely around it without overcrowding the pool.
3. How do I prevent my pool floats from getting moldy?
Mold thrives on trapped moisture. To prevent this, always rinse off chlorine or salt water after use. Let the float air dry completely in a shaded area before deflating and folding it for storage.
4. Why do pool floats lose air in the sun?
Heat actually causes air to expand, making the float feel harder. If it feels soft later, it is usually because the temperature dropped (causing air to contract) or the intense heat caused the plastic material to stretch, making it feel less rigid.
