What makes the perfect pool day? Plenty of sunshine, plenty of sunblock, and plenty of relaxing. And while you don't necessarily need anything for the latter, there is one thing that can certainly help (besides an ice-cold adult beverage, of course): a pool float. After all, you'll get to soak up some rays and some much-needed R&R at the same time—and look good doing it.
There are tons of adorable floats out there, from the OG swan to an oversized unicorn to an inflatable pizza slice. To help you make the most of your summer, we've rounded up the 12 trendiest pool floats and pool rings you can buy this year, including ones from popular brands like SunnyLife and Funboy.
Ride-on pool floats and rafts
1. This inflatable rosé bottle
If "rosé all day" is your summer (or rather your year-round) motto, you need this appropriately-themed float. Shaped like a bottle of booze, it's the prettiest translucent pink and is long enough—and wide enough—for you to stretch out comfortably. All you need now? A glass of the good stuff to match.
2. This motorized pool float for when you're feeling super lazy
One of the major perks of lounging on a pool float is the fact that it requires zero effort. So trying to paddle your way over to the side to grab your drink? Way too much work. Meet the motorized float that lets you zoom around the pool with just the push of a button. Sure, it's more expensive but reviewers say it's well worth the cost for how fun—and effortless—it is to use and all you need is a set of batteries to get it started.
3. This magical unicorn float
Who said unicorns are just for kids? Certainly not us, because we're in love with this whimsical ride-on pool float from Australian brand SunnyLife. It's exactly what you need for summertime fun, with a rainbow mane, shimmery gold wings and horn, and a 220-pound weight capacity (so two people can easily hop aboard!).
4. This trendy plant-shaped float
Combine two of the year's biggest trends—plants and pool floats—and you get this super chic monstera leaf lounger. Not only is it in the shape of everyone's favorite tropical plant, but the float is also made of non-toxic plastic and comes with a repair patch in case there's an accidental puncture (i.e. it will last for many summers to come!).
5. This drool-worthy pizza float
Can you ever have too much pizza in your life? Correct answer: no. That's why so many people are obsessed with this pizza pool float, complete with a pepperoni and veggie pattern and a crust "pillow." Bonus: Buy a slice for the whole family and you can make the entire pie.
6. This adorable sloth float
Finally—a float that matches your mood. A.k.a. laying around for hours, soaking up the sun and maybe even dozing off (from one too many pina coladas) makes you feel like a total sloth in the best way possible. So it only makes sense to do all of those activities on this adorable giant sloth, which is made of durable PVC.
7. This over-the-top seashell float
Ariel was onto something with her seashell chairs—apparently, they're incredibly comfortable. Just ask all of the people who have bought—and loved—this iridescent seashell float which has a four-foot-tall back so you can sit up while you float. Plus, it comes with an electric pump so you can be on the water in just minutes.
8. This cheerful rainbow float
As if your sunny summer day couldn't get any brighter, enter this colorful rainbow float. Featuring a pillow that literally lets you lay your head on a cloud, reviewers rave that the float is as easy to inflate (thanks to its simple valve system) as it is to clean (it's made of wipeable waterproof vinyl so you can even take it to the beach and not worry about dragging sand home).
9. These giant angel wings
This could arguably be the most unique pool float you can buy. Why? The float is inspired—and designed—by the artist behind the Global Angel Wings Project (an international street art campaign). And with a wingspan of almost nine feet from tip to tip, you'll most certainly make a statement (or should we say splash) this summer.
Pool rings
10. This mermaid tail pool ring
If you're someone who refuses to let the mermaid trend die (same), you need this colorful pool ring, which measures a massive 6 feet long to the end of the tail. Don't be fooled by its size, though—the mermaid-inspired tube is super lightweight so you can easily carry it from pool to lake to beach.
11. This bagel float for carb lovers
Every day, I eat a bagel. And now, every day, I can also lay around on said bagel in the pool. Or rather a blow-up version of my go-to breakfast food, thanks to this float. It's so realistic that you can even see the sea salt sprinkles and poppy seeds dotting the top and, if you get tired of it (or if you just get too hungry!), you can simply flip it over and use the plain white side.
12. This heart-shaped pool ring
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more girly pool ring—and we, well, heart it. Translucent pink, shaped like a heart, and filled with sparkling glitter, this SunnyLife float is the perfect size and shape for catching some rays all summer long.
Pool floats for groups
13. This floating cabana
If there's one pool float to define summer 2020, it's this ridiculously extra floating cabana from Funboy. Not only does it have a removable shade for when you need a break from the sun but it also has a curved, ergonomic design that's specifically made to provide the most support and comfort while you lounge. Plus, it has built-in cupholders—necessary for your totally cabana-worthy frozen daiquiri, of course.
14. This oversized flamingo float for the whole family
The only thing better than floating around your pool is floating around your pool with a few of your closest friends—on a giant flamingo, of course. Equipped with "benches" to sit on and built-in cupholders, this pink flamingo float is a staggering 12 feet wide (!!). Fortunately, however, according to reviewers, it's surprisingly lightweight and a breeze to inflate.
15. This designer float that's shaped like a yacht
You might not be able to afford an actual private yacht but you can probably afford an inflatable one. Made by designer float brand Funboy, this bougie boat is spacious enough for you and one other person to lie side by side and has two cup holders along with an "ice bucket" compartment at the front (champagne anyone?!).
