The best pool floats

If you ask us, one can never have too many pool floats. After all, what swimming space doesn’t look better with a giant red lobster in it? P&D Inflatable Toys produce the best inflatable swimming pool floaters to make lying in the water extra relaxing (and let's face it, fun), from red lobster Pool Floats to ice cream Inflatable Pool Mattress.

What are the best pool floats?
The best Pool Float will depend on your personal preference when it comes to elements such as size, style and shape. Those looking for a novelty float, for instance, will undoubtedly want to lounge on an inflatable slice of pizza or sunbathe with a mermaid tail at the beach. (There are options for that.) In terms of materials and features though, you'll want to look for floats that are made of durable materials, like pvc or vinyl, and have easy-to-use valves for speedy, even inflation. Bonus features can include anything from backrests and cupholders to sun canopies and connectors that will allow you to latch on to other floats.

How to blow up a pool float
Pool floats are inflated by air, but as we all know, some are easier to blow up than others, and as such, may require different methods. First, you'll want to locate how many air valves are on the float (sometimes there are more than one) and where they're located. Lay your pool float down flat, then figure out which way you want to approach it. Overall, you'll want your pool float to feel taut—no one wants a saggy float.

Use your mouth: Depending on the size of your float, you could blow it up using your mouth and the air in your lungs—just pinch the base of your valve and blow. While it’s the most convenient option, as it doesn't require any equipment, it's also the most inefficient and tedious, especially for anything bigger than an arm floatie (and something you’ve probably realized is a one-way ticket to dizzy-town).

Use a manual pump: If you already have a hand or foot pump at home (for example, one that you’ve used to inflate bike tires or an exercise ball), it can double as a pump for a pool float. As an added bonus, you’ll get an arm or leg workout at the same time. You may have to hold the pump in place or get an adapter so that the pump fits into your float's air valve.

Use an electric pump: The easiest and quickest way to inflate a pool float is by using an electric pump. Many are portable and come with attachments, but require a power source, such as a home or car outlet. Still, if you want to blow up a pool float in a few minutes with minimal effort, this is your solution: Push your fast-pump valve down into the float, attach your compressor and watch it work. 

Use a hair dryer: If you don’t have a pump on hand and want to save your breath, you can use a hair dryer, believe it or not. Just make sure to set it on the cool setting and note that it may take a little finagling to get the air to flow into the valve. Still, it’s a good hack in a pinch, since you probably already have a hair dryer at home.

How to deflate a pool float
Pool floats are fun to have around, but fully inflated, they can take up valuable real estate in your home or garage. For space-efficient storage when they’re not in use, you can deflate them: Simply open up all the valves and press the air out. Some floats have fast valves to speed up the process, but you can also use an electric pump (or a vacuum, in some instances) to suck the air out. Make sure the float is completely dry before folding it up and storing it, so you don’t end up with any mildew.

How to store pool floats
If you have enough storage room or use your pool floats often enough to keep them inflated, simply rinse them off with soap and water to rid them of dirt and chlorine and let them dry before tossing them in the shed or garage. (And yes, it's a good idea to rinse them off after each use, regardless of whether you’re storing them for a night or a week.)

If you're low on space or putting them away for the season, however, it's best to fold them up after rinsing them off and deflating them. Open up the valves, release all the air inside, let the float dry out and then double it over as needed. To keep it in pristine condition, it's also a good idea to avoid leaving your pool float out in the sun for long periods of time or storing it near sharp objects that may accidentally puncture it.