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It’s hard to beat lounging by the water on a cushioned beach chair and sunbathing, reading and sipping on an ice-cold drink. But sometimes you want to relax in the water—just without getting your book, drink or body wet. Enter: the pool float. These days, many of the top-rated, popular floats aren’t just functional—they’re also fun and Instagram-worthy. After all, one shaped like a giant flamingo or a yacht makes a pool day that much more memorable.

The Funboy Yacht Pool Float has a drink holder and keeps your whole body out of the water, so you ... [+] can stay dry while you float.

To help you find one that suits your fancy, we looked into all sorts of designs for adults, large groups, babies and even pets. We also considered extra features, such as drink holders and sunshades, to make lounging even more enjoyable. So if you’re in the market for a new float for the beach or your above-ground pool, look no further: We’ve rounded up the best pool floats to fit your summertime needs.

Versatility is key when it comes to pool floats, and the Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock is one of your best options for any and all poolside activities. This float has two buoyant ends that are connected by a supportive mesh lining, allowing it to be used as a hammock, lounge chair, exercise saddle or drifter. Plus, its unique design couldn’t be easier to get in and out of, saving you the hassle of jumping off the side of your pool, trying to land right-side-up on a tippy inflatable.

Finding a sturdy pool float that’s conducive to reading, sipping and lounging can be difficult, but this Floating Mesh Pool Chair can do it all. Filled with buoyant polystyrene beads, the chair has built-in armrests and an attached floating ottoman that offers full-body support. It’s available in three colors: aqua, blue and flamingo pink.

For full body relaxation, this Drift Chaise Float provides ample stretching room to achieve maximum comfort. Like the model above, this floatie is stuffed with polystyrene beads covered in quick-drying fabric. And since it’s made with SunMax and SmartMax fabric, there’s no need to worry about stains, fading or mildew. This unsinkable reclining chair supports up to 250 pounds and resists water.

There’s no doubt that people will scramble for a turn once they see this Cabana Lounger from Funboy. Its shape stands out for being both fun and practical, with the top acting as a removable sunshade and the curved sides ergonomically providing neck and back support. Two drink holders are built into the design and side handles ensure effortless maneuvering. The float comes in several patterns and can hold multiple people so you can lounge alone or with friends.

Chair-style floats are ideal for having conversations in the water, and the Lana Floating Seat blows away the competition thanks to its extra-large noodle backrest, which provides superior comfort and buoyancy. This floating seat has an 8.5-inch pool noodle as the back support, and its seat is made from a quick-drying mesh with a Sunbrella fabric border. It can support up to 250 pounds, and many reviewers say they’ve had to purchase more than one to stop their families from fighting over the super-comfortable seat.

The Cabana Dayclub is no regular float. Though pricier than all the others on this list, this float has a ton of fun mechanisms, like a separate water entry, mesh foot baths, central cooler, backrests and a removable sunshade. Side ropes and an included storage bag make it easy to maneuver and transport, despite its large size. It can hold up to four people, though it’s a tempting idea to take the whole float for yourself, no? (Note: It’s recommended for ages 14 and up.)

If you like to soak up the sun, check out the Frontgate Resort Pool Float. This option may not be cheap, but its high-quality foam construction is lightweight and incredibly buoyant, plus it an comfortably support at least 350 pounds). It comes in a rainbow of bright colors, and the heat-processed PVC vinyl coating resists splits, tears and punctures to increase its longevity. 

Want all the comforts of your recliner on the water? Consider your needs met with this laidback float from Intex. It features a gentle slope to support your back while letting you kick back, along with dual cupholders for your water and other drink of choice. Two heavy duty handles make it easy to tote this float from place to place.

Can’t get on an actual yacht? This pool float will make you feel like royalty while helping you stay cool all summer long. Made with a reinforced built-in cooler compartment and two cup holders, sunbathers can spend hours relaxing on this luxurious daybed. The 9-foot inflatable pool float comfortably holds up to 250 pounds, and reviewers love it because drinks stay intact, even when things get a little slippery. And if you have to run to the bathroom or reapply sunscreen, your beverage will be safe without you.

Consider this your perfect Instagram accessory. This pale pink flamingo float is spacious—its 57-inch diameter body provides ample room for lounging. Just situate yourself in the center of the float and use the flamingo’s neck or wings—or even tail—as a pillow. And if another (smaller) friend or family member wants to join you, this float can hold up to 300 pounds.

There’s no better prop for a poolside photoshoot than this Giant Unicorn float. Its oversized design can easily accommodate two adults or several children, and you won’t be able to help smiling anytime you see its rainbow mane bobbing around the pool. Plus, it features two large valves that allow for faster inflation so you can get to splashing in no time.

If your dog loves playing in the water alongside the family, you don’t want them to jump on a standard inflatable pool float, as their claws may rip a hole in it. That’s why this dedicated dog pool float, made from puncture-resistant woven mesh, is a good investment for folks who like to relax in the water with their pups. The floats come in several bright hues and three different sizes, and they even stay cool when wet, making them the perfect poolside lounging spot for your faithful companion. 

Pool floats are typically made of plastic or vinyl, which can break down from overexposure to water, sun, pool chemicals and heat. Generally speaking, you don’t want to leave floats in the pool for an extended amount of time. You also don’t want to leave them under the harsh rays of the sun for too long, as that can cause the air in floats to expand and pop. Simply put, if you’re leaving the pool, your floats should, too.

The key to maintaining pool floats last longer is cleaning and storing them properly. Never leave floats in water or damp storage rooms, as such conditions can lead to mold growth. You should also regularly wash and dry your floats with mild soap and water.

If a float grows mold, don’t panic—it’s salvageable. Simply mix water with a tablespoon of bleach to clean it. Then, after rinsing and drying it, deflate the float and store it in an airtight box to keep it away from water or mold. If your float is challenging to deflate, you can store it as is—just make sure to keep it in a dry area away from sharp objects.

There’s a wide range of pool floats on the market, and a model that’s perfect for one person might not work for another. Here’s what you should consider before making a purchase.

If you’re looking for a float to mainly use in a pool, pretty much any style will work, so long as it can fit and support you. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for one you can bring to the beach, you’ll want a durable float that can stand up to salt water; in general, inflatable floats are the better option, as they’re easier to clean afterward.

If the whole family intends on using the float, make sure it’ll work size-wise for both your smallest and largest member. You’ll also need to keep in mind the size of the pool (or pools) where you’ll be using it most. You want something you can cruise around in—not something so large it’ll clog up the swimming area.

Unless you don’t mind being partially submerged, you want a float that can fully support your body. If, for example, you and your partner will be sharing the float, make sure you get one with a high weight capacity. Ditto if your kids will pile on. Otherwise, you’ll end up sinking.

Some floats specifically state that they’re not appropriate for younger children, so double-check the label before purchasing one that a tiny family member may want to use. Some floats, like this durable one from SwimWays, are specifically designed for babies.

If you’re only planning on using your float in your backyard pool, you probably don’t need to worry too much about portability. If you’ll want to tote it to your neighborhood pool or local beach, though, you don’t want something too unwieldy; look for models with handles that aren’t too heavy or bulky to transport.

If you tend to be rough on your floats, consider opting for one you don’t have to blow up; non-inflatable models can typically withstand a little more wear and tear than ones that can pop. If you’re on a budget, though, or you plan on using your float at the beach, an inflatable option may be better; they tend to be less expensive and easier to clean after a day in the ocean.