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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Pool Loungers

Serious poolside relaxation requires serious loungers. We compared in-water recliners from mesh to foam, finding what lets you float hands-free.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Sunray Swimming Pool Float

Texas Recreation

Sunray Swimming Pool Float

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

The foam float that actual pool people use. No pumping, no punctures, no excuses. Lay back, close your eyes, and drift. This is what summer should feel like.

Size

70" x 25"

Material

Foam

Buoyancy

High

Features

Contoured headrest

Pros

  • Full-size lounger
  • Foam construction—no inflation
  • Comfortable head pillow

Cons

  • Takes up storage space
  • Can waterlog over years
  • Limited colors

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
In-Pool Chaise Lounge
In-Pool Chaise Lounge
Ledge Lounger
4.8
$399 View
Sunray Swimming Pool Float
Sunray Swimming Pool Float Best
Texas Recreation
4.6
$49 View
Spring Float Recliner XL
Spring Float Recliner XL Value
SwimWays
4.4
$34 View
Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge
Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge
Intex
4.2
$19 View
Super Soft Pool Lounger
Super Soft Pool Lounger
TRC Recreation
4.5
$79 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Premium Pick
In-Pool Chaise Lounge

Ledge Lounger

In-Pool Chaise Lounge

4.8 (3,456 reviews)

The lounger that lives in your pool. Designed for tanning ledges or Baja shelves, this roto-molded beauty sits in shallow water so you stay cool while you bronze. Resort living, backyard prices.

Material

Roto-molded polyethylene

Weight

35 lbs

Dimensions

64" x 31" x 36"

Ideal Water Depth

0-9 inches

Pros

  • Designed for pool ledges
  • UV and chlorine resistant
  • Never needs inflation

Cons

  • Requires tanning ledge
  • Premium price
  • Heavy to move
Best Overall
Sunray Swimming Pool Float

Texas Recreation

Sunray Swimming Pool Float

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

The foam float that actual pool people use. No pumping, no punctures, no excuses. Lay back, close your eyes, and drift. This is what summer should feel like.

Size

70" x 25"

Material

Foam

Buoyancy

High

Features

Contoured headrest

Pros

  • Full-size lounger
  • Foam construction—no inflation
  • Comfortable head pillow

Cons

  • Takes up storage space
  • Can waterlog over years
  • Limited colors
Best Value
Spring Float Recliner XL

SwimWays

Spring Float Recliner XL

4.4 (18,765 reviews)

Pool lounger meets camping chair. Pops open in seconds, holds you in comfortable mesh, folds flat when done. The convenience factor is unmatched—you'll actually use this one.

Size

66" x 40"

Style

Spring-frame

Material

Mesh fabric

Storage

Folds to 3" flat

Pros

  • Pops open like camping chair
  • Mesh keeps you cool
  • Headrest and cup holder

Cons

  • Inner spring can poke through
  • Fabric can tear
  • Not fully buoyant—you sink slightly
Budget Pick
Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge

Intex

Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge

4.2 (9,876 reviews)

Twenty bucks for a floating recliner. Will it last forever? No. Will it last this summer? Absolutely. Armrests, headrest, cupholder—everything you need, nothing you don't.

Size

71" x 53"

Material

Vinyl

Chambers

2

Features

Armrests, headrest, cupholder

Pros

  • Under $20
  • Two air chambers
  • Armrests and backrest

Cons

  • Thin vinyl
  • Needs careful inflation
  • Shorter lifespan
Super Soft Pool Lounger

TRC Recreation

Super Soft Pool Lounger

4.5 (6,789 reviews)

Premium foam that actually feels good against skin. No vinyl sticking, no mesh sagging—just soft, supportive floating. The closed-cell construction means it'll never waterlog or lose buoyancy.

Size

68" x 26"

Material

Closed-cell foam

Buoyancy

Lifetime

Feel

Super soft

Pros

  • Ultra-soft foam
  • Zero maintenance
  • Ergonomic shape

Cons

  • Higher price for foam
  • Heavy when wet
  • Bulky storage

Buying Guide: How to Choose Pool Loungers


How to Choose a Pool Lounger

A pool lounger is different from a pool float. Floats are for play; loungers are for staying. You want support, comfort, and the ability to actually relax without constantly repositioning. This is furniture that floats.

Lounger Styles

Foam Loungers
Solid foam construction means no inflation, no punctures, no maintenance. Most durable long-term option. Heavier and bulkier to store, but bulletproof reliability.

Inflatable Loungers
Classic vinyl with air chambers. Comfortable when properly inflated, affordable to buy. Requires pump, vulnerable to punctures, needs seasonal replacement.

Spring-Frame Mesh
Fabric stretched over collapsible frame. Best of both worlds: comfortable mesh, easy storage. The inner springs can eventually poke through after years of use.

In-Pool Loungers
Heavy, weighted designs meant to sit on tanning ledges or in shallow water. Premium price for resort-quality experience. Requires the right pool design.

### Comfort Features

Headrest: Non-negotiable for genuine relaxation. Your neck will thank you.

Cup Holder: Keeps your drink close and your pool cleaner (fewer spills from reaching).

Armrests: Transform floating from exercise into leisure. Worth the wider profile.

Mesh Bottom: Keeps you cooler by letting water contact your body. Solid bottoms get hot in direct sun.

### Weight Capacity

Most loungers support 200-250 pounds. Check ratings if you're larger—overstressed loungers sink uncomfortably low and wear out faster. Premium options handle 300+ pounds without compromising flotation.

### Pool Type Considerations

Small pools need compact loungers. Giant recliners take over the swimming space. Match lounger scale to pool scale, and consider how many family members need to share the water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Loungers

Why do pool loungers cost so much more than floats?

Construction quality. Cheap floats use thin vinyl that lasts one season. Quality loungers use UV-resistant materials, reinforced seams, and ergonomic designs built for daily use over many summers. The per-use cost of a good lounger is actually lower than replacing cheap floats annually.

Foam or inflatable—which pool lounger is better?

Foam for reliability, inflatable for comfort customization. Foam never goes flat, never punctures, but you're stuck with its firmness. Inflatables let you adjust firmness but require maintenance. For primary loungers, foam wins. For occasional use, inflatable saves money.

Can I use pool loungers in saltwater pools?

Most can, but check manufacturer specs. UV-stabilized foam and quality vinyl handle salt fine. Lower-quality plastics can degrade faster in saltwater. Rinse loungers with fresh water after saltwater use regardless—salt crystals can irritate skin and damage materials over time.

How do I clean mildew off a pool lounger?

Mix one cup white vinegar with one gallon water. Scrub affected areas with soft brush. For stubborn mildew, add a tablespoon of baking soda. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely in sun—UV helps kill remaining spores. Prevent future mildew by always drying before storage.

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