While you could use self-tanner and go for a spray tan, and these do work well, nothing quite beats a summer’s day lying out in the pool, enjoying the warm sun, and building your very own natural tan!
Now, most of us are unable to float on the water for an extended period of time without any help, so if spending a day tanning in the pool sounds like an amazing plan to you, then you should get yourself a pool float for tanning.
When choosing a pool float for tanning, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure that it not only allows you to achieve an even, beautiful tan but that it keeps you comfortable in the pool too!
Which are the best pool floats for tanning? A good pool float for tanning is one that is comfortable enough to lie on for hours, and one which gives you enough space to change positions when laying down so that you can tan all areas of your body evenly.
Choosing a pool float should be more fun than a chore. To take the hard work out of deciding, we have listed everything you should consider when choosing a pool float, and the best ones on the market for tanning!
Why Is It A Good Idea To Tan On A Pool Float?
Tanning in the pool can actually help you tan faster. Water reflects sunlight, so you will be able to develop a darker tan when laying on a pool float or when swimming than what you would when just sitting out in the sun.
It is also a great way to keep cool while you are tanning and to feel oh so comfortable lounging around on a pool float.
It is important to note that you should still wear a small amount of sun protection if you are planning on being out on a pool float for an extended period. Spending too much time in the sun, especially when leaving your skin unprotected, can lead to sunburn and could damage your skin.
Buyer’s Guide – Pool Float For Tanning
When choosing a pool float to use for tanning, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. These factors will ensure that you choose the right pool float for you and that you will be able to spend hours in the pool developing your gorgeous tan!
Comfort Of The Pool Float
The pool float being comfortable is probably the most important factor! You won’t want to stay on a pool float for very long if it is uncomfortable.
Look to see if the pool float has a built-in pillow and maybe even some armrests or pockets for your items and lotion. A thick body of a pool float could also help add to comfort, but thinner ones are nice if you want to be closer to the water.
Just make sure the pool float you are wanting to buy is not flimsy, you want your whole body supported when on the water.
Space On The Pool Float
The two popular types of pool floats are flat loungers or chair-like loungers.
Chair loungers are super comfortable to laze around in the pool on, but they are not necessarily great for tanning. You cannot change positions too much on a chair lounger, and only your front will tan.
A flat lounger is best for tanning, as long as there is enough space on the lounger for you to change positions. You should be able to lie on your stomach and your back, so that all areas of your body can tan.
Enough space is pretty important if you don’t want to land up in the water every time you try to turn over and change positions on the pool float!
Extra Features
Pool floats for tanning don’t have to be boring. Yes, they should give you enough space to tan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun extra features too.
A cup holder for a drink, a fun print, or double-beds make for a more comfortable time spent out in the sun, and the more comfortable you are, the more time you can spend developing your tan in the pool!
The 7 Best Pool Floats For Tanning
Below are the 7 best pool floats for tanning:
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Aqua Inflatable Contour Lounge | 18 pockets, vents, pillow |
| 2. | Intext 18-Pocket Suntanner Inflatable Lounge | 18 pockets, head space, set of 2 |
| 3. | Greenco Giant Inflatable Double Mattress | Vents, double-sized |
| 4. | Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat | Mat style, fits multiple people |
| 5. | Swimline Sun Tan Tub Float | Tub-style mat, headrest, set of 2 |
| 6. | Sun Searcher Inflatable Pool Float | Fits multiple people, wide |
| 7. | Sunshine-Mall Inflatable Pool Float | Water hammock, for people up to 6' tall |
These will give you the most comfortable, relaxing summer days in the sun, building your beautiful tan! Let’s check them out.
1. Aqua Inflatable Contour Lounge
This contour lounger is designed with soft fabric and integrated stay-cool vents that work to create the most comfortable and cooling environment while you tan!
The free motion pillow supports your head as you drift away on the water, making the most of the sun. With contoured support, the pillow keeps your head in the perfect position, offering support to your whole body.
Being super buoyant, you don’t have to worry about slowly sinking into the water as time goes by. The lounger comfortably supports you in the water, as you lay on the soft, luxury fabric.
Compact and quick to inflate, the lounger can be taken on holiday with you, or simply inflated and packed away each day with very little hassle. It is one of the most comfortable pool floats you could hope for, and it will support you through hours of tanning in the pool, keeping you cool and your body supported.
2. Intex Suntanner Floating Lounger
Intex is a trusted name when it comes to pool floats. You can be sure that their Suntanner Lounger is one of the better options to help you relax and tan at the same time!
This set of two means you and a friend or partner can spend an afternoon on the water relaxing together, developing your tan with some company.
A coil beam-style air mattress design gives good support on the water and is comfortable whether you are on your back or your stomach. Made with durable 11 gauge vinyl top and bottom, the loungers are resistant to tears and last for quite a long time.
The hole in the lounger at the top allows you to lay on your back or stomach comfortably so that all areas of your body can tan. The floats are also wonderfully stable, so there is no tipping over once you are comfortably on the lounger.
The 18 pockets not only give it some of that support, but they also act as cup holders as well, so you can really enjoy your day out in the pool without ever having to leave!
3. Greenco Giant Inflatable Double Mattress
If you don’t want to spend your time in the pool squished on a single lounger, then the Greenco Giant Inflatable Double Mattress is exactly what you need!
This queen-size double mattress offers you more than enough space to change positions and lounge about, making sure you get an even tan all over!
It is made from high-quality heavy-duty vinyl PVC, which makes the lounger very durable, and resistant to easy tears. With one air chamber, the lounger is easy to inflate and easy to deflate when it is time to pack away.
The French-style pockets found across the lounger trap water from the pool to cool you down when lounging about, and to offer maximum comfort.
This is a great option for when you want to tan with a friend, and don’t want to constantly float away from each other in the pool. You will both comfortably fit on the lounger with more than enough room to move around.
4. Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat
To avoid having to inflate and deflate a pool float every time you get into the water, you can just use a floating mat instead.
The Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat measures 114 x 84″, and is made from durable vinyl. The mat sits on the top of the water and floats evenly, even when you and others are sat atop it.
The new design offers optimal comfort, and lets you sit right on the surface of the water, and which lets just a little bit of water through to keep you cool on hot days.
On each corner of the pool mat are connectors which allow you to connect the mat to other floats, so everyone can enjoy a day out together on the pool or a bigger body of water.
For tanning, the mat offers an incredibly big space for you to stretch out and enjoy the sunshine, whether you are on your stomach, back, or side. You will still be in contact with enough water to keep you cool enough when it gets too hot.
The mat folds up to a small size, which makes it easy to travel with and easy to store. You never have to worry about spending time inflating your pool float, only to find holes and tears, when all you want to do is get onto the water and tan!
5. Swimline Sun Tan Tub Swimming Pool Float
It doesn’t get more comfortable than the Swimline Sun Tan Tub Swimming Pool Float. The tub-design keeps you comfortable in the center, while being close to the water to keep you cool.
You could even fill the center of the lounger with water, for your own mini-pool on the top of the actual pool! It is strong enough to hold both you and the water.
There are two pool floats in this set, and both come with all-around grab ropes, so you can stay attached to each other in the pool, and not worry about constantly floating away.
The center of the lounger is big enough to allow you to change positions to tan evenly all over and offers good support to keep you comfortable. The large loungers are as comfortable as can be, and offer a great way to spend the afternoon tanning in the pool!
6. Sun Searcher Citrus Oasis Inflatable Pool Float
Citrus and summer go hand in hand, and to really make it a fun summer’s day, lounge about on this citrus pool float!
This large pool float measures 5-feet in diameter, which is big enough to fit quite a few people, or even better, big enough to allow you to stretch out and change positions often to get the most even, beautiful tan!
Made from durable, high-strength vinyl, the pool float will last a long time and will give you endless days on the pool, building your perfect summer tan.
Easy to use, the pool float inflates and deflates in mere minutes, so you can spend more time in the sun, and less time worrying about setting up and packing away your pool float!
7. Sunshine-Mall Inflatable Pool Float
If getting on and off pool floats makes you nervous, and if you often find yourself tipping into the pool, you should try the Sunshine-Mall Inflatable Pool Float.
It is one of the easiest pool floats to get on or off, as the seat rests in the water. You really don’t have to worry about flopping over into the pool when getting in.
More of a water-hammock, it is the perfect way to build a tan on a hot day, with some of your body submerged in the water to keep cool.
With the all-around inflatable sides, you can lay on your back or your stomach, while your body is kept cool in the water, and your head is kept up and supported on the soft cushioning.
The pool float inflates and deflates easily, and can be packed up small, so it can go with you on vacation or to tan in a friend’s pool!
Tanning Faster On A Pool Float
To help tan quicker when on a pool float, you could use tanning oil. Good tanning oils help to accelerate your tan, but contain essential ingredients which help to nourish and protect your skin while you tan.
This allows you to spend less time in the sun, but still develop a gorgeously golden tan, and allows your skin to still stay healthy and nourished, without being too damaged from the sun.
It is recommended to use a tanning oil or sun tanning lotion when sitting in the sun. You will still develop a tan, but at least you are giving your skin some protection, to prevent damage and sunburn.
Related Questions
Is it bad to leave pool floats in the pool?
If the pool float is made from plastic, then you should not leave it in the pool. You should deflate the pool float and pack it away when you are done with it.
The plastic pool float will break down over time, due to the exposure to heat, sunlight, and water. You will notice that the plastic becomes thin and stretchy, and this could lead to holes, tears, and leaks, and your pool float will be useless.
How much can the average pool float hold?
The average, single-person pool float can hold a maximum of 200 to 250 pounds in the water, but you should check the product details to be sure about your particular float. More weight than the listed amount will likely submerge the pool float.
Double mattress pool floats will often hold more weight than this, but the weight should be spread out by one person stretched out or ideally by multiple people.
How should I store my pool float in winter?
When summer is done, you should lay your pool floats out flat to dry before rolling them up and storing them in a cool, dry place for the winter. This prevents mold and damage, and ensures that the pool floats will be like-new when summer comes around again!
Up Next: Can You Tan Through Water? Everything You Need To Know
