The Best Dog Floats For Pool in 2022
Who doesn’t love a long, hot summer lounging in the pool or playing in the water to cool down – and there really is no reason why your pooch shouldn’t join in the fun. Whether you are lucky enough to have your own pool or like to take a dip in a local lake or at the beach, a pool float can make it a totally relaxing experience. And with the right pool raft, your dog can float along with you too. Whether he is a water-lover and confident in swimming or a little more on the nervous side, a pool float means he can enjoy the pool without really needing to get his paws wet. We take a look at the best dog floats for the pool that are worth dipping into.
Best Dog Floats For Pool
1. Kelsyus Dog Float for Pool
Key Features
Hammock design supports up to 250 pounds
Designed for pool or lake use
Mesh bed sits lower in the water to keep dogs cool
Side clips for secure tethering
Durable and designed for extra stability in the water, the long hammock shape of the Kelsyus makes it laid back option for your pooch. Although intended for humans, the Kelsyus can easily take a large dog as it can support up to 250 pounds. And it proves itself to be a good choice for pets as it has an inner spring design which makes it more stable in the water. Made from durable material with a fabric coating, it is tough enough for canine use and can withstand pawing and claws. And the central bed is made from mesh, which gives a delightfully comfortable floating experience. This is a substantial pool float which we think can easily accommodate your dog and his human for the ultimate ‘lazing in the pool’ bonding experience! One of the best dog floats for pool in our review.
2. SwimWays Dog Pool Float
Key Features
Supports dogs up to 65 pounds
Durable construction with claw friendly fabric
Side inserts let some water into the mesh bed
Fold flat and packs up for easy transport
Designed for smaller dogs and made with a puncture resistant construction and paw-friendly fabric covering, the Spring Float for dogs is a great value buy that will give your pet lots of floating fun. With a maximum load capacity of 65 pounds, the Spring Float can easily accommodate small to medium dogs and, with its inner spring system, gives them confidence from the extra stability. The water also flows across the mesh bed, enabling a hot dog to keep cool. And, when pool time is over, the dog float folds flat into a compact circle for quick and easy storage and transport, making it the ideal vacation companion for your pooch. One of our cool pool floats that won’t tip the budget over-board.
3. Intex River Run Inflatable Dog Water Float
Key Features
For pool or open water use
Durable vinyl and mesh bottom
Built-in back rest and cup holders
Side handles and grab rope
The River Run is a more extreme fun type of float that has been built to cope with rough and tumble, whether that’s on the river or in the pool. Which makes it a good option if your pooch can get a bit excitable in the water or needs a sturdy platform to get their water confidence from. It is a chair style float, with a decent depth to the seat well, which is finished in mesh to let that lovely cool water flow through. The vinyl of the circular tube is durable and the seams well-sealed so certainly up to paws. And the sturdy back rest offers comfortable support. As a pet owner, there is the added peace of mind of the two heavy duty handles for secure handling and an all-round grab rope to keep your pooch close to hand. And, when you want to use it in place of your pet, there’s a couple of pretty handy cup holders to stash your poolside cocktail as you soak up the sun.
4. Kelsyus Dog Float for Pool
Key Features
Fabric-covered durable floating chair lounger
Inner spring system for excellent in-water stability
Mesh seat and integrated back rest
Side handles and tether clip
While not specifically designed for the canine, the size and layout of the Kelsyus Floating Lounger means you may well be tussling with your pool-loving pooch for some sunbathing space! Lounger is the operative word – this pool float is born to lounge on and what dog wouldn’t like that? And its built-in stability spring keeps everything on an even keel. The mesh bottom will dip their body a little under the water for a cooling experience on a hot day while the supportive back rest and raised inflated sides keep your doggo secure. The mesh cover over the whole float protects the inner from claws and paws so durable enough for dog use. And the side clips and handles enable you to secure and maneuver the float to keep your pooch happy and safe. Definitely a pool float for the humans and dogs in your family to share.
5. SwimWays Dog Water Float
Key Features
Inner spring system for extra stability
Mesh seat supports your pooch in the water
Folds down flat into its own carry bag
Fabric covered for extra durability
Sometimes the simplest designs are the most effective and we think this applies to the Spring Float Papasan. Designed for adults, children and pets, you get a stable floating ring, with a soft mesh seat that drops neatly below for a secure, water seat experience. The result is a wonderful floating chair that can easily accommodate the family pooch and is well-priced, so you can also get one for yourself for a little quality in-water time with your pet. The inflated ring is also fabric covered for extra durability as well as comfort. This is a great pool float that can easily be used by dogs and as it folds flat in its own carry bag, a good choice for vacations or a day trip to the lake.
6. Swimline Dog Pool Float
Key Features
Distinct large bone shaped styling
Fits one person or a large dog
Durable vinyl that is paw friendly
Quick and easy to inflate
Super-cute and a decent pool float to boot, this bone-shaped pool float is as much fun for your dog as it is for his human. Made from durable vinyl, the Dog Days Bone Float has a good surface area for even larger dogs to spread out on and lounge. The design also means all their body is kept out of the water so is a good option as a floating platform if you pooch would rather not get wet. And, if they do feel the need to slip into the water to cool off, with a little help from their human, it is pretty easy to get back on to dry off in the sun. Despite its size, it is quick and simple to inflate, thanks to the easy inflate valves and, once the pool day is done, quickly deflates to be stored away. One to bring a smile to your face and to give your doggo more confidence in the water.
7. Paws Aboard Pool Raft for Dogs
Key Features
Puncture resistant vinyl
Won’t stain, fade or succumb to mildew
Water stable and easy to inflate
Available in two sizes
And finally, to our Premium Pick – the bright and vibrant Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft that will bring a little sunshine to your pooch’s pool life. Large enough to accommodate dogs up to 90 pounds, the paw-shaped Lazy Raft is made from puncture-resistant UV-resistant durable vinyl that can cope with excited pooches’ paws and claws. A smaller version is also available. And the design means as a floating platform for one or more dogs it is impressively stable, with a tiny vent in the top surface to ensure the float is never too soft or over-inflated. For lazy dog that simply wants to float and bask in the sunshine, to the more active dog that likes to take to the water to play, the Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft is a quality pool float for dogs that is also worth the money.
Best Dog Floats For Pool Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying Dog Floats For Pool
When it comes to mixing water with dogs, even for fun, there are important things to consider when buying a float for your pooch:
- Size and shape: First up, the float needs to be the right size for your dog, as well as shape to ensure the right buoyancy and that it can safely float with your pup on board. Also, ensure he will be able to get his whole body on and works with how he likes to relax – eg. flat out or curled up – as some dog water floats are circular and others are more elongated. Also, make sure the float is not so big that smaller dogs can get caught up or lost inside the float’s folds.
- Intended use: A dog pool float for a contained space is likely to be less robust that a float you can use on open water, including the ocean. Choose the best dog floaties for your intended water use and never use it beyond its recommended water environment.
- Weight limit: You want the dog float to, well, float so check that your chosen canine inflatable can actually take the weight of your pooch. All inflatable pool floats should come with a maximum weight restriction so make sure your pet is inside the max.
- Material and durability: It’s inevitable there will be a lot of movement onboard the float, and dogs tend to flail with their legs, have sharp claws or could even be a bit of a float chewer. Check the material of the float you have your eye on to ensure it is suitably wear-resistant and any seams are robust enough not to suddenly deflate. Vinyl is generally a good material to look out for.
- Stability and support: As well as being a comfortable ride for your pooch, dog floaties also need to have enough stability to stay floating and give his canine body enough support. Look for extra inflation chambers that help to keep the float filled and buoyant.
- Additional safety features: When it comes to water, safety must factor into everything you do with your doggo and that includes a float. As well as extra inflation chambers, look for grab ropes on the side of the float for easy maneuvering and a tether cord is always a good idea as it enables you to secure the float and keep it safely in one place.
Types of Dog Floats for Pool
Just like floats for his human, dog floats tend to come in two main types – flat floats or chair floats. Flat floats do exactly what they say – the float flat on top of the water and can typically take a canine passenger lying flat. Chair floats have raised edges like a chair so your pup can sit seated and upright in the middle. The inflated edges sit atop the water, while the seat – which is often made from mesh – sits slightly submerged in the water, meaning it is a great way for a water-confident pooch to keep its cool on a hot day. Take a look at our review of dog pools for more options.
Why You Should Buy Dog Floats for Pool
Dog floats can be a whole heap of fun for both you and your pet and are also a good way for your pooch to get used to and enjoy time in the pool or even open water, as long as he is under close supervision. Pool floats can also act as a raft if your swimming dog gets tired and are a great place for them to chill and relax, especially on a hot summer day. And finally, for dogs that are a little nervous of the water, pool rafts can be a good way to introduce them without the initial need for them to get wet.
You may also like our article on Dog Life Jackets.
Our Top Pick
Designed for humans, the Kelsyus Floating Hammock is ideal for dogs as it is both robust and stable, thanks to the tough fabric cover and inner spring system. It can also take larger dogs easily and has a large flat mesh bed that supports the body and helps to keep your pooch cool. With space to spare, you can share the bed with your pet, making it now only our best choice but great value for money.
FAQ
Q: What is a dog float for a pool?
Simply put, a dog float for a pool is an inflatable raft that can take the size and weight of your dog and enables them to get involved with his human family pool time fun. It can be used for a floating platform where he can rest and relax or as a fun toy he can play on and around when in the pool. They tend to be more robust than normal pool floats but in principle, they are the same.
Q: Can the dog get into it from the water by himself?
It does all depend on the size, shape and overall stability of the pool float. However, for safety and also to not spook more water-nervous dogs, it is always advisable to hold the float secure as your pet clambers aboard, especially if you are in more open water.
Q: How do I inflate dog floats for a pool?
Most dog pool floats are inflated by blowing air – either manually or with a pump – into the innertube via a valve. Some floats have a single inflation compartment, while others have several so you will need to ensure they are all inflated evenly for balance on the water. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid over-inflating.
Q: Is it resistant to dog 's claws?
The more durable the material, the more like it is to be able to take the rough and tumble of your dog as they have fun in the pool. Pool floats specifically designed for dogs will tend to be tougher and more resistant to claws – whichever type of float you use, look for a robust material such as vinyl. And to help protect and prolong the life of your dog pool float, always make sure your dog’s claws are not too long or sharp.