5 Cheap Best Pool Floats for Dogs to Swim On This Summer (2020)

Dogs love to be in the pool, but treading water for long will tire them out. While there are some great dog pools out there, they can be expensive. But if you have a regular pool in your backyard, the below ranked best pool floats for dogs will allow your pooch to float happily around the pool without the risk of becoming overtired and you to enjoy afternoons lounging around in the water with your best buddy.

Dog pool floats may seem like a silly idea, but they are actually very practical. How many times have you had to put your dog inside or contain them somehow to keep them out of the pool because they need a break? Some dogs just don’t know when to quit, and rather than risking an accident, we have to force them to take a break from swimming.

Below we’ve picked and reviewed some of the best pool floats for dogs we’ve liked using in our own backyard pool. With these, dogs can take that break from swimming and still be around water. With a bit of training, you can teach a dog to enjoy floating around on the water instead of swimming in it. As a bonus, these dog floats for the pool can also be used by people when your pooch isn’t around.

What Exactly Are Dog Pool Floats and Why to Buy One?

Unsurprisingly, a dog pool float is of the same concept as those made for people – inflatable pool floaties that are designed to take the weight of your dog. They allow your pooch to enjoy the pool without having to tread water or swim all the time.

While they are similar to pool floats for humans, the one difference is that pool floats for dogs are usually made from sturdier material for durability and to provide protection from your dog’s claws. While there are many types of dog pool floats, they all can be divided into two main categories:

Flat Pool Floats – As the name implies, these floats are flat and float on top of the water. These are the best choice for dogs that feel comfortable in the water and only need a place where they can take a break from swimming. Flat pool floats are also the most popular among pet owners and will be the most comfortable for the majority of canines.

Chair Pool Floats – These pool floats come with raised edges, so they have a visible barrier between the water and them. Some of them have a mesh sitting area, which gets slightly submerged when your dog sits in it to keep him cool while he rests.

Why Would Your Pet Need a Dog Pool Float?

Pool floats for dogs are not just good for entertainment; they are also a great way to introduce puppies and dogs to the pool environment, particularly those pets who aren’t that comfortable in and around water. They are important for your dog’s safety, especially if the dog is not a strong swimmer or if they tend to get tired quickly.

Dog pool floats, although designed for pools as it says in the name, can also be used in other bodies of water, like rivers, lakes or beaches.

How to Choose the Best Dog Pool Float?

When you’re shopping for the right pool float for a dog, there are several aspects you need to consider. You don’t want to buy a dog pool float not fit for your pet’s weight and size, or one that is not completely stable. Pay attention to these below things.

1. Size and Weight Restrictions

The most important thing to consider is the size of the pool float and whether it can withstand your dog’s weight. Measure your dog’s size and his weight beforehand so you can find the float that fits him properly.

Some pool floats are designed for small dogs, others are more suitable for larger breeds. For example, long pool floats are not suitable for small dogs because they are more likely to curl up on one end and tip it over. Likewise, round floats are not a good fit for long or tall dogs because they won’t have enough room to feel comfortable.

2. Materials

The pool float that you choose for your dog has to be sturdy and durable. It has to be strong enough not to be damaged by your dog’s claws. That’s why it is important to check what material the float is made from.

Look for multi-layered pool floats, as well as those that are covered with fabric strong enough to withstand a bit of claw action. Pool floats for dogs made out of vinyl are also a good choice.

3. Indented Use

While some dog pool floats can be used in other water bodies, not all of them are suitable for that. Check the manufacturer’s manual to determine whether it is safe to use the doggie pool float on a lake or a beach.

Another thing to consider here is the tether points. These are important because they allow you to secure the pool float in place when you don’t use it. You can secure it either to the side of the pool or to a dock if you go to a lake. Tether points are usually found on the side of the underside of the float, although they can sometimes come separately, mostly in the form of an additional plastic ring.

4. Additional Safety Features

Some pool floats for dogs come with additional chambers to ensure that the float won’t deflate by itself. Others come with grab ropes so you can hold on to something if you need to get to your dog. Any feature that a float has to increase the safety of your pooch is a welcome addition and a big plus.

The Best Pool Floats for Dogs to Swim On

1SwimWays Paddle Paws Pool Float

This float from SwimWays supports breeds of over 65 pounds. It is made of a sturdy material that is paw-and-claw resistant. An inner spring sewn around the circumference of the float provides stability, reinforcement, and comfort. The float inflates using jet valve technology and deflates quickly for easy storage.

The material is amazingly durable, as buyers soon found out. Even when put under very demanding situations, the fabric didn’t show signs of giving in or ripping. Most customers reported that the material is indeed the toughest part of the float, enduring nails, and contact with rough surfaces.

The metal spring and tubing that’s supposed to hold the shape of the float, however, has been the first to give in. The air valve or stopper on the SwimWays Paddle Paws Dog Pool Float also needs to be improved in future versions, because it is a little difficult to secure, especially when the float has already been fully inflated.

Overall, the concept used in manufacturing this float is a great one. Dogs couldn’t have been happier during pool time than being in their own floats. Customers said that though the large-size float was designed for 65-lb dogs and heavier, it would last longer if it was used by smaller dogs. The material used is unbelievably puncture-proof. The metal frame must be stronger, though, if the float were to be as functional as its material is durable.

PROS: Supports dogs over 65 pounds Inflates using jet valve technology Deflates quickly for easy storage

CONS: The outer material is durable, but metal spring and tubing that holds the shape gives way easier Air valve stopper can be tricky to secure

 

2Paws Aboard Doggy Pool Float Raft

The large size of this floating raft measures 50×39 inches and is ideal for dogs weighing 30 to 90 pounds. It is made of a material that can resist the dog’s playful paw abuse, but it may not be able to stand a cat’s sharp nails. This dog float from Paws Aboard is easy to inflate and deflate, and it has a single loop for hanging or securing a rope.

Dogs can jump on this raft and stay afloat while enjoying the company of others during pool time. Customers were happy to say that their pets enjoyed the float so much. Pet siblings raced to beat each other to the float, and sometimes take turns floating and pulling the raft.

Those pet owners who had this float for a couple of summers or more were pleasantly surprised that it lasted so long. The Paws Aboard Doggy Dog Pool Float Lazy Water Raft proved to be tough and just the perfect thing to have for highly active pets. The float’s simple design makes it fuss-free – you can romp with it on the water and hang it afterward to dry.

Storing it wet causes molds and mildew to form, and this is actually the only thing that buyers didn’t like about it. This could be a complaint with any of the best pool floats for dogs though. With diligent drying after each use, this remains to be one of the best pool floats for dogs available.

PROS: Supports dogs weighing between 30 and 90 pounds Easy to inflate and deflate Equipped with a single loop to attach a rope We were impressed with the longevity of this product

CONS: Storing this float wet will cause mold and mildew to form

 

3Kelsyus Floating Chair

This floating chair from Kelsyus is designed for adult humans up to 250 pounds but is also one of the best pool floats for dogs. It measures 39 inches x 39 inches x 17 inches when fully inflated, and is equipped with a backrest, innerspring along with the tubing that encloses the float.

For human use, this is perfect for lazing on the pool, propped up by the backrest while reading a book. For pets, they can just relax and plop on it while they float by themselves or while the float is tethered to their human’s float, boat, or dock.

Customers say that this is a heavy-duty float that can support humans or pets alike. It is very stable and won’t tip over easily since this was designed for a user who may want to sit up and lean back. It allows just enough water to keep cool, without fully immersing your dog. Buyers found the Kelsyus Floating Chair to be of great quality and craftsmanship.

The cup holder, though, has not been of much use to them. Once deflated, the float does not fold up very nicely, said a customer. So it may not be as neat and handy if you want to bring it along on a trip. Overall, this is a well-made float for both humans and dogs. It is also very reasonably priced – almost half the usual price of the best pool floats for dogs.

PROS: Made to support humans up to 250 pounds Can be tethered to a dock, boat, another float, etc… Does not tip over easily

CONS: This dog float for pools does not fold up as neatly as others, making it a little more difficult for tiny storage places

 

4Kelsyus Floating Lounger

This floating lounger is an expansion of the floating chair design above. It also has the integrated mesh seat and backrest, but this float from Kelsyus comes with a footrest for a full relaxing stretch on the pool or lake. It can support heavy humans up to 250 pounds, and it’s great for enjoying the water with pets. If you have a small or medium breed, you could both probably fit on this, which is what makes it one of the best pool floats for dogs.

A fully inflated lounger measures 56 inches x 38 inches x 5.5 inches. It allows the body to cool under the water level while keeping it afloat. It has side clips to attach to other floaters, a boat, or the dock as well. Buyers took note that the float was very well-designed. The seat and backrest were great, especially for those with back issues.

Its sturdiness and big size allowed pets to float with their owners. The fabric covering on the seat was both comfortable and functional. It prevented the skin from sticking to the plastic surface of the Kelsyus Floating Lounger, which can be quite unpleasant. Some buyers thought that the side clips were rather flimsy, but found out that a carabineer easily solved the issue. Some dog owners also thought that there should be other color choices available.

The design of this float is probably one of the most ingenious, which is one of the main reasons it made our list of the best pool floats for dogs. It has combined lounging and floating in one product. Buyers could not be more satisfied with a float. This product is so tough that it can support the combined weight of both pet and pet owners as they enjoy a lazy day on the water together.

PROS: Holds up to 250 pounds and has room for you and your dog Equipped with side clips that allow you to attach to other floaters, a boat, dock, etc… Designed well to comfortable for dogs and humans

CONS: We thought the side clips were flimsy We wanted more color options

 

5Intex River Run I Sport Lounge

This 53-inch diameter round water float from Intex has a backrest integrated into it to allow for back support and a relaxing cruise on the water. The bottom is made of a mesh which adds to the comfort and coolness of the skin. A grab rope runs along the circumference of the float, and there are two handles for easy grabbing. This is absolutely one of the best pool floats for dogs.

There are two air chambers to make the float a lot safer to use. Satisfied buyers found this vinyl float much to their liking. It could easily support children, pets, and even adults as they take a relaxing dip in the pool, river, or lake. The vinyl surface stays cool even under prolonged exposure to the sun.

The float is quite easy to blow up to its fully-inflated size, although buyers are advised to always make an air pump available. A manual or an electric pump will do. The whole thing is even quicker to deflate, taking all of 30 seconds with its quick-release valve. Some users were surprised how this vinyl floater brushed against river rocks several times and did not pop. Undoubtedly, it is made of high-quality material.

This durability makes the Intex River Run I Sport Lounge one of the best pool floats for dogs there is. There could be some problems with leaking valves or leaks on the seams, but these can be easily fixed. This is the reason why buyers recommend that floats be inflated and tried at least a day before jumping into the water. It would also help to get your dog accustomed to the float so that when it’s river cruising day, the float will not be a strange swimming accessory to him.

PROS: Seat is made of very strong mesh that will hold up to your dog’s claws Grab rope runs along the circumference and it is equipped with two easy-grab handles Vinyl surface stays cool in the sun

CONS: There was an instance of leaky valves and leaks at the seams

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