I tested five dog pool floats and found SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws to be the best for comfort, safety, and durability.
I lived near a lake growing up and spent a lot of time in the water with my dogs. After all, it’s great exercise and it’s a good bonding experience. Even today, my Lab paws at the bathroom door when he knows I’m in the tub!
A pool float is an excellent option for your dog when he wants to take a break from swimming, but doesn’t want to leave the pool or if he just wants to relax with you in the water without kicking around. Today, we’re rounding up the 5 best dog pool floats. I’m a big believer in having one and I’ve certainly tried them all!
Our Best Dog Pool Floats
- SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws tops our list of pool floats for dogs. It’s the perfect combination of durability, comfort, and maneuverability, all at a reasonable price. It’s also easy to inflate, deflate, store, and features a fun design.
If you have more specific needs though, our other options in this roundup have distinct strengths!
- Best for Hot Weather: Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge
- Best for Durability: Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft
- Best for Comfort: Swimline Sunsoft Mattress
- Best Budget Pick: Kelsyus Chaise Lounger
5 Best Dog Pool Floats
Best Overall: SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws
Thanks to its perfect balance of price and features, the SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws raft hits high marks in comfort, maneuverability, and security.
The surface is a comfortable fabric that’s also paw and claw resistant, so you don’t have to worry about surprise punctures. This quality, and its raised sides also add security, for those pups who want to float but not swim.
For stability each side features inserts for water flow, and also a patented inner spring that keeps your pooch balanced on the water.
The SwimWays Spring Float also gets bonus points for ease of use. When it’s deflated, it folds into itself and becomes a manageable circular format. This has saved me a lot of time compared to having to manually fold deflated rafts and find something to carry it in!
Finally, it’s a fun bright blue with a cute paw print on the sides and comes in two sizes: One for smaller breeds that hold up to 70lbs and one for bigger dogs that hold 65lbs and up.
Best for Hot Weather: Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge
Hot days are the best pool days, but you don’t want your canine companion to overheat while you’re splashing around out there! The Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge eliminates this risk because of its detachable sunshade, comfort rest, and light color, reflecting heat better than darker designs.
The comfortable rest is great for support regardless of what position your dog wants to relax in. My dog is always switching positions when he’s lounging.
The raft features air chambers for safe floating, and a capacity of up to 400lbs of weight without bending. This means you can float around with your great dane, or even multiple small and medium pups!
I love the flexibility of the sunshade. If your dog needs a little vitamin D, you can take the shade down. If the sun gets too strong, you can put the shade back up.
Best for Durability: Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft
The Paws Aboard Lazy Raft is constructed with vinyl that’s puncture-resistant, UV-resistant, won’t stain, fade, or get mildewed over time. This durable build will keep your dog safe and also ensure you guys have years of pool fun together! These features also make it perfect for outdoor pools.
The giant paw-shaped design is not only bright and adorable, but can fit your dog and his friends on it. This raft features a respectable 90lb weight capacity.
It’s also one of the easier options for maintenance. It’s super simple to just deflate, store, and re-inflate. Moreover, the sun-resistant vinyl means that you can keep it floating out on the pool on those days you’re just too worn out from too much pool fun to store it!
Best for Comfort: Swimline Sunsoft Mattress
This raft is so comfortable, it literally feels like a mattress on the pool as its namesake implies. The Swimline Sunsoft Mattress is long, super cushioned, and is designed to give a bean-bag feel that molds to your dog’s body shape. He’ll also sink in, similar to memory foam.
It’s cleverly designed with multiple chambers. This makes inflating the raft quick and effortless, and further contributes to comfort since you can personalize each chamber to match your pet’s comfort level.
The construction includes both vinyl and a proprietary SunSoft fabric for a balance of durability and cooling comfort.
Another unique quality is that this raft is designed for humans and dogs. It can accommodate medium-sized dogs, several small dogs, and you can join your buddy on the raft too! Finally, it comes complete with a handle and drain.
Best Budget Pick: Kelsyus Chaise Lounger
The Kelsyus Chaise Lounger has a lot of the same features as pool rafts much more expensive. It features a patented inner spring around the edge of the raft for durability, comfort, and stability on the water.
The seat is constructed with a soft mesh, so your dog can dip into the water while keeping security in the raft.
Maintenance is also easy. The patented jet valve allows for quick inflation and deflation, and the water-resistant carrying bag keeps the raft compact and portable when not in use.
The Lounger supports dogs and people up to 250lbs, so even St. Bernards can enjoy the pool with you!
What to Look for When Buying a Dog Pool Float
Comfort and Safety
Comfort and safety are closely related. Your dog won’t be safe if he isn’t comfortable, and he won’t be comfortable unless he is secure.
Always consider the top lining of the pool float. Vinyl may be stronger and water-resistant, but fabric and mesh are softer to the touch. Of course, every dog is different, so pay attention to his preferences.
Water flow, inner springs, or inflatable sides contribute to stability.
Weight Capacity
How much does your dog weigh and how dense is he? Do you have multiple dogs? Manufacturers sometimes make two versions of one pool float model, one for bigger breeds and one for smaller breeds.
Another option is pool floats made for humans and dogs. If it can hold a full-grown human, it can likely hold a full-grown Mastiff.
Make sure to leave room within the weight capacity. If your dog is 40 lbs, find a pool float that can carry 45-50lbs.
Material and Durability
Related to comfort and security, the materials the float is made out of also contributes to longevity. You don’t want to buy a new pool float every year, after all!
Look for strong materials like vinyl. Moreover, if you’re going to be outside, make sure that the pool float is properly treated for sun exposure.
Most importantly, the float must be paw, claw, and scratch-resistant. If it’s made specifically for dogs, then this is a given. If you’re using one made for humans and dogs, enquire before buying.
Indoor or Outdoor
Where will you use your pool float? An indoor pool or an outdoor pool? On the lake or in the ocean?
If your pool is outdoors or if you’ll be swimming in a natural body of water, make sure the pool float is UV-resistant or seawater resistant. You also need to look into how to maintain the float. If you’re exposing it to seawater for example, is it easy to clean? It must be strong enough for accidental exposure to rocks or other hard edges.
Inflation, Deflation, and Storage
Jet valves and sectional inflation and deflation make this part really simple. There shouldn’t be a lot of inflating with a simple pool float, but a pump might make your life easier.
If you plan on taking your dog to public pools, lakes, or oceans, you’ll want a float that’s easy to transport. If it can fold into itself and minimize in size, not only will it be easy to bring everywhere but easy to store as well.
FAQs
How do I train my dog to use a pool float?
As with anything, gradual exposure and incentives are a good way to train your dog. Dogs are natural swimmers. Sometimes you just have to show them how to get on the float from the water. For smaller dogs, simply put them on the raft and see how they react. Help your dog by holding the float still as they hop on.
Should I buy a pump to inflate my float?
It’s a judgment call. Most floats won’t require that much air. The bigger the float, the longer it will take to blow up. There are manual and electric pumps out there that can make blowing up a float easier and faster. However, it is one more thing to store.
The Best Dog Pool Float
This depends what you’re looking for! However, its price, durability, comfort, and maneuverability make the SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws top on our list!
Does your dog have sensitive paws? Opt for the Swimline Sunsoft Mattress for maximum comfort. For maximum durability, however, the Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft is the best pick.
If you want an affordable option, go for the Kelsyus Chaise Lounger. If you’ll be out all day, then the Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge is perfect for extended sun exposure and hot weather.
Feel free to click on any of the above links to get your own dog pool float. Happy swimming!
