Floating water mats are handy gears to use when in a pool, lake, or ocean because of the support they give. That is why it is essential to pick the best-floating water mat right for your group.
You can find a lot of floating water mats in the stores, and all are claiming to be the best. Not all floating water mats are the same because of the different kinds of support they give. If it is your first time buying this product, you should know which to purchase.
You need to have an idea of what kind of products to buy and which brands to start to consider.
In this article, you will find out the best-floating water mats that most users love. You will also learn what are the considerations when buying from stores.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Floating Water Mats Reviewed
- Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat
- Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Water Mat
- Rubber Dockie Duckling Feet Floating Mat
- MISSION Boat Gear Reef Inflatable Floating Mat and Water Lounge
- iFloats Water Pad Party Floating Foam Water Mat
- Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock and Water Lounge
- WOW World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Walkway
1. Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat
Specifications:
- 180-inch x 72-inch x 1.5-inch size and thickness
- 1,500 pounds capacity for a balanced distributed weight
- Made from non-toxic polyethylene (PE)
- Available in six different colors
The Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat is one of the perfect products that the whole family can use. With its size of 15 feet by 6 feet, it is impossible not to share space with family members and friends. It can also support up to 1,500 pounds of combined weight.
If you are a parent considering the Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat for your next bonding session with your family, you do not have to worry about its construction. The Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat is from a non-toxic PE that is safe for your kids.
Your kids can play and tumble because the Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat is durable. It is UV-resistant and consists of two-ply foam that resists punctures and tears.
The Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat includes the essential accessories in the packages: the Velcro straps, bungee cord, and D-ring. These accessories are crucial to tether your water mat on docks or boats. With these extras, you can sleep and relax on the floating mat peacefully without drifting away from your favorite spot.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can support up to six people | Not as big as other floating mats |
| Thick | Can get scratches easily |
2. Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat
Specifications:
- 114-inch x 84-inch size
- 250 pounds capacity
- Made from 20-gauge vinyl
- Available only in blue color
The Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat is one of the most affordable mats that you can buy on the market. Despite its price, it is not inferior in quality. The brand itself can already imply that the Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat is not like any other unreliable products out there. Intex has been a trusted brand for swimming gear.
The Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat provides ample space for your family, friends, or kids to play and enjoy when they are in the water.
The Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat also saves storage space because it is lightweight and compact. You can also inflate or deflate it quickly. You can carry it everywhere wherever you want, and you do not have to worry about providing extra space to store it.
What makes this product enjoyable is that you can use it with other Intex products, such as Intex floaters.
You can trust that it will last for a long time because of its 20-gauge vinyl construction. Yet, the Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat is not resistant to punctures. The cheap price tells it all.
Yet, it does not mean that it is worthless at all. The Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat is a practical floating mat to use for swimming pools.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can connect to other Intex products | Less durable than other non-inflatable floating mat products |
| Can support up to three adults | Available only in one color |
| Affordable | |
3. Rubber Dockie Duckling Feet Floating Mat
Specifications:
- 108-inch x 72-inch
- Made from two-ply foam
- The bright color scheme for high-visibility
With the Rubber Dockie Duckling Feet Floating Mat’s large size, you will not believe that this floating mat is the smaller version of the Rubber Dockie Floating Mat.
The latter’s size is enormous, which is 216-inch by 72 inches. Despite being smaller, its quality has never been inferior.
Rubber Dockie is proud to claim that this floating mat uses tear-stop technology that prevents lacerations. The outer layer can withstand everyday challenges, and it also feels comfortable on the skin.
The Rubber Dockie Duckling Feet Floating Mat comes with accessories that you can use to tether it so that you will not drift away when you are at the lake or sea.
When you use it, you will stand out among the crowd because of the bright color scheme it has that catches everyone’s attention. One side is orange, and the other one is green.
This color scheme feature is especially useful for accidents that might save your life someday.
This floating mat is ideal for a family or a small group of people looking for affordable but high-quality floating mats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-visibility colors that are helpful for emergencies | Comes with only one style |
| Durable due to the tear stop technology | Hard to flatten |
| Affordable | |
4. MISSION Boat Gear Reef Inflatable Floating Mat and Water Lounge
Specifications:
- Available in different sizes and shapes
- Made from 1000D nylon
The MISSION Boat Gear Reef Inflatable Floating Mat and Water Lounge come in different sizes and shapes. You can select which one is more fitting for your group. It is available in five sizes, and you can choose between hex and rectangle.
Despite being inflatable, MISSION is proud to say that its product is 1000D nylon made, a durable material used for naval applications. It is also thick. According to the manufacturer, you can jump and play on it all day without worrying that it will sink.
A storage bag comes with the package. You can store your floating mat to save space in your vehicle and keep the water mat safe from possible punctures during transport. It also comes with other accessories for tethering, such as the D-ring.
The MISSION Boat Gear Reef Inflatable Floating Mat comes with a pump that makes inflation easier and a repair kit to fix the mat for any possibilities that can happen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with a bag for storage | Quite expensive |
| Easy to inflate | Hard to flatten |
5. iFloats Water Pad Party Floating Foam Water Mat
Specifications:
- 1,000-pound capacity
- Available in seven sizes
- Made from closed-cell foam
- High-visibility color schemes, which are pink and blue; red, white, and blue; red and yellow
The iFloats Water Pad Party Floating Foam Water Mat is available in seven sizes to accommodate different groups’ needs. You and your family or friends can use it on the beach. It comes with a D-ring that you can use to anchor your floating mat at the docks or boats.
The manufacturer is proud to say that its product is durable because of the patented High Tensile Strength Center Core Materials used for it. That is why you can assure that the iFloats Water Pad Party Floating Foam Water Mat will last for a long time.
The iFloats Water Pad Party Floating Foam Water Mat is available in three different styles. All make use of bright color schemes that are important for safety.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable because of the closed-cell foam construction | Tethering strap slips off easily |
| Comes with straps for secure storage | |
| Easy to roll |
|
6. Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock and Water Lounge
Specifications:
- Available in three sizes
The Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock and Water Lounge are available in three size variations. The most prominent model can accommodate 10 people, while the smallest can accommodate 6.
According to the manufacturer, Aside from your friends, you can take your coolers and chairs aboard. It is how durable this floating platform is.
The manufacturer states that its durability is due to the drip-stitched material used for its construction. Thus, the Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock and Water Lounge is an ideal floating mat to use in lakes, pools, or anywhere.
It can also withstand when you use it in water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
The Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock and Water Lounge come with D-rings to anchor your floating mat at the boat. It has eight assist handles at the outside gusset that makes boarding on it easy.
Additionally, the Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock comes with a tote bag for secure storage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to inflate and deflate | Expensive |
| Comes with a tote bag | |
| Comes with the pump |
|
7. WOW World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Walkway
Specifications:
- Available in yellow blue, red, and green
- Available in different sizes
- Made from durable PVC
If you own a WOW World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Walkway, you are the boss. You can connect it to as many loungers as you want to make an enormous floating mat.
You can connect each side between the two boats. All you need to do is tie a rope in the grommet on each side.
After that, you created a walkway between the two boats to provide more space for an enjoyable party.
You can also lie down on it as you relax and bond with your family and friends.
What makes the WOW World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Walkway different from the other floating water mats is that you can connect it with many walkways. This feature makes this product versatile enough to meet the varying needs of people. You do not have to buy a separate product for your family or for gathering purposes.
All you have to do is connect the walkways to make them as big as a 6-foot by 50-foot floating water mat where your whole buddies can lounge.
You do not have to worry about the quality of the material because of its PVC construction which is durable enough to withstand wear and tear. The smallest size of this floating water mat can accommodate six standing adults.
Another feature of this product that makes its manufacturer proud is that it is quick-drying.
After cleaning it with soap and water, you can wait for it to dry and store it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zipper system to connect more mats | Deflation takes time |
| Can fit up to six individuals | |
Top Pick – Our Favorite Floating Mat
With several floating water mats on the market, it is tough to pick which one is the best. Each of these products has its strengths and weaknesses. It leaves the decision up to you on how you are going to utilize its features.
All the mentioned products are consumers’ favorites, but the product that is worth considering is the Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat. Looking at the package itself, it is hard not to fall in love with this product. It comes with a D-ring, velcro straps, a manual, and a bungee cord, which are the complete essentials for tethering your floating water mat.
You can be stylish with this product because you can select among the available six different bright colors.
Also, what makes this product one of the best is that it is durable. It can support up to 1,500 pounds of weight so that you and your family can bond.
Foam vs. Inflatable Floating Water Mats
Foam and inflatable floating water platforms have their strengths and weaknesses.
The foam-made ones are heavier and more durable. However, these products are also more expensive because they save you the time to inflate or deflate them. It can also last for a long time because it is puncture resistant.
The inflatable ones are lighter, cheaper, and more portable. On the other hand, these products are more prone to puncture and tear. These products can only last for a short while.
Generally, the foam-made ones are ideal for outdoor use, while the inflatables are for indoors.
What to Consider When Buying Floating Water Mats
When buying a floating water mat, you should plan to choose the best product. You should also learn which features to look at when you are already selecting your product.
How to Buy Floating Water Mats
Because there are many floating water mats on the market claiming to have the best features, it is difficult to decide which one to buy. Although there are products listed here, you are not sure if you will personally love them.
That is why it is essential to pick the product that you have chosen yourself so that you will be sure that you or your friends or family will enjoy using it.
For this reason, you need to consider when you are planning to buy floating water mats.
Things to Think About When Planning to Buy a Floating Water Platform
Who will use it?
Knowing who will use the floating mat is the primary consideration when buying one. Most people who purchase it are parents who want to provide enjoyable swimming pool gear for their kids. If you are one of these people, a small water mat is enough; unless you have a lot of kids who have to share it.
If you want to use it for your adult friends to enjoy, you should choose the one that is bigger and can support more substantial weight. It should also be water-resistant.
If you want it to be versatile enough to accommodate anyone who wants to enjoy it during parties and family gatherings, buy the largest and strongest one.
Where will you use it?
Besides considering those people who are going to use it, it is crucial to add the location as one of the considerations. It is essential to know so you can find a floating mat with the right features.
If you will use it at the sea or lake, it is practical to buy the ones that include tethering accessories in the package. If you only use it in a pool, you do not have to pay more for those extras. You can purchase the ones without these accessories.
How much is your budget?
Even though you dream of purchasing the largest and the most durable floating mat on the market, if you do not have enough money to buy it, reality will slap you. The truth is many high-quality floating water platforms are expensive.
The starting price is around 50 dollars, while the others are less than a thousand dollars.
For this reason, you should be practical to balance all these factors when purchasing a floating mat.
For example, if you only want to buy one for your kids’ enjoyment, you should not splurge on large and expensive products. Smaller and cheaper is enough. However, if you need a large one because you want to have something to accommodate your family and friends, you need to save money to buy the strongest one.
Features to Look for When Purchasing a Floating Water Platform
#1. Portability
Before purchasing, find out if the floating mat is inflatable or foam-made. You do not want to buy the largest one, only to learn that you can’t take it home because of its bulky size.
Additionally, you need to know how small it is once you fold it into its storage size. Some foam-made products come with straps to roll and position them securely while traveling in a vehicle.
Meanwhile, although the inflatable ones seem ideal, you also have to know that these kinds of products are less durable than the non-inflatable ones due to the frequent inflation or deflation that may wear out the product. The inflatable floating mats are also more prone to punctures and tears.
#2. Capacity and Size
As mentioned, you should know the people who are most likely to use it to decide about the size and capacity of the floating water mat that you will buy.
If you can afford it and have a large pool, buy the one that can support more substantial weight and size. Even if you are sure that only your kids will be the ones who will use it, it is advisable to buy one in the large size. It is because you will never know, especially if other people are also swimming in your pool.
However, if you are on a budget or your kids are the only ones swimming in your pool, the small one is the best choice.
#3. Durability
As mentioned, inflatable floating mats are less durable than non-inflatable ones. Yet, the former is also cheaper. Most inflatable floating water mats are ideal for indoor use.
Some manufacturers claim that you can use their inflatable products outdoors, because of the durable construction of their floating water mats. Although it can be true, these products typically wear down after a year or two of frequent use.
If you plan to use your floating water mat at the sea or lake, you should invest in a durable foam-made floating mat to withstand. These types of products are more resistant to puncture and tears due to some materials that are floating on the lake.
Conclusion
The floating water mats are one of the best swimming gear to have that allow you to bond with your family and friends. That is why you must choose the best product that will not let you down. After all, you do not want to ruin your water lounge party because a crab punctured your floating water mat.
The best-floating water mat should be durable enough to withstand this kind of situation, and it should also accommodate your family and friends without sinking.
To ensure that this kind of event will not happen, you should know how to pick the product that fits your use. If you do not know where to start, you can begin searching more on the products mentioned here, such as the Floatation IQ Floating Oasis Lake Pad Water Mat.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use the floating water mat in the sea, lake, or beach?
Of course. You can use the floating water mats if you want to lounge and relax at the lake or sea. Yet, you should pick the right floating water mat for this purpose, because not all floating water mat products can withstand the harsher condition in outdoor bodies of water.
If you have to select the best-floating water mat for outdoor use, pick the puncture-resistant one. You should also buy the one that comes with tethering accessories to not worry about drifting away while relaxing.
Q: Why should you buy a floating water mat?
Honestly, the floating water mat is not a basic necessity. Yet, it can help improve your relationships with your family and friends.
You can understand that the time to bond with your kids and friends is short. They are always busy at school or work. You are working too.
The only time that you can be with them is through Christmas, special events, or summer vacations. The floating water mat provides you with the best place where your family or friends can get together to make the most of these short moments.
Q: How to clean a floating water mat?
Cleaning the floating water platform is a piece of cake. You can spray water and soap on it but do not scrub it. If there are stains, use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to clean the stained spots.
After cleaning, make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing, it because you do not want to grow molds and mildew in it.
Q: Why are water mats expensive?
Not all water mats are expensive, but you always get the value of your payment. Expensive water mats are commonly foam-made mats that are heavier and more durable. You also do not need an air pump to inflate it.
Yet, the inflatable water mats are affordable options. Inflatable floating water mats are less durable and more prone to punctures. However, these products are lighter and more portable compared to the foam-made ones.
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
