If you’re like most people, you probably don’t live right on the beach and you’ve tried using a backyard pool or even a kiddie pool to simulate the feeling of floating on water, but they don’t really give you the full experience.
However, the best floating mats can provide you with the feeling of floating in the ocean without the sand and crashing waves.
They even provide you with the opportunity to do a few exercises and just simply relax and have fun.
Personally, I love them because they’re portable and take up no space at all (they can be packed in your suitcase). On occasion, I’ve travelled with mine to the beach and used it to cool off in a lake.
These are the 7 best floating water mats you should definitely consider buying.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock | Best Overall |  |
| Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat | Budget Pick |  |
| MISSION Boat Gear Reef Mat Inflatable Floating Mat Water Lake Lounge | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock
Pros:
- Stable viewing platform
- Easy setup
- Can be used in lakes, ponds, and the ocean
- High storage capacity
- Heavy-duty construction
At first glance, the Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock looks more like a platform for you to build a small house on rather than a water mat. In fact, the instructions actually tell you that it can be used as construction material.
Made of heavy duty vinyl, this mat has storage capacity enough to carry 15 people or two lounge chairs. It’s also pretty large at 81 X 51 X 9 inches.
The outside surface has a non-skid bottom so that you and your friends have a safe area to stand on. You may even want to lay down on it.
2. Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat
This is great for the whole family to have a floating fiesta together.
It’s a high-quality floating mat that provides you with plenty of space to sit or lie down. It’s a great way to add a touch of relaxation to your backyard or patio during the sunny days of summer. It’s been designed with a colorful and eye-catching design.
The raft is made from top-quality vinyl that’s puncture-resistant. Even though it’s a lot bigger than the others floating mats that we’ve listed here, it’s still fairly easy to inflate. It measures 114 x 84 inches. It should fit most of us, but it may feel too big if you don’t have enough room to house it.
3. Rubber Dockie 18×6-Feet Floating Mat
Pros:
- Includes convenient drain plug to remove water
- Made from flexible tear-resistant material
- Very easy to inflate and deflate. Inflating takes a few minutes and the mat itself is very light
- Lightweight and portable (11 lbs)
Cons:
- Reported issues with pressure-related leaks
- No liner included – users have to buy liner separately
- The air pump didn’t fit through the hole in the mat, forcing users to cut the hole larger
- Reported issues with the air pump – not strong enough
The Rubber Dockie 18×6-Feet Floating Mat Pool is convenient as it has a drain plug on the side of the mat. This makes it very simple to drain the water from the mat when it’s not in use.
The material of the mat is heavy duty and the mat itself is constructed very well. All of the seams are airtight and are sturdy. It even includes a patch kit in the event that you need to seal a leak.
However, some users have noted that they had issues with the quality of the air pump. It is not very strong, forcing users to purchase their own.
4. MISSION Boat Gear Reef Mat Inflatable Floating Mat Water Lake Lounge
Pros:
- Another one of the most popular products in this niche
- Several color options
- There’s a thick, heavy-duty anchor line for added safety
Cons:
- Unfortunately, there are some complaints regarding the anchor rope, which can break
- Very few color customization options
- Some people complain that the upper line is too close to the top of the mat
Confidently the MISSION Boat Gear Reef Mat is one of the best products of its kind, as it comes with a 3-year limited warranty, allowing you to use it in longer without worrying about wear and tear. It’s also made with strong VL-4000 vinyl, providing you with uncomplicated maintenance and the option of adding color accents for an even more stylish look.
5. Floating Oasis Lake Pad
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to store and transport
- Unbreakable
Cons:
- The writing will eventually come off
- Not designed for very large bodies of water
Of High Quality PVC (5' x 10', Orange).
First of all, the Floating Oasis Lake Pad is constructed of heavy-duty vinyl that is puncture- resistant and will not crack. It will hold up well over time.
This is the Premium version of this floating water mat that has an attached support skirt and will keep things attached to the mat’s deck. It’s designed with convenient drainage holes to make detaching it from the water easier. It’s also six inches longer than the economy version to keep more water on it.
6. iFloats Floating Water Pad
With this floating water mat you do not have to carry around a heavy, bulky lounger. It is thin, lightweight, and compact enough to be bundled up and stuffed into a beach bag.
You can deflate it when you need to store it or put it away without it taking up a lot of room. One of the great things about this mat is that it comes in a variety of colors. You can choose from green, blue, red, or royal blue.
It is made with sturdy PVC material and is puncture-resistant, which means you can use it in the water without worrying that it will pop or deflate. According to customer reviews, even the seams are strong, which means it will hold up to years of use in the water.
7. Wow World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Water Walkway
Pros:
- Fun, simple tube for floating around in the pool
- Fits a wide variety of pool sizes
Cons:
- Definitely needs to be anchored down, and should not be suitable for children under 8 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best floating water pad?
The best floating water mat is a subjective question, but if you simply want to enjoy floating on water then the Intex 26” X 12” Easy Set Pool is the top choice.
The Intex floating water mat is pool-sized and designed for easy set-up and storage. This is the best floating water mat option if you want the most convenient experience.
If you enjoy thrilling and exciting water play, the Waterfi Inflatable Water Mat is the best option for you. The mat has a built-in sprinkler system that keeps the water moving. This is great if you want to make sure that the water stays cool, clean, and comfortable.
What is the best water mat?
The best waterproof floating mat is Intex Pool Floats Inflatable, 71-Inches & Up. It comes with 2 beverage holders and pillow and has 160 reviews with 4.3 out of 5 stars.
What are floating mats made of?
Inflatable floating mats are typically made from PVC, meaning that they are made of polyvinyl chloride plastic, which we’re not huge fans of. The PVC is brittle and can crack, even with little force. This makes the mats vulnerable to sharp rocks, dog teeth and even other grass or weed stems. The mats are also made from air chambers, meaning that they take in air as you sit on them. Normal grass absorbs water as you sit on it, but it’s unlikely that whatever you’re floating on will. This means that the floating mat will press down into the water and then spring back up as you get off. The mats are made from heavy duty PVC, so they can withstand a lot of use and are less likely to rip.
What is a floating mat?
A floating mat is a piece of equipment that sits on the water’s surface to provide comfort for those on the water. Rather than sitting directly on a hard, bumpy, plastic/rubber raft or tube, your body can rest in a floating mat. This extends the amount of time you can stay on the water, and makes your time on the water more comfortable.
Most floating mats have a circular design. They also typically have a non-skid bottom that makes them stable on the water. Floating mats are one of the most popular types of water equipment for on-the-water relaxation.
Conclusion
If you are new to the world of floating water mats, then you are in for a real treat! If you spend any amount of time at the pool, you know how important a floating water mat can be. They are a great way to keep cool and relax on your water mattress while you swim! These are the best floating water mats in 2016 and we hope this list will help you decide which mat is right for you and the pool in your backyard.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock | Best Overall | |
| Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat | Budget Pick | |
| MISSION Boat Gear Reef Mat Inflatable Floating Mat Water Lake Lounge | Upgrade Pick | |