Sunny days are just around the corner and soon enough, you’ll be right back in your pool, basking in the sun. So before those summer days arrive, you need to make sure you have all the proper equipment beforehand. One of these necessary pieces of equipment is a pool float. Pool floats are incredibly versatile as they can be used by people of all ages. Nowadays, you’ll even find pool floats made specifically for dogs, so even your pets can join the fun.
Now if you have been searching the market for a while, you’ll come to realize that there are many options to choose from. Each of these floats varies from each other in design, materials, and durability. Seeing these several options available, one can get confused about which one will be the perfect pick? However, you do not need to worry as we have broken down everything you need to know about pool floats along with important tips and tricks you can use to get the perfect pool float for yourself or your loved ones.
Types of Pool Inflatable
Pool Noodles
If you have been a water-freak then you must come across these long and thick pieces of foam. These are in cylinder shape mostly made of polyethylene that helps you float through the water.
Most of the time, these noodles come hollow while you can buy some that are filled with beads. The best thing about these noodles is that you can use it on your beach trip as it doesn’t get affected by chlorine or saltwater. Not only that but if you also cut or punctured them, they’ll still remain the same. They are available in several vibrant colors and don’t fade peel or crack. Which makes them a durable and safe option. Pool noodles also dry fast and can be stored without taking up much space.
Pool Floats
Pool floats come in many fun colours, are easy to fill, and help all types of people to enjoy their day at the pool. They are made from PVC material and are made to be durable, lasting for several summers to come. The good thing about pool floats is that you’ll find them in a variety of designs ranging from simple ring tube floats to entire floating cares. To inflate these pool floats you will need to have an air pump.
Pool Couches
Have you ever thought about how fun it would be to have your sofa or cushions to be in the pool? Pool couches are exactly that, made from the same material from which umbrellas and outdoor cushions are made, these bead-filled floats are the perfect way to relax in the pool. They can be used in both chlorinated and salty water without showing signs of fading. These pool couches are also made to resist the sun rays and come in many fancy designs, full of aesthetic colours and stripes. These pool couches are perfect for those looking for a luxurious and comfortable experience.
What Are Pool Inflatables Made Of?
Most of the inflatables you see on the market are generally made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Then some are made of naphthalene which makes the inflatable softer and more flexible.
These are the materials you will find listed on many pool inflatables:
12 – 13 gauge Vinyl
Plastic
Vinyl
Naphthalene
Durable Vinyl
Polyester Mesh
PVC
Durable PVC
High Standard PVC
Although manufacturers list vinyl, durable vinyl, and PVC as different materials, they are essentially the same apart from high standard PVC which is made for people who are allergic to plastic. It’s also non-toxic and higher-grade.
There is also a material called polyester mesh that is applied between layers of PVC to reinforce the floats, making it sturdier and more durable.
Do Inflatables Contain Latex?
As discussed above, many inflatables do not contain latex and are made from PVC, which is also labelled as vinyl or durable vinyl. PVC is a synthetic material and no rubber latex elements are mixed when creating inflatables. This means the majority of the inflatables you’ll see out there, are latex-free.
However, some pool floats and toys may have certain designs that use strips or linings of rubber. These parts of the inflatable will contain latex.
If anyone in your family has a latex-allergy, then make sure inflatables or toys which have rubber linings don’t stay in the pool for long as when left for a longer duration, latex can seep into the water. The inflatables or toys themselves won’t cause problems for latex allergic people.
What Pool Inflatable Should Be Avoided?
Those people who are worried about phthalate exposure should read the labels to make sure what materials are used to make the inflatable or toy. PVC generally has toxic materials that you should avoid if possible. High standard PVC on the other hand is made to be high-grade and non-toxic. To see whether your inflatable contains PVC, check for the recycling triangle symbol on the product. If the triangle has the number 3 on it, this means it has PVC.
The more PVC inflatables are used, the lesser toxins they release, which means that inflatables that have been used will be less toxic than brand new inflatables.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Although most of the inflatables you will find on the market will have PVC and phthalates, some are made from alternative material, called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Pool noodles are made of EVA along with many mats and float belts. This material makes products that are less harmful and also float. The only problem here is that these materials cannot be inflated, so they take up significantly more space than PVC inflatables. However, they are safer so sounds like a fair deal.
With so many pool float options available in the market, one can easily get overwhelmed with which product to choose. Hopefully, this guide can help you with the different types of inflatables available along with the various materials they are made of so you can pick the perfect inflatables to chill in those hot summer days.