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Life is cool by the pool, especially with the most exciting and best pool toys. From fun pool floats that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to water toys for adults like floating beer pong, there’s a pool toy for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in a floating game, a pool float, or even diving toys, there are many options out there to enhance your summer fun. Here are the top water toys for kids and adults to make the pool the place to be for family, friends, and fun in the sun.
- BEST OVERALL: Jasonwell Unicorn Inflatable Pool Float
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aqua Stingray Underwater Glider
- BEST POOL BASKETBALL SET: Hoop Shark Swimming Pool Basketball Set
- BEST DIVING TOYS: Battat Diving Pool Toys Pirate Diving Set
- BEST MERMAID TAIL: Sun Tails Mermaid Tails and Monofin Set
- BEST FOR ADULTS: GoPong Inflatable Pool Lounge Beer Pong Table
- BEST POOL FLOAT: Intex Rockin’ Inflatable Floating Lounge
- BEST VOLLEYBALL SET: Intex Inflatable Pool Volleyball Net
- BEST FOR YOUNG CHILDREN: Swimbobo New Swimming Inflatable Baby Float
- BEST RING TOSS: 90shine Flamingo Inflatable Ring Toss Game
- BEST POOL NOODLES: Oodles of Noodles Deluxe Foam Pool Swim Noodles
- BEST POOL BALL: Activ Life The Ultimate Pool Ball
- BEST WATER BLASTERS: Fun-Here 6-Pack Water Guns
- BEST SWIM RINGS: Water Sports Swim Thru Rings
- BEST FOR NIGHTTIME: Starlux Games Dive Diamond Pool Set
How We Chose the Best Pool Toys
Years of experience covering home and garden products as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 40 pool toy options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.
We only included toys and floats designed specifically for use in pools. We aimed to recommend toys that offered plenty of room for creativity so that users can enjoy them for years to come. Additionally, pool toys vary widely in type and cost; we ensured that each recommended product offered excellent value when compared to similar products on the market.
Our Top Picks
Below are the top picks for the best pool toys to make your swimming, sunning, parties, and family time more entertaining and memorable.
Best Overall
Jasonwell Unicorn Inflatable Pool Float
Product Specs
- Type: Float
- Weight limit: 400 pounds
- Age range: N/A
Pros
- High weight limit; can accommodate 2 adults
- Also sold in other shapes, including a dinosaur that’s available in 2 colors
- Inflates quickly and easily with fast valves; can be filled using a hairdryer set to cool, a ball pump, or an air compressor
Cons
- Requires inflation; takes quite a bit of time to inflate unless using an air compressor
Jasonwell’s unicorn pool float offers a cool and colorful way to lounge in the pool. Measuring 114 inches long by 55 inches wide by 47 inches high when fully inflated, this white unicorn with a rainbow mane can hold two adults with ease thanks to its 400-pound weight capacity. The center of the pool float does not have a hole in it, allowing the rider to sit or lie down comfortably without touching the water. The exterior of the float is made from premium raft-grade material that’s strong and phthalate-free.
Get the Jasonwell pool toy at Amazon or Jasonwell.
Best Bang for the Buck
Aqua Stingray Underwater Glider
Product Specs
- Type: Diving toy
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 5+
Pros
- Suitable for younger and older children as well as adults
- Soft yet durable design; made from rubberlike EVA plastic
- Doesn’t require inflation; ready to use right out of the box
Cons
- Fabric may fade when exposed to sunlight
The Aqua Stingray glider is made for ages 5 and up, but everyone in the family will enjoy throwing around this mini stingray gilder. Its aerodynamic design means it can travel up to 60 feet, creating opportunities for passing games galore. The stingray measures 8 inches long by 10.75 inches wide and has fins that can adjust easily to create new and unique swimming patterns. The wings are made from a flexible and thin PC plastic, and the body is made from rubberlike EVA plastic that is soft and squishy but durable.
Get the Aqua pool toy at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Pool Basketball Set
Hoop Shark Swimming Pool Basketball Set
Product Specs
- Type: Game
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: All ages
Pros
- includes a small basketball (a bit smaller than a size 5 basketball) made specifically for water use
- Features 7 hoops for creative gameplay
- Made with thick material and reinforced seams for durability
Cons
- Some users say it deflates quickly and requires reinflation
The Hoop Shark basketball set is a durable, inflatable pool basketball hoop made with thick material, reinforced seams, and a textured finish that locks air in for hours of competition. The hoop has a hole on top for a classic game of basketball, as well as six side hoops with various point values to liven up gameplay and allow users to get creative. When fully inflated, this pool game measures 40 inches tall with a base approximately 46 inches wide. It deflates quickly and easily, making the hoop easy to dismantle to take over to a friend’s house.
Get the Hoop Shark pool toy at Amazon.
Best Diving Toys
Battat Diving Pool Toys Pirate Diving Set
Product Specs
- Type: Diving toy
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 6+
Pros
- Includes 27 pieces that can be stored in the treasure chest when not in use
- No setup required; ready to play with right out of the box
- Suitable for pool or bathtub use depending on age of child
Cons
- No drainage at the bottom of the treasure chest, which would be helpful in terms of storage
Grab your treasure map and prepare for an exciting hunt for Battat’s pirate diving set, a treasure box that includes 27 little treasures shaped like jewels, coins, bones, sharks, and seahorses. All diving items measure about 1 to 2 inches wide and are brightly colored for spotting underwater. They are also lightweight enough for younger swimmers to retrieve them safely. Once you’ve finished diving down and retrieving your booty, safely store the toys in the included chest. For younger children, this set can also be used in the bathtub.
Get the Battat pool toy at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Mermaid Tail
Sun Tails Mermaid Tails and Monofin Set
Product Specs
- Type: Mermaid tail
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 6+
Pros
- Offered in both children’s and adult sizing
- Made with fade-proof fabric; available in a variety of colors
- Elastic waist closure ensures it stays in place while swimming; 4-way stretch fabric allows for a comfortable fit
Cons
- Must be rinsed after each use; however, it is machine washable
Swimmers can transform into a mythical mermaid or merman with the Sun Tails mermaid tail with monofin. Made of high-quality materials, the swimming mermaid tail is available in a variety of fade-proof colors. The designer tail is stitched with a breathable swimsuit material that stretches and moves with a swimmer. It also comes with a sturdy monofin, which helps propel the user through the water and enables more precisely controlled movements.
Get the Sun Tails pool toy at Amazon, Walmart, or Sun Tails.
Best for Adults
GoPong Inflatable Pool Lounge Beer Pong Table
Product Specs
- Type: Game
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: N/A
Pros
- Multifunctional design; can also be used as a lounger or floating drink table
- 1-way inflation valve that fills the float up quickly via an electric or manual air pump
- Set includes 6 ping pong balls
Cons
- Some users have complained of quality control issues
Nothing says party quite like beer pong, and with the GoPong beer pong table, adults can get in on the action. This fully inflatable plastic beer pong table measures 6 feet long by 3 feet wide by 6 inches high and has holes to fit 10 full-size plastic cups on each end. There are also eight cup holders along the sides for spectators. While the game is designed for adults, it can also be fun for older children—without alcohol, of course.
Get the GoPong pool toy at Amazon.
Best Pool Float
Intex Rockin' Inflatable Floating Lounge
Product Specs
- Type: Float
- Weight limit: 220 pounds
- Age range: Adult
Pros
- High weight limit and long length; fits larger users
- Features a built-in cup holder for refreshments
- Includes a repair patch with purchase in case the exterior becomes punctured
Cons
- Some buyers note that it’s a bit difficult to climb on to
Lounge in the pool while soaking up the sun with the Intex Rockin’ inflatable lounge float. Our pick for the best pool float features a contoured shape designed for optimal comfort, allowing adults to repose in a gently reclined position. Use the built-in cup holder to keep a refreshment nearby while relaxing. The lounger is 8 feet long, making it appropriate for taller users, and has a weight limit of 220 pounds. When deflated, the float measures approximately 74 inches long by 39 inches wide.
Get the Intex Rockin’ pool toy at Amazon, The Home Depot (for a 6-pack), Walmart, or Intex.
Best Volleyball Set
Intex Inflatable Pool Volleyball Net
Product Specs
- Type: Game
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 6+
Pros
- Net framing made from high-gauge vinyl; ball made from 7-gauge vinyl
- Includes weighted grommets to secure the net during play
- Can be purchased with a pump to make setup even easier
Cons
- Some buyers complained of quality; only lasted for 1 season
You’ve heard of beach volleyball, but what about pool volleyball? This set includes an inflatable net and a water-friendly volleyball that provides hours of fun. The framing of the net is made from 10-gauge vinyl, while the ball is made from 7-gauge vinyl. Though the material is durable, the kit does come with a repair kit to be used as needed. The frame can be secured in place with the included grommets or can be allowed to float in order to make gameplay more challenging. When inflated, the net measures 94 inches long by 25 inches wide by 36 inches high.
Get the Intex volleyball pool toy at Amazon, Walmart, or Intex.
Best for Young Children
Swimbobo New Swimming Inflatable Baby Float
Product Specs
- Type: Float
- Weight limit: 11 to 48 pounds (depending on size purchased)
- Age range: 3 months to 6 years
Pros
- 3 size options are available, accommodating a wide range of ages and weights
- Newer models include a breathable and removable sun canopy (SPF 50)
- Anti-flip design and non-inflatable sponge chest support
Cons
- It’s possible for children to flip backwards; adult supervision is advised at all times
Teaching kids to swim becomes much easier with the right tools, and this float is the perfect thing to help young ones get comfortable in the pool. It comes in three sizes, with options for children as young as 3 months or as old as 6 years. Kids can learn to kick their feet and paddle their arms while remaining safely afloat. The float provides safety and support with inflatable straps and a four-way safety buckle. While this device is designed with safety in mind, it should still only be used under close adult supervision.
Get the Swimbobo pool toy at Amazon or Swimbobo.
Best Ring Toss
90shine Flamingo Inflatable Ring Toss Game
Product Specs
- Type: Game
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: N/A
Pros
- Multiple versions of gameplay; can float flamingos in pool or wear on head
- Easy to blow up and play with, even for younger children
- Kit includes everything you’ll need: 3 flamingos and 12 foam rings
Cons
- Foam rings may have an unpleasant smell, but odor should dissipate after airing product out for 1 to 2 days
Ring toss is a perennially entertaining outdoor activity for people of all ages. This iteration features inflatable flamingos that float, making the game all the more challenging. This ring toss game can be played in two ways: the flamingos can be placed in a pool—or another body of water—but they are also designed to fit on a user’s head. The kit includes three inflatable flamingos and eight foam rings of varying sizes. Each flamingo measures approximately 11 inches wide by 13 inches high after inflation.
Get the 90shine pool toy at Amazon.
Best Pool Noodles
Oodles of Noodles Deluxe Foam Pool Swim Noodles
Product Specs
- Type: Float
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: N/A
Pros
- Buyers report good value for the money; relatively inexpensive
- Has many other uses: craft projects and even insulation
- Available in a variety of color options, including multicolored
Cons
- Noodles should not be used as a safety or flotation device
We couldn’t put together a list of the best pool toys without including some pool noodles. These classic pool toys have been around for decades, but they’re perennially popular for a reason. They can be used for countless water games and allow kids and adults alike to get creative and use their imaginations. This set of six Oodles of Noodles are made from high-quality foam that, according to the manufacturer, provides higher levels of buoyancy.
Get the Oodles of Noodles pool toys at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Pool Ball
Activ Life The Ultimate Pool Ball
Product Specs
- Type: Ball
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 6+
Pros
- Available in 6 bright colorways
- Can be passed, kicked, and dribbled underwater
- Does not need to be inflated with air; it’s inflated with water
Cons
- May cause damage to finished wood surfaces
A water-friendly ball can be the basis of countless pool games, and this option from Activ Life is the best on the market. The unique design allows for it to be passed, kicked, and even dribbled underwater. It’s made with thick PVC material, and rather than being inflatable, the ball fills with water from a standard backyard hose. It comes with a hose adapter and two filling needles to make the process as simple as possible.
Get the Activ Life pool toy at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Activ Life.
Best Water Blasters
Fun-Here 6-Pack Water Guns
Product Specs
- Type: Water gun
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 3+
Pros
- Brightly colored, so they’re easy to spot in the water
- Made from foam that floats on the water’s surface
- Easy to operate, even for younger children; simply pull back handle to load gun with water
Cons
- Not suitable for young children; small pieces can be a choking hazard
While Super Soakers and other water guns provide plenty of backyard fun, they aren’t ideal for playing with in the pool since they’re made of hard plastic and will sink to the bottom. These foam water blasters, however, achieve a similar effect while being made with soft, safe foam that allows for them to float in the water. They come in a pack of six and are easy to use, simply requiring the user to pull back the plastic handle to load the blaster with water. Since they float, these toys can also be used in lakes or the ocean.
Get the Fun-Here pool toys at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Swim Rings
Water Sports Swim Thru Rings
Product Specs
- Type: Game
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 8+
Pros
- The rings come in 3 colors, each of which has a fun cartoon underwater creature
- Rings collapse for easy storage and small footprint
- Features air chamber for depth adjustment
Cons
- Some buyers report that folding the rings for storage can be tricky
Make an underwater obstacle course with these swim-through rings. Experienced swimmers can challenge themselves to swim through increasingly smaller rings since the size is adjustable. They can also be used as a tool during swimming lessons for less experienced children. They come in a pack of three with a maximum diameter of 31 inches. They inflate with air and feature an air chamber for depth adjustment. There’s no assembly required, and the rings collapse easily for compact storage when they’re not in use.
Get the Water Sports pool rings at Amazon, Walmart, or Leslie’s.
Best for Nighttime
Starlux Games Dive Diamond Pool Set
Product Specs
- Type: Diving toy
- Weight limit: N/A
- Age range: 5+
Pros
- Features “slow-sink” design and easy-grip surface
- Comes with batteries for long-lasting fun
- Includes 3 glow-in-the-dark gems as well as 3 recommended games
Cons
- Only appropriate for experienced swimmers
What’s more fun than swimming at night? Diving for treasure! These Dive Diamonds are designed to be played with after dark since they gleam with an otherworldly glow in dark water. The diamonds sink slowly in the water and are designed to land upright, making them easy to grab. They come in a pack of three diamonds in varying colors. Replaceable batteries are included with purchase and have a 12-hour duration. The kit comes with three team-based game options, but users can also get creative and make up their own rules.
Get the Starlux Games pool toy at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pool Toys
Durability, safety, and appropriate age range are all essential to keep in mind as you shop. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best pool toys for fun in your backyard.
Safety
Choosing safe pool toys is paramount, particularly for households with kids. With so many choices available, it can be difficult to determine which ones are truly safe for children and families. Make sure they have no sharp edges or points that could cut someone if they fall on them or bump into them by accident. Look at the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the toy is safely assembled and verify any age or weight limits. Always check inflatable pool toys before using them to ensure there are no holes or tears in the materials. Most importantly, go over pool safety rules with any children using the pool to ensure the toys are used as intended.
Durability
The best pool toys should last for several summers, so it’s important to look for products that are built to last. Look for products made with fade-resistant material that won’t be damaged by the sun’s rays. Choose durable materials like vinyl or rubber over plastic when possible. Vinyl and rubber can withstand more than just water—they’re also more resistant to punctures and tears than plastic, which means they’ll last longer before needing replacement or repair.
Another thing to take into consideration is how much maintenance these toys require. Pool toys need to be cleaned periodically in order to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You don’t want a toy that’s going to be difficult or time-consuming to clean and maintain.
Age Range
When shopping for the best pool floats or swimming pool toys for kids, it’s vital to consider whether the product is appropriate for the child’s age and ability. Pool toys for kids should always feature a recommended age range to ensure safe use. Look for age recommendations on the packaging or on the product itself. Make sure that any child who uses a particular toy is old enough according to these guidelines. If they’re not, then you might want to choose another toy instead so that everyone stays safe and sound.
It’s also important to know your child’s swimming ability. Age ranges are a general recommendation that don’t take ability into consideration. Some toys require more skill than others, so be sure your child has mastered the basics before using them in the water.
FAQs
There’s nothing quite like a day at the pool to help life’s worries melt away. If you still have some questions about pool toys, here are some answers.
The quickest and most convenient way to blow up a pool toy is by using an air compressor or a hairdryer set to cool. However, a manual air pump will work just fine, too. Carefully place the compressor’s end over the opening of your pool float and fill with air until the toy feels firm. Be careful not to overinflate.
To clean pool toys naturally:
Make a solution of 4 cups of warm water mixed with ¼ cup of baking soda.
Use a sponge or a soft-bristle brush to scrub off any grime or dirt from the toy.
Rinse off your cleaning mixture with the hose.
Dry the toy fully in the sun.
The simplest option is to get a waterproof outdoor storage chest. A towel or coat rack, a cargo net with hooks, or a simple laundry basket also make great storage solutions.
