Extra-strong tanning, chilled drinks, fish watching … modern pool mattresses combine all this and more.
But it gets better:
Not only can you use it to relax on the water, you can also build a cozy beach bed.
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing has researched the best swimming pool mattresses for you at 2024 and explains what you need to look out for when buying one.
Content
Pool mattress checklist
- Size: The larger you want your airbed to be, the heavier and bulkier it will be to transport.
- Material: Thick material is more robust, but also has a higher weight.
- Structure: There are pool mattresses with different valve sizes to facilitate inflation and deflation. If you don’t have an air pump to hand, a bin liner can help you inflate it.
- Sun: Direct sunlight damages the air mattresses in the long term.
Also interesting: An overview of the most popular swim rings.
These are the top swimming pool mattresses in 2024
Best durable air mattress
1. Intex Ghost inflatable armchair
Advantages
- Separately adjustable backrest
- Very robust
- Light color does not heat up
- Also suitable for taller people
- Ideal for reading
- Cup holder included
Disadvantages
- Flat lying not possible
- Only one color available
Summary
This inflatable chair from Intex is light blue and therefore blends in with the water. The lounger is extremely comfortable and adjustable. Changing the air pressure makes the backrest higher or softer!
The material used is robust PVC. The manufacturer specializes in air mattresses. The inclination of the recliner is ergonomic and back-friendly. With a length of 188 cm, even taller people don’t automatically have to put their feet in the water.
To round off the comfort, a spacious cup holder is integrated into the edge of the lounger. You can relax with a cool drink without fear of spillage.
Conclusion
The tilt is perfect for reading and enjoying cocktails. If you value durability and comfort, then this pool mattress is the right choice for you.
If you prefer to lie completely flat, it is better to choose a different product.
Product details
Size: 188 cm x 99 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 2.8 kg
Customer ratings
The light color prevents the waterbed from heating up too much. The model can even withstand wild jumps by children. If you want, you can float on the pool without getting wet. The backrest can be inflated separately, allowing the firmness and height to be adjusted. When folded, the product takes up little space and is easy to store.
Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 9% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
There are some customers who describe production errors. The mat was full of holes from the factory and could not hold the air for long. A customer left the product in the sun for too long, causing it to disintegrate.
FAQ
Best handy air mattress
2. bestway Aqua Lounge air mattress
Advantages
- Separately adjustable backrest
- Easy to inflate
- Small pack size
- Cooling on hot days
- Light color does not heat up
Disadvantages
- You don’t stay completely dry
- No cup holder
Summary
This air mattress from Bestway is available in red and blue with a white lying surface. It is 160 cm long and can bear loads of up to 90 kg. The product is also suitable for taller people.
The design is reminiscent of a hammock. An inflatable edge surrounds a mesh lying surface made of vinyl material. Your head and feet stay dry while the rest of your body is surrounded by water. The automatic cooling is particularly pleasant on very hot days.
The backrest has a separate valve. This allows the thickness and height to be adjusted so that it meets your exact requirements.
Conclusion
The Bestway Aqua Lounge is a water hammock made of particularly robust material. The adjustability of the backrest increases comfort. If you love being rinsed by water and want to keep your hair dry, this is the product for you.
This lounger is not suitable for reading. Books can quickly get wet through the net.
Product details
Size: 160 cm x 74 cm | Material: Vinyl and PVC | Weight: 680 g
Customer ratings
This mattress is also very stable in the sea. Because of the edging, you don’t fall off as easily as with other models. It is reminiscent of a hammock and cools the body nicely on warm days. It is durable and can withstand repeated inflation and deflation without any problems. The pack size is well suited for a small bag. The mesh material makes it very lightweight. Inflation is possible without a pump.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 14% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One customer’s product broke after a short time. The weld seams are susceptible to damage. The color fades slightly even when stored in the shade.
FAQ
Best plastic-free air mattress
3. water hammock
Advantages
- Pleasant fabric cover
- Separately inflatable head section
- Easy to inflate
- Cooling on hot days
- Light color does not heat up
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- Not completely dry
- No cup holder
Summary
The Mesh water hammock from Intex has an inflatable outer ring. It holds a stable net on the surface of the water. An adjustable head section allows the hair to dry while the body floats in the water.
The air mattress is 178 cm long and 94 cm wide. Even taller people can be carried without any problems.
The plastic ring is covered with high-quality fabric. This is much more pleasant on the skin than conventional PVC.
The mesh material makes the mattress small, foldable and easy to transport. Although the fabric has to dry in the sun, it scores with increased comfort.
Conclusion
Customers who are sensitive to plastic use this product. It is covered with fabric so that there is no skin contact with the PVC ring. On hot days, the net cools you down pleasantly and you have the feeling of floating in the water.
If the fabric takes too long to dry, it is better to use wipeable products.
Product details
Size: 178 cm x 94 cm | Material: PVC and cotton | Weight: 599 g
Customer ratings
The product is suitable for overweight people. Even at 1.97 cm and 150 kg, you can still lie comfortably in this water hammock. Inflation is super easy. The mat can be folded up extremely small. This makes it ideal for traveling. The fabric cover is much more comfortable on the skin than plastic.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 23% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The seam of the fabric cover is unstable and some customers have torn it. The valve is difficult to pull out, making it difficult to deflate. The fabric must dry for half an hour after use and can only be packaged afterwards.
FAQ
Further highlights
4. intex mattress plate
Advantages
- 2 air chambers for more stability
- Small pack size
- Extra large
- Can be combined with the bathing island
- XXL air mattress for 3-5 people
Disadvantages
- High dead weight
- Not completely dry
- No cup holder
- Only one color available
Summary
This huge XXL air mattress from Intex bears the name Teller. This is a 290 x 213 cm bathing island made of vinyl. It can carry up to 5 people. The material is turquoise and blends in with the water.
The mat is made of many individual air chambers and two layers. This provides extra comfort and safety. If a valve breaks, the other air chamber still floats reliably on the surface.
Loops are attached to the edges. This allows the mat to be attached to a buoy, for example, or linked to other mats of this type as required. It can even be used to build an entire island.
Conclusion
A very high-quality and particularly large floating mat that is suitable for the whole family. The material has no problems even in waves and the separate air chambers offer extra safety.
If you are looking for a bathing island or a product for the whole family, you have come to the right place. The large pack size is less suitable for one person alone.
Product details
Size: 290 cm x 213 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 8 kg
Customer ratings
The high weight is compensated for by the quality and the wide range of possible uses. One mat can accommodate up to 5 people, e.g. a whole family. The mattress is also great fun in the sea with waves and holds up without any problems. The loops can also be attached to a buoy. Inflation is very quick for the size. The material is comfortable on the skin and very robust.
Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Unfortunately, the mat weighs almost 10 kg due to its size. The body is always partially underwater. The purchase price is relatively high.
FAQ
5. bestway air mattress incl. Can holder
Advantages
- Incl. Cup holder
- Incl. Repair patches
- Suitable for children and adults
- Ideal for reading and snacking
Disadvantages
- Not very robust
Summary
The air mattress from Bestway comes with an integrated can holder. The floating mat can carry up to 90 kg. The material is hard-wearing vinyl.
There are built-in safety valves that prevent the air from escaping. Two separate air chambers provide extra safety. The air only escapes by squeezing. The advantage is that the mat can also be inflated without an air pump.
The manufacturer supplies free self-adhesive repair patches.
Conclusion
An ideal air mattress for adults and children.
Product details
Size: 161 x 84 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: N/A
Customer ratings
The air mattress is ideal for sunbathing on the beach and lying comfortably. The drinks compartment keeps drinks cool for a long time. The air mattress is comfortable and does not sink.
Around 10% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The mattress is more suitable for children, as adults cannot stretch out their legs without them protruding over the end of the mattress. For some buyers, the mattress arrived defective, but was exchanged without any problems.
FAQ
6. inflatable pineapple air mattress
Advantages
- Folding backrest
- Reinforced seams
- Particularly robust PVC
Disadvantages
- No cup holder
- Initially smells of plastic
Summary
This model impresses with its particularly thick material and reinforced seams. Both provide sufficient protection against impacts.
The load capacity of the floating pineapple is 80 kg and the surface is not only particularly easy to clean but also harmless to health.
The model is large enough to relax on comfortably or take a nap.
Conclusion
A comfortable and robust mattress that is guaranteed to attract attention wherever it goes.
If you are looking for simple, tried-and-tested designs, it is better to choose a different model.
Product details
Size: 190 x 85 cm | Material: Extra thick PVC | Weight: 1.31 kg
Customer ratings
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 50% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
7. Bestway Fashion air mattress
Advantages
- Three different colors
- Viewing window for observing fish
- Safety valves
- Incl. Repair kit
Disadvantages
- Color selection at random
- Air pressure can drop quickly
- Not suitable for tall people
Summary
The Bestway Fashion air mattress has an integrated viewing window as a very special extra. This makes it easy to watch fish while you float comfortably on the water.
The mattress can hold up to 90 kg and measures 177 cm x 71 cm. There are three different colors to choose from. Should a valve open in the water, the built-in safety valves prevent air from escaping. Air can only escape when the valves are pressed together.
The manufacturer also supplies a repair kit. This includes several self-adhesive patches. So if the robust material does get damaged, you can easily mend it yourself.
Conclusion
If you love snorkeling but prefer a more leisurely pace, this is the model for you: you can watch fish and lie in the sun at the same time. The included patch set protects you against damage while on vacation.
But watch out: The design is selected at random by the retailer. So if you don’t like one of the three available colors, you should rather choose another product.
Product details
Size: 177 cm x 71 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 40.8 g
Customer ratings
An ideal vacation companion that also withstands salt water well. Repeated inflation is no problem. The pack size is very small and good for traveling. Over 90 kg can also be carried. The mattress can withstand wild romping without any problems. Watching fish through the window is great fun. The price-performance ratio is reasonable. The mattress can also be inflated without an air pump.
Around 12% are neutral about the product, while 29% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some models were unfortunately supplied with holes. The material smells strongly of plastic at first and is unpleasant when inflated. The air pressure drops very quickly. The color is delivered randomly and is a matter of luck.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestseller: The most popular pool mattresses
(**Last update 2024-10-18)
Buy a pool mattress:
How to make the right decision
Pool mattresses increase the fun and relaxation factor on the water enormously. But they also provide a comfortable base and protection from hot sand on the beach.
If you buy cheap, you buy twice:
If you buy low-quality swimming mattresses, you may be annoyed at the next pool party or vacation on the beach.
But things are getting better:
BeyondSurfing shows you how to recognize good pool mattresses – so your air mattress purchase really pays off!
What you need to consider when buying a pool mattress
When looking for the best pool mattress, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Material
- Size
- Weight & pack size
- Valves
- Comfort
- Add Ons
Pool mattress material?
The most common materials are vinyl and PVC. The thicker the material, the more resistant it is to holes.
Some manufacturers also combine the material with a fabric cover. This is particularly suitable for people who are sensitive to plastic.
The right waterbed size?
The right size depends on the number of people who want to use the water mattress at the same time:
- One person: There are single pool mattresses that offer just the right amount of space for one person.
- Two people: Couples, on the other hand, prefer water double mattresses.
- Families: Large floating bath mats are well suited for families. They can accommodate up to 5 people. These mats can often be extended with additional elements to create real swimming islands.
Weight and pack size?
The weight and pack size of the waterbed is influenced by several factors:
- Size: Double beds are heavier and bulkier.
- Material thickness: Thin material is lighter but more susceptible to holes. Thicker material is super robust but significantly heavier.
- Shape: Inflatable animals often have asymmetrical shapes and are therefore more unwieldy.
- Several air chambers: The more air chambers, the more material must be used.
What kind of valves are used?
So-called safety valves prevent air from escaping directly when they are opened. The air only escapes when they are squeezed together.
But be careful:
Safety valves do not only have advantages. Some find it more difficult to blow up the mattress with their mouth.
Also important to know:
Different valve sizes are often offered for different air pumps. Large valves help to release the air particularly quickly.
Comfort of pool mattresses?
Comfort is largely a matter of taste. However, certain features bring advantages:
- An inflatable edge keeps water or sand out – for those who like it dry.
- A backrest is particularly suitable for reading.
- Sun worshippers prefer a flat lounger.
- A double bed with enough space is ideal on hot days so that you don’t have to cuddle up too close.
- A water hammock that surrounds the body with water cools you down.
- Fabric is more pleasant on the skin than bare plastic.
Pool mattress add-ons?
There are many different extras on pool mattresses:
- Drink holders: Drink holders are practical for anyone who wants to enjoy a cocktail by the pool.
- Cooling compartments: There are even integrated cooling compartments to keep drinks at a pleasant temperature.
- Transparent window: A viewing window is worthwhile when relaxing at sea to watch fish.
- Armrest and headrest: A backrest provides just the right angle for reading. These are often even adjustable. Simply adjust the air pressure.
- Repair kit: Some manufacturers also supply repair patches. If a sharp stone should get in the way of the mattress, the hole can be closed directly. These patches can be glued and are very easy to use.
Care tips for your water lounger
The pool mattress should be cleaned after every vacation. This is particularly important before it is stowed away for the winter.
It’s as simple as that:
- Mix a cup of baking soda in a bucket of lukewarm water.
- Soak a cloth without a scrubbing side or an old T-shirt in it.
- Wipe the mattress thoroughly on all sides.
- Finally, pour the remaining baking powder mixture over the mattress.
This rinses away bacteria, sand and salt. This is not only important for hygiene but also protects the material from abrasion.
Baking soda has a natural antibacterial effect and is a real miracle cure. It can also be used to clean other water sports equipment.
Inflating a pool mattress: it’s that simple
A healthy lung volume can easily inflate a standard air mattress.
If this is too strenuous for you or you have bought a double bed or even an XXL bathing island, an air pump is worthwhile.
You can find a travel-sized air pump here, for example:
Consumer Reports and Öko Test pool mattress tests
Consumer Reports has not yet carried out an air mattress test. Öko Test, on the other hand, presents a detailed study of 13 air mattresses(source).
The result:
No-name suppliers who produce cheaply in Asia were particularly noticeable. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found in four cases.
Why is this important?
These substances are considered carcinogenic and can be absorbed through mere skin contact.
Well-known brands and manufacturers
You can rely on safe ingredients, especially from the following manufacturers:
Bestway, Intex
Both manufacturers have been leading suppliers of air beds and pool mattresses for many years. They focus on high safety standards and have creative designers.
The history of the pool mattress
According to tradition, the air mattress dates back to the 15th century. A sketch by the technician Konrad Kyeser bears this date.
However, experiments with inflatable materials were carried out much earlier:
It is said that soldiers of King Assurnasirpal the Second crossed a river around 880 BC on a vehicle made of waxed and sewn-together animal skins.
The special feature: The constructions were filled with air and are strongly reminiscent of a modern rubber boat.
The pool mattress as a trend:
Over time, this idea has been developed further and further and today there are not only standard air mattresses, but also creative motifs such as floating pizzas, watermelons, unicorns, swans and the like.
What many people still don’t know today:
Titus Arnu ★★★★★
(Journalist at the Sueddeutsche Zeitung)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What is the best pool mattress?
By the way: Self-inflating sleeping mats are not intended for use in water!
How much weight can a pool mattress hold?
Where can I buy air mattresses for the pool and for swimming?
At Aldi, Lidl and Real you will also find some seasonal models on offer. Amazon offers the largest online selection with over 10,000 products on offer.
Can I leave the air mattress in the pool overnight?
How can I store the mattress in winter?
Conclusion: The most popular pool mattresses reviewed
Pool mattresses are now available in every imaginable shape and color. With such a large selection, there is something for every taste and every need.
But that’s not all:
These all-rounders are not only great on the water. Sunbathing is also more fun and drinks stay cool.
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Öko-Test: https://www.oekotest.de/freizeit-technik/13-Luftmatratzen-im-Test_96870_1.html
- Inflation trick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AybIWOP9SzM
- History of the air mattress: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/stil/luftmatratze-sommer-sonne-pool-1.4552345
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