We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. An iconic giant inflatable unicorn so you can float around all summer feeling like a magical queen. It's big enough to possibly sit two people, but why would you want to do that?
Promising review: "Twinkle (yes, I named her) was a hit! Adults loved her, kids wanted to play with her, and I had a blast. I, of course, had to get the biggest one. I got an electric pump that inflates and deflates it, too, which is a pain to carry but totally worth it." —Crystal
Get it from Amazon for $36.99.
2. Lotus-shaped floating lights that'll instantly make your pool look like it came straight out of a whimsical fairytale forest.
Psst! The lights change color! They're battery operated and provide around 100 hours of continuous work. Batteries are included!
Promising review: "These six little floral lights with a dragonfly in the middle turned my above-ground-pool into a colorful, light lily pond! My neighbors came over last night to see and they loved how pretty my pool looked with these little floral lights floating around. So easy to use and care for; it's amazing at this price point. If you have summer night gatherings and a pool, you need to get a couple of sets of these — they're the centerpiece to my pool. I highly recommend!!" —Coni Moore
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three styles).
3. A floating snack tray because why would you want to leave the pool for nosh and drinks when you can literally have them *on* the water, waiting for you? There's even a slot for your phone, book, or tablet so you're never thirsty, hungry, or bored.
Promising review: "Perfect pool essential! We mainly use it to keep bottles of water and ice during the day, but it will hold anything. Today we had some guests at home and we used it quite a lo It's really great to have everything you need inside the pool! The float is very sturdy, keeping your stuff well above the water, even with movement and people playing around and making waves. You can also use it in your garden or during picnics; you don't necessarily always need to have it in the water!" —Ryan G
Get it from Amazon for $23.97.
4. A set of floating wineglasses that'll maximize the amount of time you can spend chilling in the pool and not worrying about getting out to grab your drink. They have an extended rim to help reduce splashes from the pool ruining your drink.
Promising review: "OK, these are really cool. I was a bit dubious about the this purchase, assuming the cup would be as tipsy as the booze inside. Drinks stay upright even when the glass is nearly empty. The biggest challenge is keeping an eye on your bev before it floats too far away!" —short dork
Get a set of two from Amazon for $22.99.
5. This inflatable mesh hammock so you can float around your pool without taking up too much space, making it perfect for small pools!
Promising review: "I love this thing! And so does my 10-year-old son. It is very comfortable in any position and holds you in the water so you are mostly submerged with your shoulders exposed. My favorite thing about this is that you do not have to get on a ladder or have someone else hold it so that you can get on it. You can easily push the mesh fabric below your body and actually get on with some grace! The vinyl is heavy gauge and the item is well made, but I'm not sure how long the mesh fabric will hold up with exposure to the sun and chlorine. I'm guessing I will get two seasons out of it, which isn't bad for an item under 20 bucks." —Jen14
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 17 colors/styles and with options for a one-person hammock).
6. An inflatable avocado raft because your boring pool was really the *pits* without it. Get it? Pits. Also, the removable center can even be used as a ball for endless amounts of fun!
Promising review: "I absolutely love my avocado float! I was worried the quality wouldn't be that great, but once I received and inflated it, I was shocked at how awesome it is! Very thick material and exactly what is advertised. Coincidentally, the first time I got to use it was Cinco de Mayo, and everyone commented about how awesome it was. Perfect size, and the main piece was fairly easy to inflate. The seed or ball float was a little more difficult to inflate because of how small the nozzle was, but that was fine. I loved this so much, I plan to order more from this company in the near future!" —Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
7. This inflatable beer pong table so you and your besties don't have to leave the water to play a round of "friendly" competition. Some reviewers even say it doubles as a regular pool float!
The table is 6 feet long and includes cup holders along the sides and six pong balls (the cups aren't included).
Promising review: "We live on a large creek and decided to purchase this — it is a great purchase for anyone considering it. The size and quality of the table is great, and it has extra cup holders on the sides for extra drinks. This also has hooks on the outer edge so you can attach rope to keep it in place!" —Leah T.
Get it from Amazon for $26.
8. A floating cooler that'll keep your favorite pop just within reach while you blissfully float in the pool through the afternoon. Gone are the days of having to get out of the pool for ~anything~.
Promising review: "It's a cooler that floats!! Let’s talk about it first. The quality is excellent. The drink holders are solid and hold well. The extra storage areas around the sides are perfect. And the cooler area is plenty big to hold a 12-pack, some food, and some water. Just fill it up with some ice and close the lid. The lid is solidly attached on one side and with Velcro on the other. It will stay in place, no problem, and provides protection for your contents. If you purchase another of the Intex floating tubes, you can connect this right to it with the special clips and rope that are provided. This keeps the cooler right where you want it. Do you have a pool? This is the perfect cooler for your pool." —Michael G
Get it from Amazon for $22.89.
9. A set of absolutely adorable drink floaties so you can keep your tasty beverages secure as you bob around the pool pretending you're at a high-end resort getting bar service in the water. 😎
The set comes with two swans, a unicorn, a palm tree, a pineapple, a flamingo, a flower, a duck, and a watermelon floatie.
Promising review: "My intent was to leave a 1-star review because I was floating in the lake when a big gust of wind came and swept my palm tree holder with a full beer across the lake — too fast to catch it. However, the next day when the wind changed direction, we spotted the palm tree in the distance heading back toward us. Not much longer and it had reached the dock — with the full beer still in the holder. It’s fair to stay this flotation device earned its 5 stars." —Satisfied Customer
Get a set of nine from Amazon for $11.99.
10. A netted skimmer because nothing keeps you from wanting to basically live in your pool quite like debris falling inside it. This skimmer will make it easy to pick up any leaves and bugs so you can spend the rest of the day in a nice, clean pool.
Promising review: "I like the ease of using this along the edge of my pool. When it is breezy, I can easily grab this lightweight skimmer and gather up the debris without getting the long, heavier pole. I keep it on hand and use it before swimming, too. I also like that the handle is in sections so it can be adjusted to the link that is right for you." —S.S.
Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in three styles).
11. Or a clip-on skimmer attachment that'll basically just do all of the work for you! The clip will attach to your pool ladder and use the natural movement of your pool to catch the debris that'll slowly float into it.
FYI, this JUST includes the clip-on attachment; you'll need to attach it to a net you already have on hand or purchase a net (like this one, $8.49).
Promising review: "This is one of the best products for pool cleaning ever invented. I only wish I had one years ago. I installed it in two minutes, and the unit had cleaned my 20x40 in-ground pool in less than two hours. A storm had just completed its work, dumping all kinds of things in the pool. It works much better than my skimmer. I would give it 10 stars if it were possible!!" —Henry Fineman
Get it from Amazon for $11.79.
12. Crochet water balloons so you can have some reusable, eco-friendly fun in your pool all summer long. All you need to do is soak the "balloons" in water, hurl one at your closest target, and repeat. This eliminates the use of single-use latex balloons forever!
Jeannield Crochet is a California-based small business. Jeannie, the owner, learned to crochet from her grandmother.
Promising review: "This is without a doubt a purchase I am 100% happy with. Our family has enjoyed pelting each other relentlessly with these things! I'm actually ready to order more!" —Amazon customer
Get them from Jeannield Crochet on Amazon Handmade for $4.
13. A pool fountain you can install on the edge of an in-ground pool to cool things down while you're *in* the pool. Bonus points if you float by it on your pool float like a drive-by misting.
This screws onto most 1.5-inch threaded return fittings, so you don't need any extra equipment to install it!
Promising review: "We ordered and installed this once our pool water had warmed up to the point where it wasn't refreshing to get in the pool. We had 105-degree temps the week after we installed it, and it brought the pool down 4 to 5 degrees to where it felt less like swimming in soup. Now that the temps are down to the mid-90s, it's even better. It's probably still 86 degrees in the pool, but it's cool enough that I get goosebumps after being in it for a while. I should add, this is Dallas, where the humidity is pretty high most days, so it will work even better in lower-humidity places, but I can assure you, it's increased our late-summer pool enjoyment tremendously! Just wish we'd ordered it three summers ago!" —Anonymouse
Get it from Amazon for $23.94.
14. An inflatable serving tray so you can create a floating cooler or snack bar, enjoying your drinks and food as you drift alongside them.
15. A watermelon ball perfect for playing underwater basketball with your buddies. You actually fill with water to add a little weight to it and it won't sink to the bottom, but also won't stay floating at the top! It's the best of both worlds.
Promising review: "This product seems so simple, yet provides a lot of entertainment and activity. It doesn't quite float, doesn't quite sink, and can be slow-motion dribbled underwater. Adults and kids alike enjoy it, but it was the biggest hit with my 17-year-old son and his friends. I find myself playing with it even when I'm alone in the pool, and because of its weight, it works pretty well for in- or out-of-water arm workouts. It's sturdy and well made and will definitely remain a fixture in our pool. Three years later and we are still very happy with this ball. It basically lives at the bottom of the pool and has barely even faded. I'm very surprised at the durability, of both the product and my family's enjoyment of it." —Jennifer M.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes).
16. Poolside cup holders so you can grab your drink without having to ever leave the water. These bad boys are designed to clip to the side of above-ground pools, making it super easy to grab and sip.
Promising review: "It's a perfect addition to my pool. I have ordered four and I get them all occupied when I'm in the pool alone. I use them for my drinks, to hold my phone, goggles and what ever I might need while I'm in water." —Lamees
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.87+ (available in four colors and a four-pack).
17. A covered disco raft float that is essentially an inflatable pool party so you can feel like you're a contestant on Love Island.
Funboy is a family-owned small business specializing in creating unique and stylish pool accessories. Learn more about their story here!
Promising review: "Perfect size (not too big not, too small). Stylish, fun, comfy, roomy, and best of all, easier to inflate than other big floats. Seems super durable and we will enjoy it all summer long!" —Virginia L.
Get it from Funboy for $239 (originally $299).
18. A flamingo ring toss game to add some extra fun to your pool experience, but get ready for some fierce competition with your friends.
It comes with two flamingos and eight rings. The flamingos also have straps so they can be worn on your head...LOL.
Promising review: "Used for a flamingo pool party and these were the biggest hit! They are super unique because you can either use them on the ground or they can be tied to someone’s head (which makes for quite the hilarious challenge especially when drinks are involved)! These are really well constructed and are really easy to blow up." —CCon40
Get the set from Amazon for $17.98.
19. A pink convertible so you can live out your dreams of owning a fancy car without having to deal with the rising gas prices. There's also room for snacks and drinks in the "trunk."
Promising review: "Fantastic! It’s as cute in person as it is in the pictures. Maybe even cuter. We used the front section as both an ice chest and as a baby + toddler zone. (*Not at the same time! They both wore a life jacket/floaties and at least one parent stayed with them and kept her eyes on them the whole time.) It comfortably — and quite glamorously — fit three adults, a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old all at once as we floated around the pool. Highly recommend!" —S. E. Martins
Get it from Amazon for $95.20.
20. A magical water clarifier because who wants to swim around in murky, green swamp water? Not me. This'll turn your pool water crystal clear without affecting the pH balance or any chemicals you've added!
Promising review: "WOW! My pool has never been cleaner or clearer! It is so clear that you can’t even see the water! I love it! My pool had green algae, so I added an algaecide which left the water blue but very cloudy. I poured in the recommended initial dose, and, in two days, the cloudiness has gone away. Within another day or two, it was sparkling! Now, I add the maintenance dose every two weeks, and my pool has honestly never looked better! I’ve used other clarifying products in the past, but none have even come close to the results I got from this one." —Paula R K
Get it from Amazon for $20.40 (available in multiple pack sizes).
21. Collapsible swim-thru rings so you can play Mermaids with your besties and test your underwater skills with your imaginary tail. Why would anyone want to leave their pool?! 🧜♀️
Promising review: "They are a great size-plenty big enough to swim through, but small enough to still sit underwater in our 36" deep pool. I love that they float upright well & stay in place fairly well, yet are light enough that if you stand up mid-dive, they will come with you, so there's no fear of a child getting 'trapped' in a ring underwater. The designs on the air pockets are cute. While it seems like the color on one of the rings has faded slightly in the chlorine (or sun), the rest of the rings and air pockets seem to be holding their color fine, even though we often leave them in the pool when not in use. —Jane
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $21.99.
22. A sweet heart float that comes with a custom decal you can stick on to let everyone who tries to use your pool know that this is ~your~ floaty and no one else's.
Mod Party is a California-based small biz specializing in bridal party gifts and goodies!
Promising review: "The pool float was such a hit. My best friend (the bride) was so obsessed with it, along with the whole bridal party. This is such a cute pool float that makes the perfect addition to the bachelorette party." —meagan blaier
Get it from Mod Party on Etsy for $24.29 (originally $26.99; available with up to 13 bolded letters and 13 script letters).
23. An inflatable net and basketball hoop so you can enjoy a cool game of volleyball (or basketball!) in the pool and not melt while standing outside in the heat.
Don't worry, an inflatable volleyball and basketball are included.
Promising review: "Our family loves this! We have never had so much fun. We’re using the volleyball set. It’s easy to set up, and you can tie it in place." —Terry Herrera
Get them from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two colors).
24. A set of underwater rings because if you want to spend all season in the water, you need games to keep yourself entertained. You can play by yourself or with friends and see who can collect the most rings!
Promising review: "They do just as advertised! They sink to the bottom of the pool, and once they are at the bottom, they are vertical for easier pickup! I use them to teach little swimmers how to swim to the bottom of the pool. They are easy for the little ones to pick up! They are also numbered, so it makes for a fun game AND teaches number recognition as well while kids are playing in the pool." —D. Leak
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $11.99.
25. And finally, a floating basketball hoop and ball so you can really put your ball skills to the test while you splash around the water all summer long.
Includes two basketballs and a pump to inflate it all!
Promising review: "This hoop is expensive but worth the cost because it has no blow-up air sections, which deteriorate and leak over time. It floats by using three plastic rings that support the basket — not vulnerable air-filled chambers. The high-quality materials and construction should last a long time — even with two sets of 8-year-old and 10-year-old twin boys who play rough!! The two balls that come with the set are also well constructed and easy to grip and throw." —WD
Get it from Amazon for $31.30+ (available in two colors).
You the rest of summer:
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