Poolboy Floata-Long fabric pool lounger on the water

Fabric pool float vs PVC vs pool bean bag: which is best in NZ?

A premium pool float in New Zealand is one of three types: printed PVC, a pool bean bag, or a fabric float over a welded air core. PVC is cheapest but goes hot, sticky and faded. Bean bags are comfortable but heavy and slow to dry. Fabric floats stay cool, dry quickly, pack flat and last for years.

Side by side

Printed PVC Pool bean bag Fabric over welded core
Feel in the sun Hot and tacky Soft Cool to lie on
Colour over time Prints fade Depends on fabric Solution-dyed, holds colour
Drying Fast Slow, holds water Fast
Winter storage Deflates Bulky Deflates and packs flat

The short version

  • PVC for a one-off party.
  • Bean bag if you want soft and do not mind the weight.
  • Fabric if you use the pool every week of summer and want a float that lasts.

The Poolboy range

Common questions

Are fabric pool floats worth it in NZ?

If you use your pool every week of summer, yes. One float that lasts several seasons costs less per summer than replacing PVC floats.

Do fabric floats go mouldy?

Olefin does not absorb water, so dry the float fully before storing and it stays clean.

Can I see one before I buy?

Yes, at Design Concepts in Takapuna and our stockists.

See the best pool floats in NZ.

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