Which floating mats are best?
Whether you live near a pool, lake, river or the ocean, a floating water mat can provide fun for the entire family. They’re versatile and can be used by all ages.
Due to its versatility and ability to withstand an assortment of activities, the Rubber Dockie Floating Mat is one top choice. Continue reading to see other quality picks and discover everything you need to know before buying a floating water mat.
What to know before you buy a floating water mat
Why do you need a floating water mat?
Before you can pick out the ideal floating water mat, first consider what activities it will be used for. If you want to do exercises or yoga on the water, stability and ensuring your water mat won’t sink are essential features. If you need to accommodate a large group, finding a larger water mat is beneficial. Those with small children should choose a water mat made from a softer material and ensure that little ones can climb on and off by themselves.
Foam vs. inflatable
The two main types of floating water mats are foam and inflatable.
- Foam mats are generally more expensive since they tend to last longer. You don’t have to worry about inflating and deflating a foam mat, which can be a time-consuming process. However, foam mats are very heavy and cumbersome to get in and out of the water. You also need a dedicated area to store your rolled-up foam water mat.
- Inflatable water mats are a great choice if you’re on a budget. They’re lightweight and easy to store and transport. However, you need to be cautious with inflatable water mats, as they can be easily punctured by certain activities or rocks. You also need to set time aside to inflate it before and deflate it after you use it.
What to look for in a quality floating water mat
Ease of use
While floating water mats are fun, they require some maintenance.
- Cleaning: To prevent mold and bacteria from growing on your floating water mat, it is essential to clean and thoroughly dry your mat before storing it. A larger water mat requires more cleaning and more space to let it dry.
- Handling in and out of the water: You’ll be taking the water mat in and out of the water often, so choose a water mat you’re able to manage. While foam mats are heavier, inflatable mats need to be handled with care and not placed on any rocks.
- Storage: Do you have a large area to store your water mat or a vehicle to transport it to and from the water? Inflatable mats are beneficial if you have little storage and not much space to transport it. The larger the foam mat, the more storage space you’ll need.
Thickness
Most mats are between 1 inch and 1 1/2 inches thick, which is sufficient for most water activities. If you plan to bring chairs on your mat or need it to be extremely sturdy, you can find some floating water mats that are over 2 inches thick.
How much you can expect to spend on a floating water mat
Floating water mats start around $100 and can go up to $1,000 depending on size, thickness and material.
Floating water mat FAQ
Can I tow my floating water mat behind a boat?
A. Not all floating water mats can be safely towed behind a boat, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can I leave my floating water mat out all night?
A. To protect and extend the life of your floating water mat, always clean and store it when not in use.
What’s the best floating mat to buy?
Top floating water mat
What you need to know: This fan favorite mat comes in several sizes and is durable enough to withstand all types of water activities.
What you’ll love: The Tear-Stop inner matrix prevents full lacerations, and the Tuff-Hide outer layer protects against everyday use.
What you should consider: It’s heavy and can be hard to get out of the water and roll up.
Top floating water mat for the money
WOW World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Water Walkway
What you need to know: Create your own island with the connecting zipper system, all at an affordable price.
What you’ll love: It’s made of heavy-duty 30-gauge PVC to support several people at once. Since it’s inflatable, this water mat is also easy to set up and tear down and needs little storage space.
What you should consider: Some users report air leaking from small holes and broken zippers.
Worth checking out
Solstice by Swimline Inflatable Floating Mat
What you need to know: A durable inflatable water mat that allows for a variety of activities without sinking.
What you’ll love: It comes in several sizes to accommodate all situations. The durable polyester deflates and rolls up small for easy storage.
What you should consider: It’s a bit expensive.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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