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Don't get out of the pool just because you want a drink. Here are some fun floating drink holders you can use the next time you head to the water.

Buying Guide for Floating Drink Holders Our Picks for the Best Floating Drink Holders Final Thoughts

If a warm sunny day makes you want to head to the pool, grab your gear and make a whole day of it. While most people think of pool floats as solutions for lounging in the pool without getting tossed in the water, you can also find smaller floats designed specifically to hold drinks instead of people. They’re a fun way to keep a cool beverage nearby so you can stay in the pool as long as you like.

Why buy a floating drink holder?

The simplest answer is because it lets you keep your drink nearby. If you’re lounging in the pool, the last thing you want is to have to get out of the water every time you want a cool drink. More importantly, since the float is holding the drink, you can relax hands-free if you prefer.

What should you consider when shopping for a floating drink holder?

Can you blow up a floating drink holder with a pump?

Yes, most floating drink holders will need to be inflated by pump or by mouth. Obviously, it will be easier on your lungs to use a pump, but if you forget to bring the pump or to inflate your holder before you head to the pool, you can put those lungs to work.

A fun way to keep your drink close when you're in the pool with friends.

Pros: If the idea of a multi-cup floating drink holder doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll appreciate this single-cup solution that comes in a three-pack. Available in a variety of cute designs, these drink rafts are designed to hold most standard cup, bottle, and can sizes. Plus, they’re extra-buoyant to prevent tipping.

Cons: While the brand says that these won’t tip over, if you put taller cans or bottles in them, the bottles do tend to tip. And depending on the design you pick, the colors may fade if you use them in direct sunlight.

Bottom Line: If you’re trying to create a collection of floating drink holders, this three-pack is a solid starter choice. However, stick to traditional cans and medium-height cups, as taller items might fall over.

Consider it a charcuterie tray for your pool.

Pros: When you’re ready to elevate your pool style and act like you were raised with a little class, this fun floating tray is a great upgrade. It’s designed with dedicated holders for bottles, snacks, and even your tablet. This is a great way to impress everyone the next time you head to the pool.

Cons: While not a deal-breaker, some people might find the design a bit boring compared to more colorful or cute pool floats. The nozzle can be frustrating, as it doesn’t prevent air from flowing out after you inflate, meaning you have to work quickly to close the nozzle.

Bottom Line: Classy pool-goers will appreciate the elevated experience this floating pool tray can offer. Be quick when you inflate it to avoid having any air escape.

When simply lounging in the pool won't do.

Pros: Lounging in the pool is nice. But if you want to up the ante (no pun intended), then there’s no reason you have to head inside just because you want to play a hand of cards. This floating card table can accommodate six people and has plenty of space to hold your cards, snacks, and of course—drinks. Better still, this pick comes with a set of waterproof and UV-resistant playing cards.

Cons: In truth, this is a pricy upgrade for many people. And the cost tended to be one of the biggest issues people had with this floating table.

Bottom Line: While this upgrade doesn’t come cheap, if you want to do more than lay in the pool, this six-person card table is a great way to make your time in the water more enjoyable.

A float designed to clip to you so that it won't float away.

Pros: Floating drink holders are nice, but they are just as susceptible to the motion of the water as your regular pool floats. So, if you’re tired of still having to hold your drink holder so that it won’t float away, you’ll appreciate the Human Bobber. It comes with a clip, so you can clip it to your swimsuit—ensuring that it only goes so far.

Cons: People who used larger tumblers found that it was hard to get the tumbler inserted into the float.

Bottom Line: As long as you stay away from oversized drink cups, you should be able to use this floating drink holder with minimal issues. And the fact that it comes with a clip strap ensures that it’ll never drift too far out of reach.

For those who want their entire pool experience to be cute.

Pros: There’s nothing wrong with wanting a bit of cuteness when you’re having a pool party. And this adorable rainbow pool float drink holder is the perfect solution. It comes with five built-in cup holders as well as a large space to serve as an ice chest and keep drinks or food cool.

Cons: Some buyers noted that this float isn’t as balanced as it could be, meaning that it has a tendency to tip when in the water. And others noted that it struggles to hold air.

Bottom Line: If you’re on the hunt for an adorable pool float drink holder, you can’t go wrong with this pick which has five cup holders and space for ice. But the design may make it imbalanced in the water.

Pool floats have gone micro with these smart floating solutions for keeping drinks and snacks nearby and ensuring that you don’t have to get out of the pool unless you really want to. Whether you want something more practical or adorable, there’s a floating drink holder with your name on it.

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