Summer heat makes me want to spend every waking hour in the pool, but sitting on a hard plastic chair just does not cut it. I wanted something that lets me actually soak in the water while staying comfortable. That led me to try the New Water Hammock Recliner Inflatable Floating Swimming Mattress. This cheap find promised a relaxing way to float, so I put it to the test to see if it really works.
What is this pool float?
This item is a mesh-bottomed inflatable float that keeps your body partially submerged while holding your head and legs up. It is basically a recliner for your swimming pool. Most people buy it because it is budget-friendly compared to the expensive foam mats at local stores. The fact that it comes with free shipping makes it a tempting impulse buy for anyone tired of boring pool noodles.
Features that actually matter
The main design choice here is the mesh center. Instead of laying on a thick piece of plastic that makes you sweat, the water flows through the mesh to keep you cool. It is surprisingly supportive, so you do not feel like you are going to flip over every time you move. You can sit in it like a chair or stretch out like a lounge bed depending on how you inflate the ends.
Setting it up is very simple. Since the inflatable parts are just two tubes, you can blow them up in a couple of minutes by mouth or use a small hand pump. It packs down into a tiny square when you let the air out, which is perfect for my small apartment closet. I appreciate that it is lightweight enough to carry to the beach without feeling like I am hauling a piece of furniture.
Honest pros and cons
I think it is important to be realistic about what you get for the price. Here is what I discovered after using it for a few weeks.
- Pros
- Extremely cheap price point compared to name brands.
- Mesh fabric feels much cooler than solid plastic floats.
- Very easy to pack into a suitcase or beach bag.
- Keeps you partially submerged so you do not get sunburnt as easily.
- Cons
- The plastic material feels thin and might pop if you are rough with it.
- Shipping from overseas takes a long time, sometimes up to three weeks.
- It lacks a cup holder, which is a bummer for long floating sessions.
- Customer support is basically non-existent if the product arrives with a hole.
Who should buy this?
If you are someone who just wants to lounge around the pool or the lake for an hour without spending a fortune, this is a great pick. It works well for adults who want to stay relaxed while reading a book or chatting with friends in the water. This is also perfect for travelers who want a float they can tuck into their luggage without taking up much space.
However, you should skip this if you need a float that will last for several years of heavy abuse. If you have kids who like to jump on floats or if you have a rough pool deck that could snag the material, look for something with thicker, reinforced vinyl. This is a budget item, so treat it like one.
What buyers are saying
I talked to a few other people who grabbed this same float online. One friend mentioned that she loved how compact it was for her trip to Mexico, though she admitted it felt a little flimsy. Another user noted that the shipping took much longer than he expected, so he had to wait until his second pool party to use it. Overall, most people felt the low cost justified the minor issues with the thin plastic.
Final verdict
Is the New Water Hammock Recliner Inflatable Floating Swimming Mattress worth it? For the price, I say yes. It provides a level of comfort that you just cannot get from a cheap plastic ring, and the mesh design is a total winner for hot days. Just keep in mind that you are trading durability for that low price tag and slow shipping.
If you are looking for a quick, affordable way to upgrade your summer, this is a fun choice. Just do not expect a premium product that will survive a decade of use. Keep your expectations in line with the price, and you will likely be happy with your purchase. I still use mine every weekend, and it has held up fine as long as I am careful not to drag it across sharp edges.
