There's nothing like fun in the sun in a body of water. What better way to spend time in the lake, pool or river than bobbing on floating mats? There are many floating mats to choose from. They range from basic floating pools to massive floating islands that are utilized by a variety of people.
Regardless of type, these mats will put you right at water level that you can splash, frolic, and cool off on the hottest day. It's like being the kid in a candy store when you look for the perfect inflatable water mat. One of the first choices will be whether you'll purchase either a foam mat or an inflatable mat. Foam mats are expensive, but they offer excellent support. Inflatables are more affordable, but they can puncture. Other factors can affect your experience, such as the thickness of the mat and any accessories that may be included.
Different types of floating mats
As we mentioned, there are two main kinds of mats available: foam and inflatable. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to become familiar with the design and material prior to exploring different models.
Foam mats
Foam mats can also be described as "lily pad mats". Aqua Lily Pad is registered as a trade mark and its premium mats are now synonymous with the product. The mats for Lily pads started out as industrial items utilized in docks and similar scenarios, but someone caught on to the fun aspect that they could be used as floating mats. There are numerous sizes available and some of them can support thousands of pounds. You can jump, run, do yoga and paddleboard while floating around. They're made of foam and are resistant to puncturing. However, toenails that are sharp may cause damage to some kinds of foam.
Foam mats are constructed from two or three layers of foam. Premium mats comprise marine-grade cross-linked foam. Closed-cell foam that is like pool noodles, is utilized in mats that are less expensive. They tend to fall apart faster when exposed to elements.
The cost of foam mats can be high. Foam mats can't easily be compressed, making them bulky even when they're rolled up. The weight can cause transportation and storage a bit of a problem for certain people.
Inflatables
The inflatable raft has been around since more than 100 years. The pool float was invented by the leisure industry following the invention of plastics. This is synonymous to a lazy hot day by the pool with a cool drink in hand. Inflatable mats were a natural development, and more people were able to take a ride and have fun.
On the other hand In general, inflatable mats are cheaper than mats made of foam. They can also be deflated to make them flat and therefore easy to store and move. They must be easily and quickly inflated using motorized pumps. At the very least you'll need a hand pump. Sometimes, a pump comes with the mat but not always.
Sometimes, inflatable mats are used behind a boat as towables. (Note that this isn't the intended use of foam mats as they can submerge when towing.) Always read the manufacturer's instructions prior to towing any type of inflatable behind a vessel.
The biggest negative to note is that they can puncture, even if they are covered in tough fabric. While you may be able to repair a puncture, that might not be possible at the time of the deflating incident, which, according to Murphy's Law occurs in the same time that the July 4th celebration gets going. Even if you're in a position for the repair, it will be a hassle and difficult until you reach an age when the mat is considered terminal.
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