Above vs. Intex: Which Pool Float Brand Really Delivers This Summer?
When it comes to pool floats, not all brands are created equal. While Intex is a household name with wide distribution and playful designs, Above is carving out space in the premium float market with minimal aesthetics and long-lasting construction. So, which is better for your summer? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Above vs. Intex to help you decide.
Overview:
Aesthetic and Style: Loud or Laid-Back?
Build Quality: What You’re Really Paying For
Comfort and Function: Lounging Matters
Portability and Storage: Not All Floats Travel Well
Customer Support: Retail Chain vs. Direct Service
Brand Overview: Mass Market vs. Premium Design
Intex is one of the most recognized names in pool gear, known for affordable inflatables, air mattresses, and above-ground pools. Their floats are often stocked in Walmart, Target, and Amazon, and cater to mass-market appeal - meaning more novelty, lower price points, and faster production.
ABOVE takes a different approach. This newer brand is focused on creating a small collection of high-quality pool floats designed for adults who value comfort, style, and durability. The goal isn’t to flood the market, but to raise the standard with a product that feels as good as it looks.
Aesthetic and Style: Loud or Laid-Back?
Check out Intex’s Inflatable Cactus Float!
Intex floats are bright, colorful, and often shaped like food, animals, or oversized emojis. They're fun for parties and photos, but not everyone wants to lounge on a cactus or dragon.
Check out Intex’s Mystical Dragon Float!
Above offers a calmer, more refined visual experience. Its floats feature neutral tones, clean lines, and shapes that match modern outdoor spaces. They're made to blend into the environment, not distract from it. Think of Above as outdoor furniture meets water float - something you'd bring to the lake or pool and still want to use year after year.
Check out Above’s Star-Spangled Float!
Build Quality: What You’re Really Paying For
This is where Above separates itself.
Intex floats are made from 12- to 18-gauge vinyl. It’s serviceable for occasional use, but the material is thin and prone to punctures or seam failures. Many reviews online report air leaks or issues with floats sagging after only a few outings.
Above uses a thicker 0.30mm PVC material that holds its shape better, resists stretching, and is reinforced at stress points like seams and valves. These floats are designed to carry up to 300 lbs without deflating or bending, making them more reliable for adults and long lounging sessions.
If you’re looking for something to last more than one summer, Above’s build quality gives it a clear edge.
Comfort and Function: Lounging Matters
Most Intex floats are built for fun - not long-term comfort. Their novelty shapes often lack ergonomic support and can be difficult to balance on. Great for a pool party, but not ideal for hours of reading or floating peacefully in the sun.
Above’s floats are designed with comfort in mind. Wide base areas, even buoyancy, and allows you to recline naturally without tipping. These are floats made for lounging, not just floating - whether you're on a dock, lake, or pool.
Portability and Storage: Not All Floats Travel Well
Storage is a pain point for many inflatable floats. Intex models, especially large ones, don’t fold down well and rarely include storage packaging. If you’ve ever tried to deflate a giant flamingo and fit it in your car, you know the struggle.
Above floats come in sleek, reusable packaging designed for easy packing and storage. They fold down into compact form and can fit in a suitcase or carry-on. This makes them ideal for travelers and anyone who wants to avoid the bulk and clutter of traditional inflatables.
Price Point: Value Over Time
At first glance, Intex floats seem like the better deal - most models cost between $10 and $25. But they’re not built to last. For many people, buying a new Intex float each season is a normal routine.
Above floats retail for $32.99, which is slightly higher up front. But the lifespan and durability make it a smart investment. You won’t be replacing your float every few months. Over time, that saves money - and keeps more PVC out of landfills.
Customer Support: Retail Chain vs. Direct Service
Intex sells through major retailers, which means customer service depends on where you purchased it. If something goes wrong, you may deal with a third party or wait through long email chains.
Above sells directly through floatwithabove.com, which allows for quicker and more personal customer support. If there’s a problem, you can speak to someone from the brand directly - not just a generic support desk.
Above or Intex?
If you’re looking for a float that’s fun, cheap, and easy to find in stores, Intex fits the bill. It’s a solid option for occasional pool parties, kids, or spontaneous summer days.
But if you want a float that looks better, lasts longer, and offers real comfort, ABOVE is the clear winner. With stronger materials, better support, and clean design, it’s a float that puts your worries above water!
Above was built for adults who take their lounging seriously. Whether you’re sunbathing, traveling, or just want a float that matches your lifestyle, Above raises the bar - and keeps it there.
Ready to upgrade your summer?
Check out the full Above collection at floatwithabove.com