Above vs. Sun Squad: What’s the Real Difference?
You’ve probably seen those bright, oversized pool floats lining the aisles at Target or Walmart - flamingos, donuts, pool chairs, all branded under Sun Squad. They're colorful, fun, and easy to grab on a quick store run. But if you're someone who wants more than just a novelty float - something that actually feels good to use, holds up over time, and doesn’t end up in the trash by the end of the season - you might be looking for an upgrade. That’s where ABOVE comes in. Born out of a need for better quality and cleaner design, ABOVE approaches floats differently. So how do the two really compare?
Overview:
Comfort: Float Like You Mean It
Audience: Who’s It Really For?
The Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?
Design: Flashy vs. Thoughtful
Check out Sun Squad’s Strawberry and Pineapple Float!
Sun Squad floats are designed to grab your attention. The shapes are fun and over-the-top - think giant avocados, strawberry, pineapples, and rainbow unicorns. It’s the kind of stuff that looks great in a social media post, but maybe not something you’d want in your backyard all summer long. For kids and theme parties, they’re a solid choice. But for adults who want something a little more grown-up and stylish, they can start to feel like clutter.
ABOVE, on the other hand, leans into design that’s minimal, modern, and clean. The color palette is more muted - think earthy greens, creamy whites, and soft blues - and the shapes are refined. Instead of screaming for attention, these floats blend seamlessly into a well-designed outdoor space. They’re floats for people who care about how their setup looks and feels. No wild animal shapes, just beautiful forms made for relaxing and lasting.
Check out Above’s Tropic Lush Float!
Materials & Build Quality
This is where the differences really start to show.
Sun Squad floats are typically made with standard vinyl - the same material used in most low-cost inflatables. It gets the job done, but it's thin, stretches out easily, and is prone to punctures. If you've ever had a float that didn't survive more than a few pool days, you’ve probably dealt with this material. They're great for quick fun, but don’t expect them to last through multiple seasons.
ABOVE uses thicker, stronger PVC - 0.30mm material, which is a major upgrade in terms of durability. The seams are reinforced, the valves are better quality, and the floats are made to support adult bodies with ease. That means fewer leaks, less sagging, and more float time without frustration. You can feel the difference just by picking one up.
Comfort: Float Like You Mean It
Let’s be honest - some novelty floats are really only fun for a few minutes. They tip over easily, they’re awkward to get onto, and they’re rarely designed with comfort in mind. Sun Squad floats often prioritize looks over function. They’re good for a quick photo or some light pool play, but they aren’t usually designed for actual lounging.
ABOVE focuses on comfort as much as aesthetics. The floats are wider, more balanced, and shaped to support your body naturally. Whether you're lying flat or reclining with your head supported, you feel secure and relaxed. They’re designed for extended use - sunbathing, reading, floating at the lake for hours - without tipping or discomfort.
Portability & Storage
Big, oversized novelty floats are fun… until you try to travel with one or pack it away. Sun Squad floats are often large and oddly shaped, making them a pain to deflate and store. Most don’t come with packaging you’d want to reuse, and folding them up can feel like wrestling a wet beach towel into a shoebox.
Above floats are intentionally made to fold down small and come with minimalist, reusable packaging. Whether you’re packing for a weekend trip or just storing it between swims, it’s way less of a hassle. If you like to travel light or hate the thought of garage clutter, this is a big plus.
Price: Budget vs. Value
There’s no denying Sun Squad floats are affordable - most cost between $10 and $25. If you need something fast for a party or just want to keep the kids busy for the day, they’re a solid low-cost option. But that low price comes with the trade-off: lower-quality materials, shorter lifespan, and a higher chance you’ll be buying another one soon.
Above floats are priced at around $32.99, which still keeps them accessible but reflects the quality you’re getting. They’re built to last beyond one summer, so you’re not stuck replacing them year after year. In the long run, it’s a smarter spend - especially if you value design, comfort, and longevity.
Audience: Who’s It Really For?
Sun Squad clearly targets families, casual shoppers, and anyone looking for quick seasonal fun. Their floats are designed to stand out in-store and appeal to a wide range of ages - especially kids and teens. If that’s your lane, they work.
Above speaks more to adults, travelers, and design-minded people who see a float as part of a lifestyle, not just a toy. Whether you’re hosting a curated backyard hangout or packing for a weekend at the lake, it’s made for people who care about the details - how something looks, feels, and performs. You’ll often find Above floats in boutique hotels, on Airbnb decks, or on the kind of beach where everything just looks a little more put together.
Customer Support & Experience
When you buy from Walmart or Target, you're buying from a big-box chain. If you need help with your float, you’re dealing with store policies and large customer service systems. It’s not exactly personal.
Above is a smaller, direct-to-consumer brand, so the experience feels different. If you reach out, you’re talking to someone who knows the product and probably helped design it. It’s faster, more personal, and focused on keeping customers happy - not just selling products at scale.
The Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for something quick, colorful, and affordable - and you don’t mind replacing it next season - Sun Squad is easy to grab and fun to use.
But if you want a float that’s better designed, feels good to use, and lasts year after year, Above is worth the extra step. It’s built for people who value quality over quantity, and who see their outdoor space as an extension of their personal style.
You’re going to spend a lot of time floating this summer - might as well do it with something that feels a little more you.