Above vs. SunnyLife: A Real-World Look at Two Popular Pool Float Brands
Pool floats have come a long way since the simple inner tube. Today, they’re part of the summer lifestyle - whether you’re hanging at the lake, sunbathing poolside, or traveling to a vacation rental. But with more float brands than ever, choosing the right one can feel like a toss-up.
Two names you might come across: Sunnylife and ABOVE. Both brands target a similar audience - adults who care about design, comfort, and quality - but their approaches are very different. One leans colorful and fun, the other quiet and minimal. So which one’s a better fit?
Overview:
So, Which Float Should You Get?
Brand Vibe
Check out SunnyLife’s Pastel Gelato Float!
SunnyLife is the louder of the two - in the best way. It’s an Australian brand that’s been around for years, known for its playful inflatables and bold color palettes. Think glitter tubes, inflatable fruit, and oversized flamingos. Their products are made to stand out - and they do. You’ll find Sunnylife floats at resort shops, boutique retailers, and all over Instagram.
ABOVE, on the other hand, is newer and much more stripped-down. Their whole thing is clean design, better materials, and thoughtful details. Instead of flashy shapes, you’ll see soft neutrals, simple lines, and compact packaging. It’s the kind of float that blends into your outdoor setup, not one that shouts for attention. And that’s the point.
Check out Above’s Beach Patrol Float!
If Sunnylife is the extrovert at the pool party, Above is the one laying low with a drink and a book - calm, comfortable, and not trying too hard.
Design: Loud vs. Laid Back
SunnyLife’s Pastel Gelato Float
You’ll know right away if Sunnylife is your style. Their inflatables are fun, and a lot of them are clearly made for content. They look great in photos, and that’s often the appeal.
Above is the opposite. Their floats are designed to look more like high-end outdoor gear than toys. No glitter, no gimmicks - just sleek, solid colorways and practical features. If you’re into curated aesthetics or just want something that won’t clash with your outdoor space, Above feels more grown-up.
Build and Materials
Here’s where the differences get real.
Sunnylife uses standard PVC, which works fine for casual use. The quality varies depending on the shape - floats with more features (like wings or arms) tend to have more seams, which means more potential weak points. If you’re using it a few times a summer, you’re probably fine. But long-term durability? It depends.
Above uses a thicker, higher-grade material across all of their floats (0.30mm PVC). It holds air longer, resists stretching, and feels sturdier overall. These floats are built to last more than just one season - especially if you’re inflating and deflating them often or packing them up for travel.
Basically: if you want something that holds up over time, Above is more reliable.
Comfort
Comfort might be the most overlooked factor when buying a float. A lot of them look fun but aren’t great once you’re actually in the water. Some are tippy, others are too narrow, and some just don’t support your body well.
Sunnylife’s novelty shapes can sometimes fall into that trap. They look cool but may not be ideal for hours of lounging. If you’re just floating around at a party, they work. But for longer hangs, they can get uncomfortable.
Above designs their floats with lounging in mind. The loungers are wide and balanced, with better head support and even weight distribution. They’re the kind of float you can actually nap on - without constantly adjusting to stay comfortable.
Travel & Storage
Another underrated detail: how easy it is to pack up your float.
A lot of Sunnylife floats are big and oddly shaped, so once they’re inflated and used, they’re tough to fold down neatly. Not a dealbreaker if you’ve got a backyard setup, but a little annoying if you’re flying or road tripping.
Above focuses on clean design that folds down compactly. Their packaging is minimal and reusable, so it fits in a suitcase or beach bag. That makes a big difference for anyone traveling to a rental or heading to the lake for the weekend.
Price
Sunnylife floats usually cost between $40 and $100, depending on size and design. You’re paying partly for the look - and in a lot of cases, that’s what people are after.
Above floats start at $32.99. You’re not paying for novelty - you’re paying for better build quality and longer use. It’s not the cheapest float out there, but it’s not overpriced either. Think of it as a smart spend for something that doesn’t need replacing every summer.
Customer Support
Because Sunnylife is a bigger brand, you’re usually buying from a third-party retailer. If something goes wrong, you’re going through their return process, not the brand’s. It’s not always ideal if you need help fast.
Above is smaller and direct-to-consumer. You can reach us directly at floatwithabove.com or even Instagram and talk to someone on our team directly. That personal touch makes a big difference when you’re dealing with support.
So, Which Float Should You Get?
If you’re looking for something fun and photo-ready - especially for a pool party or beach day with friends - Sunnylife has some great options. They’re playful, colorful, and fun for all ages. Just know that they’re often more about looks than long-term use.
If you want something that’s built to last, looks clean and modern, and feels as good as it looks, Above might be more your speed. Their floats are clearly made with intention - from materials to design to storage. They’re not trying to follow trends. They’re just trying to make floats better.
Both brands have their place. Sunnylife is all about the fun and flair of summer, while Above leans into the slower, more peaceful side of warm-weather living. If your ideal float is the one you take on every trip - easy to pack, reliable, and actually comfortable - Above makes a strong case for being your go-to.
Ready to float differently? Explore the full lineup at floatwithabove.com.