The 6 Best Floating Water Mats and Pads

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Last Updated on July 2, 2024 by Paul Clayton

The 6 Best Floating Water Mats and Pads

The best floating mat for your family provides a fantastic platform to relax and play on the water. It also provides the ideal stage for swimming, diving, and staging at the pool, lake, or beach.

But choosing one isn’t easy.

Key Takeaways

1. 1. Rubber Dockie Floating Mat:
      • Pros: Durable, easy to use, and highly visible.
      • Cons: Slightly challenging to fold.
   2. Maui Mat Floating Foam Fun Pad:
      • Pros: Durable, firm, easy to store.
      • Cons: Can get holes from chairs.
   3. Sowkt Lily Pad Floating Mat:
      • Pros: High visibility, durability, and easy to anchor.
      • Cons: Bulky.
   4. WOW Floating Water Walkway:
      • Pros: Reliable, easy storage, lightweight.
      • Cons: Risk of puncture.
   5. Aqua Supersized Floating Water Mat:
      • Pros: Heavy-duty, spacious, durable.
      • Cons: No inflation pump included.
   6. Floating Oasis Lake Pad:
      • Pros: Durable, fun colors, safe.
      • Cons: Cannot be connected to other mats.

Summary

Floating mats and pads provide a fantastic platform for family fun in the water, perfect for relaxing, swimming, and diving at the pool, lake, or beach. This guide reviews six top floating water mats, detailing their features, pros, and cons:

1. 1. Rubber Dockie Floating Mat: This mat offers safety with its neon colors, durability with tear-stop technology, and ease of portability. It’s big enough for five adults but requires some effort to fold.
   2. Maui Mat Floating Foam Fun Pad: This spacious and firm pad is made from UV-resistant foam and supports over 1,050 lbs. It’s lightweight and easy to store but prone to damage from chairs.
   3. Sowkt Lily Pad Floating Mat: It comes in vibrant colors, supports 1,300 lbs, and is made from durable XPE foam. It’s easy to anchor and comfortable but a bit bulky.
   4. WOW Floating Water Walkway: Available in multiple colors, this walkway is made from heavy-duty PVC and can be connected to form larger platforms. It’s versatile and compact, but it is prone to puncture.
   5. Aqua Supersized Floating Water Mat: Built for buoyancy with a weight capacity of 1,000 lbs, it features water-activated fabric for safety and easy inflation. It’s durable and spacious but lacks an inflation pump.
   6. Floating Oasis Lake Pad: Ideal for lakes and pools, this sturdy PE foam pad supports 1,500 lbs and is available in various colors. It is safe with D-rings for anchoring but cannot be connected to other mats.

When choosing a floating mat, consider size, weight capacity, quality, and firmness. Safety tips include using mats in calm waters, securing them properly, and supervising children. Proper maintenance involves drying and cleaning mats, especially after use in salty water.

Floating water mats are affordable, practical, and fun additions to any water outing. They enhance the experience with safety and durability.

Fortunately, in the guide below, I’ll share the best-floating water mats and pads available for their quality. I’ve also created a comprehensive buying guide to help with the selection process.

Read on!

Top 6 Floating Water Mats

Rubber Dockie Floating Mat 

The Rubber Dockie Mat offers absolute enjoyment for the entire family, with guaranteed safety. It’s brightly colored and stands out among the crowd. Even better, the neon green or orange color ensures high visibility in high-traffic areas for safety purposes.

It’s also durable, and the premium tear-stop technology prevents deep tears or lacerations. Meanwhile, the tough TUFF-HIDE Outer is designed to weather everyday use while remaining easy on your skin. It’s not slippery but remains comfortable on my skin and doesn’t get hot.

Regarding size, it’s big, as expected, and a lot of fun to use in the lake, especially when you’ve family or friends around. The 18 * 6 mat is large and can easily accommodate five adults. The kids can also run endlessly from one end to the other.

Rubber Dockie Mat is also super light; at 16 pounds, it’s easy and highly portable. Folding it to a compact size requires some elbow grease, but it’s manageable. Furthermore, it has a custom loop and hook strap for easier storage.

Finally, I love that this floating mat has an elastic bungee tether. It’s easy to anchor it to a stationary object and prevent it from floating away.

Pros

•         Durable
•         Easy to use
•         Visible

Cons

•         Not easy to fold, but manageable

Maui Mat Floating Foam Fun Pad 

The 14′ Maui Mat is spacious, perfect for when you need to pile your family or friends to enjoy time in the water. Furthermore, it has a generous weight capacity of 1,050 lbs and can support more than five adults without sinking.

It’s also durable, and I like the UV-resistant cross-linked polyethylene foam material, which doesn’t rip, tear, or stretch. You could also bring your favorite pet on the mat, and you won’t worry about the nails tearing through or anything.

The material is also firm, and I’ve no problem using the mat to stage different water activities, such as diving. You could even use it to relax, walk, or lie on it; the possibilities are endless.

Another exciting feature of the Maui floating mat is its ultra-light design. It weighs a measly 25 pounds, which is great when you need to keep your camping weight down. When folded, it compacts to nifty baggage, leaving more space for your other camping gear.

The mat also rolls up tight and secures with the included hoop and loop, making transport and storage a breeze.

Pros

• Durable cross-linked polyethylene foam
• Firms
• Easy to store

Con       

• It gets a hole when you put chairs on it.

Sowkt Lily Pad Floating Mat 

I like the Sowkt mat because it’s available in different vibrant colors and hues, so it’s highly visible and safe to use in high-traffic waterways.

Sowkt’s jumbo size, 18 ft, has a generous weight capacity of 1,300 pounds, so it can float numerous people without sinking or buckling. It holds me up and is big enough for lots of people.

The Sowkt Lily Pad Floating Mat boasts a 3-layer XPE foam, so it’s the perfect option for everyday water use. Thanks to the heat-sealing design, it also doesn’t fade or wear out from extended exposure to the sun.

Using the Sowkt Mat is also comfortable and a game-changer for kids and adults hanging out at the lake. The non-abrasive material is soft on your skin yet durable.

The Sowkt weight is reasonable, and at 34 pounds, you shouldn’t have an issue lugging it around. I love how it folds into a compact design. Meanwhile, the included loops and straps make storage much easier. They also help with easier anchoring when you don’t need to pad to float away.

Pros

•         High visibility
•         Durable
•         Easy to anchor

Cons

•         Bit bulky

WOW Floating Water Walkway 

The WOW Floating Water Walkway has five different color options, so you can always find a mat that suits your taste.

Each WOW mat comes with a connecting zipper, so it’s easy to join multiple mats and form a single large platform for your entire family.

It’s an inflatable mat; when fully inflated, it’s easy to walk on each mat without sinking. The heavy-duty PVC construction is sturdy and reliable. Furthermore, the material comes with vertical I-beams for extra support. It allows up to 6 adults to stand on the mat without sinking.

The WOW Floating Water Walkway is also functional and highly versatile. On sunny days, when I’m not using it for lounging, my kids use it as a walkway between two boats or a stage for diving or swimming.

A grommet built into each WOW mat also comes in handy for anchoring or tethering the mat to your boat to prevent it from floating away.

I also love how It dries quickly and folds up easily for storage. The WOW is also more compact and lighter than a foam mat; thus, a great option is premium storage space.

Pros

•         Reliable
•         Easy storage
•         Lightweight

Cons

•         Risk of puncture

Aqua Supersized Floating Water Mat 

Kids and adults love the Aqua Supersized floating mat. First, it’s built with buoyancy in mind, so you can step on it without sinking. Furthermore, it has a decent weight capacity of 1,000 pounds and can hold an average-sized family or a group of friends.

The construction on this water mat is also nice. One of the distinctive features is the water-activated fabric, which turns bright once exposed to water. This is a nice safety feature, especially in high-traffic areas. Furthermore, the fabric is solid and can stand up to everyday use.

I also like that the mat comes with a fabric cover, which stays cool even when the mat is dry. It’s nice, especially when you need to lounge in the sun and don’t want your skin to feel uncomfortable.

Aqua Mat is also big but easy to carry and store. I like that you can zip multiple water mats together to form a huge platform.

Inflation is also super easy, and with the correct inflation pump, you get a floating mat quicker than you imagined. While it does take a little room to manipulate as it’s pretty large, it’s still doable. The other amazing thing is once the mat is deflated, it is easy to get it back into the original box, which never happens.

Pros

•         Heavy duty
•         Spacious platform
•         Durable

Cons

•         No inflation pumps

Floating Oasis Lake Pad 

The Floating Oasis Lake Pad is designed for use on lakes and pools. It’s spacious and measures 6 x 15 ft., so it’s the perfect pick if you need to enjoy time in the water with your family or friends. Furthermore, it has a massive weight capacity of 1,500 pounds, which is nice, especially since there are more adults in the mix.

Out of the box, the Floating Oasis Lake pad looks appealing and ready to use. It’s available in nine different colors and designs, so it’s always easy to find something that matches your taste. I would recommend brighter colors for more visibility and safety in high-traffic areas.

The Floating Oasis Lake is also practical, as it hardly sinks in the water. It’s also versatile. When your kids aren’t jumping or walking on it, you could use it to stage dives into the water or simply lounge and enjoy the sun.

A PE foam construction is a welcome feature. It makes the mat sturdy and able to weather the hassles of everyday use.

The best part about the Floating Oasis Lake is it comes with D-rings, so it’s easy to connect a bungee cord and anchor the mat to keep it from floating.

When taking down the make, untie it from the bungee, let it dry, and roll it. Straps hold everything together. It’s super lightweight, so you shouldn’t have an issue transporting it.

Pros

•         Durable
•         Fun colors and design
•         Safe

Cons

•         Can’t be connected

Types of Water Floating Mats

There are two main types of water-floating pads: foam mats and inflatable mats. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks; the right option will depend on your needs.

For example, inflatable mats are less expensive but require prepping before use. They’re, however, more portable because they can be deflated for storage. Regarding performance, the inflatable mats can keep you well above the water surface by providing a solid floating surface.

On the other hand, the foam mats are substantially thinner and may allow some water on the surface, especially on the edges.

On the positive side, the foam mats are durable and can resist damage. They’re not easily punctured, ideal for use in rocky spots, and perfect for those with pets.

How To Choose the Right Water Floating Mat for Your Needs

This section will highlight some crucial factors when selecting a floating mat.

Size

There are two ways to look at the size of your floating mat.

The first one is portability. Generally, the bigger the floating mat, regardless of the type, the bulkier and less portable it is. So, if your idea of camping gear is light, consider a smaller, lighter floating mat that is easier to lug around.

The other element to consider regarding the size is the playing surface. A bigger floating mat is more spacious and can accommodate more people. So, when you decide on the ideal size of your floating mat, consider the expected number of people it’ll hold and where you plan to use it. For example, consider the smaller floating mat if you plan to use a mat in your home pool.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity refers to the cargo load or maximum weight your floating mat can hold. In simpler terms, it’s the combined total weight of people it can accommodate without sinking.

Naturally, if you’re a family of big guys, you’ll have a higher total weight, and therefore, you should consider a floating mat with a higher weight capacity.

Quality

Quality is essential for a floating mat, especially if you need it to last several seasons.

The higher-quality floating mats are also durable and can easily withstand the wear and tear of water use. They hardly rip, tear, or puncture, and this is important if you plan to tag your furry friends or have fun in the rocky waters.

Firmness

Finally, you must consider the strength of the floating mat and ensure that it can support your family during different water activities. For example, it should allow you to swim, jump, sit, play, walk, run, or lie down without risk of falling.

Two Important Features You Shouldn’t Miss in Your Floating Mat

Here are two critical features you shouldn’t miss in your floating mat:

More Thickness

Generally, thicker mats are much better in comfort, firmness, and durability. Most options are about one and a half inches thick.

However, mats with higher thicknesses are better because you could also place lightweight chairs on them.

Anchors

Your choice of mat should include a harness, anchor, and stainless D-ring to secure it and prevent it from drifting away.

You could also attach one mat to a second one with a bungee cord or rope, creating a larger, more spacious platform.

Tips for Using a Water Floating Mat the Right Way

In addition to knowing the factors to consider when selecting a floating mat, you must also know the safety tips for using one.

While there’s nothing complicated about using a floating mat, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Location

 You can use floating water mats in any body of water, but I recommend them in calmer bodies of water such as pools, ponds, and rivers.

Of course, they can stay afloat in areas with breaking waves, but they may pose a safety hazard.

Using floating mats in the sea or salty water is also not recommended. Salt isn’t kind on most things and will degrade and shorten the lifespan of your mats.

Depth

As their name suggests, floating mats will keep you afloat in water, regardless of the water depth. Even then, you shouldn’t venture into the deep waters if you’re concerned about your safety, particularly if you don’t know how to swim.

Again, it depends on what you plan to use the mat for. Many people use it as a staging platform for swimming and diving, which require deeper waters.

Security

I can’t overemphasize securing your floating mat to a stable surface. Remember, they’re known as floating mats for a reason, and they can float away from the shore if they’re not secured to a boat, dock, or tree.

Therefore, when selecting a floating mat, pick one with a grommet or an anchoring system to secure it to a fixed position.

Other Safety Tips

Here are other safety tips to consider when using a floating mat:

•         Don’t leave kids unsupervised when playing with a floating mat
•         Always check the anchoring connections regularly
•         Don’t use the floating mat is uneven water
•         If you cannot swim well, always have a life jacket on
•         Refer to the user manual
•         Use common sense

Maintenance

Floating mats are generally easier to maintain. The main concern with most floating mats is mold and mildew. So, you must let your floating mats dry in the sun before storing them, especially if you think you’ll not be using them anytime soon.

If you’ve used your floating mat in salty conditions, consider rinsing it with fresh, clean water. This will decrease the rate of wear.

And finally, for the inflatable option, always maintain the mat regularly to avoid leakages.

Conclusion: Floating Water Mats and Pads

The best-floating water mats and pads are an excellent way for your family to enjoy time in the water. They’re affordable, practical, and easier to use.

We’ve already looked at the essential features to consider when selecting a mat for your needs. But more importantly, I’ve highlighted the safety tips to remember when using a floating water mat.

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