Plan on 10 minutes to inflate, maybe 2 to deflate

Inflating a typical pool float with a manual pump takes about 5–10 minutes of steady pumping; deflating is much faster, usually under 2 minutes once you open the valve.

The time depends on two things: the pump and the float. A dual-action pump (pushes air on both strokes) will cut that time in half compared to a basic single-action pump. A standard lounge chair might take 5 minutes; a giant unicorn with separate chambers can push closer to 15. The good news is you don’t need to go to 100% full—just firm enough to not sag.

Deflating is trivial. Open the valve, press the float to force air out, maybe roll it up. Takes a minute or two. Some people recommend letting it sit with the valve open for a while, but I just squeeze it and go.

Your arms will feel it, but at least you won’t accidentally burst the float the way an electric pump can.