Under-inflate your pool float

Pool floats are more comfortable when they’re slightly under-inflated, not rock hard.

Fully inflated floats feel like you’re lying on a camping pad — stiff, unstable, and prone to sliding off. Softening it up lets the material conform to your body a little, like a hammock with a pillow. You also sit lower in the water, which makes the float feel more stable instead of tippy.

Don’t go too far. If it’s too soft, your body weight will sag the middle down and water will pool on top of you. Especially with vinyl loungers: you want enough air to hold the shape, but not so much that it fights back.

Aim for “yields a bit when you press on it, but springs back.” That’s the sweet spot.