Vinyl floats last longer — but here’s the trade-off

Vinyl is generally better than PVC for long-term durability, but it comes with a cost.

Vinyl is thicker, more puncture-resistant, and handles UV exposure way better than PVC. PVC floats are lighter and cheaper, but they dry out, get brittle, and crack after a season or two in the sun. I’ve seen PVC floats develop slow leaks from just normal use — creases in the plastic weaken over time. Vinyl is more forgiving.

The catch is weight and price. Vinyl floats are heavier to carry and cost more upfront. PVC is fine if you only use it a couple weeks a year or store it in the shade.

If you want something that survives the whole summer and then some, get vinyl. If it’s a cheap impulse buy for a short trip, PVC works.