There's nothing better than having fun in the sunshine on a body water, and what better way to have fun at the lake, pool or river than by bobbing on a floating mat? There are a variety of floating mats available. They range from simple floating pools to massive floating islands that can be enjoyed by multiple people.
Whatever the style the mats will place you in the water where you can float around, have fun and cool off on the hottest day. You might feel like an innocent child in a candy store while you hunt for the perfect floating water mat for lake. It is important to determine whether you want an inflatable or foam mat. Foam mats are very expensive, yet they provide great support. Inflatables are susceptible to puncturing, but they're cheaper. Other factors can affect your experience, including the thickness of the mat and any accessories included.
Different types of floating mats
As we mentioned that there are two primary kinds of floating mats that are inflatable and foam. Each type has its pros and cons, so it is important to become familiar with the material and design before taking a look at different models.
Foam mats
Foam mats are often referred to as pads for lily pads. Aqua Lily Pad is registered as a trade mark and its premium mats have come to be synonymous with the product. Although Lily pads were originally designed to be used in industrial docks, and other similar locations however, some people discovered that they could also be used as floating mats. They come in a range of sizes. And the massive daddies can carry hundreds of pounds. You can jump, run at yoga or paddleboard as you float around. Because they're made of foam, they don't puncture which means that even your dog can play with it (though sharp nails can harm some types of foam.)
Foam mats can consist of two to three layers. High-end mats consist of marine-grade cross-linked foam. Less-expensive models use closed-cell foam (like pool noodles) and, much like the noodles in a pool, they tend to degrade quicker after exposure to the elements.
The biggest drawback to foam mats is the cost, which can be substantial. The mats aren't easily compacted, which makes them heavy even when folded. The size can hinder transportation and storage a bit of an issue for some people.
Inflatables
The inflatable raft has been in use for over 100 years. When plastics were invented, the pleasure industry launched the pool float, which is associated with long, hot day at the pool with a cool drink in hand. Inflatable mats were an inevitable evolution, and more people were able to climb onboard and have fun.
In the end, inflatable mats are generally less expensive than foam mats. They are also able to be deflated to create flat mats, which makes them more convenient to store and transport. They must be inflated quickly and easily using motorized pumps. At the very least, you will need a hand pump. Sometimes, the pump is included with the mat but not always.
Inflatable mats may be utilized as towables for boats. It is not the main function of foam mats since they are prone to submerge while towing. Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer prior to towing any type of inflatable behind a boat.
But, they are able to puncture even when they are covered in hard cloth. While it is possible to repair a puncture, that might not be possible during the deflating event which, as per Murphy's Law occurs just as the July 4th celebrations get in full swing. Even if you are in a position to make the repair, it will be difficult and time-consuming until you reach an age when the mat is considered to be terminal.