Inflatable air mattresses started gaining popularity in the mid-20th century, especially after World War II, when new materials like vinyl and rubber-coated fabrics made them easier to produce. By the 1960s, manufacturers were experimenting with both form and function. Some of these products featured built-in pumps, reinforced seams, and printed patterns that ranged from florals to plaids. A few even had clear plastic panels so kids could peek at what was swimming below.
Retailers in the ‘60s offered beach and pool floats in all kinds of shapes and sizes, including heavy-duty vinyl mats with built-in pillows and spring-powered pumps. Others were made with cotton duck cloth for durability and came with ropes and grommets for easy toting and tying down. Some were double-sided with bright contrasting colors, while others boasted bold patterns like mod daisies or faux leopard print.
The ‘70s continued the trend, adding even more creative designs to the mix. Inflatables began to include features like ripple-textured surfaces and reinforced corners to prevent leaks. Kids had smaller, windowed versions made for underwater viewing, while adults relaxed on full-size mattresses that doubled as beach loungers. Many of these products were water- and air-tested to meet rising quality standards, especially as backyard above-ground pools became more common.
We’ve collected a gallery of these vintage pool floats and air mattresses, along with original catalog images and old-school descriptions. If you’re curious about what made summer so memorable back then, take a look at the photos and ads that brought these floaty favorites to life.
Summer inflatables: Pool and beach flotes (from 1969)
Blue one side, red other side with white binding — High count cotton duck drill cloth that’s extra strong and durable; Reinforcing bound edge; White safety rope all around; six rope-holding grommets; Extra heavy inner coating assure airtightness
Soft and cuddly terrycloth surface, luxurious. Dyed color-fast — retains brilliance
Hampshire deluxe cloth surface air mattresses & beach flotes
— Beautiful multicolor floral pattern.
— With exclusive, waterproof “BUILT-IN PUMP” for quick, effortless inflation.
— Special reinforcing surface patch protects pump area, heavy-duty spring assures pump action.
— Exclusive interior construction gives firmness and true sleeping comfort.
— Rust-proof, non-corrosive air-valve
COLORS: Multi-colored floral print both sides. SIZE: 72″ x 34″. Mats feature: Rustproof, non-corrosive air valves. Durable cotton fabric laminated to heavy gauge polymer inner coating — 100% air and water tested.
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Bikini babe loves these promotional mats & water flotes
Boat print, daisy print & water babes print
Vintage vinyl beach floats/air mattresses
Super-strength vinyl with attractive ripple-finish surface
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Retro leopard print & wide stripe beach float mattresses
The leopardess vinyl air mattress: Authentic lifelike design and color (leopard print); Built-in pillow with separate air valve
Hy-Line Deluxe pool float mattresses: Wide red or blue stripes on white; Extra heavy-duty vinyl surface; Built-in pillow
Mod daisy print & 4-colored flowered leopard print vintage pool floats
— Strong, heavy-gauge vinyl
— Exciting, colorful designs
— Big 6 ft. x 30″ wide — five tubes — really luxurious looking
— Four-color print. Floral Leopard design
MORE: ’60s swimwear: 8 snazzy swimsuits from 1967
1970’s newest, brightest ideas for “fun in the sun”
Vintage pool floats & patterned beach floats
Handsome Scotch plaid pattern (Green Plaid/Solid Green back, or Red Plaid both sides) and gaily-colored “Rollicking Rhythm” (Multicolor, wavy striped pattern)
— Built-in pillow with separate air valve; Exclusive, waterproof BUILT-IN PUMP for quick, easy inflation
— Special reinforcing patch protects pump area of mat; Heavy-duty spring assures reliable pump action
MORE: Retro pool toys: Inflatable animals, rafts & more vintage water fun from the ’60s
Super-strength beach and pool floats & see-thru flotes
Extra heavy-duty cotton duck fabric, bound edges with white safety rope all around; six reinforced rope-holding grommets. (Specially created for Pools and Rough Usage) — COLOR: Two-tone Red and Blue with White Binding; SIZE: 49″ x 34″
SEE-THRU FLOTE
Ride the waves — See the underwater world
— Big 60″ x 27″ size
— Strong, heavy-duty, tufted vinyl plastic material
— Crystal clear, tough plastic window for underwater viewing
— Gusseted sides with white lead rope
— Exclusive tufted construction for rigidity and comfort
— 100% air and water tested
SEE-THRU JR. WATER FLOTE WITH ROPE
Sturdy, heavy-duty vinyl with tough, crystal-clear plastic “see-thru” window — lets youngsters view underwater
MORE: A Coleco pool for the backyard: Above-ground swimming pools (1970)
Pool floats you can buy today
- ULTRA FAST INFLATION: Pool toys with Hyper-Flate Valve maximize airflow for easy inflation in a fraction of the time, and the pump-free design prevents air from escaping for our fastest inflation ever
- MULTI-USE: The perfect sit-up style pool lounger is great for relaxing and socializing with friends, this recliner is ideal for floating at the lake or in the pool
- PATENTED INNER SPRING DESIGN: Inner spring sewn around the outside edge of this adult pool float offers greater comfort and stability in the water
- Multiple Usage: Dive into versatility with JUXIAO pool floats. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just floating around, it serves a multi-functional purpose for all your pool activities.
- Lightweight and Portable: The pool floaties are easy to inflate, deflate, and transport. This makes them an ideal companion for beach trips, pool parties, or lake excursions.
- Ergonomic Design: Our pool float is designed according to the natural shape of the human body, providing optimal support and comfort while keeping you floating for hours.
- inflatable pool bar
- SPRING FLOAT POOL LOUNGER: These pool floats feature a soft cooling mesh that keeps your body just below the water's surface to keep you comfortably cool for hours of relaxation and fun on hot summer...
- INFLATABLE HEAD PILLOW: Oversized inflatable pillow on this pool hammock supports your head so you can keep it above the water and mostly dry while the cares of everyday life drift away
- PATENTED INNER SPRING DESIGN: Inner spring sewn around the outside edge of this adult pool float offers greater comfort and stability in the water
- Approximate deflated dimensions: 74in x 28in
- Soak up the rays while relaxing in the pool. Featuring a comfortable built in see-through pillow, this is the right choice for a warm day on the water!
- Designed with a clear vinyl top, color pockets and coil-beam construction, this lounge has a built in see-through window that doubles as a contoured pillow for extra comfort while you float.
- BUOYANT PILLOWS: Experience extreme comfort with buoyant pillows that provide a soft and supportive resting place, enhancing your relaxation while enjoying the water.
- COOL MESH FABRIC SEAT: Stay cool and comfortable with our hammock chairs featuring a breathable mesh fabric seat, ensuring a relaxing and refreshing lounging experience.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Transform your pool time with a 4-in-1 seating experience – use it as a hammock, a chair, a drifter, or an exercise saddle, offering versatility for various water activities.
- Multi functional design: This 4-in-1inflatable pool floats can be easily converted into a lounge chair, hammock, saddle, and float, providing ultimate relaxation experience and versatility for various...
- Pool float hammock size: The water hammock measures 44.5 inches x 27.6 inches x 7.1 inches (113 x 70 x 18 cm), making it the perfect swimming pool float for adults. The travel pool float is designed...
- High durability: The pool hammock floats is made of high-quality materials to ensure wear resistance and service life. The water hammock floats is reusable, allowing you to enjoy endless pool fun with...
- TWO-FOR-THE-PRICE-OF-ONE: Easy on-off pool floatie: Seat rests in water - no jumping, ladders, or flopping needed; best for people 4 – 6 feet tall; great for seniors and expectant mothers
- 4-in-1 WAYS TO FLOAT: Pool Float Design Converts to a Hammock, Chair, Drifter, or Exercise Saddle
- HIGH BUOYANCY PILLOWS - MESH FABRIC: Comfortably suspends you in the water and contours comfortably to your desired floating position
One Response
These devices worked pretty well as pool floats, but they were lousy as air mattresses. Anyone who took one of these on a camping trip had a devil of a time inflating it, and they almost always deflated overnight. Plus, they were heavy, making them difficult to take along on a hike.