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
- 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
- 【High Quality Materials】:Our water hammock uses thick and long-lasting high-quality raft-grade PVC materials with a soft matte appearance. The materials is long-lasting, anti-pollution,...
- 【Summer Best Choice】:In the hot summer, water hammock floating bed is the best gifts for playing water with partner, family and friends. Bring your family and friends and lying or sitting,...
- 【Multifunctional】:The 4-in-1 design can be converted into a hammock, lounge chair, Drifter, and exercise saddle . Therefore, you can change your posture on the water hammock as needed. The...
- MOTORIZED INFLATABLE TUBE WITH JOYSTICK – The Inspired Living Motorized Tube features a 66W motor powered by 6-D batteries (not included), plus an easy-to-use joystick for smooth maneuvering across...
- INTEGRATED BLUETOOTH SPEAKER SYSTEM – Relax in style with the Inspired Living Integrated Speaker System, featuring a Bluetooth 5 IPX7 waterproof speaker for crystal-clear sound on the water. Pair...
- WATERPROOF PHONE POUCH INCLUDED – Keep your phone safe and dry while you steer and relax. The included waterproof phone pouch lets you enjoy music and take calls hands-free while floating.
- FLOAT INTO SUMMER – The Sit 'N Float inflatable lounge is a summer must-have for pool or lake time fun; place refreshments inside the convenient buit-in cup holders, sit back and enjoy the sunshine
- UNIQUE DESIGN – Float your worries away as you relax on the unique shape, and comfortable backrest. It's the perfect way to stay cool; designed with a transparent top and a colorful bottom for a...
- SAFETY + CONVENIENCE – Quick inflation, inlcuded with a two air chamber design for added safety and performance; designed with 2 durable handles for a secure grip making it easy to get in and out of...
- Effortless Use: No need for jumping, ladders, or flopping – simply sit and relax in the water with this easy-to-use pool floatie, and especially ideal for seniors and expectant mothers.
- Exceptional Durability: Crafted from our patented non-stick PVC, this hammock is 50%-70% thicker than typical "sticky PVC" hammock pool floats. Comprising a blend of 50% soft vinyl and 50% soft mesh.
- Versatile Float: Whether you're at the lake, ocean, or swimming pool, this floatie is perfect. Great for various activities, serving as an exercise saddle, chair, hammock, or a drifting platform.
- VERSATILE USE: Perfect for pools, lakes, and beach activities, providing a relaxing floating experience for adults PORTABLE CONVENIENCE: Quickly inflates and deflates for easy storage and transport,...
- 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
- Sturdy material: Patented non-stick PVC is 50%-70% thicker than most other “sticky PVC” hammock pool floats; 50% soft vinyl, 50% soft mesh
- Multi-purpose pool float: Float in lakes, oceans and swimming pools; good for use as an exercise saddle, chair, hammock, or drifter
- PACKAGE INCLUDES- 2 x inflatable pool floaties. 4 in 1 water hammock offers 4 unique usage: hammock, chair, drifter and exercise saddle. You can float on the water to enjoy the sun also great for do...
- THE PREMIUM MATERIAL- Inflated hammock lounge is made of high-quality PVC.Not easy to pierce and no leakage. And supportive inner mesh fabric bottom can keep you cool in the pool.
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN- Ergonomic headrest cushion gently supports your head to add extra comfort, the bottom of float lounger adopts mesh design, better breathability and experience. You can suspend in...
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.