There's a special kind of magic that happens when you turn your backyard pool into a floating playground. A floating mat for pool use is one of the simplest ways to level up those long Aussie summer afternoons — no motor, no pump, no fuss. Just roll it out, let it unfold on the water, and suddenly your pool is the most popular spot on the street.
But pool floating mats aren't the same as the big lake versions you might have seen bobbing behind boats. In this guide we'll walk through exactly how to choose, set up and care for a floating mat designed for backyard pools, plus a few clever tricks to keep everyone happy from December through to April.
Why a Floating Mat Beats the Old Pool Toys
Inflatable lilos and pool noodles have their charm, but they deflate, drift and generally live a short life. A quality foam floating mat is a completely different beast. Built from closed-cell foam, it sits firm on top of the water and holds the weight of multiple people without sinking or wobbling like an inflatable.
Here's what makes a floating mat a smarter buy for the family pool:
- No inflation required — unroll it and it's ready to go in seconds.
- Multi-person capacity — kids, teens and adults can share the same mat.
- Instant relaxation station — lie back, soak up the sun and cool off at the same time.
- Durability — no punctures from pool tiles, dog claws or overenthusiastic bombs.
If you've been eyeing off a Crocpad floating water mat, the pool is honestly the easiest place to get started — a controlled environment where you can enjoy every feature without worrying about currents or wind.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Pool
The most common mistake families make is buying a mat that's too big for their pool. A sprawling lake-sized mat looks amazing in the shop, but if it barely fits your backyard plunge pool, half the fun disappears. Use this quick rule of thumb:
- Small courtyard or plunge pool (under 6m): Choose a compact mat that leaves swimming room around the edges.
- Standard family pool (7–10m): A medium mat gives space for two to three people without hogging the entire pool.
- Large or lap pool (10m+): You've got room for a full-size mat, and everyone can pile on.
Always measure your pool first and leave a comfortable margin so swimmers can still move around freely. Explore the full range of sizes across the Crocpad floating water mat collection to find the fit that matches your setup.
Anchoring vs Free-Floating in a Pool
Unlike open water, a backyard pool doesn't have currents to sweep your mat away — but breeze can still nudge it around. Most pool users prefer to free-float, letting the mat drift lazily from one side to the other. If you'd rather keep it in one position (handy for a sunbaking spot in the shallow end), simply tether the built-in bungee anchor points to a pool ladder or a fixed point on the deck.
For families with younger swimmers, positioning the mat near the shallow end gives kids an easy launch and re-entry point, which builds confidence and keeps the peace during a busy pool session.
Getting On (and Staying On) Like a Pro
The floating mat learning curve is short but real, and it's half the entertainment. Here's how to make it painless for first-timers:
- Start from the edge. Enter from the pool wall rather than trying to climb on mid-water.
- Stay low. Crawl to the centre on hands and knees before standing.
- Feet apart, knees soft. A wide, relaxed stance is the secret to balance.
- Look ahead, not down. Fixing your eyes on the far end of the pool steadies your body.
Within an afternoon, most kids will be walking, running and launching off the end into the water — which brings us neatly to the fun part.
Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Pool Mat
- King of the Mat. The classic game — last person standing wins. Endless giggles guaranteed.
- Floating yoga. For the grown-ups, a firm foam mat is a surprisingly good (and challenging) place for gentle stretches.
- Reading raft. Grab a drink, lie back and let the mat do the relaxing for you.
- Splash landing. Use the mat as a springboard for cannonballs and dive-bombs.
- Poolside picnic base. Anchor it in the shallow end as a floating table for cold drinks and snacks.
Safety First in the Backyard Pool
A floating mat is fantastic fun, but a home pool still demands the usual vigilance. Keep these basics front of mind:
- Always supervise children on and around the mat.
- Non-swimmers should wear a life jacket, mat or no mat.
- Keep the mat clear of the pool cover, filter inlets and ladders when in heavy use.
- Set a "no diving off the mat in the shallow end" rule to prevent injuries.
For a deeper dive into keeping little ones safe on the water, our team has plenty of guidance across the Crocpad blog and product pages.
Caring for Your Mat Between Swims
Chlorinated pool water and harsh Australian UV are the two biggest enemies of any floating mat. A few simple habits will keep yours looking new for years:
- Rinse after use. A quick hose-down removes chlorine and sunscreen residue.
- Store in the shade. When not in use, roll it up and keep it out of direct sun to prevent fading and foam degradation.
- Dry before rolling. Let it air out to avoid mildew, especially over humid coastal summers.
- Avoid dragging. Lift the mat over rough concrete or pavers rather than dragging it, which protects the surface layer.
Treated well, a good foam mat will comfortably outlast a whole shed full of inflatables.
Is a Pool Mat Worth It?
If you've got a backyard pool that gets used all summer, the answer is an easy yes. A floating mat turns a simple swim into an event — the kind of low-effort, high-reward gear that gets pulled out every weekend and creates the memories kids actually remember. It entertains toddlers, teens and adults alike, and unlike so many pool gadgets, it doesn't end up punctured and forgotten by February.
Ready to transform your backyard? Browse the Crocpad floating water mat range to find the perfect size for your pool, and get set for a summer of floating fun. Your pool — and your family — will thank you.
