Ah, the summer pool parties – the sun, the snacks, the endless cannonballs, and of course, the music. But wait, what’s a pool party without music that gets you vibing with the waves? If you’ve ever experienced the horror of your Bluetooth speaker short-circuiting from a splash or worse, sinking to its watery grave, you know that you need a reliable floating pool speaker. But don’t just grab any old speaker. You need something that can keep the tunes flowing while you float on your inflatable swan in style.
In this post, we’re diving deep (metaphorically, because, well, water-resistant and all) into the best floating pool speakers that will turn your poolside from drab to fab. Whether you’re a pro at poolside lounging or just getting your feet wet (pun intended), we’ve got something for every taste and every poolside situation.
Why You Need a Floating Pool Speaker
Okay, let’s face it: Not all speakers are built for water adventures. While you may trust your trusty Bluetooth speaker for walks in the park, when it comes to poolside parties, it’s a different ball game. Regular speakers just don’t cut it. You need a floating speaker that can handle both water and wild dance moves.
A floating pool speaker ensures:
- No Drowning Accidents: These speakers are built to float – no more worrying about your favorite tunes taking an unexpected dive.
- Quality Sound: Just because you’re in the water doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sound quality. These bad boys can crank out the tunes without distortion.
- Durability: Poolside parties can get rowdy. A floating speaker is designed to handle splashes, spills, and accidental drops in the pool.
How We Picked The Best Floating Pool Speakers
We didn’t just toss a bunch of speakers into the pool and see which one floated (though, that would’ve been a fun test). Here’s how we picked the top contenders:
- Sound Quality: Because no one wants to be the person with the speaker that sounds like a dying robot.
- Durability: It’s all fun and games until your speaker shorts out after one dunk.
- Ease of Use: Life’s too short to be messing around with complex Bluetooth pairings.
- Design & Features: From LED lights to rugged designs, we looked for the speakers that bring both function and fun to your poolside.
1. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
If there were a contest for “Most Likely to Turn Your Pool Party Into a Blockbuster,” the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 would be the front-runner. This little dynamo is small, but it’s got the sound power of a speaker three times its size. And yes, it floats. You won’t have to worry about this speaker sinking into the abyss – it stays above water and continues cranking out those jams.
Key Features:
- 360° Sound: It doesn’t matter where you are in the pool, the sound reaches you.
- IP67 Waterproof Rating: Not only is it waterproof, but it’s also dustproof. It’s the rugged friend who’s up for anything.
- 10-Hour Battery Life: Party all day long without worrying about recharging.
- Easy Pairing: Just hit the Bluetooth button, and boom – the tunes are on.
The Vibe: Small but mighty. It’s a compact speaker that doesn’t know the meaning of weak sound.
2. JBL Charge 5
JBL is practically synonymous with poolside parties, and for good reason. The JBL Charge 5 is not just a floating speaker; it’s a sound cannon wrapped in a sleek, durable design. It’s the friend who shows up to the pool party and immediately starts the conga line.
Key Features:
- Powerful Bass: The JBL Charge 5 delivers deep bass that you can feel, which is perfect for that “electric slide” moment.
- IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof: You could probably toss this thing into a puddle of mud and still get the party going.
- PartyBoost Feature: Pair multiple JBL speakers for a sound that could practically be heard from space.
- 20 Hours of Playtime: For those long, sun-drenched pool parties, the Charge 5 won’t tap out early.
The Vibe: The life of the party. This speaker brings the sound – and it brings it loud.
3. Sony SRS-XB33
Looking for a speaker that’s got all the moves and grooves? Enter the Sony SRS-XB33. Not only does it float, but it also comes with extra bass and a light show that’ll make your pool look like it’s straight out of a music video.
Key Features:
- Extra Bass: Feel the beat with every cannonball splash.
- IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof: Whether it’s poolside or beachside, it’s ready to go.
- Built-in LED Light Show: Syncs with the music for a dynamic, visually stunning experience.
- Up to 24 Hours Battery Life: Keep the party rolling, from the first splash to the last cannonball.
The Vibe: Fun, flashy, and full of energy. The perfect speaker for the “I’m here to have a good time” crowd.
4. Bose SoundLink Flex
Bose is known for creating high-quality audio experiences, and the SoundLink Flex lives up to the brand’s reputation. With an exceptional blend of portability and sound quality, this speaker is made for people who want great sound while keeping things chill.
Key Features:
- True 360° Sound: You won’t miss a single note – no matter where you are in the pool.
- IP67 Waterproof: This speaker is made to withstand rain, mud, and yes, your poolside shenanigans.
- Lightweight & Durable: It’s not only sturdy but also easy to carry – because who doesn’t want to take their tunes from the pool to the beach?
- Up to 12 Hours of Playtime: Plenty of time for some poolside lounging and spontaneous dance-offs.
The Vibe: Effortless. For those who prefer smooth sound and an easy-going vibe by the pool.
5. Soundcore Flare 2 by Anker
If you’re after a speaker that combines immersive sound with a dazzling light show, the Soundcore Flare 2 is a fantastic choice. This speaker not only sounds great but also lights up in rhythm with your music, making it a perfect addition to nighttime pool parties.
Key Features:
- 360° Sound & BassUp Technology: It fills the entire area with sound and punchy bass that gets everyone moving.
- IPX7 Waterproof: Totally waterproof, so it can survive a complete dunk in the pool.
- LED Light Show: Built-in LED lights create a pulsating light show that reacts to the music.
- 12 Hours of Playtime: A full day of music, no sweat.
The Vibe: A party starter. It lights up, sounds amazing, and looks as cool as it sounds.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions About Floating Pool Speakers
Q1: Can I use a floating pool speaker at the beach? A1: Absolutely! Most floating pool speakers are built to withstand water, whether it’s in your pool, at the beach, or even in the rain. Just double-check the waterproof rating to be sure!
Q2: How long do floating pool speakers last? A2: Floating pool speakers typically have a battery life between 10 to 24 hours, depending on the model and usage. Just be sure to charge it before the next pool party!
Q3: Will my floating speaker stay afloat even if I splash it? A3: Yes, that’s the beauty of floating pool speakers. They’re designed to stay afloat even in the midst of cannonballs and splash fights. But, don’t expect it to stay afloat if it gets fully submerged.
Q4: Are all floating pool speakers Bluetooth-enabled? A4: Yes, the majority of floating pool speakers feature Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to connect your phone and control your music from the poolside without any extra hassle.
Q5: Can I pair multiple floating pool speakers together? A5: Many models, like the JBL Charge 5, offer the ability to pair multiple speakers for a bigger sound. Check the product details to see if your speaker supports this feature.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the best floating pool speakers, it’s time to kick back, relax, and let the tunes flow. Whether you’re looking for crisp, clear audio or a full-on light show with deep bass, there’s a speaker here to meet your needs.
A floating pool speaker is a must-have for those who want to elevate their poolside experience. Not only do they keep the tunes going, but they also bring a splash of fun and a whole lot of personality to your pool parties.
So, go ahead – choose your speaker, fill up your inflatable swan, and dive into a summer filled with great music and even better vibes. Just remember: The pool is for splashing, the speaker is for blasting.