The Chaise Lounge Gets Wet

Who back in the 1700s would have ever thought that what considered a luxury piece of furniture reserved for societys elite would one day become fit for more aquatic endeavors? The chaise lounge has undergone some major changes in design. First, it was modified into variations like the Recamier and the Duchesse. Then, it became an accepted part of patio furniture. Now, you can enjoy the relaxing form of a chaise lounge in your bedroom, your living room, your backyard and in the swimming pool.

What is the difference between a regular and an aqua chaise lounge? Water loungers are more closely akin to the outdoor seating in general in its ability to be waterproof. However, the material is completely different. These floating seats are made from inflatable plastic, usually PVC vinyl that is durable and will not easily rip. Also, there is obviously no need for legs of any kind on a chaise lounge which rests atop the water. The headrest and armrests are still there, though, and that defining feature is what allows them to reside in the same category as other models of chaise lounge.

Some floats are longer so you can lie with your legs fully extended. Some of these also have cutouts for feet, so you can choose to submerge your legs at will. Some chaise loungers are actually compact versions and look more like chairs. On these floats, your legs will hang and your waist will be somewhat submerged as your center of gravity will be shifted lower.

Also, a pool chaise lounge is much more affordable than any other types of indoor or patio chaise lounge, so it is a good place to start your collection. Models run from around $20 to $50+ for fancier designs that includes cup holders, flip top headrests, rear-support arm chamber and other bells and whistles. They are normally manually inflated or you can use a bicycle pump, and come with non-scratch safety valves and a quick deflate feature.

But a pool float is a pool float, right? Not exactly. The chaise lounge design is what makes this pool companion better than other rafts, noodles and floats. The extended chaise lounge floats keep ones entire body out of the water so you can get a more even tan, and also avoid the potentially frigid water below. But unlike a regular raft, the head and armrests provide some very welcome neck and back support. Regular rafts require you to lie on your back, causing you to have to support your own neck and not be able to easily sit up and balance. Plus, by lying flat on your back you are forced to look directly into the sun. Lying on ones stomach is not a much more comfortable solution.

The chaise lounge has been around for a long time, and as our needs as a people change and the technology evolves to meet it, hopefully we will continue to keep it going as a part of our furniture culture. Chaise loungers in space? Maybe someday. One step at a time.