Gizmodo: pool toys

Dubiously Named Inflatable 'Speed' Boat Navigates Pools At Blistering 2MPH

Jack Loftus — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:00:00 EDT

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Let me save you $100 with a tip. The wind, old as time and completely free, will push your kid around the pool on a rubber raft faster than this inflatable speedboat.

Plus, the wind doesn't require huge expensive D batteries, of which this inflatable cash sink requires eight.

The wind also dissipates eventually, takes up no room in your garage, and won't pop or become mangled when your kid—innocent and adorable, yes, but naive as fuck—tries to use this thing on the lawn when he gets bored in the pool.

Still not convinced? The 360 degree movement, all at a neck-breaking 2MPH, is too much to pass up? OK, then, purchase away. Just be sure to send us a picture of the thing in six months when it's stuffed in a closet next to your Snuggie collection. [Cooolest Gadgets]

Star Wars Pool Inflatables Impress Princess Leia (Bikini Version)

Mark Wilson — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EDT

Your Stormtrooper getup works great for conventions with A/C, but what do you do in the dead of summer? That plastic doesn't breathe. Luckily, Jakks Pacific is releasing a large line of Star Wars inflatables.

The X-wing (pictured here) is not only 5-feet long; it includes a water cannon. Couple that aqua weaponry with a few "pew pew" noises and you've got yourself a second degree sunburn before anyone even pulls out the Death Star beach ball.

Seriously, I'm calling a do-over to my childhood. But I can wait until Power Wheels releases a line of working mini Tie Fighters. [StarWars via OhGizmo!]

Inflatable Bar, an Ice Cold Beer Barge

Charlie White — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:20:00 EDT

Even if you don't have a pool, just the notion of this inflatable beverage cooling bar floating toward you across the cool blue water might be enough to make this summer's high temperature and humidity seem a bit less oppressive.

This baby holds just about enough beers to keep Mark, Chen and me busy for a half-hour or so—24 cans complete with plenty of ice to keep everything frigid. And hey, there are enough cupholders to satisfy the trio and each of our beautiful bikini-clad ladies as well. It's $44.50, beers and babes not included. [Brando, via 7 Gadgets]

Aquapub Pool Table

Charlie White — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 19:00:06 EDT

If you recall seeing a swim-up bar the last time you were in the Bahamas, now you can have something like that in your pool. This Aquapub six-seat floating table lets you get your drink on and your snack on in style. It has six cup holders, and then there are two removable containers for plenty of brewskis on ice. It even accommodates a sun-shading umbrella.

The thing weighs 90 pounds, but don't worry, it's made of insulating polyurethane that not only makes it unsinkable, it keeps those beers ice cold at the same time.

Product Page [via The Uber Review]

Motorized Pool Lounger: When Dog Paddling Just Isn't Enough

Charlie White — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 09:57:20 EST

If just lying around in the pool all day isn't exciting enough for you, now there's the Motorized Pool Lounger, an inflatable seat with two joystick-controlled props that let you motor around the pool with reckless abandon. It has a built-in cup holder and supports even big bruisers that weigh 250 pounds. Better stock up on batteries, though—it uses a dozen D cells, and who knows how long they will last. Too bad it's not rechargeable.

Motorized Pool Lounger [Excalibur Electronics via Red Ferret]