Last month, I was looking for something different for my nephews’ birthday pool party. I didn’t want another inflatable that everyone would be excited about for five minutes before tossing it aside. While scrolling through Amazon, I came across the QPAU Inflatable Tank Pool Float. It looked ridiculous in the best possible way, and at $18 each, I figured it was worth the gamble.
I ordered two, hoping they’d keep the kids entertained for a while. I wasn’t expecting them to become the main event.
Quick Takeaways
- Much bigger than the photos make it look.
- Surprisingly sturdy for the price.
- The water cannon is genuinely fun.
- Holds air well without constant topping up.
- Best suited to larger pools.
- A great buy if you’re planning a pool party.
Table of Contents
- Quick Takeaways
- What Is the QPAU Inflatable Tank Pool Float?
- Why QPAU Ended Up in My Amazon Cart
- What Happened Once We Got Them in the Pool
- What Impressed Me Most
- A Few Things You Should Know Before Buying QPAU Inflatable Tank Pool Float
- What Other Buyers Experienced
- Pros and Cons
- Better Alternatives
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the QPAU Inflatable Tank Pool Float?
The QPAU Inflatable Tank Pool Float is a large inflatable ride-on designed to look like a miniature military tank. It includes a built-in pump-action water cannon that draws water directly from the pool, turning it into a floating water battle station. It’s designed for both kids and adults, although you’ll need enough pool space for it to really be enjoyable.
Why QPAU Ended Up in My Amazon Cart
The birthday party already had the usual plans. There were games, snacks, decorations, and plenty of pool toys. I wanted one thing that would make the day memorable. When I saw these tank floats, I could immediately picture a pool full of kids chasing each other with water cannons. They were inexpensive enough that buying two didn’t feel like a huge risk, so I added them to my cart and hoped they weren’t one of those inflatables that fall apart after an hour.
What Happened Once We Got Them in the Pool
The first surprise was the size. When they arrived, the boxes looked fairly ordinary. Once inflated, though, each tank was much larger than I expected. They easily held one adult or a couple of younger kids without feeling unstable. Inflating them wasn’t difficult, although I’d definitely recommend using an electric air pump if you have one. There are multiple air chambers, and while you can inflate them manually, it takes a bit longer than a standard pool float. The water cannons ended up stealing the show. We’d bought a few inexpensive water blasters as party favors, but nobody cared about those once the tanks hit the water. Before long, the kids had divided themselves into teams and spent what felt like the entire afternoon trying to “capture” the tanks.
At one point there were around twenty kids splashing around while the two tank riders defended themselves with the built-in water cannons. We never even got around to some of the games we’d planned because nobody wanted to leave the pool.
What Impressed Me Most
I expected to be adding air every hour. That never happened. I inflated both tanks the day before the party to make sure there weren’t any leaks. The following morning, they were still fully inflated and ready to go. The material also felt much thicker than many inexpensive pool inflatables I’ve bought over the years. They were constantly being climbed on, bumped into, and dragged around the pool, yet they never felt like they were about to tear. For something that cost me $18 each, the overall build quality was better than I expected.
A Few Things You Should Know Before Buying QPAU Inflatable Tank Pool Float
The biggest thing is the size. These aren’t designed for small inflatable pools or compact backyard plunge pools. If your pool doesn’t leave much room once the tanks are floating around, they can quickly start bumping into the sides. They’re also not built for covering long distances. I tried paddling one around for fun, and while it’s certainly possible, it isn’t particularly fast. They’re much more enjoyable when you’re drifting around, playing games, or using the water cannon than trying to race across the pool.
What Other Buyers Experienced
After the party, I went back to Amazon to see whether other buyers had the same experience. The biggest compliment people kept mentioning was the size. Quite a few reviewers said the floats were much larger than they expected, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Durability came up repeatedly too. Many buyers said the material felt thicker than typical inflatables and that the seams held up well after plenty of rough play. The water cannon was another feature people genuinely seemed to enjoy. Parents described kids spending hours battling each other instead of getting bored after a few minutes, which sounded very familiar. The only recurring complaint I noticed was that some buyers underestimated how much pool space these floats need. If you’re using a smaller backyard pool, they can feel oversized very quickly. That matched my experience almost exactly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Larger than expected.
- Thick, durable material.
- Holds air well.
- Water cannon adds a lot of fun.
- Suitable for both kids and adults.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Needs a fairly large pool.
- Easier to inflate with an electric pump.
- Not designed for paddling long distances.
Better Alternatives
If you’re looking for something slightly different, these are worth considering:
- Intex Mega Flamingo Island for relaxing rather than playing games.
- GoFloats Unicorn Party Tube for casual family pool days.
- Swimline Giant Pizza Slice Float for lounging with friends.
- Intex Inflatable Water Gun Plane Ride-On if younger children prefer airplane-themed inflatables.
Conclusion
These ended up being one of the best party purchases I made all summer. I bought them thinking they’d be another fun pool toy, but they quickly became the reason nobody wanted to get out of the water. They’re sturdy, comfortably sized, and far more entertaining than a standard float. As long as you have a pool big enough to use them properly, I think they’re well worth the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QPAU Tank Float suitable for adults?
Yes. One adult can comfortably ride it, although it’s mainly designed for fun rather than relaxing.
Does the water cannon actually work?
Yes. It draws water directly from the pool and sprays surprisingly well for a built-in toy.
Does it hold air well?
Mine stayed fully inflated overnight before the party and didn’t need topping up during the day.
Do you need an air pump?
You can inflate it manually, but an electric pump makes the process much quicker.
You can also check out my review of Solvix Mosquito Bracelet here.
