There’s a moment every pool owner knows well. You’re perfectly situated on your favorite float, the sun is warm on your skin, and you’ve achieved a state of pure relaxation. But then, it happens. The thirst for a cold drink, the need for sunscreen, or the desire for a snack forces a choice: disrupt your zen and make the wet, dripping journey to the patio, or go without. We’ve tried the cheap, inflatable drink holders—those flimsy plastic rings that promise convenience but deliver disappointment, tipping over with the slightest ripple and sending your beverage to the bottom of the pool. It’s a small frustration, but one that chips away at the luxury of having a pool in the first place. We began searching for a solution that was not just functional, but elegant; something that would elevate the poolside experience rather than detract from it. We wanted a floating butler, a stable surface that could hold everything we needed for an uninterrupted afternoon of bliss. This quest led us to the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles, a product that promised resort-style luxury in our own backyard.
What to Consider Before Buying Pool Accessories and Equipment
A high-quality pool accessory is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming a standard swimming pool into a true backyard oasis. These products solve the common inconveniences of poolside life, such as keeping drinks and snacks close, providing shade, or simplifying maintenance. The primary benefit is the enhancement of comfort and convenience, allowing you to spend more time relaxing and less time running errands in and out of the water. Investing in the right accessories means maximizing the enjoyment you get from your pool, turning it from a simple place to swim into a hub for entertainment, relaxation, and family fun, especially when paired with a quality pool structure.
The ideal customer for a premium accessory like a floating tray is someone who frequently uses their pool for leisure and entertaining and values convenience and style. They see their pool as an extension of their living space and want to create a luxurious, resort-like atmosphere. It’s for the person who hosts summer parties or simply wants to enjoy a peaceful afternoon float without interruption. Conversely, this type of product might not be the right fit for those who use their pool purely for athletic swimming or have a very small splash pool where a large tray would be cumbersome. For those just starting their backyard journey, the focus might first be on the pool itself, rather than the accessories that complement it.
Before investing in major pool equipment, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Always measure your pool and patio area carefully. An accessory like a large floating tray needs ample room to drift without constantly bumping into the sides. For the pool itself, ensure you have enough level ground, proper clearance from structures, and that the size you choose is proportionate to your yard and intended number of users.
- Capacity/Performance: For a floating tray, this means load capacity—how many drinks, plates, and other items can it hold without becoming unstable? For a pool, this refers to water capacity (in gallons), which affects chemical and heating costs, and the power of the included filter pump, which dictates how well the water stays clean.
- Materials & Durability: Look for materials designed to withstand the elements. For pool accessories, this means UV-resistant plastics or PE rattan and rust-proof frames like aluminum. For pool frames, galvanized steel is a common choice for its strength and corrosion resistance, while durable, puncture-resistant PVC liners are essential for longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best products are those that add enjoyment, not chores. A floating tray should be easy to clean and require no assembly. A pool should have a straightforward setup process and a filtration system that is simple to operate and maintain, ensuring you spend more time swimming and less time skimming.
While the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles is an excellent choice for enhancing your current setup, it’s always wise to see how it fits within the broader context of pool ownership. For a broader look at the foundational element of any backyard oasis, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide to pools themselves.
Unboxing the Devoko Tray: First Impressions and Key Features
Pulling the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles from its box was an immediately gratifying experience. Unlike so many other pool accessories that arrive in a thousand pieces with cryptic instructions, this tray comes fully assembled and ready to go. The first thing we noticed was its substance. This is not a flimsy, air-filled toy. The woven PE rattan has a rich, dark brown texture that feels both premium and durable to the touch, and the integrated handles are part of the solid aluminum alloy frame, not flimsy add-ons. It feels sturdy and well-crafted, an impression confirmed by users who call it “very well built.”
Measuring an impressive 38.58 inches long by 28.05 inches wide, its sheer size makes a statement. This isn’t just a cup holder; it’s a floating coffee table. Flipping it over, we inspected the bottom sponge layer designed to enhance buoyancy. It’s securely attached and adds to the overall feeling of a thoughtfully engineered product. The rounded corners are a small but crucial detail, ensuring safety during a lively pool party with kids splashing about. Our initial impression was that this was a piece of outdoor furniture designed for the water, a stark and welcome contrast to the typical pool accessories that often feel disposable. It’s a product that looks and feels like it belongs in a five-star resort, and we couldn’t wait to see if its performance matched its impressive initial presentation.
Advantages
- Exceptional stability and buoyancy, far superior to inflatable options
- Large surface area easily holds multiple drinks, snacks, and accessories
- High-quality, durable construction with PE rattan and an aluminum frame
- Arrives fully assembled and ready to use straight out of the box
Drawbacks
- Large size may be overwhelming for very small pools or spas
- The dark brown color may not match all outdoor decor styles
A Comprehensive In-Water Performance Test
A product can look great on the patio, but the real test is in the water. For the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles, performance isn’t just about floating; it’s about floating with grace, stability, and purpose. We put this tray through its paces over several weeks, using it during quiet solo afternoons, family swim days, and even a lively weekend get-together. Our goal was to push its limits and see if it truly delivered on its promise of transforming the pool experience. We analyzed its construction, tested its stability to the breaking point, and evaluated its aesthetic impact on our backyard environment.
A Cut Above: Premium Construction and Unwavering Durability
The foundation of this tray’s excellence lies in its materials. The frame is a lightweight yet rigid aluminum alloy, which provides the structure without adding excessive weight. Over this frame, Devoko has hand-woven a high-quality PE (polyethylene) rattan. This isn’t the natural wicker that would disintegrate after one season; this is a synthetic, all-weather material specifically chosen for its resistance to UV rays, chlorine, and saltwater. After weeks of use, including several days where we intentionally left it floating in the hot sun, we saw absolutely no signs of fading, cracking, or degradation. This is a crucial feature that really sets it apart from competitors. One user noted they expect all products to eventually fade and tear, but based on our testing, the Devoko tray is built to delay that inevitability for a very long time.
The weave is tight and uniform, giving it the look of expensive patio furniture. The integrated handles are a standout feature. Because they are part of the aluminum frame, they feel incredibly solid. We could easily lift the tray, fully loaded, out of the water using just the handles without any fear of them bending or breaking. This robust construction is a recurring theme in user feedback, with one owner calling it “friggin amazing” and “very well built.” This isn’t just a tray; it’s a long-term investment in your poolside comfort, and its build quality gives us confidence that it will be a part of our summers for years to come.
The Stability Test: Buoyancy and Real-World Capacity
This is where the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles truly shines and embarrasses every inflatable holder we’ve ever used. The secret is its dual-buoyancy system: the natural displacement of its large, sealed frame and the added lift from the sponge layer on its underside. The result is phenomenal stability. To test it, we started simple: a few cans of soda. It floated high and level. We added a full pitcher of iced tea, four glasses, a bowl of fruit, a bottle of sunscreen, and a paperback book. The tray barely seemed to notice the added weight. It remained stable, with its surface well above the waterline, keeping everything perfectly dry.
The real test, however, came from external forces. We created waves, splashed around it, and even had a cannonball contest nearby. While the tray bobbed and drifted with the water’s movement, it never once felt tippy. The low center of gravity and wide base make it incredibly difficult to capsize. This is the confidence you need when you’re placing your phone or a Bluetooth speaker on it. The manufacturer specifies a load capacity of 22.05 pounds, and in our experience, it handles that weight with ease. As one user happily reported, “We enjoyed not getting out of the pool for our afternoon snacks!” This reliability completely changes the dynamic of a pool day. No more strategic exits, no more balancing acts. You can load it up on the deck, launch it into the water, and have your own personal floating bar follow you wherever you go. You can see its impressive capacity in user photos online.
The ‘Wow’ Factor: Its Impressive Size and Resort-Style Aesthetics
You cannot talk about the Devoko tray without talking about its size. User reviews consistently mention that it’s “huge” and “very large,” and they are not exaggerating. At over three feet long and nearly two and a half feet wide, it commands a significant presence in the pool. In a small, round splash pool, it might feel a bit like a barge, but in any standard-sized family pool, its size is a major asset. It creates an immediate focal point, a centerpiece that signals luxury and hospitality. As one satisfied customer put it, they wanted that “Bali in Vegas” vibe without spending hundreds of dollars, and this tray delivered. It makes a “substantial presence” and is a perfect “vibe accessory for your guest.”
We found this to be entirely true. When friends came over, the tray was an instant conversation starter. Everyone wanted to use it. It elevates a simple swim into a memorable event. The rich brown color gives it an earthy, sophisticated look that pairs well with natural stone patios and wood decking. While one user mentioned plans to spray paint theirs a lighter brown to match their specific furniture—a great DIY tip—we found the dark brown to be classic and versatile. The combination of its impressive scale and high-end appearance is what truly sells the experience. It’s an accessory that doesn’t just serve a function; it enhances the entire aesthetic of your outdoor space, making your backyard feel less like home and more like a private resort. This is the kind of upgrade that makes every pool day feel like a vacation, and you can check the latest price and availability to bring that feeling home.
What Other Pool Owners Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from other users of the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles is overwhelmingly positive, mirroring our own fantastic experience. The most common points of praise are its immense size and incredible stability. One user summed it up perfectly, calling it “legitimately one of the best purchases I’ve ever made,” highlighting that it “floats like a champ” and is surprisingly “huge.” This sentiment is echoed by others who simply state, “Love this! It’s very large!” and “This was a great gift! It is so sturdy!”
The theme of transforming the pool experience is also prevalent. One owner, inspired by a trip to Bali, was thrilled to find a high-quality, attractive tray at an accessible price point, noting it “does what it needs to do” and creates a “nice vibe accessory for your guest.” The convenience factor is another major win, with a reviewer celebrating that they “enjoyed not getting out of the pool for our afternoon snacks!” While there’s a lack of significant negative feedback, the few critiques are subjective, such as one user’s personal preference to paint the tray a different shade of brown to match their furniture. This collective feedback solidifies our assessment: users buy this tray for its promise of stability and style, and it consistently delivers on both fronts.
How the Devoko Tray Compares to Top Pool Options
While the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles is a premier accessory designed to enhance your existing pool, many people are at the beginning of their backyard journey and are looking for the pool itself. Comparing an accessory to a full pool set is an apples-to-oranges scenario, but it’s useful to understand the context. The Devoko tray brings luxury to any body of water, but if you don’t have one yet, here’s a look at three popular above-ground pool options that could become the perfect home for your new floating bar.
1. Bestway Steel Pro 10′ x 30″ Round Pool Set
The Bestway Steel Pro is an excellent entry-level option for families with small yards or smaller budgets. At 10 feet in diameter, it’s compact but still offers plenty of room for kids to splash and adults to cool off. Its main selling point is its simplicity and affordability. Compared to the luxury statement of the Devoko tray, this pool is all about accessible fun. Someone might choose this pool if they’re dipping their toes into pool ownership for the first time. The Devoko tray would still work wonderfully in this pool, though its large size would take up a more significant portion of the water’s surface area.
2. Aquarian Phoenix Steel-Frame 15′ Pool Kit
Stepping up in size and durability, the Aquarian Phoenix offers a 15-foot diameter and a more robust steel frame construction. This pool is for the family that has committed to the pool lifestyle and wants a semi-permanent installation that will last for many seasons. Its larger size makes it a much better pairing for the spacious Devoko tray, allowing the tray to drift freely without feeling cramped. A buyer would opt for the Aquarian Phoenix for its balance of size, durability, and value, providing a fantastic arena for both family fun and adult relaxation facilitated by accessories like the Devoko tray.
3. Intex Prism Frame Oval Pool Set 20ft x 10ft x 48in
The Intex Prism Frame Oval pool represents a higher tier in the above-ground market. Its generous 20ft x 10ft dimensions and 48-inch depth make it suitable for swimming laps as well as casual floating. This is the ideal stage for the Devoko tray to truly shine. With ample space, the tray can serve as a central hub during pool parties without ever getting in the way. A family would choose this Intex model for its premium size, complete feature set (including a pump, ladder, and cover), and the versatility it offers for all types of pool activities, from energetic games to serene floating with a fully-stocked tray.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Devoko Floating Pool Tray Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can say without hesitation that the Devoko Floating Pool Tray with Handles is a phenomenal product that delivers on every promise. It successfully bridges the gap between a simple accessory and a transformative piece of outdoor furniture. Its superior construction, unwavering stability, and impressive size put it in a class far above flimsy inflatable alternatives. This isn’t just a product that holds your drinks; it’s a product that enhances your leisure time, encourages you to relax longer, and brings a touch of resort-style luxury to the familiar comfort of your own backyard. It’s for the host who wants to delight their guests and for the individual who wants to maximize their personal peace.
While its large footprint may not be suitable for the smallest of splash pools, for anyone with a standard-sized pool, it is an absolute game-changer. It’s a simple, elegant solution to a common poolside frustration, and one of the best-built pool accessories we have ever tested. If you’re ready to stop making dripping trips to the kitchen and start enjoying uninterrupted relaxation in the water, we wholeheartedly recommend this tray. It is an investment in your summer enjoyment that you will not regret. To elevate your pool experience this season, you can order your Devoko Floating Pool Tray today.