Choosing the Right Lily Pad: Why Foam Density and Ply Count Matter

If you’re shopping for the perfect Lily Pad for the lake, you’ve probably noticed there are lots of options— thick, thin, cheap, some built like tanks, others not so much. The most important (and often overlooked) aspects when picking the right water mat is Foam density and the number of layers or ply count.

These two features, along with manufacturer-specific treatments or techniques, determine how durable, supportive, and enjoyable your floating experience will be.  Let’s break it down.

Foam Density: The Core of Durability and Performance

Foam density refers to how tightly the foam material is packed. Higher-density foam is more durable, floats better and resists water absorption and UV breakdown.

• Low-Density Foam:
  Lightweight and less expensive, but more prone to tearing, warping, and sinking under too much weight.
• High-Density Foam:
  Heavier and more supportive, it handles multiple adults, rougher waters, and repeated use without losing shape.  Aqua Lily Pad is a great example of High-Density foam along with other additions that make their pads superior.

Go with High-Density Foam!

2. Ply Count: How Many Layers of Foam?

Lily Pads are usually made with 2-ply or 3-ply construction – Some 4-Ply but that is rare and probably more trouble than it’s worth and they aren’t really marketed.

• 2-Ply Mats (Approx. 1.25” thick):
  Easier to roll and carry, good for light use, kids, or smaller groups. Often used in entry-level models.
• 3-Ply Mats (Approx. 1.5–2” thick):
  More buoyant and stable. Ideal for larger families, adults, or party settings. These mats support more weight and have a sturdier feel underfoot.

What About Aqua Lily Pad?

One of the most recognized brands, Aqua Lily Pad, uses a unique approach to their 2-ply mats and include a tough netting layer laminated between the 2 foam sheets. This netting adds extra tear resistance and helps improve durability without increasing the ply count.   They call it their Ripstop Feature and we at Lily Setter, can attest to their Lily-Pads taking extreme punishment!    If you’ve ever seen someone put their foot through a Lily Pad, it probably wasn’t one of their pads.   

Still, for most lakegoers, a 3-ply Lily Pad offers the best all-around experience—more buoyancy, better stability, and enough strength to support a full group without anyone ending up in the water.

Bonus Tip: Think Ahead to Storage

The downside of a thicker, higher-density mat? It’s harder to roll, strap, and store. That’s where Lily Setter comes in.

Whether you choose a 2-ply or a 3-ply pad, our tools make it easy to roll, lift, and store your Lily Pad on your dock or boat without the usual wrestling match.

Final Thoughts: Choose for Your Lifestyle

• We always recommend buying the best when it comes to toys the family will enjoy at the lake,  A 3-ply From Aqua Lily Pad or similar density foam, is the way to go.

No matter what you choose, make strapping, storing, and rolling your Lily Pad simple with LilySetter.

Check out our storage and transport tools at LilySetter.com