Best Sling Patio Chairs for Pool and Deck
Sling chairs are the right call for anything wet. The mesh fabric drains fast, dries in minutes, and never holds mildew the way a cushion will after a pool day.
The best ones use powder-coated aluminum or steel frames that resist rust without demanding yearly maintenance. You get a chair that still looks decent after three summers, not something you're replacing every other season.
This list covers six of the strongest options across different uses, from lightweight stackers for a small deck to full recliners built for all-day poolside lounging.
Best Budget Pick for Poolside: Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
If you need a solid sling chair under $75 that you can trust poolside, the Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity is hard to beat. The bungee-cord mesh suspension distributes weight evenly, so it doesn't dig into the backs of your legs after an hour the way cheaper sling chairs do.
The frame folds flat for storage, weighs about 7 pounds, and holds up to 300 pounds. The locking recline positions let you go from upright to fully flat without fumbling. It handles direct sun without fading badly in the first season.
For a patio that sees a lot of wet swimsuits and sunscreen, this is the easiest setup. Grab two or three and stack them in the corner of the garage when they're not in use.
Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
$70
18,400+ reviews
Bungee mesh suspension with locking recline positions, folds flat, and holds up to 300 lbs.
Shop on Amazon →Best Stackable Sling Chair for Larger Decks: Telescope Casual Reliance Stacking Arm Chair
Telescope Casual makes commercial-grade furniture used by hotels and resorts, and the Reliance Stacking Sling Chair is one of their more accessible options for home use. The aluminum frame is welded, not just bolted together, and the sling fabric uses UV-stabilized vinyl-coated polyester that won't stretch out or bag in the middle after a few seasons.
These stack cleanly, up to about six chairs high, which makes them practical if you're hosting larger groups. The 18-inch seat height works for most adults at a dining table or pulled up to a low side table by the pool.
A 10x14 deck can hold four of these with room to move. If your deck hosts regular summer dinners for 6-8 people, having six chairs you can pull out and stack away without wrestling with cushions is a real quality-of-life upgrade.
Telescope Casual Reliance Stacking Sling Arm Chair
$155
2,100+ reviews
Commercial-grade welded aluminum with UV-stabilized sling fabric that stacks up to six chairs high.
Shop on Amazon →Best Premium Pick for Pool Decks: Kettler Cirrus Sling Armchair
Kettler has been making outdoor furniture in Europe for decades, and their sling chairs show it. The Cirrus uses a powder-coated aluminum frame with reinforced corner joints, and the sling itself is a textilene mesh that breathes well in heat and dries in under 20 minutes after a splash.
It's heavier than most sling chairs, around 12 pounds, which actually works in its favor. It doesn't blow around when you're not sitting in it, and the armrests are wide enough to rest a drink on without worrying about it tipping.
This is the chair you buy if you want something that still looks good in year four without repainting or re-slinging. At $175 it's not cheap for a single chair, but you're not replacing it every other summer either.
Kettler Cirrus Sling Armchair
$175
1,300+ reviews
European-made powder-coated aluminum with textilene mesh that dries in under 20 minutes and stays put in a breeze.
Shop on Amazon →Best Value Set: Outsunny Set of 2 Sling Back Patio Chairs
Buying chairs in pairs makes more sense for most setups, and Outsunny's set of two sling back chairs with armrests is one of the better deals at the $130-140 price point. The steel frames are powder-coated for rust resistance, and the PVC mesh sling is tight enough to feel supportive without being uncomfortable.
These work well as companion chairs to an existing dining set, or as poolside seating on a covered porch. The armrests sit at a comfortable height, and the chairs are light enough that one person can easily move both across a deck.
If you're outfitting a first outdoor space or just need a few reliable extras for company, this is a low-risk way to get good sling seating without spending $150 per chair.
Outsunny Set of 2 Outdoor Sling Back Patio Chairs with Armrests
$135
3,800+ reviews
Powder-coated steel frames with PVC mesh sling, sold as a pair for easy poolside or deck setup.
Shop on Amazon →Best Reclining Option: Purple Leaf Zero Gravity Sling Lounge Chair
The Purple Leaf Zero Gravity Reclining Chair fills the gap between a basic sling chair and a full chaise lounge. The frame is textured powder-coated steel with a clean look that doesn't scream pool furniture, and the mesh sling is generously wide at about 23 inches across.
The reclining positions lock firmly, and the footrest extension works without requiring you to get up to adjust it. For an 8x10 patio or a modest pool deck where you want real lounging without committing to a full chaise, this fits the bill.
It folds flat and comes with a carrying strap, so storing it in a garage between seasons is straightforward. It also works well on grass, not just hard deck surfaces.
Purple Leaf Zero Gravity Reclining Sling Lounge Chair
$108
6,200+ reviews
Locking reclining positions with a 23-inch-wide mesh sling and a fold-flat design with carrying strap.
Shop on Amazon →Best for Portability: Giantex Folding Outdoor Sling Chair
If you move chairs around a lot, between the deck and the yard and back into storage, Giantex makes a folding sling chair worth looking at. The X-frame folds down to about 4 inches thick, which means you can slide a few behind a door or lean them against the wall of a small shed.
The sling fabric is 600D Oxford mesh, tighter than most budget options, with reinforced stitching at the stress points where the fabric meets the frame. It supports up to 330 pounds, which is on the higher end for folding chairs in this price range.
For apartment patios, condo pools, or anyone who wants the flexibility to use chairs in multiple spots without hauling heavy furniture, this delivers good function without the bulk.
Giantex Folding Outdoor Sling Chair with Armrests
$78
2,900+ reviews
X-frame folds to 4 inches thick with 600D Oxford mesh sling rated to 330 lbs.
Shop on Amazon →Quick Tips for Sling Patio Chairs
- Rinse the mesh after heavy pool use. Chlorine and sunscreen residue will degrade sling fabric over time. A quick rinse with fresh water after heavy use adds years to the fabric.
- Check the frame material before you buy. Aluminum frames cost more but will not rust. Powder-coated steel is fine in most climates but needs attention if you live near saltwater.
- Store folding chairs upright, not flat. Stacking folding chairs flat can warp the frame over a long winter. Stand them upright or hang them on a wall hook.
- Re-slinging costs less than replacing. Most sling chairs use standard replacement fabric available online. If the frame is solid, a new sling runs $20-30 and takes about an hour to install.
- Match seat height to your table. Standard sling dining chairs have an 18-inch seat height. Check this against your table before ordering, especially if you're mixing brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sling patio chairs good for a pool area?
Yes. Sling chairs dry faster than cushioned chairs and don't absorb water or hold mildew. The mesh fabric is designed for wet conditions, and aluminum or powder-coated frames resist pool chemicals better than most alternatives.
How long do sling patio chairs last?
A quality sling chair with an aluminum frame lasts 7-10 years with minimal care. The sling fabric typically needs replacement after 5-7 years depending on sun and chemical exposure. Replacement fabric is available for most brands.
Can sling chairs stay outside year-round?
In mild climates, yes. In areas with harsh winters or heavy snow, bring them in or use covers. The bigger risk is UV degradation of the sling fabric from constant exposure over multiple seasons.
What is the best frame material for sling chairs near a pool?
Aluminum is the best choice near a pool because it doesn't rust and handles chlorine and saltwater without issue. Powder-coated steel is fine for most settings but can rust if the coating chips near water.
Do stackable sling chairs work for small decks?
Yes, and they're one of the best solutions for small spaces. Pull out the chairs you need and stack the rest in a corner or shed. Commercial-grade brands like Telescope Casual stack cleanly without scratching the frames.