Smart Pool Noodle Hacks To Try In Your Pool (They're Not Just For Floating)

If your home has a pool, chances are you have a few colorful foam noodles lying around. Although these handy swimming aides were created to help you float in the water, their buoyancy and soft texture lend them to a variety of other poolside hacks. You'll find pool noodles can be repurposed in both creative and practical ways to assist in everything from easing cleaning chores to enhancing comfort while lounging in the sun.

For instance, when it comes to the many pool noodle hacks you should try this summer, you'll find making your skimmer more buoyant at the top of the list. Not only will this prevent the skimmer from sinking to the bottom if you drop it, but it will also simplify the process of removing leaves and debris. Additionally, foam noodles can be crafted to create floating beverage coolers and tray baskets to keep your favorite drinks and snacks within reach. Even your pup can get in on the fun with a homemade raft. These are just a few examples of how pool noodles can transform from simple swimming aids into indispensable poolside accessories.

Do you enjoy nightly swims, but lack outdoor lighting? One smart pool noodle hack is to turn a pool noodle or two into a set of luminaries. The DIY floating candles provide plenty of light to continue enjoying the water after the sun goes down. To make the luminaries, you simply slice a pool noodle into discs about 3 inches wide. Press a battery-operated tea light into the center hole of each disc. They should fit nicely; however, if the space is too tight, you can cut a bit more out of the center with a box knife. Place the luminaries on the surface of the water and you're good to go.

This simple hack does an excellent job of repurposing common items. It's also extremely affordable, as you can obtain the supplies at most dollar stores or online. In fact, you can order a set of 12 battery-powered tea lights on Amazon for under $4, making each tea light just $0.33. Battery-powered tea lights are safer than using candles and offer more of a whimsical feel. Not only are the foam noodles available in a variety of colors, but there are also multiple options when it comes to the tea lights as well. You could go with a warm white, a tranquil blue, or a passionate red. Your homemade luminaries can also be placed in a hot tub to create a more romantic ambiance.

A pool with freezing cold water is rarely enjoyable (except maybe on the hottest of summer days). Fortunately, you can create your own solar pool heater for cheap using a black tarp and a collection of pool noodles. Start by measuring the diameter of your pool. Add 10 inches to this measurement and cut a large black tarp to that size. Create a circle equaling the diameter of your pool using foam noodles that are taped together. Place the noodle circle on the tarp. You will have 5 inches of tarp beyond every side of the circle. Fold the edges of the tarp over the pool noodles and tape them in place. Set the DIY solar pool heater in the pool when not in use.

Since commercially sold solar-powered pool heaters are pretty pricey, this hack will keep your hard-earned dollars in your wallet where they belong. You may even already own all of the supplies needed, making the project completely free. The hack also reduces the carbon footprint associated with other heating methods and doesn't add anything to your home energy bill. Another plus associated with this DIY solar-powered pool heater is its portability. The heater is lightweight and can quickly be installed or removed as needed. Note: Some TikTok users have also had success using black trash bags instead of heavier tarps.

Whether you're lounging on a raft or swimming laps around the pool's edge, it's nice to have a cold beverage at the ready for when you get thirsty. Creating a floating cooler meets this need, and anyone can make one with a pool noodle and a plastic bin. Begin by selecting a plastic bin that is both deep and wide enough to house some ice and a few drinks. Measure each side of the bin and cut pieces of pool noodle to match. Thread a piece of fishing line through the center of the noodle pieces and then tie a knot to hold them together. Fit the plastic bin in the center of your noodle formation and add your ice and drinks. Place the cooler in the pool and enjoy.

Just like with the other pool noodle hacks, this option is also budget friendly. Plastic bins and foam noodles are readily available at most dollar stores. You'll even find them in a host of fun colors, allowing for customization. If you don't have any fishing line on hand, you can also use twine or a thin piece of rope. The hack is quick and easy to implement. In fact, you can even get your kiddos to help. Tip: When making a pool noodle drink float, you'll want to use beverages with caps or lids. Open cans are susceptible to pool water entering through the open holes.

While it's great to have a refreshing beverage at the ready, what about a snack and some reading materials? Turns out, it's also possible to create a floating tray using a pool noodle and a basket. First, you'll need a basket or tray that is lightweight, such as those made from plastic or wicker. If you go with the wicker option, spray it with Scotchgard Water Shield ($12 on Amazon) before continuing. This gives the piece a waterproof coating. Second, you'll want to cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise and then into sections that fit the length of the bottom of the tray. Attach the flat side of the foam noodle pieces to the bottom of the tray using a multi-surface, all-weather adhesive. Flip the basket over and set some heavy books on top until the glue dries.

You'll find implementing this brilliant pool noodle hack a breeze, as it only takes a few minutes to create and uses just a tray, a foam noodle, and some adhesive. Since floating trays cost anywhere from $30 to $250 on Amazon, you'll save a great deal of cash making the hovering basket yourself. The hack also enhances your poolside experience, as it allows for relaxing without getting in and out of the pool to grab what you need. Additional items to store on the tray include a pair of sunglasses, a tube of sunscreen, and a small radio.

Pool nets are essential for keeping your swimming area free of bugs and debris; however, the nets are heavy and sink to the bottom of a pool when dropped. A piece of a pool noodle can be added to the skimmer to keep it buoyant and easier to operate. All you need to do is measure the length of the flat end of your net and then cut a piece of pool noodle to fit. Create a slit down the center of the pool noodle and then slide it over the end of the net. It's now ready for use!

This ingenious pool noodle hack that makes skimming your pool a breeze takes literally 30 seconds of your time to implement, yet saves you both time and energy when cleaning the pool. Without the foam noodle keeping the net afloat, you'll need two hands to operate the skimmer. It's the added buoyancy that allows for maneuvering the net with one hand. Additionally, you'll need to jump in the pool to fetch the skimmer if you drop it and it sinks under the water. Since all you need is a pool noodle to give your skimmer an upgrade, this hack is a must-try.

There's no need to leave your canine companion on the sidelines when spending some time in the pool. You can easily make a raft for your pup to float on using foam noodles and a rope. To craft the raft, you want to stick with the jumbo-size noodles, especially if you have larger dogs. Arrange the pool noodles in front of you, making sure you have enough to accommodate the size of your pet. Grab a marker and place a dot on the top center of each pool noodle on both the left and right sides about 6 inches inward. Thread ⅛-inch nylon rope through the dots on the left side using a large needle. Attach a washer at each end and tie a knot. Repeat for the right side. Set the raft in the pool and place your dog in the center.

This pool noodle hack for pets is customizable, as pool noodles are sold in a myriad of colors. You can opt to create a raft in one solid color, a repeating pattern of two or more colors, or a dedicated color for the ends with a separate color in the center. Another option is to add a flag to the raft. As long as the flag is on a small stick, you can simply press the end into one of the foam noodles. The hack is also extremely affordable, especially if you already have a few pool noodles and some nylon rope. Of course, the best part about the project is that it gives you and your pet more quality time together.

Pool liners are easily damaged by the sun, resulting in unsightly fraying. Installing foam noodles around the edges of above-ground pools is ideal, as this hack will keep them protected. To begin, go around the perimeter of the pool and count the number of sections. The larger the pool, the more sections you'll have. Cut a piece of pool noodle to fit each section. Slice down the center of each piece before wrapping them over the sections of pool liner. Secure the foam noodle protectors using a zip tie at each end.

When it comes to cost, you can't beat the price of this hack. As stated above, you can find plenty of colorful pool noodles for $1 a piece at your local dollar store. Zip ties are readily available on Amazon, and you can order as many as 100 for under $4. The hack is a cinch to implement and adds to the durability of your pool. As an added bonus, the pool noodle liner protectors double as bumper pads for small children who are just learning how to swim. Foam noodles are nice and soft, as well as easy to hold on to when needed. Note: According to TikTok user @shoegirlandi, you will need to replace the pool noodle liner protectors each year.

Do your pool steps get hot to the touch under the sun's scorching summer rays? Are they slippery and hard when wet? If so, you'll love this affordable smart pool noodle hack, which creates a pair of handle covers for your steps. (Note: Though the above TikTok shows this hack on a blender handle, it gives you an idea of how to use it on your handrails.) All you need is one long pool noodle, a sharp knife, and a set of zip ties to make covers for the handles on your pool steps. Measure the step handles and cut a piece of pool noodle to match each side. Produce a slit down the center using a box knife and then slide the covers over the handles. A pair of zip ties for each handle can be used to keep the covers firmly in place.

While you can purchase pool step handle covers online or at any pool supply store, they typically run anywhere between $14 and $50. Compare that to $1.16 to make your own ($1 for the pool noodle and $.16 for four zip ties). Pool noodle covers are just as durable as their store-bought counterparts and take under 5 minutes to install. They add a layer of safety by providing a more comfortable grip and can be purchased in your choice of color. 

Many above-ground pools contain openings between each section, which allows water to splash out while swimming and playing. To prevent water loss, pool owners can create their own splash guards using a collection of foam noodles. Depending on the size of the openings around the perimeter of your pool, you may be able to cover two or three sections per pool noodle. You'll need to measure the openings and make sure each piece of pool noodle fits with a few extra inches to spare on either side. Slide the pool noodle in and around the exposed pool in the opening of the liner and then pull it tight from the backside of the pool. Repeat until all of the openings have been covered and you're good to go!

While you can purchase a splash guard for your skimmer, you won't find any splash guards for sale for the perimeter of your above-ground pool, making this smart pool noodle hack truly valuable. The guards are easy to install and do an excellent job of reducing water mess. Since foam noodles are designed to be used in water and sunlight, they are also extremely durable. They are also flexible, so you can use them to create splash guards for both round and rectangular-shaped pools. Finally, you can pick up pool noodles in the same color as your pool to help them blend in or opt for noodles in another shade to add a pop of color to your swimming space.