Easy Pool Noodle Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner

ByChas

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Are you ready for some pool noodle hacks? Pool noodles aren’t just for pool time anymore. With imagination, you can find practical and fun uses for these affordable floating devices.

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How do you do it?

Today, I’ll teach you creative ways to upcycle $1 pool noodles. From DIY projects to safety applications, there’s a project for everyone.

I guarantee you’ll be surprised by how simple pool noodle hacks can make your housework a whole lot easier!

Pool noodles can be found for as little as $1, and I'm sharing some super easy pool noodle hacks you wish you knew sooner.

Pool Noodle Hacks Video

Pool Noodle Hack Materials

Fortunately, you don’t need complicated equipment to work with pool noodles. You can find most of what you need at home or the dollar store!

Before you begin, here are the basic pool noodle hack materials to prepare.

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How to Cut Pool Noodles

Pool noodle projects involve plenty of cutting. The good news is cutting pool noodles is surprisingly easy!

All you need is a serrated knife or an Exacto knife.

Mark where you want to cut your pool noodle, then hold it down to prevent accidents. Use the knife to cut into the pool noodle in a sawing motion. It should slide right in without issue.

Of course, you may do this on a chopping board to protect your work surface.

Pool Noodle Hacks You Wish You Knew About

These are a few of my favorite pool noodle hacks!

1. Quick Hose

I started by placing one end of a pool noodle on my faucet.

Sometimes it’s really hard to lift a bucket out of a sink after you’ve filled it. Plus, depending on the size of your bucket, it might not even fit into your sink!

Luckily, you can take advantage of the hole in the middle of your pool noodle and use it as a hassle-free hose. There’s no more need to break your back with this hack.

I started by placing one end of a pool noodle into the nozzle of my faucet. After this, I led the other end into the bucket.

I placed the other end of the pool noodle into the bucket. I turned the water on and watched the water flow easily into the bucket to fill it up. This bucket happens to be on wheels which I love so it's super easy to move around.

Once your pool noodle is in position, hold it in position, then turn the water on. Watch as the water flows easily into the bucket as you fill it up.

You could add duct tape to make the extension longer. Just be careful so it doesn’t leak.

This bucket happens to be on wheels which I love so it's super easy to move around.

This bucket happens to be on wheels, which I love. It’s super easy to move around!

As you can see, I had no issue filling the bucket with the pool noodle. It was way easier than installing a hose into the faucet.

I wheeled the bucket out and was ready to mop my floor with ease.

Once it was full, I simply wheeled the bucket out and was ready to mop my floor with ease!

2. Hanger for Your Cleaning Supplies

I started with a leftover piece of pool noodle I had from other projects I created. You can easily cut this to the size of the space you're wanting to put it.

Although I have a closet in my mudroom, I can’t keep all of my cleaning supplies in it. Here in Colorado, we need coats every season, so I needed another solution for my broom and mop.

This is how I came up with the pool noodle hanger!

To start, you’ll need to space the cleaning materials along the pool noodle. I used a marker to pinpoint where I wanted to cut this leftover piece of pool noodle.

I love this project because you can customize the length of the hanger to the amount of cleaning supplies you have. Pool noodles are versatile since you can cut them to the size of the space you want to put them in.

I used a serrated knife to cut about 1/2 way into the noodle. You could use other items to cut into your pool noodle like a razor, craft knife, etc.

Next, I used a serrated knife to slice about 1/2 of the way into the noodle. You could use other items to cut into your pool noodle, like a razor or craft knife.

I placed picture hanging strips on the back of the pool noodle and made sure to put them behind where I had cut the noodle so it would reinforce where the weight would be.

Once I cut the pool noodles, I placed picture hanging strips on the back. When you do this project, make sure to put the hanging strips behind the cuts. This way, you can reinforce the slits as these are where the weight would be.

Next, I found an unused wall space in my laundry room, cleaned the surface, and let it dry completely.

Following the instructions on the strips, I made sure to press firmly on the noodle. Next, I cleaned the wall surface and let it dry completely. Lastly, I pressed the strips onto the wall and pressed them firmly again.

Following the package instructions on the hanging strips, I pressed firmly onto the noodle for 30 seconds.

I waited the amount of time the instructions said before hanging anything into the noodle. I pressed the handles of each of the cleaning items into the cut pool noodle.

Once done, I pressed the handles of the cleaning items into the cut pool noodles.

I was able to hang my broom, scrub pad, and swifter mop onto the pool noodle.

As you can see, I was able to hang my broom, scrub pad, and Swiffer mop!

Think of all you could do with this simple idea. You may use this pool noodle hack even in the garage with tools. It’s especially great for rental properties where you can’t drill into walls.

These hang in my laundry room on a wall that wasn't being used. Think of all you could do with this simple idea! Even in the garage with tools, and especially great for rental properties.

What’s more, if you don’t want a bright color, you can use black foam pipe insulation!

3. Door Draft Stopper

Do you have cold or hot air leaking into your house? Make a simple door draft stopper. I started by measuring a pool noodle against a door.

Do you have cold or hot air leaking into your house? No problem. You can make a simple door draft stopper with repurposed pool noodles!

I started by measuring a pool noodle against a door to make the perfect fit.

I marked the pool noodle length I needed and then used a serrated knife to cut the pool noodle.

I then marked the pool noodle length I needed and used a serrated knife to cut it.

You can just use the noodle as is, or you can cover it to make it look better, which is what I did.

You can just use the noodle as is, or you can cover it which is what I did. I grabbed a pillow case, placed the pool noodle inside, and then rolled up the pool noodle and pillow case up. You can cut the pillow case if you would prefer.

I got this pillowcase from the dollar store and placed the pool noodle inside. Yes, you can pick any fabric you love, and you may cut the pillowcase if you prefer.

As for me, I simply rolled the pool noodle into the pillowcase without cutting it.

After rolling, I hot glued the pillowcase so it wouldn’t unroll.

I hot glued the pillow case so that it wouldn't unroll.

If you’re trying this hack, be sure to tuck the loose end into the pool noodle.

I tucked the loose end into the pool noodle.

As with the pool noodle hanger, I attached picture strips to the pillowcase.

I attached picture strips to the pillow case.

When you’re ready, stick the pool noodle to the door and press it firmly into place.

I stuck the strips to the door.

Because the pool noodle is lightweight, I can still easily open and close the door.

Because it's lightweight, I can still open and close the door with ease.

What I love about this hack is that you can change up the pillowcase per season if you like!

What I love about this is that you can change up the pillow case per season if you like.

4. Pool Noodle Bed Rail Hack

One thing I like about pool noodles is that they’re perfect for cushioning and child-proofing some of the stuff at home. Take this pool noodle bed rail hack, for example.

First, measure the length of your kid’s bed, then cut the pool noodles to the correct size. Ideally, you want pool noodles on both sides of the bed to prevent your children from falling off.

Decide on an appropriate height for your bed rail. You may duct tape three pieces of pool noodles into a triangle shape to make it taller if necessary.

Once done, tuck the noodles under the fitted sheet. To make it more stable, you can choose to duct tape the pool noodle onto the bed.

For bunk beds, grab foam noodles and use them to cover a rung on a ladder to protect little feet (but make sure to glue them into place to make them sturdy).

What’s great about this hack is that it’s way more affordable than installing bed rails!

This image shows how to use pool noodles as a bed rail hack. Covers are pulled up and pool noodle placed under sheet to help children from getting near edge of bed.

Pool Noodle Hacks Video

Fun Pool Noodle Hacks for Kids

Next time you are out and about at the dollar store, be sure to grab a simple pool noodle for these great ideas. See the full tutorials to make these games here: Easy and Awesome Pool Noodle Games.

I continued to do this until I had 5 hoops in the form of a "5" on a die as pictured here.

1. Pool Noodle kickball croquet yard game

For this game, you’re going to take a flag and stick it on either end of your yard. Then I took a skewer and cut it in half. I placed it into the ground on two points and then put the pool noodle over the two skewers to make an archway.

I’m going to repeat this process until I have five hoops in the yard. Now I have a kickball croquet yard game for my kids to play together.

I placed 10 water bottles up like bowling pins. You can use used water bottles and just put a little bit of water in them for weight. You can also use old pantry cans or pop cans as well.

2. Pool Noodle Backyard Bowling

Cut some pool noodles with a serrated knife and hot glue them all together to create this shape. Add some water bottles or any bottles of your choice.

You’ll need a ball, and you’ve created backyard bowling for your family.

More Fun Pool Noodle Hacks for Kids:

  • Fishing Games: Make fun fishing rods or fishing poles for kids. Pool noodles are great for DIY games.
  • Pool Noodle Ponies: Strap a few pool noodles together to create colorful ponies.
  • Pool Luminaries: Make luminaries by cutting small pieces of the pool noodle. Place tiny battery-operated tealights in the center.
  • Water Toy: Of course, pool noodles are great as water pool toys and flotation devices.
  • Pool Chair: Create a poolside chair by forming a loop with the pool noodle and securing the ends.
  • Halloween Costume: Incorporate pool noodles into Halloween costumes for added structure and creativity.
  • Pool Noodle Archery Target: Stack pool noodles to create a soft and safe archery target.
  • DIY Lightsabers: Wrap pool noodles with duct tape to create DIY lightsabers for kids.
  • Outdoor Games: Use pool noodles as hurdles or obstacles in outdoor games and races.
  • Sword Play: Have safe and playful sword fights with kids by cutting pool noodles into smaller, manageable sizes.

Home DIY Pool Noodle Hacks

Pool noodles aren’t just for fun and games. You can find many practical uses for them around your home.

1. Pool Noodle DIY Storage Organizer

Grab some baskets and some pool noodles for a storage hack.

Now this can be a bookshelf. But, I am making it a little coffee station in my guest room. It would work great for dorm rooms as well. Optionally, you can add baskets. This will help you have hidden storage as well.

Next, grab your hot glue gun. I'm using my Xyron self-loading glue gun, which is super awesome, to hot glue each of the pool noodles into place between each of the baskets. This helps make them more stable. I repeated the process and made two sets of baskets.

Pictured above is how to get started with the project. See the full tutorial here: Easy DIY Dollar Tree Plastic Crate Shelves with Video.

2. Pool Noodle Cord Organizer

Cut a piece of pool noodle to stop cords from getting tangled. Fold up your cord nicely and then place it into the pool noodle. This will keep it nicely organized and ready for your next use.

This images shows how to use a pool noodle to organize and store electrical cords.

3. Pool Noodle Hanger Hack

I measured a pool noodle and cut it to size.

Next, I rotated it and cut it through one layer into the hole of the pool noodle. I placed the pool noodle onto a hanger and then placed my pants on the hanger, hanging up in a closet.

And now, your pants will no longer have creases in them.

This image shows how to use pool noodles to keep pants from creasing on a hanger. Pants are shown hanging the the closet on a hanger with a pool noddle protecting pants from creasing.

4. Pool Noodle Boot Shaper Hack

Measure and cut a pool noodle to size. Slide it into your tall boots. This will keep them from falling over and standing up nicely in your closet. You can see more closet hacks here at: Easy DIY Closet Organization; Tips and Tricks For Maximizing Your Closet Space

Measure a pool noodle for how long it needs to be in a boot and cut it with a knife or saw.

5. Pool Noodle Cushion Handles Hack

Cut a piece of pool noodle and slide it onto a bucket. This makes for a soft grip handle when carrying that heavy bucket around.

This image shows how to use a pool noodle to cushion handle of bucket as a hack.

6. Pool Noodle Seat Belt Padding Hack

Now, I don’t know about you, but sometimes the seat belt rubs my neck. So I added a little pool noodle to the seat belt, and now it’s nice and soft.

This image shows how to use pool noodles to protect skin from itchy seatbelt as a hack.

7. Pool Noodle Computer Keyboard Wrist Rest

I took a pool noodle and I cut it in half. Then I placed that half by my keyboard. Now I’m using it as a wrist rest so that my wrists don’t get sore while using the computer.

This image shows how to use pool noodles to support wrists while typing on a keyboard.

More Home DIY Pool Noodle Hacks to Try:

  • Garage Bumper: Use the side of the pool noodle in the garage as a bumper to protect your car door. They can also be used to insulate garage walls.
  • PVC Insulation: PVC pipe fits perfectly into the center of the noodles. You can use them as temporary insulation in emergency cases.
  • DIY Sprinkler: Turn a pool noodle into a sprinkler by attaching it to a water hose and poking holes into it.
  • Gardening Tool Cover: Cut a pool noodle and use it as a protective cover for sharp gardening tools.

Pool Noodle Safety Hacks

Pool noodles work great for childproofing objects around your home. Below are some examples.

1. Pool Noodle Table Bumper Pads

Now, if you have coffee tables, end tables, and little kits, this hack is for you.

Slice a pool noodle into the center so that you have half of it cut open, and then slide that onto all of the edges of your end tables, side tables, coffee tables, etc. This creates bumpers around all those sharp edges on those tables.

This image shows how to use pool noodles to protect corners of a table as a furniture bumper pad hack.

2. Pool Noodle Trampoline Padding

Have a trampoline outside? Want to add some extra protection? Place a pool noodle onto the external poles. This will add some safety to the poles while the kids are jumping on the trampoline.

You can also place the pool noodles onto the springs so that no pinching will take place if you don’t have a cover over your springs or the covers have fallen apart over time.

This image shows how to use pool noodles to cushion rails of a trampoline as a hack.

3. Pool Noodle Swing Chain Padding

Now, my swings already have this cover on them, but if you don’t, sometimes fingers have gotten pinched. So all you have to do is slide a pool noodle over that chain section, and you’ll stop fingers from being pinched.

This image shows how to use pool noodles to keep fingers from getting pinched in swingset chain of a swing as a hack.

4. Pool Noodle Safety Door Stopper

Stop front doors from slamming by putting a pool noodle on the edge of a door. You may also place a slice on a cupboard door to prevent slamming.

Cut a piece of pool noodle and slide it onto a door. This will help protect little fingers from getting their hands slammed in the doors.

This image shows how to use pool noodles to keep a door from closing and pinching fingers.

More Pool Noodle Padding Hacks to Try:

  • Table Corners: Place on the corners of tables as child safety protectors.
  • Trampoline Buffers: Place over the springs and bars on your trampoline.
  • Slide Protectors: Cover the sides of a slide with colorful pool noodles.

Pool Noodle DIY Holiday Decor

Now, let’s dig into some holiday pool noodle hacks. Here are my favorite. You can see the full holiday decor tutorials here: 3 Awesome and Easy Holiday Pool Noodle Hacks.

1. Pool Noodle Craft Gnome

DIY Gnome 2. Make the diy gnome body

For this project, I cut a pool noodle in half. I pulled over a toddler onesy and pulled up some toddler pants. I stuffed extra pool noodles into the toddler shirt for stuffing.

For the full tutorial, see Awesome and Easy Autumn DIY Gnome with Video.

Here is the finished gnome.

Do you love gnomes? I'm sharing how to make an awesome and easy autumn DIY gnome with items from the thrift and dollar store!

2. Pool Noodle DIY Halloween Decor

Pool Noodle Halloween Arches

For this project, I staked six broom handles into the ground. I took a bunch of pool noodles, removed the labels, spray-painted them black, and then taped them all together in sections of three. I spray-painted them all with stone spray paint. Once it dried, I slid them onto the broom handles. I added some solar string lights to the archways as well as some cobwebs. These archways looked great by day and at night. See the full tutorial here: Easy Spooky and Fabulous Halloween Archway You Can Make In A Day.

Are you wanting to create a Halloween Archway? I created one in a day and it is so easy to make with spooky and fabulous results.

Pool Noodle Pumpkin Luminaries

Start by pounding a broom handle into the ground. Next, take some black tape and wind it around a pool noodle. Slide the pool noodle onto the broom handle, add some hot glue to the top of the pool noodle, and place a pumpkin pile on top of that. Place some lights into the bucket and wrap them around the pool noodle, glue on a bow and a witch hat to the top.

I use these to light up my walkway, and they look good at day and at night too. See the full tutorial here: Easy and Fantastic Halloween Luminaries To Light The Walkway.

Next, I take a pumpkin pail and place it on top.

3. Pool Noodle Candy Land decorations

For these Candy Land decorations, I started with a pool noodle. I chopped it into little bits, and then I glued two dollar store bowls together. I placed all of the foam bits into a garbage can bag, and then placed that on top of the bowls and added a little bulb to make an ice cream sundae.

For this pool noodle candy cane, I took a pool noodle and wrapped it in athletic tape. I bent it over at the top and tied the curve closed with some fishing line. I recovered these candle holders from a dumpster dive, and I placed two dollar store broom handles in them.

I had taped together and glued together some pool noodles and wrapped them in white athletic tape to give it that candy cane feel, and then I pushed them over to create a candy cane archway.

I set all of it up to create my Candy Land front yard. See the full tutorial here: Candyland Christmas Decorations: Easy and Fun Dollar Tree DIYs.

I placed my pavers into the grass forming a walkway to my front door. I placed the candy and lollipop decorations on either side of the walkway. I staked skewers into the ground and added the candy canes to each one, all along the walkway. You might remember these cones that I spray painted for some holiday games, now I'm placing them along my walkway for my Candyland.

4. Pool Noodle DIY Candle

This project can be adjusted to any season.

Cut a variety of sizes of pool noodles, rubber band, and hot glue them all together. Then cut little circles out of the top for tea lights to go into. Use a hot glue gun to create a bunch of drips from the top where the tea lights are going in, down the pool noodle.

I spray-painted all of the pool noodles. I placed the pool noodles in a basket, added some ribbon and some embellishments, and then I added the candles to the top.

I created this beautiful candle display, and it could be adjusted for any season. See the full tutorial here: Easy and Inexpensive Pool Noodle Candle DIY

Your faux pool noodle candles are ready for display.

5. Pool Noodle Solar Light

For this project, I grabbed some pool noodles and I made stripes of white athletic tape down them and all the way around, and I added blue tape at the top. I added several white stars to the blue tape.

I had a solar light. I cut the pool noodle and stuffed the solar light inside the pool noodle. The top stuck out the top and I made sure that the solar light panel could reach the sun still. I hammered a broom handle outside. Then I slid the pool noodle over the top.

I opened the top part of the solar light and spread it all out. This little display works great for Labor Day, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July. See the full tutorial here: Easy and Fun Patriotic Crafts on a Budget with Video.

I placed the solar light into the slit I had made down the pool noodle. I made sure to leave the solar panel out so that it would still collect the sun it needs to charge the battery.

Other Incredible Ways to Use Pool Noodles

Here are a few more incredible ways to use the versatile pool noodle!

  • Exercise Aid: Use them as exercise aids for buoyancy and support during aquatic workouts.
  • Pet Toy: Dogs often enjoy playing with pool noodles, making them fun pet toys.
  • Packing Material: Use cut sections as packing material for fragile items.
  • Carrying Strap: Turn a pool noodle into a carrying strap for transporting lightweight items.
  • Garage Organizer: Slice a pool noodle lengthwise and mount it to the wall to create an organizer.
  • Wreath Base: Use the circular shape of a pool noodle as a base for crafting wreaths.
  • Boot Stand: Place a small piece of pool noodle in your winter boots to keep them straight.

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Pool noodles can be found for as little as $1, and I'm sharing some super easy pool noodle hacks you wish you knew sooner.

Pool Noodle Hacks Q&A

Can You Use a Pool Noodle as a Paint Roller?

Yes, you can use a pool noodle as a paint roller, but it might not be the most effective or practical choice.
A pool noodle is made of foam and can’t absorb or distribute paint like a traditional roller. Still, using it as a paint roller may give you unique painting effects.

What Kind of Glue Can I Use on a Pool Noodle?

You can use hot glue, craft glue, contact cement, or two-part epoxy glue on a pool noodle.
One tip is to ensure the surfaces are clean before applying the glue. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.

How Do You Use Pool Noodles to Get Rid of Dust?

You can use pool noodles for dusting by cutting them into sections and attaching them to a broom handle for sweeping. You may also turn it into a blind cleaner or create a makeshift duster for hard-to-reach places.
However, for precise cleaning, it’s best to use tools like microfiber cloths or dusters.

Are Pool Noodles Good for Wrapping Pipes?

You can use pool noodles as a makeshift solution for wrapping pipes in emergency cases.
Note that pool noodles are made of expanded polyethylene foam and can’t insulate pipes that well.

How Do You Use a Pool Noodle as a Bed?

You can turn a pool noodle into a makeshift mattress topper by placing it under a fitted sheet. Moreover, you may use pool noodles as bed rail bumpers for young children or as gap fillers to even out the sleeping surface.
Of course, for long-term comfort and support, consider investing in proper bedding products.

Pool Noodle Hacks Videos

https://youtu.be/fXhiM3naeeE

Related Posts to Check Out

Are you curious about what else you can create with pool noodles? Check out some of my other pool noodle posts!

Final Thoughts

Foam pool noodles are ideal for DIY projects because their foam construction makes them easy to cut and shape. They’re perfect for a wide range of projects and activities around the home.

Remember to use your creativity and think outside the box when repurposing pool noodles. The sky’s the limit.

Lastly, If you have favorite pool noodle hacks, let me know in the comments below!

Share it with others!

My website is about what I repurpose, upcycle, organize, clean, and hack today. I love to teach, craft, organize, inspire, help, collaborate, and build a community!

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4 Comments

  1. Just wanted to let you know that I am definitely going to make the door draft diy thingy.
    I also fill my buckets with pool noodles ?

    Reply

    1. Oh I’m so happy to hear that, thanks Viola

      Reply

  2. I’m going to use it on top of my door to block the winter wind.

    Reply

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