Top Ten Pool Noodle Hacks and Crafts
Pool noodles aren’t just for floating around and having fun in the pool—they’re incredibly versatile tools you can use for all sorts of DIY hacks and crafty creations. If you’re a pool owner (or just love a good craft project), you’re going to love these top 10 pool noodle hacks. Not only are these ideas fun, but they’ll save you time, money, and maybe even your sanity!
1. Boot Supports
Nothing is worse than pulling out your favorite boots in the fall and realizing they’ve gone all floppy and creased in storage. This pool noodle hack is the ultimate solution to keeping your boots standing tall and looking brand new, all while adding a splash of color to your closet.
What You’ll Need:
- One pool noodle (bright colors make it more fun)
- Scissors
How to Do It:
- Measure the height of your boots and cut sections of the pool noodle to fit inside each boot.
- Slip the noodle pieces into your boots to keep them upright, preventing creases and preserving their perfect shape!
PRO TIP: If you’ve got a lot of boots, color-coordinate your noodles to match each pair for a rainbow of organization!
2. Garage Wall Bumper
If you have a tight parking space in your garage, you know how easy it is to ding your car doors. Adding pool noodles to the wall is an affordable and effective way to prevent those minor, yet annoying, scratches.
What You’ll Need:
- Pool noodle (a fun color or pattern can jazz up the garage!)
- Strong adhesive or screws
How to Do It:
- Cut the pool noodle in half lengthwise.
- Attach the flat side to your garage wall where the car door opens. Use strong adhesive or screws, depending on the surface.
- Now you can open your car door without fear of damage!
3. Desk Wrist Support
Sitting at a desk for long periods can cause discomfort in your wrists. But why shell out cash for an expensive ergonomic wrist rest when you can DIY your own using a pool noodle? It’s the perfect height to support your wrists, and its cushy foam provides just the right amount of softness.
What You’ll Need:
- Half a pool noodle
- A knife or sharp scissors
- Duct tape (optional for added grip)
How to Do It:
- Cut the noodle in half lengthwise to create a flat bottom.
- Place the noodle in front of your keyboard or mouse to support your wrists while typing or browsing.
- For extra stability, tape it down with some fun duct tape designs.
4. Desk Chair Lumbar Support
A pool noodle can be your best friend when it comes to sitting comfortably for long periods. Whether you’re working at a desk or driving, pool noodle lumbar support helps maintain proper posture and prevent back strain.
What You’ll Need:
- A pool noodle
- A pillowcase or fabric cover
How to Do It:
- Cut the pool noodle to a size that fits the width of your chair back.
- Slip the noodle inside a pillowcase or wrap it in fabric and place it between your back and the chair.
- Instant ergonomic support to keep you comfortable!
5. Trampoline Spring Guards
We all know that trampolines are one of the most fun backyard additions, but those springs can be a bit dangerous, especially for little ones. Wrapping them with pool noodles not only softens the edges but also makes the whole setup way more colorful.
What You’ll Need:
- Enough pool noodles to cover the trampoline springs
- A knife
How to Do It:
- Cut the pool noodles into sections that match the length of your trampoline springs.
- Make a slit down one side of each section and wrap the noodle around each spring.
- You can tape them in place for extra security if needed.
6. Floating Cooler for Pool Parties
When you're lounging in the pool, the last thing you want is to climb out just to grab a drink. With this simple hack, your beverage (and even snacks) will float right beside you.
What You’ll Need:
- Pool noodle
- Waterproof glue
- A small container (like a plastic cup or Tupperware)
How to Do It:
- Cut small sections of the noodle and glue them around the edges of the container.
- Let it dry, then float it in the pool with your favorite drink!
7. Door Stop
We’ve all experienced that heart-stopping moment when a door slams shut due to a gust of wind or a playful child. Pool noodles offer a soft, simple fix that anyone can make in seconds.
What You’ll Need:
- A pool noodle
- Scissors
How to Do It:
- Cut a 6-8 inch piece of a pool noodle.
- Slice down one side of the noodle section so you can slip it onto the edge of the door.
- Position it either on the side or the top of the door to keep it from fully closing.
Perfect For: Homes with little ones who might get their fingers caught, or anyone who loves a breeze but not the door slams!
8. Bumper for Kids' Beds
If you have little ones transitioning from a crib to a big-kid bed, falling out can be a big concern. Instead of buying expensive bed bumpers, simply tuck pool noodles under the fitted sheet on each side of the bed.
What You’ll Need:
- Pool noodles (two for a twin-size bed)
- Fitted sheet
How to Do It:
- Place pool noodles under the fitted sheet on both sides of the mattress.
- Tuck the sheet back in place to secure the noodles, and you’ve created a safe and soft barrier!
9. Hanger Pad for Clothes
We all love that crisp, freshly ironed look, but nothing ruins it faster than those pesky shoulder bumps from wire hangers. Pool noodles provide a genius solution by giving your hangers a smooth, soft surface for your clothes to rest on.
What You’ll Need:
- Pool noodle
- Scissors
- Wire hangers
How to Do It:
- Cut a pool noodle into two sections, each long enough to cover the horizontal part of a hanger.
- Make a slit down one side of each noodle piece and slide them over the hanger.
- Now your clothes will rest gently on the foam, and you’ll never deal with hanger creases again.
PRO TIP: Use different noodle colors for different types of clothes—blue for jackets, pink for dresses, and so on!
10. Holiday Wreath
Whether you're decorating for the holidays, a birthday party, or just adding some seasonal flair to your home, pool noodles make the perfect base for creating custom wreaths.
What You’ll Need:
- Pool noodle
- Duct tape
- Decorations (like garland, ornaments, or flowers)
How to Do It:
- Bend a pool noodle into a circle and secure the ends together with duct tape.
- Decorate your wreath with any holiday or seasonal items you like—garland, ornaments, faux flowers, etc.
- Hang it on your door, and enjoy your custom creation!
Bonus Pool Noodle Hack: Protect Pool Pipes in Winter
Winter can be rough on your pool equipment, and one of the biggest concerns for pool owners is freezing pipes. Frozen water inside your pool pipes can lead to cracks and costly damage. But did you know that pool noodles can act as insulation to help keep your pipes safe from freezing? Let's check out this extremely helpful, and cost-saving pool noodle hack!
What You’ll Need:
- Pool noodles (as many as needed to cover the exposed pipes)
- A utility knife or scissors
- Duct tape or zip ties (optional for extra security)
How to Do It:
- Slice each pool noodle lengthwise, creating an opening that allows you to slip the noodle around the pipe.
- Place the pool noodles around all exposed pool pipes, especially those connected to your pool pump and filter. Make sure the noodle covers the entire length of the pipe for maximum protection.
- If you want added security, use duct tape or zip ties to hold the pool noodles in place, ensuring they won’t slide off in windy conditions.
- For particularly cold regions, you can double up the noodles or wrap them with additional insulating materials like bubble wrap or foam for extra warmth.
With just a few pool noodles and a little creativity, you’ve got endless possibilities for making life a bit easier (and a lot more fun!). Which hack will you try first? Let me know if you have any noodle crafts or hacks to add to the list!