Pool noodles are a staple in almost everyone’s pool. They’re inexpensive, take up little space and provide a fun way to float around kids and adults – as well as pets! However, as we’ve all experienced, pool noodles don’t have a lifetime warranty, especially in the heat of Central Florida and their constant exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals. Luckily, pool noodles are very versatile and can be played with in so many different ways! So what can you do with all those pool noodles when swimming season is coming to a close? Here are some clever ways to use those pool noodles before they disintegrate in your shed or garage and make them into something that is new and entertaining.
Pool Noodle Ponies
Want to take your foam noodle sword jousting match to the next level? Make some pool noodle ponies to ride on while you duel! You won’t be cutting the noodle this time, rather bend the noodle 1/3 of the way down the length. Take some twine and tie it tightly around near the bottom where the noodle meets below the bend to keep it in place. To create ears cut a piece of felt (any color is fine!) so it is about 7″ long and 1″ wide and slide it between the section of the noodle that is folded. Secure with hot glue. Cut another piece for the main the same length but make it 4″ wide and hot glue onto the back of the pony’s head. Last but not least, cut Styrofoam balls or cups in half, paint them as eyes and hot glue them to either side of the noodle “head”. Giddy up!
Pool Noodle Race Tracks
In addition to pool noodles, you may also have an abundance of small race cars that kids love to collect but don’t get used all that often. Why not bring the two together and create some noodle race tracks? Simply cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise using a serrated knife. Lay the two halves side by side on the ground and attach them where they touch with toothpicks to hold the “tracks” together. Make sure to use a needle nose pliers to clip off any pointy toothpick ends that may be sticking out so the toothpicks are flush with the noodle. Use scrap paper and skewers to create some start and finish signs and viola! You’ve got an instant racetrack that is bound to bring some fun racing entertainment to your little ones (or big ones too)!
Pool Noodle Sail Boats
These are great when there is a nice breeze and you can have sail boat races in the pool! You’ll be able to make quite a few boats out of one pool noodle as well. Simply cut the pool noodle into 4″ sections, then cut each section in half lengthwise. These will be the base of your boats. Next, cut a sail out of a craft foam sheet, triangular in shape with a flat top, and punch holes in the top and bottom of the sail with a hole punch. Lastly, take a plastic straw, stick it into the center of the noodle boat and slide the sail onto the straw through the bottom hole and then the top hole. Let the sail boat races begin!
Pool Noodle Foam Swords
Who doesn’t like a good foam sword fight? No need to go out and buy pre-made foam swords for all your jousting and dueling needs…all you need are your old pool noodles, some PVC pipe and craft foam sheet rectangles! Cut the pool noodle in half (each noodle will make two swords) and slide the PVC pipe into the hole, leaving a few inches out of the noodle for the handle. Then, take your craft foam and cut a hole at the top and bottom of the long side of the rectangle and slide the PVC pipe through the first hole and then the second for an instant sword handle. Let the fencing practice begin!
Pool Noodle Ring Toss
This is a great one for some outdoor fun! You’ll need three pool noodles, 2 ground stakes, a serrated knife and some duct tape for this craft. Take your first pool noodle and create a circle by duct taping the ends together to make a ring. Repeat this with the second pool noodle. Next, take the last pool noodle and cut it in half to create two stick goals. Figure out the distance you want between the goals and push the stakes into the ground. Top each ground stake with a half pool noodle to create the ring toss goals and take turns tossing the rings onto each goal. Feeling competitive? Keep score! Fun for the whole family.
Pool Noodle Art
- Stamps: Cut a pool noodle into 2” slices. Press it into paint then onto paper to make flower shapes.
- Bouquets: Cut the pool noodle into 2” slices and stick a green pipe cleaner into the bottom. Attach some construction paper leaves to the pipe cleaner.
- Roller stamps: Cut a 5” piece off of the pool noodle and stick different shaped foam stickers to it. Roll into a jumbo stamp pad or in paint and then roll onto paper or any object to instantly decorate it. You can also put a dowel rod or PVC pipe in the middle of the noodle to act as handles for easier rolling.
Pools by Bradley is Here for YOU
All of us here at Pools by Bradley live and breathe our mission of designing and building your ultimate outdoor pool atmosphere – but the most important thing is we want you have FUN! We intend to inspire you to improve the recreational time you spend with your family and friends in your new outdoor environment. Our motto is “take care of the customer and everything else will take care of itself”. When you choose Pools by Bradley to help you build your dream pool, you can rest assured that you’re choosing the very best. As a local family owned and operated company founded in 1996, we have received numerous design awards and honors. Pools by Bradley is rated as one of the top 50 pool builders in the U.S., plus recognized as the “Best Pool Company” in Orlando by Orlando Magazine several years in a row! We offer custom built pools and spas with additions ranging from water features and lighting effects to rain curtains and water slides…the sky’s the limit! Contact us online or call us today at 407-323-7496 to see how we can help you build the pool of your dreams!