Best Pool Noodles for Swimming in 2024

Looking for the best pool noodles for swimming? Then you have come to the right place!

With decades of experience around the water, we cover the top pool noodles for aqua fitness, playing games, lounging in the water, and more.

We also explore what to look in when searching for that perfect noodle and the different ways to use them.

Whether you’re looking for a noodle that’s great for floating or to buy in bulk, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out which pool noodles are perfect for you!

Our Athlete Approved guide to the best pool noodles for swimming includes:

• The Best Overall Pool Noodle: FixFind Pool Noodle
• The Best Aquafit Pool Noodle: Dreidel Company Pool Noodle
• The Best Standing Exercise Pool Noodle: AquaJogger Sqoodle
• The Best Floating Pool Noodle: WOW World of Watersports First Class Noodles
• The Best Premium Pool Noodle: IMMERSA Swimming Pool Noodle
• The Best Buy in Bulk Pool Noodle: Big Joe Foam Pool Swim Noodles 35 Pack
• The Best Pool Noodle to Purchase as a Seat: 59 Inches Floating Pool Noodle
• The Best Pool Noodle Storage Bin: Sprint Aquatics Pool Noodle Storage Bin
• Why Use a Pool Noodle?
• Best Ways To Use a Pool Noodle
• Pool Noodle Safety

BEST OVERALL POOL NOODLE: FixFind Pool Noodle

If you’re looking for an excellent overall pool noodle, the FixFind Pool Noodle is the perfect option. It’s made of durable and tough vinyl. That makes it versatile and able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

It’s also resistant to both weather and fading, so it will look great in your pool for years to come.

This pool noodle is extremely buoyant, making it a great choice for swimmers of all levels.

What makes the FixFind Pool Noodle the best overall option? It’s incredibly versatile. You can use it as an aquafit tool, a toy, or even a floatation device.

Plus, it comes in several fun colors, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs.

Pros:

• Versatile and functional for exercise, playing, and floating
• Comes in multiple colors
• Made of durable vinyl material

Cons:

• Nothing super fancy, your standard go-to pool noodle

BEST AQUAFIT POOL NOODLE: Dreidel Company Pool Noodle

If you enjoy being in the pool for fitness, then you need a pool noodle that is suited to an Aquafit routine. Our top noodle pick for working out in the pool is the Dreidel Company Pool Noodle.

The Dreidel Company Pool Noodle is one of the best Aquafit pool noodles on the market. It is the perfect thickness to allow for floating or use for resistance training.

At 52 inches long, it is made of high-quality deluxe foam and is designed to last.

We all know kids like to blow water through the hole of a noodle to squirt it out the other side. That leave the noodles damaged and disgusting. The good news is this noodle does not have that hole in the middle, so you do not need to worry about children treating your noodle like an elephant trunk!

When looking for a pool noodle, you shouldn’t simply settle for one that is run-of-the-mill. To take your aqua fitness routine seriously, you need to take your noodle selection seriously.

This pool noodle is perfect for Aquafit workouts, and it is sure to help you achieve your in-water fitness goals.

If you are looking for a noodle designed for standing exercises, check out the next option on our list below.

Pros:

• Perfect bouyancy for aqua fitness training
• Made of high-quality deluxe foam
• No hole in the middle (like most noodles)

Cons:

• Start out a little stiff when you first use them

BEST STANDING EXERCISE POOL NOODLE: AquaJogger Sqoodle

The AquaJogger Sqoodle is a pool noodle square design makes it the best for standing exercises. It is made of durable, soft EVA foam and has a square shape for extra stability.

Benefits of the AquaJogger Sqoodle include increased stability and balance, as well as resistance training. The Sqoodle can be used to perform a variety of exercises, including squats, calf raises, bicep curls, and tricep press downs.

The Sqoodle is comes in 48 and 64 inches. It is made of durable foam is non-absorbent, so it dries fast.

Pros:

• Square design makes it ideal for standing exercises
• EVA foam is non-absorbent, so it dries quickly
• Very buoyant

Cons:

• Not the best designed noodle if you also want to use it for children to play with

BEST FLOATING POOL NOODLE: WOW World of Watersports First Class Noodles

The WOW World of Watersports First Class Noodles is our top pick for the best floating noodle. This awesome pool noodle is made of heavy-duty vinyl and is designed to last.

It is thicker and wider than most pool noodles. It can support up to 250 lbs!

These heavy-duty noodles have a robust triple-dip vinyl coating that ensure long lasting color and durability. They are also UV resistant and protected against sun, chlorine, and salt water.

The ribbed texture makes it luxurious and soft for the ultimate pool relaxation experience.

Whether you’re floating in the pool, lake, or river, these noodles will provide hours of fun and relaxation.

Pros:

• Can support up to 250 lbs
• Ribbed texture makes it luxurious and soft
• UV resistant and built to last

Cons:

• Higher price point, but you pay for what you get with these

BEST PREMIUM POOL NOODLE: IMMERSA Swimming Pool Noodle

The IMMERSA Swimming Pool Noodle is the best premium pool noodle on the market. It is made of high quality, durable foam that is designed for buoyancy, comfort, and durability.

The triple dipped vinyl coating makes it soft, luxurious, and easy to grip. It is a thick and heavy pool noodle, which makes it resistant to water and the general wear and tear a noodle incurs.

It comes in variety of vibrant, bright colors, so you can pick one to suit your style.

The IMMERSA Swimming Pool Noodle is additionally UV resistant, so it will last many seasons.

Pros:

• Triple dipped vinyl coating makes it a premium option
• Very buoyant, soft, and easy to grip
• Comes in a variety of color designs

Cons:

• Seams can split if not cared for properly

BEST BUY IN BULK POOL NOODLE: Big Joe Foam Pool Swim Noodles 35 Pack

When it comes to pool noodles, you can never have too many. The Big Joe Foam Pool Swim Noodles 35 Pack is a great bulk purchase. These are also popular to use outside of the pool for crafting projects.

This pack includes 35 foam noodles, making it the perfect choice for large gatherings or for anyone who wants plenty of noodles on hand.

They are a great standard noodle option for swimming and floating around in. They make a welcomed addition to any pool party.

If you’re looking for a high-quality pool noodle that you can purchase in bulk, the Big Joe Foam Pool Swim Noodle 35 Pack is the best option.

Pros:

• Best option to buy in bulk
• Standard pool noodle for good fun in the pool
• Popular to use outside of the water for crafting projects

Cons

• No guarantee on which colors you will receive

BEST POOL NOODLE TO PURCHASE AS A SEAT: 59 Inches Floating Pool Noodle

The 59 Inches Floating Pool Noodle is the best pick if you are looking for a noodle with a seat. Nothing beats relaxing in the pool with a reliable floating chair.

This noodle is made of robust foam and is 5 feet long. You can purchase it with a seat specifically designed for these noodles.

The seat features a double-layer design, so you can thread one or two noodles through it. That provides you with the support needed to stay afloat.

This option is great if you just need a standard pool noodle with a seat. Note the noodle and seat are sold separately, but both can be found on amazon.

Pros:

• A noodle that comes with a seat
• The seat allows one or two noodles to accommodate the support you need
• Can be purchased as a single noodle

Cons:

• Generic pool noodle… the brand name is literally “Generic”

BEST POOL NOODLE STORAGE BIN

If you’re going to purchase pool noodles for your pool, then you need a storage bin to house all of them! The Sprint Aquatics Pool Noodle Storage Bin is our go-to solution.

Pool noodles should last a few seasons, that is when they are cared for properly. A storage bin will allow them to sit upright to drain and dry out. Why it is a too common occurrence, no one wants moldy noodles.

A storage bin will also keep your pool area organized and looking clean.

Why Use a Pool Noodle?

You might be wondering: why should I even invest in a pool noodle? Well, there are a few answers to that, as noodles are a must-have pool item.

Here are 5 reasons that you should definitely seriously consider adding a pool noodle to your swimming workout or family fun day at the pool.

1.They’re Inexpensive

First and foremost, one of the main reasons that people love pool noodles is because they are extremely inexpensive. You can find them at most dollar stores or online for just a few dollars each. This makes them a great option for people who want a fitness aid or pool toy, but don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment.

2.They’re Versatile

Another great thing about pool noodles is that they are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of different things. For example, you can use them as a kickboard to help you practice your swimming strokes or as an anchor to help you do resistance training in the water. Adults like them for relaxing. Kids like them for hitting each other with… A win-win!

3.They’re Great for Beginners

If you’re new to swimming, pool noodles can be a great way to help you get started. They can provide support and stability in the water, which can make the learning process a lot easier. Additionally, they can also help to build your confidence in the water.

4.They’re Lightweight and Portable

Pool noodles are incredibly lightweight and portable. This means that you can easily take them with you when you travel or to the pool. Additionally, they won’t take up a lot of space in on your pool deck, which is always a bonus.

5.They’re Fun

Finally, pool noodles are just plain fun! They can add an element of playfulness to your swimming routine and make it more enjoyable overall. So, if you’re looking for a way to spice up your swim workouts, pool noodles are definitely worth considering.

As you can now see, there are a ton of benefits that you can gain from adding a simple pool noodle to your pool time. For everything from added joy provided to your pool routine to enhanced physical benefits, pool noodles are a go-to tool for many swimmers.

What to Look For in a Pool Noodle

We’ve established that pool noodles are a vital part of any aquatic playtime or workout, but with literally thousands of options out there for pool noodles, how can you know that you’re getting the best one?

We’ve put together a buying guide that will help you identify the best features to look for when shopping for a pool noodle.

This will be especially helpful for those who have never gone through the buying process for a pool noodle before and need a little bit of help knowing what characteristics are important.

So, let’s get started with the 5 most important things to look for in a pool noodle purchase.

Size

The first thing that you’ll want to consider when purchasing a pool noodle is size. Pool noodles come in a variety of different sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will be appropriate for your needs.

Most noodles measure between 48 and 64 inches long.

Price

In general, noodles with features like coated vinyl will be more expensive than your standard noodles. If you are looking for a noodle to do a particular exercise or be your favorite noodle to relax at your home pool, we recommend splurging.

On the other hand, if you want something that you know is going to be beat up by your kids, then go with a cheaper option. It never hurts to buy in bulk and have extra on hand for kids too.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a good pool noodle.

Material

The material that the pool noodle is made of is also important to consider. Most noodles are made from foam, but there are also some options made from vinyl or other materials.

Foam noodles are generally the most popular option because they’re lightweight and easy to use. However, vinyl noodles are also a good choice because they’re more durable and often less expensive.

It’s important to choose a material that will be appropriate for your needs.

For example, if you’re looking for a durable noodle that will last for many years, vinyl like the IMMERSA Swimming Pool Noodle might be the best option.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lightweight noodle that’s easy to use, a foam noodle like the FixFind Pool Noodle is the way to go.

Color

Another thing to consider when purchasing a pool noodle is color. Most noodles are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your personality or the decor of your pool.

Keep in mind some manufactures who sell variety packs in bulk will not guarantee which color you will get, so be sure to look out for that if you purchase online.

Shape

Finally, you’ll also want to consider the shape of the pool noodle. Most noodles are cylindrical in shape, but there are also some options that are oval-shaped or square shapes.

The shape of the pool noodle is mostly a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the traditional cylindrical shape, while others prefer the unique shapes of some of the other options.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have no trouble finding the perfect pool noodle for your needs.

Best Ways to Use a Pool Noodle

There are a variety of ways that you can use a pool noodle at the pool. If you know that you want to add a pool noodle, but not sure how you want to include it in your routine just yet, keep reading.

Here are 5 great ways that you can use pool noodles while you are in the water, whether you are a highly-trained athlete or someone just looking for a bit more fun during your aquatic activities.

1. Use It As a Kickboard

One of the most popular ways to use pool noodles is as a substitute for a kickboard. This simple device can help you focus on your legwork while swimming laps. All you have to do is place the noodle under your arms and let your legs do the work.

This method is not only great for athletes looking to improve their leg strength and endurance, but it is also a great way for beginners to get used to the feeling of being in the water.

2. Use It As a Pool Float

If you are looking for a relaxing way to enjoy your time in the pool, you can use your pool noodle as a float. This is especially great if you are looking to soak up some sun while remaining in the water.

All you have to do is find a comfortable position on the noodle and let the water support you.

If you want a built in seat, check out the 59 Inches Floating Pool Noodle.

You can even bring along a book or magazine to help pass the time.

3. Use It As a Pool Toy

If you have children, pool swimming noodles can also be used as a fun pool toy.

There are a variety of games that can be played with a noodle, so get creative and see what you can come up with.

Here are some games we like to play with noodles:

• Put many noodles together to create a raft, see how long you can keep it together.
• For noodles with a hole in the middle, blow water out from one end to the other (like an elephant trunk).
• Relay races where you hand off the noodle to your partners like a track baton.
• Jump from the side of the pool and try to land on it.

4. Use It As a Pool Barrier

If you are looking for a way to create a pool barrier, a pool noodle can be a great option.

The best way to do this is with string. Thread it through a noodle with a hollow core and you are good to go!

5. Use It As Water Resistance Training

If you are looking for a way to add some extra resistance to your workout or water fitness classes, a pool noodle can be a great option. There are a variety of exercises that you can do with a pool noodle to help build strength and endurance.

No matter how you choose to use your pool noodle, you are sure to have a great time. So, get creative and see what you can come up with. You might be surprised at how versatile these simple devices can be.

Pool Noodle Safety

While pool noodles are a great tool for teaching a child or adult how to swim, they should never be used as flotation device to prevent drowning.

When at the pool, water safety should be everyone’s number one priority.

If a child is not water safe, a parent/guardian/responsible adult must be within an arm’s length reach. That rule applies even when a child has the proper fitting life jacket, so it definitely applies for when they only have a noodle.

Conclusion

Pool noodles are a great way to add exercise, relaxation, and fun to your time in the water.

When choosing a pool noodle, you consider the material, design, and what purpose it will serve.

There are dozens of types of pool noodles, so use our Athlete Approved guide to pool noodles to help you pick the right one for you.