15 Best Pool Noodles for Swimming in 2024

Are you looking to improve water sports for yourself and your kids on a budget? Using Pool noodles is the optimal choice as they are cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to use.

Pool Noodles, also popularly known as water noodles are foam cylinders that are solid and flexible. You can use them as a float, pool toy as well as a water aerobics gear.

The best pool noodles for swimming should be built to provide comfort and excellent body support. The material from which it is made should be durable and able to withstand pool chemicals and UV rays. It should also be easy to handle.

However, the market is flooded with multiple brands of pool noodles. Hence there is the challenge of buying one with the highest value that suits your needs. Because of this, I have come up with this brilliant review of the 15 Best pool Noodles for swimming, as well as a buying guide and FAQs that should help you make the right decision.

Why Do You Need to Use Pool Noodles for Swimming?

There are over 100 pool noodle uses, both out-of-the water and for swimming. For swimming, they are more than just a foam float for children who cannot swim.

They can be used in various ways, from teaching swimming and saving lives to being the ultimate pool toy for several kids’ swimming games.

Pool noodles have certain features that make them a must-have for your swimming sessions;

You can check this article for more benefits of pool noodles.

My Top Picks

I have highlighted a few of the best pool noodles in the market for 2024. Let’s check out this list!

• Best Overall: Wow Sports
  “Ribbed texture for a firm grip. UV resistant. Long. High weight capacity. Multi-colors. Virtually all the features you would want in a pool noodle.”
• Runner Up: SwimWays Standard
  “Strong. Very Long. High quantity- Best for you pool parties.”
• Best Budget: Swimline Doodles Inflatable
  “Inflatable. Both Curvy and straight shapes. Shapeable. Top-rated. Such great features at an affordable price, you want to look it up.”
• Best for Kids: Oodles Monster
  “Highly buoyant. Large size. Multicolor choice. Free pool connector. Your kids cannot get a better choice.”
• Best Multifunctional: Coast Athletic Famous
  “Odorless. Non-abrasive. Highly Buoyant. Multifunctional. Moisture resistant. Affordable. What more would you need on a pool noodle?”

Comparison Chart

Below is a comparison table of the 15 best pool noodles for a quick preview of each product. But I recommend you still read the detailed reviews of all products in the next section.

The 15 Best Pool Noodles for Swimming Reviews

In this section, I have provided an extensive review of each of the 15 best pool noodles for swimming.

1. Wow Sports

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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The wow foam pool noodles are my top pick since they are durable and versatile. They are extra-large and can support up to 250 pounds. If you are looking for a pool noodle to use as a swimming aid or pool toy, this is unsurpassed.

Their large size makes them comfortable and suitable for users of different sizes and age who struggle in the water. They have a ribbed texture that gives them extra grip making them less slippery. The soft foam from which they are made also makes them non-slip and flexible.

The Wow Foam Pool Noodles are triple-dipped with heavy-duty coating thus hard and highly durable. The coating is also UV resistant and makes them retain color for a long time.

Moreover, they come in five colors, enough to suit your tastes and you can use them in pool or saltwater seeing they can withstand the effects of pool chemicals and saltwater.

2. SwimWays Standard

(Runner Up)

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So, you have a big family or enjoy throwing pool parties, the SwimWays standard are the best pool noodles for swimming you can get. They win in terms of quantity as they are a multipack of 35 in five different colors to suit everyone’s tastes.

They are as long as 55 inches and can support both kids’ and adults’ weight. Their length makes them one of the best pool toys. If you are looking for large pool noodles to brighten up your pool party, then this is your best pick.

They come in 5 bright colors and are flexible thanks to the soft foam are made from. The soft foam also makes them exceptionally buoyant thus one of the best pool floats.

3. Oodles of Noodles Deluxe

(Best for Safety)

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Are you looking to throw a themed pool party with a color scheme? Worry not. This is your best pick as it comes in 11 vibrant colors. It is a multipack of 6, and it comes with a small metal pool noodle connector, which saves you from buying additional tools for joining the noodles.

The Oodles Noodles Deluxe is made from a dense proprietary foam compound that makes it more buoyant and stiff than other noodles of the same size and shape.

Furthermore, these are the best pool noodles for swimming, especially for kids, because they do not contain any harmful chemical elements. That means you do not have to worry about skin problems or abrasions.

4. Coast Athletic Famous

(Best Multifunctional)

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If you are after a multifunctional swimming pool noodle, this should be your best choice. They come in assorted bright colors, and single-color packs of 4 with a closed-cell design to resist wear and tear. It can be used for multiple pool activities including; swim training, splashing, and various pool games.

They are made from high quality expanded polyethylene foam, which makes it highly buoyant, odorless, flexible, lightweight, and moisture resistant. The Coast Athletic Famous foam noodles are perfect for young swimmers as they help build confidence.

These noodles are popularly known for their endless pool noodle uses like baby proofing, safety padding, and great arts & crafts. They are flexible and can be bent to any shape. Additionally, they are strong enough to hold moderate weight.

5. CWB Connelly

(Best for Swim Workouts)

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If you are looking for a swimming pool noodle for working out, look no further. The CWB Connelly Premium Soft Vinyl Dipped Foam Pool Noodles have excellent features that make them the best pool noodles for swimming exercises or workouts.

The vinyl dipped pool noodles feature a weight capacity of 250 pounds, and are 46 inches long. They have a 3D rippled texture that provides a secure grip and makes them non-slip. Their soft-luxurious foam material makes them highly buoyant.

The pool noodles are coated with heavy-duty vinyl thus highly durable, and they have robust triple dip vinyl that makes their color last long. You can use these pool noodles in pool and saltwater because they are resistant to water chemicals and can withstand UV rays.

6. Oodles of Noodles Jumbo

(Best for Protection)

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Anyone with a large pool noodles preference should consider the Oodles of Noodles Jumbo Foam Swimming pool Noodles. They are 55 inches long, which is more than the standard size pool noodle. They come in a 3pack with six different colors.

They are made with dense foam that make them more buoyant, stiff, and durable. Their shape and dimensions vary, and they are great for aerobics on the beach and pool. They also have other endless pool noodle uses including an ice rink, bumper padding, cargo racks, and anything that needs protection.

The Oodles Noodles Jumbo foam comes with a free connector that easily connects the noodles for fun crafts.

7. Robelle Big Boss

(Best for Themed Pool Parties)

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Can you guess why they are called big boss? It is because of their large size, they are 58 inches long and pretty thick. They come in either 6-pack with 4 colors or 18-pack with assorted colors.

The Robelle Big Boss are the best pool noodles for swimming at a themed pool party because of the assorted colors. Their high quantity will also ensure that everyone attending your party has one.

They are made from Polyethylene material that is very light, waterproof, and eco-friendly. They can be used for swim workouts or fun casual swims.
The Robelle Big Boss Noodles are supreme soft pool noodles with extreme flexibility and consequently fun to use in water. They are also great for making fun creations and can be used by anyone 5 years or older.

8. Fun Float

(Best Pool Functionality)

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If you need a highly pool functional swimming noodle, this is the best pick for you. The Fun float Swimming pool noodles have features that make them the most suitable for water activities.

The pool noodles come in bright colors and are as long as 46 inches. They are made with closed-cell foam and coated with glossy vinyl to make them UV rays, chlorine, and saltwater resistant. They are among the very few vinyl dipped pool noodles that are phthalate-free and effectively prevent germs.

They are supreme soft pool noodles with a wavy texture to ensure you have a secure grip as well as an excellent tear resiliency. You do not need to worry about your kids mishandling these pool noodles because they are highly flexible and can withstand continuous bending, twisting, and rough play.

The closed-cell foam material from which they are made makes them permanently buoyant, moisture resistant, and non-absorbent. Everyone above the age of 6 in your family can use these highly functional swimming pool noodles.

The Fun float swimming noodles are the perfect float for you and your kids. Your swimming could never be easier with these, and you can use them as beach equipment, in the pool, lakes or for boating. They are also very easy to clean and store.

9. Oodles Monster

(Best for Kids)

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If you need pool noodles that are safe for older children and even yourself, this is the best pick. They are made with a denser and special foam compound that makes them more buoyant. Their jumbo size makes them safer for older kids who cannot swim or have difficulty in the water.

The 4 Pack Oodles Monster comes in a choice of 6 colors or a multicolor pack. You can also use them for a color-scheme themed pool party. You would not have to worry about getting a pool noodle connector because they come with a free one that effortlessly connects the noodles to build larger and more fun structures.

Their extra thickness also makes them the best pick for DIY crafts like creating swords as well as providing protection to corners and surfaces.

You can use the Oodles Monster Swimming Pool noodles for aerobics, bumper padding and ice rink bumper and kids’ beds bolsters. They do not contain harmful chemicals, thus safe for you and your kids.

10. Oodles of Noodles Deluxe Solid Core

(Best for Bouyancy)

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These are the first solid core pool noodles from Oodles Noodles. Your best pick if you are looking for the best buoyant swimming pool noodles.

They are the best for buoyancy because of their extra-large size. The Deluxe Solid core pool noodles are the longest in this review, measuring a whopping 60 inches. They are your absolute pick for swimming noodle exercises, standing pool noodle game at the beach or pool or in a hot tub.

You do not need to worry about harmful chemicals as they are entirely safe. Their solid core makes them highly shapeable, and can, therefore, be used for various arts and crafts.

They come in a pack of 3 with a choice of three colors for every package. They are also the best lightsabers and pool toys you can ever get your kids.

11. Bright Jewel Tone Colorful

(Best for Softness)

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If you care much about how a pool noodle should feel on your skin, then the Bright Jewel Tone colorful Foam swimming pool noodles have your needs covered. They are the softest and most comfortable on the skin because of the soft foam material they are made from.

They come in a set of 5 with a variety of beautiful jewel-tone bright colors. You would not go wrong by getting this for your kids as a pool toy or beach equipment. If you are into minute to win it games with pool noodles, this a great choice because you can use them to build structures for enjoyment.

Like other pool noodles, it has other dozens of pool noodle uses like arts and crafts. However, its set of features make it perfect just for casual swimming or just floating on water but not highly functional in the pool.

12. Costco Fluid Aquatics Deluxe

(Best Decorative Design)

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These are the best pool noodles for swimming for anyone who wants a pool noodle with reliable weight support, is fun and has a decorative design. So if you’re going to throw a decorative pool party you should consider these excellent pool noodles.

The Costco fluid aquatic deluxe swimming pool noodles are large enough to provide sufficient floatation and support. They are made from a luxurious soft foam with a ribbed texture that provides extra grip. You will find these pool noodles comfortable, easy to use, and to conform to your body.

They are heavy duty vinyl-coated, so you do not have to worry about breakability or deterioration. They also have a robust triple dip vinyl that ensures the noodles’ color last longer. You are also sure of protection from the sun rays, pool water chemicals, and saltwater because they are resistant.

Despite their sturdy design, these vinyl dipped pool noodles are flexible. You can use them for water aerobics or aquatic exercises, as well as a pool toy.

13. Poolmaster Curved Ride-On

(Best for Comfort and Support)

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If you are on the search for a pool noodle that offers supreme support and comfort then this is the best possible choice for you. The Poolmaster Curved pool noodles are highly suitable for your all-day water enjoyment.

These pool noodles are made with 8.8 gauge vinyl and are therefore very durable. The curved noodle design allows you to sit, straddle, or hang over when relaxing in the water.

They come in a simple blue, and white design that is attractive and their wide diameter of 6 inches makes them perfectly buoyant as it balances the buoyancy to submergibility ratio.

You needn’t worry about storage and portability because they are inflatable and inflating them is the best way to store them. Their exterior is very gentle and they are highly flexible. However, they are a bit shorter than the standard length for most pool noodles.

The biggest downside of these pool noodles is that their blue paint rubs on the skin after using them.

14. Aqua Bone Crocodile Shapeable

(Best Shapeable)

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These are the best pool noodles for swimming, especially for children between the ages of 6 and 12 because they are the best shapeable. They stay in shape after being bent. They are made of non-chafing foam and deformable POM, which makes them very flexible.

The Aqua Bone Crocodile Shapeable Swimming pool noodles have a bendable-bone feature that makes a loud cracking sound when bent which really excites kids.

If you place them under the armpits, they provide additional buoyancy. Despite being a child-focused pool noodle, it is very long and sturdy at 55.1 inches.

15. Swimline Doodles Inflatable

(Best Budget)

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These pool noodles should be the best alternative if you are looking for pool noodles that offer fantastic quality for a low budget. They are very budget-friendly, and you are certain of getting value for your money.

The Swimline Doodles Inflatable Swimming Pool Noodles come in a pack of 6- 3 curvy and 3 straight doodles of three colors. They are also very flexible and easy to convert into any shape for enjoyable activities.

You can sit, straddle and hang over the doodles when lounging or swimming in water. They are highly durable and buoyant because of the foam material they are made with.

They are also inflatable for simple storage and portability. However, you can easily travel with them when not inflated.

Their biggest downside is that the air stopper falls off during inflating. It is necessary to inflate them because it is one of the best ways to store pool noodles.

How to Choose the Right Pool Noodle for Swimming?

This guide should help you make the right decision when buying a pool noodle so that you ensure you get value for your money and all your needs are met.

1. Consistency

The consistency of a pool noodle means two things; hollow or solid core.

When buying a pool noodle, you need to pick the consistency wisely so it can suit your needs. For instance, if you want the best overall buoyancy in water, you should go for the solid core pool noodles. They are also best for joining and building structures and are much stronger.

Hollow noodles are cheaper, lighter, and are easy to cut through.

2. Safety

You definitely want to get a pool noodle that will make you feel less stressed about the security of your kids in water.

You want to make sure you buy a pool noodle that is comfortable and floats extremely well. Buy one based on your swimming needs. For example, if you or your child is still learning to swim, you can buy a pool noodle that can support your weight vertically until you get comfortable in the horizontal position.

You should also consider buying more pool noodles, especially when you throw a pool party because the more floats you have, the safer your pool is. So you will opt for a multipack.

Moreover, opt for pool noodles that do not have harmful chemicals like Phthalene. At least you will be safe from abrasions and skin conditions.

Pool noodles with a non-slip or extra-grip feature are also safer for first-time swimmers or anyone uncomfortable underwater.

3. Size and Color

There are many different pool noodle sizes, but you need to choose a size that best suits your needs. For more buoyancy, you may want to buy a larger pool noodle than the standard size. If you’re going to build structures, you should opt for various pool noodle sizes that you can get in most pool stores.

You would have to consider the dimensions of the pool noodles so that you settle for either fat pool noodles or thinner ones. Fat pool noodles have an extra thickness, and they offer great support with excellent buoyancy.

Color is more personal preferential. Buy a color that you prefer, and let your children select the best color they want. However, you can go for the multicolor pack pool noodles that would give you a wide range of options to choose.

How to Use Pool Noodles for Swimming?

If you do not know how to use pool noodles for swimming, here is a guide for using it in different swimming styles;

Pool Noodle Hacks

You can solve so many problems on a low budget using pool noodles. These include kids’ game ideas, party ideas like floating luminaries, and gardening ideas. Here are some of the best pool noodle hacks for the pool that will make you want to stock up a few more.

Creating Pool Noodle Boats– This is an excellent project for children as they would really love to play with sailboats they have made and decorated themselves to their liking.

Making a Beverage boat– this can be useful, especially if you like having drinks while relaxing in the pool.

Racquet ball game– You can achieve this by folding the ends of the pool noodles then wrapping it with a net and using duct tape to secure everything in place. You can then use them for a fun pool game.

Making a trampoline Safety Pad– Are you worried about your worn-out trampoline safety pad? Well, not anymore! With pool noodles, you can easily replace it by using a box cutter to slit them down in the middle and then wrap them around the springs.

Here is a video for more pool noodle hacks and DIYs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about pool noodles for swimming.

What Are Polyethylene Pool Noodles?

These are pool noodles made with polyethylene foam material. Polyethylene is eco-friendly because it is ozone friendly, can be recycled and odorless. It is very light, and it never requires exterior covering. They are the go-to pool noodles for environmentalists.

What Is the Best Way to Cut Pool Noodles?

The best way to cut pool noodles is by using a serrated knife. All you need to do is mark where you want to cut then move the blade back and forth until it is cut. A serrated knife easily cuts through any type of foam, but you can use any sharp object that can work for you.

What Is the Best Way to Glue Pool Noodles?

The best way to glue pool noodles is by using hot glue. Hot glue melts them a little, but it does an exceptional job sticking them together. Glue dots also work for particular noodles, but for some, they do not hold firmly.

As you glue the pool noodles, you will want to use a double-sided Velcro to hold everything intact like a clamp as the hot glue cools.

Swim Network Overview

Pool Noodles are a fantastic way of adding fun to your pool and learning how to swim. They are very safe and a requirement for swimming learners or people who are less confident in water.

They come in various dimensions, colors, and features, and you should pick one that best suits your needs. In terms of different style options, there is very little to think of, but you have to ensure you get the highest quality pool noodle that will offer you fun and a wide range of uses.

If you are looking for the best, I recommend the Wow Sports. I also suggest the Swimline Doodles if you are looking for value for money.

The rest also happen to be perfect for various activities. The Swimways Noodles are great for parties, and the Coast Athletic Noodles are perfect for their multi-functionality.

I hope that this guide will help you make the best choice when buying a pool noodle and that you can learn more about their features and endless uses.