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The 9 best swimming noodles 2024?

by Laura

pool noodle swimming noodle teaser
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The swimming noodle is one of the most popular water toys. In fact, the simple pool noodle is much more than just a fun pastime for children.

The versatility of swimming noodles:

Toys, swimming aids or sports equipment for water aerobics – depending on the purpose, the foam pole is worthwhile for both children and adults.

Avoid buying mistakes:

Although pool noodles all seem the same at first, there are differences. BeyondSurfing shows you the best swimming noodles 2024 and what you should definitely look out for when buying them.

The best swimming noodles?

In a hurry? Our favorite swimming noodle:

Comfy NMC floating noodle set of 6*
What makes these pool noodles stand out?

  • A total of 6 pool noodles in a set
  • Free choice of 8 colors
  • Antibacterial surface
  • Very good price-performance ratio

“Very good price-performance ratio. For the price, you don’t even get 2 pieces otherwise.” – Tine S. (★★★★★)

Floating noodle Checklist

  • For what? The swimming noodle is one of the simplest and yet most versatile swimming aids.
  • Did you know? Pool noodles are also often used out of the water for various purposes. ” Find out more here.
  • What types? Several floating noodles can be put together to form rings or other shapes using special connecting elements.

Also interesting: The most popular floating animals 2024.

These are the top 9 swimming noodles 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

Best antibacterial swimming noodle

1. floating noodle Comfy NMC set of 6

Advantages

  • A total of 6 pool noodles in a set
  • Free choice of 8 colors
  • Antibacterial surface
  • Very good price-performance ratio

Disadvantages

  • Removing the sticker is difficult without leaving any residue

Summary

The Comfy NMC pool noodle set includes 6 swimming noodles. You can choose the color combination of the individual swimming aids yourself. There are 8 colors to choose from: green, yellow, red, blue, orange, pink, purple and black. The colors do not fade even after long use.

The floating noodles are filled and therefore not hollow in the middle. The material makes the pasta flexible to use. They are flexible and pliable, yet robust enough to withstand even the wildest romps over a long period of time.

The surface is bacteria-repellent and very easy to clean. This makes the foam poles suitable for swimming pools, fitness studios or children’s parties.

Conclusion

The perfect choice if you are looking for a whole stock of high-quality pool noodles at a good price.

Product details

Number in set: 6 | Material: polyethylene foam | Length: 160 cm | Diameter: 6.5 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 92 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The floating noodles are of good quality and have a very long shelf life. They do not smell of chemicals. The colors look great and you can choose them yourself. Customers are also very satisfied with the price.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The safety sticker is visually unattractive and can leave residue on the foam when removed.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is it possible to get all the swimming noodles in the set in the same color?
Yes, that is possible. When ordering, please send a message to the seller stating your color preferences and you will then receive the desired color combination.

Best robust floating noodle

2. article-Fox swimming noodle

Advantages

  • Robust and hard-wearing
  • Flexible material
  • Complies with EU standard EN 13138 (safety standard for buoyancy aids)

Disadvantages

  • Difficult to bend
  • Safety sticker is visually distracting

Summary

The pool noodle is solid, i.e. without a hole in the middle. This provides additional stability. At the same time, the material is very flexible and can therefore be used in many different ways.

The robust and durable floating noodle is hard-wearing enough to withstand frequent and heavy use. You can freely select the desired color when ordering.

The antibacterial surface ensures safe use of the floating noodle. The safety of the buoyancy aid is confirmed by the EU standard EN 13138 and the NMC Comfy environmental certificate.

Conclusion

One of the best quality swimming noodles you can currently find on the market. Suitable for children and adults.

Product details

Number in set: 2 | Material: polyethylene foam | Length: 160 cm | Diameter: 6.5 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 93% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The pool noodles are beautifully finished and come in bright colors. The buoyancy is sufficient to keep both children and adults afloat. The pool noodles provide a great deal of safety. They are also ideal for water aerobics. They dry quickly afterwards. They fit bent in the case for traveling.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

As the pool noodles are transported bent, they arrive slightly crooked. On the other hand, they are difficult to bend due to their strength. The safety sticker, which according to the seller must not be removed, is visually distracting. For some customers, the boost was not enough. The price was sometimes considered too high.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the floating noodles stain?
No, the floating noodles do not stain.
Can you shorten the pool noodle yourself?
Yes, the pool noodle can be shortened to any length using a sharp knife.

Best solid pool noodle

3. Grevinga Splash Pool Noodle Set

Advantages

  • Set of 2
  • Free choice of 6 colors
  • High strength due to solid pool noodle

Disadvantages

  • Durability could be better

Summary

The pool noodle is available in a practical set of 2. The color combination can be freely selected from 6 available colors: red, orange, purple, blue, yellow or green. If you do not express a color preference, you will receive two colors according to availability.

The pool noodle is solid, so it does not have a hole in the middle. This makes it firm and gives it good buoyancy.

Conclusion

A solid floating noodle for very little money. The recommendation for the best price-performance ratio.

The foam pole is very suitable as a swimming aid for water aerobics or as a therapy device.

Product details

Number in set: 2 | Material: polyethylene foam | Length: 160 cm | Diameter: 6.5 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 92% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The pool noodle is highly recommended in view of its low price. It is of high quality and fulfills its purpose. The degree of flexibility is just right. The floating noodle is neither too soft nor too firm. Although it is supplied bent, it straightens out quickly. To save space, it can also be bent for future transportation.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The pool noodle may develop holes after a while. Parts of the foam may crumble off.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the floating noodle hollow on the inside?
No, the noodle is solid and therefore also filled with foam on the inside.
Is the floating noodle suitable for salt water?
Yes, the floating noodle can be used in salt water without any problems.

Further highlights

4. NMC Comfy floating noodle

Advantages

  • High-quality, robust foam
  • Very good strength and flexibility
  • 8 different colors to choose from

Disadvantages

  • Signs of wear and tear appear quickly
  • Colors fade over time

Summary

The floating noodle is made of high-quality, closed-cell PE plastic. The material is extremely robust and at the same time offers a high degree of flexibility. The range is available in 8 different colors.

The safety and hygienic properties of the floating noodle are confirmed by the NMC Comfy environmental certificate. The product can be used as a versatile buoyancy aid.

Conclusion

The floating noodles have a slightly higher price. However, they are of outstanding quality and available in many colors.

Product details

Number in set: 1 | Material: polyethylene foam | Length: 160 cm | Diameter: 6.7 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 86% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The pool noodle is functional and fulfills its tasks to full satisfaction. It is robust enough not to show cracks straight away. The buoyancy is sufficient to keep adults afloat. The workmanship is impressive and the colors are beautifully radiant.

Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Signs of wear and tear appear quickly. The material can become brittle over time. The colors may fade over time.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Does the swimming noodle also carry adults?
The swimming noodle has sufficient buoyancy to be used as a swimming aid by adults too. Please note, however, that the floating noodle alone cannot carry adults or children, but is only intended as a support in the water.

5. comfy swimming noodle ring set

Advantages

  • High buoyancy
  • Non-toxic material
  • Incl. Connectors

Disadvantages

  • Plug connections only just fit

Summary

The set includes 6 pool noodles and 4 connectors. This allows you to put both pool noodles together to form a ring.

The ring is ideal for playing, as a swimming aid or simply for relaxing in the water. The connection between the parts does not come loose, even when playing.

The high-quality material has a high load-bearing capacity so that it can also be used as a buoyancy aid by adults. The material is free from harmful substances.

Conclusion

A great set for people who are looking for even more ways to use pool noodles.

Product details

Number in set: 6 floating noodles + 4 connectors | Material: PE-LD foam | Length: 160 cm, connectors 22.5 cm | Diameter: 6.5 cm, connectors 6.4 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers are impressed by the quality of the pool noodle set. The connection between the parts holds and children have lots of fun with it. Adults can also use it for exercises and gymnastics in the pool.

Around 13% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

To make plugging together even easier, the connectors could be even longer.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How durable are the plug connections?
The connection is very durable. Even if the parts are only plugged together, they can withstand turbulent play in the pool.

6. explorer pool noodle

Advantages

  • Very light material
  • Pliable and flexible
  • No harmful plasticizers

Disadvantages

  • Color cannot be selected by the user
  • Relatively high price

Summary

For once, the Explorer pool noodle is not made of PE foam, but of polypropylene foam. This has a low density and is therefore very light, flexible and pliable – even without a hole in the middle. The material is free from harmful plasticizers.

The floating noodle is available in red, yellow, green and blue. However, you cannot choose the color yourself. You will receive the color that is currently available.

Conclusion

A good alternative if the pool noodle needs to be light and flexible.

Product details

Number in set: 1 | Material: polypropylene foam | Length: 160 cm | Diameter: 7 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 81% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The floating noodle has good buoyancy. It is therefore very suitable for learning to swim and for swimming exercises. It can be easily bent without breaking. It feels pleasantly soft, but is also very stable. The colors are beautiful. Overall, the quality and price of the pool noodle are convincing.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 13% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Many customers find the price too high for just one floating noodle. They also complain that the color cannot be selected. The pool noodle arrives misshapen during transportation as it is bent in the box.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Does the floating noodle have a hole inside?
No, the floating noodle is not hollow.
Is the floating noodle bendable?
Yes. The floating noodle can be bent at will without being damaged.

7. Kot-au inflatable swimming noodles with glitter

Advantages

  • Inflatable
  • Glitter confetti
  • Versatile in use

Disadvantages

  • No foam

Summary

The Kot-au range includes a set of 5 floating noodles in different colors: red, pink, purple, blue and copper. The water noodles are made of flexible foam. They are light, flexible and offer good buoyancy in the water.

The pool noodles are hollow on the inside. Thanks to the hollow structure, the foam rod can be used excellently for insulation, edge protection and other purposes when cut up.

Conclusion

Excellent hollow swimming noodles. If you’re looking for a model with a hole, you’ll find it here. They are perfect as swimming aids or water toys.

Product details

Number in set: 5 | Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Length: 148 cm | Diameter: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
Previous customers have given the product a predominantly positive rating.

The pool noodles have beautiful colors. They float well and are very suitable as swimming aids and water toys. They are also practical for covering edges, covering trampoline springs or insulating cables.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the floating noodles have a hole in the middle?
Yes, the floating noodles are hollow inside.

8. Grevinga pool noodle and connector set

Advantages

  • Very favorable price
  • Pool noodle available in different colors
  • Incl. Connecting element for plugging together

Disadvantages

  • Shows signs of wear and tear quickly

Summary

Grevinga supplies a pool noodle together with a connecting piece. This allows you to either put two swimming noodles together or convert a pool noodle into a ring. Both variations can be used in a variety of ways.

Both the floating noodle and the connecting piece are made of flexible and hard-wearing PE foam. You can choose between 6 colors for the pool noodle: green, yellow, orange, red, blue and purple. The connecting element, on the other hand, is always supplied in yellow.

Conclusion

The offer is suitable for all people who want a good pool noodle for minimal money. Search for connecting piece. With the connecting element, you can vary and use the pool noodle in a variety of ways.

Product details

Quantity in set: 1 pool noodle + 1 connecting element | material: polyethylene foam | length: 160 cm | diameter: 6.5 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 80% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The pool noodle set is of very good quality despite the low price. The connection also holds the parts securely together during play. The combination is very practical for children to learn to swim. The colors look good.

Around 19% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The pool noodle quickly becomes scratched, which limits its durability to some extent.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the color of the set be selected?
You can choose the color of the pool noodle yourself. Send a message to the seller immediately after placing your order. The color of the connecting part cannot be selected, it is always yellow.

9. explorer pool noodle

Advantages

  • Various designs
  • Made from flexible foam
  • All the advantages of a “normal” floating noodle

Disadvantages

  • More expensive than comparable pool noodles

Summary

The pool noodles are particularly suitable as a swimming aid, for aqua fitness, aqua training and aqua therapy. It is available in many different colors and sets and is ideal for young and old.

Conclusion

The pool noodle is suitable for anyone looking for a simple swimming noodle for aqua gymnastics.

Product details

Number in set: 2 | Material: PU foam | Length: 160 cm | Diameter: 7 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 88% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The pool noodle is of good quality and meets all expectations. Children love the design.

0% are neutral about the product, while 12% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

This model is very expensive for a pool noodle.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the floating noodle be fixed in a certain shape?
No, although the floating noodle is flexible, it always returns to its original straight state.

Bestsellers: The most popular swimming noodles

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-12-03)

Buy a floating noodle:
How to make the right decision

Floating noodle

The pool noodle is a rather simple swimming aid. At first glance, different models do not appear to differ significantly from one another.

What many people don’t know:

There are also big differences in the quality of floating noodles. If you know what to look out for, you can easily find the best bathing dip for your needs.

What you need to consider when buying a floating noodle (incl. Checklist)

The following factors are important when choosing the right floating noodle:

  • Durability
  • Size
  • Kind
  • Price-performance ratio

How durable is the floating noodle?

A good pool noodle should last a few years. This also applies if it is used as a toy by children, who do not always handle the water noodle with care.

Long durability is determined by the material:

Most swimming noodles are made of foam. Polyethylene foam, which is also used in swim vests, is often used. Alternatively, inflatable pool noodles made of sturdy PVC are available.

Advantages of PE foam over other materials:

  • Inexpensive
  • Floats on the water
  • Provides safety through good buoyancy

Good to know: Other types of foam are sometimes used. However, there are generally no significant differences in quality here.

Inflatable models as an alternative?

Inflatable pool noodles are made of sturdy PVC. The material is very robust and hard-wearing. The disadvantage: If a hole does get in, the inflatable floating noodle has to be mended first. A foam bar, on the other hand, can tolerate a few crumbling spots.

Make sure there is a protective layer for the surface

Regardless of the type of material, the pool noodle should be covered with a protective layer of vinyl or synthetic resin. This protects against cracks and fractures.

The right swimming noodle size?

The size of a swimming noodle is not as important as with other swimming aids. However, it can still have a small impact on performance.

Average size of pool noodles:

Standard floating noodles are about 160 cm long with a diameter of approx. 7 cm. However, there are also pool noodles in special sizes with a length of 120 to 180 cm. The diameter varies from 5 to 12 cm.

What difference does a different size make?

The length of the pool noodle is only of minor importance for performance. The thickness, on the other hand, affects the strength of the buoyancy. The thicker the floating noodle, the more buoyancy it provides.

The importance of good buoyancy depends on the intended use:

  • Use as a toy: If the floating sausage is only used as a toy, a low buoyancy is sufficient.
  • Use as a swimming aid: If the swimming noodle is to be used as a swimming aid for water aerobics or for learning to swim, buoyancy is of greater importance.

BeyondSurfing recommends:

Adults with a higher body weight prefer to use thicker swimming rollers. Why? Larger diameters offer more buoyancy.

Pro tip: Shorten the pool noodle yourself

If you want a shorter floating noodle and cannot find a suitable model, you can simply cut the foam pole to the desired length yourself using a knife.

Different types of floating noodles?

Stylistically, there are some differences between different pool noodles. While some differences are just a matter of taste, others can have an impact on usage.

There are 2 types of pool noodles:

Floating noodles can be either hollow or solid. Both variants have advantages:

  1. Hollow swimming rollers

    If the foam rod is hollow, it is easier to bend and shape into different forms. Such pool noodles are easier to cut through. They also weigh less and are usually cheaper.

  2. Filled swimming noodles:

    Solid floating noodles without a hole in the middle are firmer and offer more buoyancy. They are more suitable for people who prefer more buoyancy or if, for example, several pool noodles are to be joined together to form a raft.

Price-performance ratio of a floating noodle?

Pool noodles are available for just a few $. However, the best swimming noodle is not always the one with the lowest price.

How to recognize quality:

As many pool noodles are made from the same material, it is not always easy to determine the expected shelf life. In addition to recommendations and reviews from previous customers, a look at the manufacturer’s information is particularly helpful.

The following brands have made a name for themselves with good products:


Beco, Comfy NMC, Grevinga Splash, Explorer, Empty


How to use a floating noodle correctly

Pool noodles are used as water toys. There are no limits to your imagination with this type of use. On the other hand, they are often used as swimming aids to teach beginners how to swim safely in the water.

How to use swimming noodles as a swimming aid:

  1. Place the swimming noodle in front of your chest, under your arms. This gives the upper body sufficient buoyancy.
  2. As soon as you feel confident in this position, you can bring yourself into a horizontal position and train the swimming movement with your legs.
  3. Later, the arm movement can also be added, still with the pool noodle in front of the chest. You will gradually learn the correct swimming movements and how to move independently in the water.

Other possible uses:

The use described above is effective when it comes to learning and practicing the correct swimming movement. But the swimming noodle is also ideal for aqua jogging and aqua gymnastics.

What does a water aerobic workout with a pool noodle look like?

Non-purposeful types of use?

  • Covering e.g. trampoline springs or sharp table edges
  • Insulation of water pipes
  • Storage of fishing rods
  • Raft for children or pets by tying several floating poles together
  • Floating cup holder
Watch out: Children and adults who are not yet able to swim should never enter the water without supervision. A pool noodle provides a certain amount of buoyancy, but it does not offer sufficient protection against drowning!

Floating noodle tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test

Consumer Reports tested 20 swimming aids, including the pool noodle from Beco(source).

The result?

In terms of harmful substances, the Beco swimming noodle received the grade Very Good and was only one of 5 products in the test for which no contamination could be detected. Consumer Reports was also unable to find any shortcomings in terms of safety.

Note from Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports only points out that pool noodles are class C buoyancy aids. Class C buoyancy aids are for active users who are required to hold on to the aid.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about swimming noodles

Why do you need a floating noodle?

Floating noodles can be used in a variety of ways:

  • as a swimming aid,
  • for water aerobics,
  • or as a water toy.

However, numerous creative uses have now also been found outside of water, e.g. as insulation for water pipes.

How expensive is a pool noodle?

Pool noodles are available in the standard version for approx. 2-7 $. The price may be higher for special designs. Floating noodles are also often sold in sets.

Where can you buy swimming noodles?

You can buy swimming noodles in water and swimming equipment stores. You can also find seasonal pool noodles at discounters such as Aldi or Lidl. Online retailers such as Amazon offer the largest selection.

How do you use a floating noodle?

If the swimming noodle is used as a swimming aid, clamp it under your arms in front of your chest. This keeps the head and upper body above water. For aqua jogging, the swimming noodle is wrapped around the body. If the pool noodle is intended as a toy for your children, they are sure to find numerous creative ways to have fun with it all by themselves.

Conclusion: The most popular swimming noodles reviewed

Floating noodles offer you numerous uses for little money – from practical to entertaining.

The best:

Whether your children are having a battle in the pool or you want to use the pool noodle for water aerobics … the whole family will benefit from the right pool noodle!

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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