9 Genius Things You Never Knew Dollar Tree Pool Noodles Could Do around Your Home and Yard
The $1 foam tubes become pool luminaries, knee pads and more. No wonder they have a cult following!
Key Takeaways
- Dollar General pool noodles cost just $1 and deliver surprisingly solid quality.
- Pool noodles are a fun kids toy, but they're also great for household hacks and crafts.
- A $1 noodle might even save you hundreds on air-conditioning costs.
That bin of colorful dollar store pool noodles at Dollar Tree? Go ahead and grab a handful—because the foam wonders cost as little as a $1.50 each and they’re much more than a kids’ water toy. We suspect they’re about to become your new favorite household hack!
Dollar Tree pool noodles have earned a quiet cult following among crafters and DIYers, who’ve discovered they’re denser and more durable than you might expect for the price. And they work well for many purposes. And no matter where you shop, you’re about to get a whole lot of mileage out of a very small investment.
The hacks that turn foam into gold
Let’s dive into the possibilities…
1. Fill an oversized container from the kitchen sink
Got a bucket, cooler or stockpot that’s too big to fit under the kitchen faucet? Use a pool noodle as a flexible extension hose. Just slip the noodle over the aerator and direct the flow wherever you need it. No more hauling heavy containers to the bathtub.
2. Add instant lumbar support to any chair
If your lower back gets achy as you sit at your desk or in your car, grab a noodle and cut a 12- to 18-inch section. Wrap it in a small towel and place it horizontally across the small of your back—right at belt level—when you sit. Tip: You want the arch filled in a way that offers gentle support, not a “pushed forward” feeling. If the noodle is too big, slice a thin wedge out lengthwise to reduce the thickness.
3. Save on air conditioning
A drafty door on a hot day is the enemy of air conditioner efficiency. To beat the heat, cut a pool noodle to the width of your door, then slice it in half horizontally. Place the custom-sized piece cut-side-up under the door gap for a quick, customized seal. How cool is that?
4. Make a cushy kneeling pad
If your knees need a little TLC, pool noodles can help. Cut three sections of pool noodle slightly longer than the distance between your knees when you kneel. Duct tape or rubber-band them together side by side and you’ve got a lightweight, surprisingly comfortable kneeling pad to use when you do yardwork.
5. Prevent injuries in the shed and garage
A rake with sharp metal tines may be an accident waiting to happen even when stored out of the way. For peace of mind, use a Dollar Tree pool noodle as a protective cover. Simply cut the noodle to the width of the rake and then run a utility knife down the center lengthwise. Slip it snugly over the tines to instantly reduce risk of injury.
6. Decorate your pool for a party
Pool noodle luminaries reflect light on the water, creating a beautiful, festive atmosphere for evening gatherings. To make them: Cut pool noodles into 1.5- to 2-inch slices, push a battery-operated tea light into the center hole of each slice and float them in the pool at night. The foam holds the candle above the waterline so it stays dry.
7. Create the perfect cake-pop drying stand
Want to take some hassle out of decorating cake pops? Cut a pool noodle to any length you like and secure it into a ring with duct tape. Use an unused cake pop stick to pierce the foam, making as many holes as you’ll need. Just like that, you’ve got the perfect place to stand the pops until the frosting sets.
8. Protect your walls from a dog crate
Every time your pup goes in and out of its crate, the crate can nudge the wall and leave a mark. One simple fix: Cut a section of pool noodle, slice it lengthwise and slide it on the edge or lip of the crate that touches the wall. Problem solved, paint saved.
9. Keep planters from getting too heavy
Before you add soil to a large pot, chop up a pool noodle and fill the bottom third of the container with the lightweight chunks. They create excellent drainage and dramatically reduce the overall weight of the planter—making it so much easier to move your containers around the patio or porch.
The bottom line about Dollar Tree pool noodles
The dollar store pool noodle may be the most underestimated item in the store. At about $1.50 each, you can afford to experiment, get creative and solve a dozen little household headaches without spending a dime more than you need to. Are they as thick as the $5 versions at big-box retailers? No. And if you’re taking an aquatic fitness class, you’ll want to invest in a heavy-duty option. But as a kids’ toy or almost anything else, the Dollar Tree pool noodles are amazing. Grab a few on your next run—your future self will be glad you did.
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