Pool noodles are a staple of summertime fun, providing hours of entertainment at pools, lakes and beaches across the country. But despite their ubiquity, most people don’t know what these colorful foam cylinders are actually called. So what are pool noodles really called?
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The Origins of Pool Noodles
Pool noodles were invented in the early 1960s by Steve Hart, an engineer at Imperial Foam Products in California. Hart was tasked with finding a use for the slim pieces of polyethylene foam that were left over after cutting sections for larger projects. He came up with the idea of sealing the cylinders into long tubes that could be used for flotation, thus creating an early prototype of the pool noodle.
The noodles were first marketed to swimming instructors and lifeguards as flotation aids. The early commercial name for them was “swim noodles.” They quickly became popular at pools and beaches as toys and made their way into the consumer market by the 1970s.
The Name “Pool Noodle” Emerges
For years, the floaty cylinders didn’t really have an official name in the consumer market. Retail stores would label them descriptively like “floating foam pool tubes” or “swimming pool foam floats.”
The widespread name “pool noodle” came into prominence in the late 1980s. As they gained popularity in backyard pools, people began informally calling them “pool noodles” to describe their long, narrow, noodle-like shape. The name stuck and was eventually adopted as the standard term by manufacturers and retailers.
Other Common Names and Slang Terms
While “pool noodle” is the most common and universally recognized name, there are also several other terms used to describe these floaty pool accessories:
- Swim noodles
- Foam noodles
- Pool tubes
- Float noodles
- Foam pool tubes
- Noodle floats
- Floating noodles
Some less formal slang names include:
- Noodles
- Pool noodles
- Floaties
- Tubes
- Foam floats
The Manufacturing Process
Pool noodles are made from a flexible, buoyant type of polyethylene foam called ethafoam. The main steps in manufacturing pool noodles are:
- Ethafoam pellets are expanded using heat and pressure, causing them to puff up into a spongy foam material.
- The expanded foam is cut into long, thin cylinders on large cutting machines.
- The noodle cylinders are trimmed and smoothed to the proper diameter, which is typically 2.5 inches.
- The smoothed noodle tubes are sprayed with water to remove residual heat from the manufacturing process.
- The ends of the noodles are sealed to give them a finished look.
- Finally, the noodles are packaged in plastic wrapping or bags for retail sale.
Colorful dyes are also added to the ethafoam to create noodles in vivid shades like red, yellow, green and blue.
Pool Noodle Sizes
Pool noodles come in a variety of lengths, with the most common sizes being:
| Size | Length |
|---|---|
| Standard | 56 inches |
| Junior | 44 inches |
| Fun Size | 34 inches |
| Travel Size | 22 inches |
Though very lightweight, pool noodles can still support a surprising amount of weight. Standard 56-inch noodles can hold over 200 pounds!
Pool Noodle Diameter
Nearly all pool noodles have a hollow diameter of about 2.5 inches. This provides enough flotation for recreational use while still being easy to hold onto. Some jumbo-sized noodles have a 3-inch diameter for extra buoyancy.
Pool Noodle Uses
Pool noodles are most commonly associated with fun and games, but they actually have a wide range of uses beyond pool play:
- Flotation aid – Their primary purpose is to provide buoyancy and support in the water for swimmers.
- Water sports – Used to glide, float and paddle in swimming pools, lakes and rivers.
- Pool toys – Pool noodles and noodle games like noodle jousting are classic poolside activities.
- Splash fights – Pool noodles are soft and flexible, making them ideal “swords” for friendly splash fights.
- Crash pads – Placing pool noodles on hard pool bottoms helps prevent injuries from diving.
- Swim teaching – Helps beginning swimmers stay afloat as they learn to swim.
- Physical therapy – Provides gentle resistance during water-based exercise and rehabilitation.
Beyond the water, pool noodles can be used:
- Camping pads – Softer and more packable than sleeping pads.
- Craft projects – Can be cut, bent and glued into creative shapes and sculptures.
- Toddler toys – Soft and safe for infants and toddlers to play with.
- Dog toys – Durable and floatable, ideal for playing fetch with dogs.
- Sports padding – Cut noodles placed over equipment like poles or beams add protective padding.
Pool Noodle Games and Activities
Pool noodles can transform a boring pool into an instant fun zone. Here are some classic pool noodle games to try:
Noodle Jousting
Each player holds one end of a pool noodle and tries to knock their opponent off balance. Last one standing wins.
Noodle Limbo
Take turns leaning backwards and going under a noodle held by two people, in a game of limbo in the pool.
Noodle Obstacle Course
Set up a floating obstacle course with noodles and other pool toys. Time each other racing through it.
Noodle Tug of War
Split into teams on opposite sides of the pool with each side holding one end of a noodle. Teams pull back and forth to try and pull the other team into the water.
Noodle Water Polo
Use noodles to hit and pass a water polo ball back and forth, trying to score in your opponents’ goal.
Conclusion
While pool noodles may seem like a basic summertime toy, they have a fascinating history and versatility that not many people are aware of. Whether you call them float noodles, foam tubes or just noodles, these fun foam cylinders have been cooling off swimmers and providing hours of entertainment since the 1960s. With a wide range of playful and practical uses both in and out of the water, pool noodles are much more than just floating foam – they’re a classic symbol of carefree summer fun.