Pool noodles are a popular pool toy used for fun and safety. They come in a variety of diameters to suit different needs. But what sizes are available? Here we’ll look at the common diameters that pool noodles come in.
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Standard Pool Noodle Diameters
The most common diameter for a pool noodle is 2.5 inches. This is considered the standard size and is what you’ll find at most major retailers. A 2.5 inch diameter makes for a sturdy, buoyant noodle that can support adults and children in the water.
2.5 inch noodles are versatile and work for general swimming and floating. They also have enough structure to use for pool games like noodle jousting. Standard noodles are typically 4 to 6 feet long when fully extended.
Some key facts about 2.5 inch diameter pool noodles:
- Diameter: 2.5 inches
- Circumference: Approximately 7.5 inches
- Length: 4 to 6 feet
- Buoyancy: Can support adults and children
- Uses: Recreation, safety, games
Jumbo Pool Noodles
Jumbo sized pool noodles have a larger diameter of 3.5 to 4 inches. As the name suggests, these are extra large noodles that provide some key advantages:
- More buoyancy – The larger diameter provides additional floatation power to keep even heavier adults afloat.
- Added stability – Greater surface area makes balancing easier.
- Bigger target – Easier to hit in noodle games like pool jousting.
Jumbo noodles range from 4 to 6 feet long when fully extended. The extra circumference gives more material to grip onto and hold. A downside is that the larger size can be more difficult for smaller children to hold and maneuver.
Key jumbo pool noodle specs:
- Diameter: 3.5 to 4 inches
- Circumference: Approximately 11 to 13 inches
- Length: 4 to 6 feet
- Buoyancy: Holds heavy adults and multiple kids
- Uses: Floating, games, recreation
Small Pool Noodles
On the other end of the spectrum, small pool noodles have a diameter of 1.5 to 2 inches. As you may have guessed, these have some advantages and disadvantages compared to standard sizes:
Advantages:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Good for kids
- Lower cost
Disadvantages:
- Less buoyancy
- Not as stable
- Can bend and wrinkle easier
Key specs on small diameter noodles:
- Diameter: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Circumference: Approximately 5 to 6 inches
- Length: 4 to 6 feet
- Buoyancy: Good for smaller kids
- Uses: Children’s recreation and games
Pool Noodle Shapes and Sizes
Beyond straight cylinders, pool noodles come in a variety of shapes and configurations:
- Rings – These are pool noodles connected end-to-end in a ring shape. Convenient for floating lounges.
- Rafts – Multiple noodles interconnected as rafts. Fun for floating with friends.
- Twists – Spiral or twisted noodles. Interesting shapes for play.
- Colors – Noodles come in an array of colors – red, blue, green, yellow, etc.
- Printed – Some feature colorful printed designs.
- Character – Shaped like animals or popular characters.
So pool noodles can have standard cylindrical shapes or more complex and decorative forms. Their core purpose remains supporting swimmers and enabling water play.
Pool Noodle Sizing Chart
To summarize the common pool noodle diameters:
| Size | Diameter | Circumference | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2.5 inches | Approx. 7.5 inches | Versatile size for most ages |
| Jumbo | 3.5 – 4 inches | Approx. 11 – 13 inches | Extra floatation for adults |
| Small | 1.5 – 2 inches | Approx. 5 – 6 inches | For toddlers and small kids |
This covers the primary pool noodle diameters you’ll see from major manufacturers. There are some specialty sizes outside these ranges, but standard, jumbo, and small encompass most recreational and commercial noodles.
Pool Noodle Uses
Now that we’ve looked at available sizes, what are some of the popular uses for pool noodles?
Recreation
Pool noodles are an essential recreational accessory for swimming pools. Their bright colors and fun shapes make them a staple toy for children and adults alike. You can simply use them for floating around the pool. But noodles also enable games like:
- Noodle jousting
- Noodle racing
- Noodle relays
- Noodle water polo
- Noodle “light saber” battles
- Underwater swimming challenges
With a little creativity, you can invent dozens of pool games with noodles. Their light weight foam construction makes them safe and ideal for games. Just be sure any rough housing doesn’t get too rowdy!
Safety Aid
Pool noodles can also serve as an important swimming safety device:
- Flotation aid – Noodles provide support for weak swimmers or non-swimmers to stay afloat.
- Visibility – Bright colors are easy to see in the water to prevent collisions.
- Resting – Fatigued swimmers can take a break holding a noodle.
Parents often have kids use noodles as a precaution when swimming. They help build confidence in the water while preventing drowning accidents. For best safety, actively supervise all swimmers using noodles.
Physical Therapy
The soft foam and buoyancy of pool noodles make them a useful physical therapy tool as well. They can help with:
- Building strength
- Improving balance and coordination
- Rehabilitating injuries
- Relieving pain and arthritis
Noodles provide light resistance when moved through water. Patients can strengthen muscles by walking, running, and doing exercises while holding a noodle in the pool. The buoyancy takes pressure off joints to enable gentle movement.
Dogs
Pool noodles aren’t just for humans – dogs can enjoy them too! Use noodles to:
- Help dogs swim and float
- Give dogs a safe toy to chew and fetch
- Massage and soothe sore muscles
- Add fun colors and shapes to the pool
Always supervise your pet closely when using pool noodles and limit playtime to prevent excessive chewing. Watch for any signs your dog may try to ingest pieces.
Pool Noodle Materials
Pool noodles are typically made from flexible polyethylene or EVA foam. Manufacturers inject these materials into molds to create the hollow tube shape. Polyethylene and EVA provide:
- Buoyancy
- Cushioning
- Durability
- Resistance to chemicals
- Bright colors when pigmented
This foam construction makes noodles sturdy but compressible. They squeeze and bend but return to their original shape, even after repeated use. Noodles resist damage from heat, chlorine, saltwater, and sunlight fairly well.
Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene is a common plastic used to make pool noodles and other foam floats. It provides excellent buoyancy and durability. Polyethylene is also recyclable which makes it an eco-friendly choice. It can be made in a range of densities to balance cushioning and sturdiness.
EVA Foam
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is another leading foam for noodles. It shares many of polyethylene’s advantages like cushioning, floatability, and colorability. EVA has good chemical resistance too. This makes either polyethylene or EVA suitable materials for pool applications.
Shopping for Pool Noodles
Pool noodles are carried by all major retailers during summer months. Big box stores like Walmart and Target have a large seasonal selection. Pool supply stores and specialty retailers like Amazon carry noodles year-round. Here are some shopping tips:
- Measure your pool first – Buy noodles a few inches longer than your maximum pool width.
- Factor in noodle compression – Noodles squeeze down a little when used.
- Choose colors wisely – Bright shades are most visible.
- Buy quality – Higher density foams withstand more use.
- Stock up – Purchase multiple noodles for group games and activities.
With measurements in hand, you can select enough noodles in fun colors for the whole family to enjoy. Replace noodles at the first sign of wear or punctures for safest use. Having a stash on hand makes summer pool time more fun.
Pool Noodle Prices
Pool noodles are quite affordable. The average price for standard sized noodles is:
- Single noodles: $1 – $3 each
- Multi-packs: Around $0.50 – $2 per noodle
Larger packs offer better per unit pricing. Bulk packs of 10+ noodles can be under $1 per noodle in many cases. Individual noodles sold alone are most expensive per piece. Jumbo oversized and mini noodles have a small price premium over standards.
You can often save by buying noodles at the end of summer season for next year. Stocking up in fall can mean 50% or more off summer peak prices. Check stores for clearance sales after Labor Day to get the best deals.
Conclusion
Pool noodles liven up summertime with their fun colors and versatility. Understanding the most common sizes – standard, jumbo and mini – makes it easier to pick the right noodles. A standard 2.5 inch diameter works well for most recreational use. Jumbo 4 inch noodles provide extra buoyancy for adults, while mini 1.5 inch noodles suit toddlers.
Look for quality polyethylene or EVA foam noodles that provide cushioning and support in the water. Shop large retailers or pool supply stores for the best summer selection. Or catch end of season clearance sales to stock up on noodles at a discount for next year. With the right sized noodles, you’ll be ready to make a splash when pool season returns.