• Family
  • Motherhood
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, & Affiliates
  • Home

A Family Lifestyle & Food Blog

Julie Hoag Writer

DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest

August 13, 2017

Pin250
Share2
Tweet
252 Shares
DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest in the pool. pool float-diy-swimming pool toy-float-DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer. @juliehoagwriter.com
DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest in the pool…so comfortable to float on for kids and adults! Photo credit: Julie Hoag

Summer means it is time to be in the pool! Make a fun DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest to float about the pool and relax on. Lean back and rest your head on the fish tail for a supremely relaxing rest time in the water. Or, let your kids take the fish float for a playful swim around the pool. This pool noodle float is easy to make using only pool noodles and rope.

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclaimer in the top menu bar.

This float is not just for kids. As an adult, I love this float because I can lean my head back on the fish tail and soak up the sun. It keeps my head afloat very comfortably or I can lean forward hugging the tail and I’m kept afloat high above the water level. Kids love this float because it looks like a fish (just like a goldfish cracker) so it’s super fun float for swimming. It is simple to make in just over an hour. Customize it to the colors you want.

I bought the Monster Funnoodle™ pool noodles from Walmart because I like how thick, hearty, and durable they are so I find they last through time. The thinner noodles will tear easier and quicker, so thicker noodles are the best to use. My suggestion is to buy them at Walmart (my own opinion!!).

Supplies Needed To Make the DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest

I easily made this float in 1 hour and 15 minutes using the following supplies and tools:

  • Three Monster Funnoodle™ Pool Noodles 4 foot 2 1/2 inches in length (cost at Walmart is about $3 apiece)
  • about 50 feet of smooth braided rope (abrasion resistant) polypropylene blend or nylon rope
  • scissors
  • serrated knife
  • lighter (to burn ends of rope to prevent it from fraying once cut)

I made this pool noodle float while my kids were swimming in our backyard pool, it’s really that easy. I easily made this DIY pool float while my boys were swimming because they are all fantastic swimmers. They are older so I just popped my head up every few minutes to check on them. They no longer need me to hover over them because they swim so well. They also don’t need me to be in the pool anymore, so moms with younger kids would probably need to make this craft while their kids are napping or while someone else watches them.

 

Supplies needed for the DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float with Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer. @juliehoagwriter.com
Supplies needed for the DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float with Headrest. Photo credit: Julie Hoag

Plan Your Design or Use My Design

Make a plan for your design or use my design. For my design, first add 7 blue pool noodle sections alternating with 6 green, next add 13 green noodle sections in a row, then 5 blue and 5 green alternating the colors. It helps to set the pool noodle segments up in the pattern you plan to string the sections on the rope prior to starting.

 

Alternative Shape

This design goes through a phase where it is the shape of a figure eight. It could be left as a figure eight if desired, or the small top of the eight can be tied together to make the fish shape. The figure eight shape also works as a headrest, but the fish shape just works better.

 

figure 8 pool noodle float in the pool-DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer. @juliehoagwriter.com
Figure 8 pool noodle float in the pool

It is so comfortable to float on in the pool. This is my favorite pick of the DIY pool noodle floats I have designed including the DIY Pool Noodle Float Strip

DIY Pool Noodle Float Ring

DIY Pool Noodle Float Raft

Also check out my post for a goggle holder:

DIY Pool Noodle Goggle Holder Float

I love this fish shaped float so I swipe it each time I’m in the pool!

 

DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float with Headrest is a perfect relaxing pool float-DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer. @juliehoagwriter.com
DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float with Headrest is a perfect relaxing pool float…enjoyed by kids and adults!

 

Hug the tail to float upright using the DIY pool noodle fish with headrest-DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer. @juliehoagwriter.com
Hug the tail to float upright using the DIY pool noodle fish with headrest

 

How to Make It:

First Cut the Pool Noodles into Sections

I made this float by first cutting the noodles. I used a tape measure to make sure I cut about the same size for each segment. Cut the pool noodles with a serrated knife using a sawing motion to make 4 inch sections. If you purchase the same pool noodles I did, you will have 36 sections of pool noodle to string together.

Cut the pool noodle with a serrated knife to make sections to make the DIY pool Noodle Fish float.
Cut the pool noodle with a serrated knife to make sections to make the DIY pool Noodle Fish float. Photo credit: Julie Hoag

Next String Pool Noodle Segments Onto the Rope

Find the middle of the rope and string a blue pool noodle segment to the middle of the 50 foot rope. This length of rope is a bit too long, but it’s necessary to make sure you have enough in the end to make a knot and to tie the tail headrest together.

Thread both ends of the rope through opposite ends of the hole in the second noodle segment (thread the rope through the hole of each pool noodle from the side where it came out of the previous noodle hole so the rope will cross inside the pool noodle hole). I suggest pulling both rope ends through the next noodle section at once and pull them taut on opposite sides. This is how you will string all the noodle segments together to make the float.

 

Find the middle of the rope and string a noodle section to the middl-thread both ends through the middle. DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float Strip with Headrest. Pool-float
Find the middle of the rope and string a noodle section to the middle. Thread both ends through the middle, then thread each end of the rope through the next noodle hole on the same side the rope comes out of. Photo credit: Julie Hoag

 

Thread both rope ends through the next noodle section and pull taut
Thread both rope ends through opposite sides of the next noodle section and pull taut

 

Making DIY Pool Noodle Fish with Headrest. feed both ends of the rope through the next pool noodle section and pull taut
Feed both ends of the rope through opposite ends of the next pool noodle section and pull taut. Photo credit: Julie Hoag

 

DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-Pool noodle craft water float-Continue to add pool noodle sections stringing both rope ends through the noodle section-DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer. @juliehoagwriter.com
Continue to add pool noodle segments stringing both rope ends through the noodle center hole.

 

If you follow my pattern, it will look like the picture below. Fold the strip in half in preparation for connecting the two ends.

Fold DIY pool noodle strip fish flaot with headrest in half
Fold DIY pool noodle strip in half

 

Connect the Two Ends of the Strip

Connect the two ends of the pool noodle strip together to make a circle by stringing both rope ends through the first blue noodle piece strung on initially. Be sure to the string rope end coming from top side of last green noodle down the hole in first blue noodle strung and thread the rope from bottom side of the last strung green noodle section up the hole of the first blue noodle strung. Pull both rope ends taut. Please see photos below.

 

 

Connect the two ends of the strip by stringing rope through noodle section center hole
Connect the two ends of the strip by stringing rope through opposite ends of the scenter hole

 

Thread rope from one end of noodle strip through the other end noodle section hole from underneath
Join the ends of the pool noodle strip to make a circle. Thread rope ends through hole from top side and from underneath.

 

Next, tie a double knot tight against the pool noodle. Cut off extra rope and keep the rope segments nearby to be used when tying the figure eight (first step of fish tail headrest) and then the full tail headrest together.

 

Tie rope ends in a knot
Tie rope ends in a knot tight against the pool noodle segment

 

Make the Figure Eight Shape and Tie Pool Noodles Segments Together

Shape the circle into a figure eight with all 13 green noodle segments making up the small loop of the figure eight. String one leftover rope segment through the 4 green noodle segments at base of small top loop of the figure eight. Thread the rope from the bottom up of the first two green noodle segments (the ones closest to the blue) and make an X on top with the rope. Thread rope ends through pool noodle segments that are diagonal (see photo below) and then down through that 2nd set of green noodle segments. Tie a knot on the underside snug against the pool noodles (I flipped it over for ease of tying).

 

cross rope and thread rope through the next green noodle on the opposite side
cross rope and thread rope through the next green noodle on the opposite side

 

Pull rope tight, it will make an X
pull rope tight, it will make an X

Make The Fish Shape

To make the fish shape, push the figure 8 into a fish shape by pushing the smaller green upper ring of figure eight flat so the noodle segments are touching. Repeat the tying procedure listed above to tie the noodle segments together to make the tail. Make sure to tie the diagonal noodle segments together. There will be two rope X’s.

Tie these four green pool noodle sections together to make the fish tail
Tie these four green pool noodle sections together to make the fish tail

 

To make fish shape, push figure 8 into a fish shape by pushing smaller green upper ring of figure eight flat-DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer. @juliehoagwriter.com
To make fish shape, push figure 8 into a fish shape by pushing smaller green upper ring of figure eight flat

For the Last Step

For the last step, burn the ends of the rope after the knots to keep the rope from fraying. Use a lighter to carefully burn the rope ends.

 

Tie rope and burn ends with a lighter to prevent the rope from fraying once cut
Tie rope and burn ends with a lighter to prevent the rope from fraying once cut

I hope you and your family enjoy this fun fish float! I really enjoy lounging on it in the pool, it’s not just for the kids!

 

DIY Pool Noodle Fish Float With Headrest-pool noodle ideas-swimming pools-inground pool-noodle crafts-pool noodles-pool ideas-pool toys-pool toys for kids-pool floats-pool floats for adults-swimming pools-swimming pool ideas-swimming pool backyard-pool play-pool fun for kids-pool fun ideas-swim floats kids-swim floats summer-kids-family @juliehoagwriter.com
Pin me:)

Consent to join Julie Hoag Writer

Subscribe to get my monthly newsletter via email for new content: recipes, travel, lifestyle, & family topics. Please see our privacy policy here.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit
Follow me on Social Media
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Email
Pin250
Share2
Tweet
252 Shares

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: DIY, Family, Pool Tagged: boy crafts, kids

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello & Welcome! I’m Julie. I’m a wife and a mom to 3 boys. I’m sharing Ideas for Recipes, Family Lifestyle, Travel, DIY & Pets:) I’m SO happy you are here! Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear from you. I’m also a YA Author of the novel “Hungry Hearts” published in 2020 with Swoon Romance/Month9Books and Georgia McBride. “Out of Control” releases in 2021.

Author Julie Hoag YA Author, Lifestyle Blogger, Food Blog, writer

About me & Contact me

Thanks for stopping by my Family Lifestyle & Food Blog!

My site contains affiliate ads. Please see my disclaimer in the top bar menu. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Search

My debut YA novel Hungry Hearts is out in ebook, audiobook, paperback, and CD.

Hungry Hearts YA novelHungry Hearts novel by Julie Hoag

Have a SPLIT TABLE at your house–Feeding BOTH VEGETARIANS & MEAT-EATERS? My Cookbook: One Dish Two Diets is YOUR SOLUTION:) Affiliate link.

Pages

  • About me & Contact me
  • Children’s Healthcare Series
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, and Affiliates List
  • Home
  • Hungry Hearts by Julie Hoag
  • Landing Page Hybrid Recipes for Vegetarians and Meat-Eaters
  • Media Kit Julie Hoag Writer
  • My Memes
  • My Photos
  • My Writing Resume: Sites Published on as Julie Hoag

ConvertKit Form

Consent to join Julie Hoag Writer

Subscribe to get my monthly newsletter via email for new content: recipes, travel, lifestyle, & family topics. Please see our privacy policy here.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Please see disclaimer for all affiliate information.

Tags

appetizer books boy crafts boy mom Boys crafts breakfast Christian Christmas community compassion concussion crafts crafts for kids DIY faith family family travel football gifts Goodness grief guinea pig healthcare humor Hybrid Vegetarian/Meat recipes kids Lunch Ideas Mother's Day motherhood Parenting Pets pool product review recipe salad son summer teen teen depression teens toys for boys travel Vegetarian volunteer youth sports

Archives

Published on:

Amazon, Her View From Home, Huffington Post & Featured on Huff Post Parents, Sammiches and Psych Meds, Perfection Pending, Red Tricycle. To view sites I’ve been published on, click here.

All content Copyright © 2016-2022 Julie Hoag Julie Hoag Writer LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This post was proofread by Grammarly

Freelance Writer Writing Resume

Julie Hoag Writer

Copyright © 2022 · Design by Boutique Studio ·

Copyright © 2022 · Silver on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

To help personalize content, measure adverts & provide a safer experience, we use cookies. By giving consent, you agree to allow us to collect information through cookies.I consentI refuseRead more