This floating backyard cooler is one of those wonderfully low-effort projects that looks a little silly at first and then turns out to be genuinely useful. By slicing two thick pool noodles and fastening them around a lightweight plastic laundry basket, you get a buoyant drink holder that can float right alongside you in the pool on a hot afternoon.
I love projects like this because they solve a very specific summer problem with inexpensive materials you can find almost anywhere. If you entertain outdoors, have kids who practically live in the pool, or just want your sparkling water within arm’s reach without balancing it on the deck, this is an easy afternoon build that does exactly what it promises.
Materials
1 cheap white plastic laundry basket, 1 bushel size, approximately 19 to 22 inches long
Instructions
1. Set the laundry basket on a flat surface and check that it has solid rim sections and enough side openings for zip ties to pass through. Choose a basket that feels lightweight but not brittle, since it needs to carry ice and drinks without cracking.
2. Measure the outer perimeter of the basket near the upper sidewalls, where the noodles will sit. This helps you estimate where each noodle section should begin and end so the float stays balanced.
3. Slice each pool noodle lengthwise from one end to the other, cutting a straight slit through one side only. Make the opening just wide enough for the basket wall to press into the noodle without tearing the foam.
4. Press the first slit noodle onto one long side of the basket, fitting the basket wall into the cut channel. Continue with the second noodle around the opposite long side, curving the ends toward the short sides as far as they comfortably reach.
5. If needed, trim small amounts from the noodle ends so they meet neatly around the basket without bunching. Try to distribute the foam evenly around all four sides so the basket floats level instead of tipping to one side.
6. Thread zip ties through the basket holes and around the noodles, spacing them about every 4 to 6 inches. Tighten each zip tie firmly enough to hold the foam in place, but not so tight that it crushes the noodle.
7. Add extra zip ties at the corners and near any places where the noodles want to pull away from the basket. Once everything is aligned, trim the zip tie tails flush so there are no sharp edges sticking out.
8. Test the empty basket in shallow water before loading it up. If one side sits lower, shift the noodles slightly or add another zip tie to improve the balance.
9. If you want easier cleanup, place a plastic liner bag or small waterproof insert inside the basket before adding ice. This helps keep meltwater contained and makes the basket more useful for snacks or canned drinks.
10. Fill the basket with ice and chilled drinks, keeping the weight centered and below the top rim. Don’t overload it; a lighter, evenly packed cooler floats better and is much easier to push around the pool.
11. Float the cooler beside you and keep an eye on it during use, especially if children are splashing nearby. Afterward, drain any water, let everything dry, and store it out of direct sun to help the foam last longer.
Variations & Tips
Add a liner: If you plan to use loose ice often, a fitted plastic tub or waterproof tote inside the basket will hold meltwater much more neatly than the basket alone.
Use thicker noodles: Not all pool noodles are equally buoyant. I prefer the thickest style I can find, especially if the cooler will hold bottled drinks, which are heavier than cans.
Keep the load modest: In my experience, this works best as a floating drink station, not a giant party cooler. A smaller amount of ice and a dozen cans will usually float more reliably than a packed basket.
Choose smooth zip tie ends: After trimming the ties, run your hand around the outside to make sure nothing sharp remains. That small check makes the cooler much friendlier in a pool full of bare arms and legs.
Try color coding: Bright contrasting noodles make the cooler more visible in the water, which is practical as well as cheerful. If you like a coordinated backyard look, match the noodle colors to your outdoor towels or patio cushions.
Reinforce weak spots: If the basket plastic feels flimsy around the tie points, wrap a little waterproof duct tape over those areas before tightening the ties. It is a simple fix that can help prevent cracks over the course of a long summer.