If you have ever looked at the tangle of pool floats, noodles, and rafts that seems to multiply around the backyard by midsummer, this is the kind of simple fix that feels almost absurdly smart. In this project, I’m turning an ordinary wooden fence rail into a cushioned storage rack by cutting slots into blue foam pool noodles and fitting them along the wood, creating soft dividers that hold floats upright and keep them from skidding all over the patio.
I love projects like this because they solve a real household nuisance without asking for fancy carpentry skills or expensive hardware. If you have a fence, a few pool noodles, and basic tools, you can make this in an afternoon, and it is especially useful for families with kids, frequent swimmers, or anyone who wants the pool area to look a little more orderly without losing that relaxed summer feel.
Materials
Instructions
1. Choose a section of fence or wall near the pool that stays easy to reach and does not block a walkway. Aim to mount the organizer about 24 to 36 inches off the ground so floats slide in and out comfortably.
2. Measure your available space and cut the 2x4 fence rail to fit if needed. Sand the cut ends and any rough spots so the wood will be smooth against the foam noodles.
3. Mark the rail for noodle placement, spacing each noodle section about 4 to 6 inches apart depending on the width of the floats you plan to store. For an 8-foot rail, I like using 6 to 8 divider points for a good balance of capacity and access.
4. Cut the pool noodles into sections about 10 to 12 inches long. This length gives enough cushion and grip to hold floats upright while still leaving room between sections.
5. Slice a straight slot down one side of each noodle section, cutting from the outer edge to the center hole so each piece can open and slip over the wooden rail. Keep the cut as straight as possible for a snug fit.
6. Test-fit each noodle section onto the rail at your marked positions. If a piece feels too tight, widen the slot slightly with the utility knife rather than forcing it.
7. Mount the rail securely to the fence, wall, or brackets using exterior screws, making sure it sits level and does not wobble. If the rail is already part of an existing fence structure, confirm it is solid enough to support several wet floats.
8. Slide the noodle sections back into place on the mounted rail and adjust the spacing as needed. The foam should act as soft separators, creating individual slots for kickboards, loungers, and rolled-up inflatables.
9. Load your pool floats vertically or at a slight angle between the noodle dividers. Check that everything stays upright and shift the spacing until the larger items are easy to grab without pulling the whole row apart.
10. Trim or reposition any noodle sections that crowd the floats, then give the organizer a final tug test to confirm the rail and dividers stay in place. Once it feels sturdy, it is ready for everyday summer use.
Variations & Tips
For larger inflatables: Increase the spacing between noodle sections to 8 inches so bulkier loungers and folded rafts can slide in without snagging.
For a stronger install: If you are mounting to a wall instead of an existing fence frame, fasten the rail into studs or use heavy-duty masonry anchors for brick or concrete surfaces.
For extra weather resistance: Seal the wood with an exterior clear coat before adding the noodle sections. In my Midwestern climate, that little step helps outdoor wood hold up much better through wet summer weather.
For a tidier look: Use all one color of noodle for a clean, coordinated rack, or alternate colors if you want to assign sections to different types of floats or to different kids.
To prevent slipping: Add one screw with a wide washer at each end of the rail, positioned just outside the outer noodle sections, to keep the foam dividers from drifting sideways over time.
For off-season storage: Remove the noodle sections and store them indoors if winter temperatures are harsh. Foam lasts longer when it is not left outside year-round.
Best use tip: This organizer works especially well for flat floats, kickboards, and rolled loungers. Very heavy inflatable items are better stored partially deflated so the rack stays easy to use and the dividers keep their shape.