When summer hits here in the Midwest, I turn into the person who wants every possible shortcut to staying outside longer without making a hundred trips back into the house. This floating pool tray is one of those little projects that feels surprisingly clever for how simple it is: a lightweight rectangle made from pool noodles with stretched mesh in the center, so drinks, sunscreen, and small poolside essentials can float right along with you.
I especially love this project because it’s fast, inexpensive, and beginner-friendly. If you can measure, cut, and tie a knot, you can make it. It’s perfect for casual backyard pool days, and it also makes a fun last-minute project before a weekend barbecue when you want something practical that still feels a little extra.
Materials
2 pool noodles, 55 inches long and about 2.5 inches in diameter
Instructions
1. Measure and mark the pool noodles so you have two 24-inch pieces for the long sides and two 18-inch pieces for the short sides.
2. Cut the noodles cleanly at the marks, keeping the ends as straight as possible so the frame fits together neatly.
3. Lay the four noodle pieces into a rectangle and check the shape before adding the mesh. Adjust the corners so the long and short sides meet evenly.
4. Cut the mesh fabric to 24 x 18 inches if needed, then add an extra 2 inches on each side if your mesh is very stretchy or loosely woven. I like a slightly oversized piece because it gives you room to pull it tight without fighting it.
5. Thread the nylon cord through the edge openings of the mesh using a large safety pin as a guide, creating a gathered edge all the way around the fabric.
6. Slide one long noodle piece onto one side of the corded mesh edge, tucking the gathered mesh snugly into the noodle’s center hole.
7. Repeat with the second long side and then both short sides, feeding the corded mesh edge into each noodle until the fabric is suspended in the middle like a tray base.
8. Pull the cord gently at the corners to tighten the mesh until it sits flat and firm across the center. The goal is a taut hammock-like surface that won’t sag too much under a drink or snack bowl.
9. Tie the cord securely at one corner, then tuck the knot and any extra cord down into the noodle opening so it stays out of the way.
10. Set the tray in shallow pool water and test it with lightweight items like a sealed drink, sunglasses, or sunscreen. If the center dips too much, remove it, tighten the cord a little more, and retie.
Variations & Tips
Use quick-dry mesh: Athletic mesh or laundry-bag style mesh works well because it drains fast and doesn’t stay soggy. I’ve found this makes cleanup much easier after a long pool day.
Keep the load light: This tray is best for lightweight items, not heavy plates or glass containers. Think canned drinks, chip bags, sunscreen, or a small plastic bowl of fruit.
Try a square version: If you want a more compact float, cut all four noodle sides to 20 inches and use a square piece of mesh. That size is nice when kids want their own little floating snack station.
Pick bright colors: Colorful noodles make the tray easier to spot in the pool, especially once everybody is in the water and things start drifting around.
Double-knot the cord: Nylon cord can loosen when wet, so tie a firm double knot and test the tension before using the tray for the day. I always give it one extra tug because it’s much easier to fix on the patio than in the pool.
Add corner joins if needed: If your noodle pieces separate too easily, connect the corners with short plastic dowels or waterproof tape. It’s not always necessary, but it can make the tray feel more stable.
Store it out of direct sun: After the pool, let the tray dry and bring it inside or into the shade. Foam noodles last a lot longer when they’re not baking outside all week.