Advice on Floating Candles for Pools

Types of Floating Candles

• If you want to put candles directly into the water, use candles specifically designed to float. Floating candles have the weight distributed appropriately to prevent sinking. Stores carry a wide variety of floating candles but try to find some that are specifically made for pools. They are often larger than standard floating candles so they burn longer, withstand the wind better, and are easier to see in a large body of water. The outdoors can become windy, so recessed wicks in floating candles designed for pools are hidden so the wind bounces off the side of the candle before it blows out the flame.

  You have many options for the pool candle's shape. Flower designs are popular because they add an extra element of decoration. The flowers often mimic water lilies and some even have a lily pad base. If you are having an outdoor celebration during the fall, consider selecting floating leaf pool candles to follow the theme of the season.

Floating Candles with a Base

• Instead of placing a candle directly into the water, float a candle on a base. In this instance, you do not have to worry about finding a candle that floats appropriately because you can place almost any candle with a flat bottom on top of a floating base. Use a plastic floating structure instead of a glass piece so you prevent glass shards from making their way into the pool.

  Votive or tea light candles are suitable for sitting on a plastic base. Attach them to the plastic piece so they do not shift around or blow off. The only disadvantage of using this type of candle over the floating candles intended for pools is that they do not have a recessed wick. Therefore, this option is excellent on evenings free of gusty winds.

Placement

• Floating candles look best when they are scattered about the pool, so turn off the filter to prevent them from gathering in one location. Sometimes candles move to one spot of the pool for no apparent reason, so consider attaching them to a weight. Use dental floss or fishing line attached to a small weight such as a fishing weight that hangs from the bottom of the candle or plastic base. This method allows the candle to move slightly but keeps it from moving freely around the pool.