Creating Magical Moments Pool Side

Creating Magical Moments Pool Side

The Perfect Proposal

The stars glistened brightly the night I proposed to the love of my life. It was a special night, as we had met exactly three years earlier to the day.

A romantic candlelit table was set on our outdoor patio, the menu; Roast Duck L’ Orange, the same meal we had the night we first fell in love. The swimming pool was illuminated lightly in the background, a blue filter over the pool light was dimmed to create a mystical glow two fathoms below. Floating candles shimmered amidst the light ripples of the water, casting soft shadows on the Grecian pedestals topped with ferns strategically placed around the pool.

Cabana curtains draped across three pillars blew lightly in the breeze as did the white twinkle lights in the trees. “Sway” by Dean Martin played on the outdoor speakers hidden beneath the palms, and an artificial pond lit by a small red spotlight created fairy-like reflections on the black granite waterfall.

Dinner began with a Kir Royal’ champagne cocktail and was followed by a delightful wine. We toasted the night away and without question, love was in the air! As the full moon rose above us and Frank Sinatra crooned; “The Best Is Yet To Come”, I proposed. And without hesitation she said... “Yes”!

Creating Magical Moments Pool Side

Whether you’re planning the ultimate proposal, or you just want a unique nighttime setting in the privacy of your own backyard, a little imagination can create magical moments around your pool long after the sun goes down.

First scan the area in the daylight. Does that tree or bush look like it would look good with twinkle lights in it or illuminated by a soft spotlight? Is there a garden that would look nice with Tiki Torches? How would that area of rocks look with an artificial rock speaker? Is it time for new pots and plants?

You can purchase any number of soft outdoor lights that stick into the ground, many of which are solar charged that look great at night.

Romanticizing your pool is more than just doing a few things here and there. It involves a little imagination and noticing the differences in your yard during the day and then at night, when it takes on a whole new perspective. Within this article, you find an assortment of ideas to help you create, the most romantic pool in the neighborhood.

Candles

The fact is, the slightest breeze will put out a candle just as fast as you light it. Buy glass candle holders that are enclosed on the sides. Many of them have attractive designs that add to the atmosphere when lit. When strategically placed around the pool or in your yard, you would be surprised how a drab, dark yard or pool area transforms at night. A fireplace lighter is a must!

Citronella candles Do you have a tough time with bugs? If you don’t have a screen covering your pool, Citronella candles strategically placed around the area do a pretty good job of keeping bugs away. If you have to put bug repellent on your skin, try to use a natural product versus the over-powering, chemically-laden sprays as much as possible.

Floating Candles

Candles that float on the water combined with subtle lighting is an absolutely magical experience at night! There are a variety of products on the market, so look on the internet or at your local pool store. Most floating candles accommodate tea candles which are perfect as they don’t drip wax all over the place. Make sure the sides of the candle holders go above the flame as it is less likely the wind will blow them out.

Twinkle Lights

Elegantly place Christmas lights in bushes or trees by hanging them in a soft drape from branch to branch. If you have a row of bushes or trees, be creative when you drape them.

Note: the tint on colored Christmas lights tend to chip off over time. As time goes on, some of the white lights sparkle through, which creates a very nice two color effect when the breeze blows through the trees.

Caution: If you use extension cords, be careful as they can be dangerous if placed in water. Be sure the cords are long enough so the plugs don’t lie on the ground and/or are well covered. Ideally any lighting around a yard should be professionally installed.

Tiki Torches

Let’s face it, Tiki Torches are fun and transform a dull setting into a tropical atmosphere with the light of a match. Tiki’s can be bought at any major store that has a garden shop, typically in spring and summer for less than ten dollars. You also need to buy torch oil, which is usually near the torch display. When you assess your pool area for proper placement, be sure to set them in areas where there is not a lot of foot traffic as the flames can get high. Once you push the poles into a secure ground, fill up the oil containers, take the cap off of the top of the torch and light with a fireplace lighter. As always, be careful whenever igniting a flame.