How to Make Floating Flowers for a Swimming Pool
Tip
Check to see how well your flower floats with one bloom before adding extra flowers to the leaf. Use a lighter fishing weight or nut if it submerges the flower. Synthetic lily pads work well for the floater base.
Warning
Remove all decorations from your pool when being used, or allowing children to play nearby. Use caution when working with hot glue guns.
Decorating your pool with floating flowers is a creative way to tie your pool into your general party theme. Real flowers can be tossed into the pool, but they are messy, sometimes sink to the bottom and get into your pool skimmer. A cleaner option is to make your own floating flowers from silk or synthetic blooms, as they won't rot or cause clean-up problems later. If the floating blossoms are left in the pool long term, they also serve as a humane escape for frogs and other small creatures that accidentally fall in your pool.
Insert the flower spray stems into the foam block, leaving several inches of space around each flower. Shake the can of waterproofing as directed on the can. Spray each of the flowers lightly, turning them to get the spray on all sides. Wait until dry, then spray another light coat. Allow to dry thoroughly. Do this in several batches if necessary.
Cut the stems off the sprays. Cut as close as possible to the bottom of the bloom without causing the flower petals to fall apart. If petals do fall off, apply a dab of hot glue to secure them.
Lay your large leaf on top of the cork sheeting. Draw an outline around the leaf with the pen. Using your scissors, cut 1/2 to 3/4 inch inside the line you drew. You will end up with a leaf shape smaller than the silk leaf.
Place a dime-sized dab of hot glue on one leaf and set the piece of cork sheeting on top of it. There should be a 1/2 to 3/4-inch leaf edge around the perimeter. Apply a thin bead of hot glue on the overhanging leaf edge. Position the second leaf over the cork sheeting and press the edges down into the glue bead, sealing all of the edges closed.
Apply a quarter-sized dab of hot glue to the top surface of the leaf. Press the flower into the hot glue to secure it.
Cut an 18-inch length of fishing line. Tie one end securely to the weight or metal nut. Turn the leaf over and place a small dab of glue on the bottom side. Press the fishing line into the hot glue. This weight will keep the flower from being pushed around by the wind, and keeps it out of your pool filter.
Place your floating flower in your pool. Grouping three or more flowers together gives more visual impact than just one bloom.
