If you are planning to organize a fun and exotic pool party, you must think of an amazing decoration idea to make the event even more exciting and enjoyable. Well, the easiest yet most fancy way to decorate the pool area for a party is to install shiny string lights all around the pool.
Even if you are not having a party, you can still choose to install fancy string lights around the pool and enjoy quality pool time with your family every now and then at evening. Party or no party, having string lights around the pool is always a fun, functional, and beneficial idea.
Here we will elaborately discuss all the necessary know-how related to installing string lights around the pool area. We will also discuss what you must pay attention to while hanging string lights around or over the pool.
- How to Hang String Lights around the Pool
- How to Hang String Lights on a Pool Cage
- How to Hang String Lights over the Pool
- Precautions for Hanging String Lights around/over the Pool
How to Hang String Lights around the Pool
Hanging string lights around the pool is a risky business; therefore, you need to be extra cautious and calculative while executing the task. There are a few things that you need to decide before hanging the lights.
The desired height of the lights
The lights need to be hung at an appropriate height, away and safe from splashes and collisions. They should be ideally hanged at the height of eight feet and above for the assured safety of even the tallest people walking under those lights. Also, if the lights that you have chosen are bigger and brighter, then it would be best to place them at a height to make them look more appropriate and attractive.
If you want them to dip or to be taut
It totally depends on your choice of how you want to hang the string lights. However, having your string lights hang tightly around the pool has certain benefits, like,
- It helps in maintaining the height of the lights at every point equally. Tight lights will remain at the exact height that you want them to be.
- They will not sway excessively and remain intact even during high winds, which saves them from clashing and breaking against walls or surfaces. On the other hand, string lights hung with a dip can freely move and crash easily with other objects or among each other.
- Moreover, taut lights give a more clean and more organized look to the entire pool area.
The anchoring place and position
The anchor points should be at a safe distance from the pool and solid surfaces. You should avoid using walls or fences as the support or anchors for hanging your string lights as they could easily smash against them even during the light winds. It would be ideal to use long or high-mounted poles that do not have any surface or object around them as the anchors to hang the lights.
Keeping these parameters in mind would help you hang string lights in the pool area with utmost safety and functionality to create a pleasant ambiance around your pool.
Steps to hang string lights around the pool
You can conveniently hang string lights around the pool by following the steps given below:
- Select the bulbs or string light of your choice. However, choosing shatterproof bulbs of 12V or less would be ideal to avoid mishaps.
- Measure the distance between the poles or anchors on which you will hang the lights. Make sure to buy lights a bit longer than the overall calculated measurement.
- Choose a design or pattern in which you are going to hang the lights, as some designs might require you to buy string lights longer than the calculated measurement. You can choose from designs like square, parallel, tent, etc.
How to Hang String Lights on a Pool Cage
However, if you have enclosed your pool area with a pool cage to keep it clean and well-maintained, you can make it more lively and enlightened by decorating it with bright and colorful string lights. The instructions and suggestions mentioned below will help you in installing string bulbs in your pool cage effectively:
#1. Decide the layout of where you want to hang the lights
Deciding on the pattern or the layout will help you access the tools or apparatus you need to execute the decided pattern or lighting design.
#2. Maintain a uniform and safe distance between the anchor points
Maintaining a safe and uniform distance between the anchor points is crucial to keep the lights from hanging or drooping from places close to the water. Always consider buying a few extra feet to properly place the light over the cage, as the lights will surely sag a bit due to the play of gravity.
#3. Use suitable and sturdy screw eyes to fix the lighting
While installing string lights on a pool cage, you need to fix the screws and anchors properly to prevent the lights from dropping in the pool. For that, you would need suitable screw eyes of superior quality that can adequately hold the light in place.
#4. If need be, use good-quality wires to connect the string lights to a power source securely
If you need an additional wire to connect the light to a power source, use a high-quality insulating wire and insulating tape to secure the joint.
Moreover, you would need tools and apparatus like measuring tape, tape, string, zip ties, and a glue gun to execute the task effectively.
How to Hang String Lights over the Pool
Although it is way riskier to hang string lights over a pool, if you insist on executing this idea, you would need waterproof lights that would be hung on anchors placed immediately around the pool. However, the height of the anchors needs to be higher than usual to ensure your and your loved ones’ safety while swimming.
Ideally, you can hang the lights at a height of ten feet and more above the pool to add a dreamy element to your swimming pool
The steps of hanging string lights over the pool are similar to those of hanging string lights around the pool, as stated in the above-mentioned section. Kindly go through the referred section to learn about the steps in detail.
Precautions for Hanging String Lights around/over the Pool
Whether you are planning to install string lights around the pool, over the pool, or all over the pool cage, there are certain things that you need to be mindful of:
- It is ideal to use 12 V lights to keep yourself safe from deadly electric shocks.
- Do not use more than 120 V bulbs in the string lights installed around the pool.
- Make yourself aware of the rules applicable in your area before doing such installations.
Conclusion
String lights can make your pool and its area look even more warm, cozy, and mesmerizing. And knowing the right way of installing them will help you use them safely to their best.
