This Simple Pool Noodle DIY Upgrades Any Relaxing Bath

If you're someone who appreciates a hot bath after a long day, then you're probably looking for ways to up your relaxation game. One of the best ways to elevate your tub is by switching up its ambiance. This doesn't mean you have to go all out with brand-new bathroom decorating ideas, especially if you're on a budget. You just need a pool noodle and some battery-operated tea lights. According to Instagram user athomewith.shannon, take a pool noodle in the color of your choosing, a serrated knife, and plastic tea light. Your pool noodles will keep these battery-operated lights afloat. While athomewith.shannon uses these lights in the pool, they'll also provide the perfect ambiance as you unwind in a luxurious bath. 

You'll need hollow foam noodles to cradle your flameless lights, so keep this in mind when gathering supplies. If you don't have a pool noodle, the Dollar Tree sells them for $1.25 each. You'll also need a sharp knife when cutting your pool noodle. If you're worried about protecting your fingers, Amazon sells a two-pack of cut-resistant gloves for $10. You'll also need plastic lights (Amazon sells a 12-pack of flameless tea lights for $10). Once you gather all your supplies, the magic begins!

With nothing more than a pool noodle and some LED tea lights, you can make any space feel like a spa, starting with this fun, easy, and affordable hack. To begin, cut your pool noodle into 2-inch sections, using a hard surface when cutting. Once you have the desired number of foam sections ready to go, grab your tea lights and insert them in the center of each strip of pool noodle. Next, place your foam luminaries in your tub and you'll have an instantly relaxing space. 

On average, you can get around 50 hours per flameless tea light, meaning you won't have to change the batteries for quite some time. Some tea lights can even last up to 200 hours, depending on the brand. But one question remains: what happens if LED tea lights get wet? There are pros to using them, after all — they're flameless, so they're safer. You also don't have to worry about the wicks burning down, unlike traditional tea lights. But they're not waterproof unless specifically labeled as such. This means your garden variety LED lights won't work. Instead, look for candles labeled as "waterproof." 

Once this project is complete, you can add any leftover tea lights to mason jars, creating even more DIY home decor to place around your bathroom. You might even want to make some floating luminaries for friends and family as they make perfect additions to spa gift baskets.