If you want to add the effect of "dripping wax," as if the pool noodle candle is actually lit, use hot glue to make drips starting at the top of the candle. Just hold the top of a glue gun at the top of the pool noodle (but try not to touch it) and pull the trigger to let the hot glue stick melt down the side. When you have enough, move across the top of the pool noodle a little and make more drips. When the drips have dried completely, use acrylic paint to paint them the color of the pool noodle.