Pool lighting can be easily done effectively to allow delightful effects. There are many ways in which pool lighting can be organized above or below the water, with fiber optic lighting being a very good idea in making lighting environmentally friendly. Because pool lights are marketed for swimming pools does not mean that they should only be used there; in reality, they are versatile and can be mounted almost anywhere outdoor or indoor. A good example could be TV. LED pool lights can be developed to fit all sorts of lighting fixtures, accessories, and a wide range of applications.
1. Introduction
It’s no question that a well-lit pool has broad appeal. There’s something about it that makes you want to swim! As well as offering an element of protection, the changing light colors and implementation can be stunning. But what sort of lighting suits your lifestyle, and how do you produce the atmosphere you desire? Do you think you want to go with the selection of cobalt blues, or are you involved in a rainbow of colors to make your party-friendly pool even more fun? Your potential can quickly be expanded with uplighting or flood lighting that sits on the ground and shines in the direction of the pool. With such a spotlight, cast a really good focal point when you’ve got a waterfall.
2. Importance of Pool Lighting
Three cheers for pool lighting! You may be used to thinking of lighting as more of a practical add-on (as it very often is), but lighting has a very important role to play in pool design. The very practical reasons include increased safety for the swimmers, the ability to raise the area from potential hazard to pleasurable evening retreat, and protecting the property from liability. Pool lights also draw our attention to features in the water that we’d really prefer not to bump into. Bugs absolutely abhor pool lighting—be thankful! These are just a few of the benefits of adding lighting to your pool area. Changing the lighting in your pool area can even give a ho-hum landscape a whole new look without investing thousands of dollars.
Let’s face it, it’s an investment, right? If you spend the money on a pool – the pool foundation, the pool shell, the pool machinery, the safety fencing, and applications such as spas and a slide – you hope to eventually see a return at some point. Lighting can make your pool area look simply spectacular and can afford you a price break when the time comes to sell your property. Pool lighting is an important aspect of setting the overall mood in the water. Whether you need sconces on the posts on the fencing, recessed canister lighting in the deck, romantic fiber optic stars twinkling in the induced night sky or electric lighted fountains, jets, waterfalls or slides – we’ve got you covered on that front.
2.1. Enhancing Safety
All the mood lighting in the world won’t matter if your pool area isn’t safe. Likewise, your choices in lighting can make your backyard a dangerous place to be. Most experts believe that it is essential to at least properly illuminate all pool and spa entrances. This reduces the chances a guest will take a wrong turn in the dark and fall in the pool. An open gate will certainly block half of the human body – if there isn’t a dramatic pool light making it clear that there’s a barrier present. If you can’t see in, then you have no way of knowing if an accident is going on in your pool unless you’re right near it. Finally, pools are at their best when they’re bustling with activity – from swim lessons to a late night pool party, lives are lived best in a pool that encourages you to come for a swim. Proper lighting also restricts the use of your pool to daytime only, which makes it less of an investment.
Properly illuminate pool or spa entrances so that safety covers or barricades are easily visible if someone were to go near the water. • Avoid swimout ledges or benches; accidents are more likely to happen in that area of the pool. • Safety should not be compromised in the name of ambiance. Regulate the crisp white light of the moon? The safety regulations may require certain minimum lighting levels in various areas around a pool and are the best judge of what brightness is legal in an area. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the codes in your locale, which should dictate minimum required lighting for safe pool usage.
2.2. Setting the Mood
When we talk about lighting features in the outdoor pool, ambient lighting comes to our minds first. However, lighting can have much more influence on shaping the exterior than you may think. For instance, various colored lighting options will immerse your pool area in the coolest theme from St. Tropez to the tropical nook. Also, smart lighting control will help you to adjust illumination as needed or automatically change settings to have several of them in a more spontaneous relaxing atmosphere.
Moreover, lighting can create an ambiance, shaping behaviors and emotions. As outdoor lighting designers work with foliage and build environments, we are trained to shape feelings. It starts with arranging, for example, targets, such that the eye is pushed through palaces, gardens or landscapes, both at a specified number and to specific places. This enhances the layout as one strolls through them and allows for strategic exposure of revealing detailed gardens. Lighting designers have adapted these ancient practices, utilizing energy-efficient lamps and control systems, to help shade feelings. For young couples, for example, a mix of solid-colored lighting in reds, pinks and vivid purples will up the energy.
2.3. Highlighting Features
One function of pool lighting is to highlight certain features of the pool and the immediate area surrounding the pool. For instance, a line of light around the entire pool near the waterline is one of the most common methods used to accent the pool and add visual interest. This approach is often used on pools that are in areas of homes looking to entertain. When lit, it provides a warm glow at eye level that makes pools easier to see and much more inviting. It also draws the eye’s attention to the water’s edge, providing a cleaner look.
Lighting is also used to highlight particular elements of the landscape or home that may be visible up close to an individual when they are swimming. One example of this is a set of overflowing features (like a small basin fountain or a stone-gushing mermaid) that spill water into the pool. A small fiber optic light shining down on this feature will draw the eye to it and provide a nice visual touch. Other details, such as when there’s a water slide or stone waterfall sunshelf, can also have special lighting to accent their standout features. Another essential aspect of pool lighting is to provide an awesome area in which friends and loved ones can gather and enjoy the atmosphere you’ve designed.
3. Types of Pool Lighting
It’s important to use the proper type of pool lighting to decorate your pool and create a special atmosphere for different events. There are three common types of pool lighting: niche, perimeter, and floating systems. Niche systems are mounted to the pool structure while the pool is under construction. Until the LED technology extended, incandescent lights were most used in niche lighting. LED lights are dominating the market today. In contrast to niche lighting, perimeter systems are installed in PVC sleeves and can be retrofitted. Floating lights, spotlights, and decorative lamps are some examples of this type of lighting. Using fiber optic cables, as a rule, is another way to internally illuminate your pool. In case you want to use fiber optic lighting, you use an illuminator that generates light for each fiber. LEDs are also used in fiber optic lighting.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly lighting, you can use solar pool lighting. Solar lights use a solar panel that collects the sun’s energy and converts it into electrical energy during the day. Solar energy is not needed to light your pool instantly, but you can use it for outdoor pool lighting again. Solar lights have zero energy and maintenance costs. But if you live in a non-sunny location, you will not be satisfied with the energy generated by it. There is also a non-toxic, free-disposal feature of solar-powered LED lights. When it comes to operation, pool lights have traditionally used incandescent bulbs of one type or another. In the past 7 years or so, most new pool lighting has employed LED lights. LEDs have a number of advantages over traditional bulbs or lamps. While there are a good number of solar pool lights on the market today, they are not in widespread use. I’m assuming that the primary reason for this is simply that most pool owners already have some kind of pool lighting already installed. Replacing existing lights with solar pool lights, or installing new lights in pools where there is no existing or sufficient lighting, would involve quite a bit of initial expense.
3.1. LED Lights
One of the most popular choices for pool illumination, LED lights have a certain appeal because they add an extra “wow” factor to pool designs. They come in different colors, intensities, and designs and are often sold as multicolor packs that allow homeowners to alternate the atmosphere around the pool area. The wide range of available colors, the multiple light combinations, and the automatic color-changing systems are well suited for party or family gatherings. Some LED light layouts even project those colors on the pool walls for an augmented visual experience. Keep in mind that some LED fittings can reflect the plastic colors in an uneven way, creating a “spotlight-effect” rather than uniform lighting. We advise designers to use the strict color spectrum guaranteed by the manufacturing companies in order to avoid undesired results.
LED lights usually have a long lifespan and are energy-efficient solutions for pool lighting. There are, however, certain considerations that must be followed in order for them to have a proper effect. In some cases, LED lights can create a too-bright and flashy atmosphere; designers should be careful not to overuse them by using too many or by choosing designs that scatter the light in an undesired way. Denisse Salazar explains, “White LED lights are ill-advised, as they can create an overly-bright, ‘Office in The Sky Prime’ aura.” The on and off switch should differ in usage between the most lighting settings for the swimming pool. Optimal swimming pool lighting must create a safe and secure environment.
3.2. Fiber Optic Lights
Although a new kid on the block, fiber optic lights are quickly displacing the traditional lighting of pools. What makes them so special? What do we need to know before installing them? How do we know they are really the right choice for our pool? Lights capable of creating the atmosphere in our pool are many and they can nowadays be found in all possible shapes and colours. Fiber optic lights give the entire pool environment a special touch and turn it into the setting for a great party or quiet relaxation. As everything else, they have good and bad sides, so, before you make your mind about them, get to know them better. When it comes to size and strength, fiber optic lights for the pool are solid and easy to install. The beam is made of glass, making it unyielding and durable. There are many different designs and the lights can be chosen according to the specific nuances of your swimming pool. All of them are suitable for the water and, with the further top layer of sealant, they can be used above the water level, too. If you combine the fiber optic light beams with halogen bulb light sources, you achieve a better effect.
The glass beam of the fiber optic light will be polished from the inside only. This means that there will be few sharp edges swimming in the water and, even if there are, they are well sealed through the glass. Even in the case of the beam cracking or breaking, it will not affect the quality of the light and no diffusion will occur. The lights are safe to touch, although it gets better as the light gets smaller, since not all parts of the body can fit it. Since they can be placed pointing to all sides and directions, the fiber optic lights are great for waterfalls, caves and walls, as they shine beautifully through water, but the colorful festival created by the diversity of small lights can be enjoyed from above as well. The lamps are cool, so alternatives are welcome if you have decided to dive into the playful light and just can’t find the right piece to relax. While the fiber optic lights are more expensive, they are also a better investment with only a little bit of maintenance. Even in spite of that, they create a subtle feel that greatly affects our mood and the ambiance of the pool.
3.3. Solar Lights
A renewable and eco-friendly lighting source, solar lights for pools are an excellent way to keep your pool illuminated without increasing your carbon footprint. Solar lighting is affordable, easy to install, and gives off a soft light to help set the atmosphere. This is a great way to ensure that you enjoy your pool without the risk of harming the environment. Many solar light options can give off different colors of light, as well as come with unique features such as cloud data that can be easily accessed from the comfortable confines of your home. This is an excellent option for anyone who doesn’t want to spend any electricity to get a luminous effect in their pool.
Solar lights for pools are an economical choice that will help your pool decrease some of its environmental impacts. Not only are they suitable for your wallet but they are also practical to install. Luckily, since your pool is probably already equipped with solar panels, you can take advantage of the solar power to run these lights and eliminate any extra energy waste to light your pool. Solar-powered spotlights for pools are small, fiberglass lights that can be used to highlight or emphasize certain aspects of your pool. Additionally, when set to automatically activate at dusk, this environmentally friendly pool lighting option can save money as well as light. Solar-powered pool lights come in a variety of models and shapes, making it easier to find the best fit for your pool.
4. Installation Tips
When it comes to pool lighting, one of the most important aspects is finding the right fixtures. In recent years, LED fixtures have surged in popularity. They offer a wider range of colors, intensified brightness, and they reduce your energy consumption. When it comes to halogens, some pool owners worry that they’ll accumulate too much heat in the pool water. This isn’t a huge issue unless someone has really sensitive skin, as we discussed in our LED vs. Halogens blog post. When it comes to lighting placement in your pool, there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Placement is going to depend on the type of pool you have, where the light fixtures have access to conduit, and other factors. For a general idea, allow just about three fixtures for every 20-foot perimeter run of the pool.
Looking for placement tips for pool lighting, hot tub lighting, and those wonderful pool party lights you can install yourself? There are a few dos and don’ts we should get into in order to make sure your lights work safely and effectively. A surprising lighting installation don’t is omitting switches. You’d rather not have the pump running every time the lights are on, right? You’ll like that monthly utility bill better, too. As for maintenance, we won’t beat around any bushes: your pool will need some. Even the most durable, top-of-the-line fixtures require a yearly cleaning, at the very least. To begin, we’ve tackled how to choose pool lights that are right for you, and some helpful lighting definitions. Then, we’ll go into the basics of pool lighting installation, including fixture types and pool lighting placement for new constructions, tons of beautiful examples of pools with lighting, and many other topics.
4.1. Choosing the Right Fixtures
Pool lighting doesn’t have to involve harsh floods of glaring, bright light—the right fixtures will enhance the good pool vibes and create a great outdoor entertainment atmosphere. In the dark, deep blue hues help mimic the night sky and create dreamy spaces and add a pop of color to your home’s landscaping. The ambiance can be so romantic and alluring and is perfect for dinner parties, gatherings, and cozy evenings.
The great thing about underwater pool lighting is that the market is continuously expanding. If the traditional options aren’t speaking your language, there’s an ever-growing market of playful, innovative, and artistic accent lighting units. But before cooking up all those designs and cool underwater visuals, let’s talk real talk. Many people start this article thinking pool lighting design is about looks. And, well, that’s partly true. But while nighttime pool visuals are important, we really should begin at the beginning: with the fixture itself. The ultra-minimalist. Does your personal style twang with modern minimalism? Check out fixtures that are a straight horizontal line that emanates a single beam of light above. Prefer a vertical look? There are shorter versions too. These fixtures would look especially great for hillside pools, where the horizontal line of the fixture mimics the horizon. Flower power. Many fixtures on the market are round disc-like structures. Featuring big brackets, how they hang from the pool appears similar to earrings. What they bring to the dinner pool table of style, privacy, and food? This lighting installs further back from the pool, or even at a home height for some downcast light. The bullseye. Are you into playing outdoor games and want to stay outside even when the sky turns black? Bullseye fixtures cast light into the pool area without shining into swim goggles. Plus, the downlit beam keeps artificial lights from disturbing the home. The gold. This highly decorative fixture hides the harshness of swimming pool lights. Its elegant frame features a gorgeous hammered texture and the option of a black or gold interior. The gold inside adds a touch of elegance to any pool environment. These fixtures can be hung directly over the pool, or further back around the perimeter. Fruit punch. Where the gold can be a bit demure, smaller in size, and used in many applications, the fruit punch lights elevate the volume of your design. The punch-in hole measures 5 inches tall. Insets are also available in gold, black, or white. Fixtures measure 11 inches across and nine inches tall and work best at a pool perimeter. Pin spots. Here they are. It’s little pin-spot percussive pop of light! These mount in an aluminum fixture directly into the ceiling just touch them for a pop of illumination. The time capsule. These lantern-armed surface mounts provide just the right amount of pool light. The cage-look cover is functional too. In the event of backwashed pool water, the wet side protected front of the light will pass the backlit and lighted fixture into the pool uninterrupted. While beautiful, we’d like to point out it’s also efficient.
4.2. Placement Considerations
The key to good pool lighting is to consider the pool as well as the surrounds. We can get lost with the pool, but often, the lighting scheme works best when all areas of the pool complex are given attention.
Some possible placement areas include:
Above the Waterline – This is a key element of a pool project as it can illuminate potentially hazardous objects as well as adding to the visual interest created by ripples, reflections, and splashing water. Ledging – By placing a light into a ledge, we can control distribution, emit an open reflector toward the wall, and create a dramatic light play. Along Waterline or Coping – This creates great dispersion in the water and can reflect on a surface or be seen throughout a water feature. When placed on the deck, we can reflect in an object underwater. Across the Pool Surface – This goes without saying. A pool will “glow” when a variety of colors of light are permitted to flood in. Off Water Feature Spray – The objective here is to highlight the spray without having a direct view of the light. Under Step or Bench – This offers practical safety in any pool design, for both commercial and residential applications. Because space is often very tight, we like to lessen the overall size of the light. With new LED or FIBEROPTIC lights, length is no longer an issue for a step light where we are used to placing the light on the outside wall of the pool.
Some factors to consider when choosing the location of lighting include:
Expanding into Surrounds – The facets of the pool need to be showcased. Can we get a “2 in 1” impact if we choose here? An architectural feature? A heat feature? A water or fire feature?
4.3. Maintenance and Upkeep
Cleaning and Maintenance
Pool lighting systems are generally very low maintenance and shouldn’t cause you any problems. However, you should keep the lights and/or shades clean and properly maintained. It is important to note that algae and scum can often appear when pH and chlorine levels are off. This is especially the case in saltwater pools, where there are no chlorine levels to inhibit growth. It won’t be the light itself that is causing the problem; it’ll be built-up bacteria and algae.
To clean your lights, first turn off the power. Saltwater pool owners especially should regularly remove the light fixtures to scrub off accumulated deposits and at this point check that the gasket or silicone around the housing is in good condition. Otherwise, water could seep into the fixture. After cleaning, rinse and let everything air dry before reinstalling. To help prevent further deposits, you can rub a thin layer of silicone lubricant onto the fixture or stainless-steel housings.
Replacing Pool Lamps and Fault Finding
We’ve talked before about how long underwater-rated LED lights can last – up to 30 years in some cases. Unfortunately, early failures are still possible. Bulbs can blow and electrical gear can malfunction, requiring repairs. If you suspect an electrical problem, you should call a certified electrician to fix it. This may come at a hefty cost, but experience suggests that there are inevitably issues when dealing with the electrics behind pool lighting. Make the most of free guidance from your pool light manufacturer or supplier, particularly if the parts are still under warranty.
5. Creative Lighting Ideas
I’m sure you don’t need any help when it comes to illuminating a pool with the help of underwater lights. There are several lighting options that you can take advantage of. But let’s think outside the box for a minute. Imagine how cool and interesting it would be to implement some of these really creative ideas. This way you can light the pool and create different types of lighting, combinations and effects that can be interesting and unusual.
For example, you could forget about regular underwater lights and instead add some floor lights. You can install LEDs in the pool floor and have them project colourful light and amazing patterns throughout the water. Another interesting idea is to install a bunch of individual lights underneath the pool. They don’t have to create large circles or be arranged symmetrically. So you can experiment with shape, size and pattern. For example, in addition to the ones mentioned above, you could also have neons lining the sides of the pool, lighting up the floor. You could put them underwater or you could simply attach them at the bottom of the pool, facing them up to let the light play with the water. In addition to creating an amazing underwater environment, take your pool lighting to the next level by adding above water lighting features. For instance, you could light your pool from below and add usher in elegance to your pool area with downlights on trees, grasses and other garden features that surround your pool area.
5.1. Color Changing Effects
Color changing effects – aimed at homeowners looking to use their pools to create entertaining atmospheres, programmable lighting is a fun component to add to the home environment. The most diverse and attention-grabbing application for pool lighting is through color-changing effects. Color options are typically repeatable across the spectrum and can be blended and merged, allowing for a focus or sequence of colors. A single accentuating tone of blue, gold, or green gives depth to the display and gives it a special visual appeal in stark contrast. The selected sequence may be a slow, steady transition from color to color, or it may be an intense, retina-searing strobe lighting display. Regardless of the choice made, color changing can add a special quality to pool atmospheres.
Pool decor – create a beautiful view using different color changing effects. The majority of fiber optic pool lighting changes the color of the lights providing a new attraction in your pool. Your pool should be easy to change at any time, no matter how many different types of pool panels you have. If decorations with different color changing effects are added, pool lighting changes color and creates a more visual effect. Let your pool glow, grab attention and let your pool attract some attention day and night with these lighting ideas.
5.2. Underwater Light Shows
Underwater light shows are abstract, visual spectacles that add flair to any pool. This underwater art display can include tranquil rippling patterns, slow, soft, and soothing morphing, and gentle oscillations of colorful light to bring added entertainment to the swimming pool. The water shimmers as the patterns change, interacting with the viewer. This in-pool art show can be tailored to your space: cozy and warm or cool and vast. Some light show displays create waves that ripple over the bottom of the pool with passing patterns and alternating swirling colors that hug the walls of the swimming pool. What’s desirable about underwater light shows is the total control of the atmosphere.
Discreet placement of lights can subtly create a wonderful tranquil swimming pool. Instead of grabbing your guests by turning all the switches to ten, they can be wowed with a visually breathtaking, ever-changing color extravaganza that is both magical and beautiful. When designing, remember that although this shouldn’t be the main source of light for the pool, more lights are necessary because light shows are generally dimmer. Regular lights, while they can be OK, normally aren’t used with underwater light shows. These lights are placed on the sides of the pool, under the water, up to 10 or even more are sometimes used. Blue and white are the most popular colors in the light shows, but anything you like can be used. A small pump assembly pushes water through the light and then back into the pool. If you are not planning to swim and only want to enjoy the light show, then we would recommend a larger and more powerful pump.
5.3. Pathway Lighting
Pathway lighting refers to any lights used to illuminate walkways around the pool, from the pool path to garden grids or other pathways between the house and pool. • Illuminating pathways serves both aesthetic purposes (inviting guests from front to back) and practical ones (ensuring nobody stumbles around poolside). If your pool does not feature a walkway but is right next to a walkway or other path from the home, it’s a good idea to line the end closest to the walkway with small pathway lighting so people do not accidentally step in the pool. • If your pool and walkway stretch away from the home, line the full length with small or mid-range pathway lighting for a different effect.
Pathway lighting should feature white light only. This makes the space easier to light and moodier for design purposes. Large pathway lights at your pool entry can feature anything from the same color as pool lighting to contrasting colors that will allow your guests’ eyes time to adjust before stepping into the pool area. Some people prefer to alternate different colored pathway lightbulbs for a zigzag effect or to send out a message like welcome or come play. For a multi-colored look, smaller pathway lighting is best, as in some cases trying to feature more than a few different colors in a large light can blow out the design aesthetic or create a look that feels similar to what a night club might feature.