Other advantages of using LED lights
We already mentioned that LEDs are energy efficient, have a long lifespan, and are cost-effective in the long term. However, there are more benefits to using LEDs for your pool:
They come in a multitude of colours: You can set the mood poolside and make the area look more inviting with the clever use of multi-coloured LED light bulbs. You can also light up pool area events with coloured lights that complement event themes. For example, you could choose green, gold and red for Christmas, green and gold for Australia Day, and your favourite colours for your birthday.
Some LED lights can be paired with apps and customise: Aptly referred to as smart bulbs, they can be dimmed, scheduled (on and off), and controlled remotely using your smartphone, with some even coming in colour-changing options. Examples of these include the iLumi Color Tunable LED Smartbulbs, Insteon LED Bulb, and Philips Hue Lux LED. There are also LEDs that feature snap-on filters for quick colour changes.
They are a great pool and home safety feature: LED pool lights have a higher frequency. This means that the light they emit is perceived as brighter and bluer by the human eye than incandescent light. This means that you can get your pool area well-lit with only a few LED lights. However, to avoid the blinding effect of LEDs when you are walking from a darker area to a well-lit section of the house, consider lighting up nearby sections of your property, not just the pool area.
They can complement your property aesthetics: Since there are a variety of design options to choose from, you can select LED lights to complement the overall look of your property; in this case, the pool and backyard area. Of course, the fact that they come in a rainbow of colours adds to their ability to beautify places where they are properly used.
How to determine the number of pool lights you need
In order to find out exactly how many lights you need for the swimming pool section of your home, you need to take the following into account:
The swimming pool shape and size
The current, available lighting in the area around your pool
The colour and aesthetics you want to achieve for your pool area
A large pool naturally would require more lights than a modestly-sized one. If your place is located in a wooded or rural area with less ambient light sources, you should consider getting more lights installed in your property, not just the pool area. This will help reduce the incidence of accidents, especially if you have young kids and pets as well as elderly family members.
The shape of the pool is also an essential consideration so that, whatever the shape, you can ensure all sections remain well-lit. The same goes for when you have a spa section and shower area. Be sure to put extra lighting near footpaths and steps for added pool safety.
If there are certain architectural elements or water features that you wish to highlight in your pool area, make sure they get adequate lighting after dark so they get the attention they deserve.
Pool light placement
Even before the swimming pool is built, a pool lighting design should already be set for implementation. This design must consider the pool size, shape, landscaping around the pool as well as specific design elements in the area.
Lighting for inside the pool
There are a number of submerged or below-the-ground pool lights to choose from as they come in a wide variety of colours and features.
Flush-Mounted Underwater LED Pool Lights – These lights are flush with the pool wall when installed. They should ideally be among your first lighting considerations as they are the easiest to install while pool construction is ongoing.
Surface-Mounted Underwater LED Pool Lights – These lights stick out beyond the pool wall. A great pool lighting option, they can even be added to those pools which have already been completed.
Submersible LED Lights – These pool light types are a perfect choice for pool owners who like taking the DIY route. They do not require any installation as all you need to do is to allow them to simply sink to the bottom of the pool. This way, they can illuminate the surface area of the water.
Lighting for the area around the pool
Once you’re all done with your main pool lighting, you can start imagining how you want your backyard or pool landscape to look at night. Of course, colour, brightness, shape and the number of lights are all important factors to consider. Some poolside favourites are:
Pool Garden Lighting – You can integrate this type of lighting into your pool landscape as well as the pavement. These include barn lights, pathway lights, step lights, spike lights, string lights, bollard lights, lantern lights, and deck lights.
LED Flood Lighting – To bring a yard to life, you can make use of floodlights for illuminating large sections of your outdoor space.
Feature Lighting – Use feature lighting to highlight key design features in the pool area. You can be more creative by changing pool light colours remotely to make your pool and yard space more vibrant and attractive. Use spotlights to emphasise the beauty of garden statues, individual plants, and architectural design elements.
Whatever lighting elements you think you might like in your pool area, it’s a great idea to speak to a trusted licenced electrician during the planning phase of your swimming pool project. They can best advise you on what lighting elements will work best with the pool design and the best pool lights for you. They might also have some ideas to help you achieve the visual impact you’re aiming for.
Light up your pool right
The beneficial effects of getting the right lighting system installed with your pool are undeniable. Aside from addressing obvious safety concerns, the right lighting elements can lead to enjoyable nightly swimming sessions, and make your pool area a true visual delight.
So before deciding on a lighting system, be sure to get the input of your pool consultant or pool builder, as well as the electrician who will be working on installing the system for you. This way, you’ll get the best lighting elements that can withstand the test of time, and light up and beautify your swimming pool for a long time.
If you need help with your swimming pool requirements, you can always contact us. We’re always ready to help and give you valuable tips to ensure you get the pool of your dreams.
