Pool Lighting Ideas & Tips To Create The Perfect Ambience
Looking for unique pool lighting ideas to enhance your backyard? Pool lighting is one of the best ways to improve the aesthetic, safety, and functionality of your pool. Curating the perfect ambiance for your pool is exciting, but can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
ePoolSupply is here to help you along with that crucial first step. Below, we'll break down the types of pool lights, provide pool lighting ideas, plus offer tips to create the perfect ambiance for your pool.
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Types of Pool Lights
There is a wide variety of different types of pool lights to choose from. Each type brings something different to the table in terms of unique benefits. Let’s dive in.
Halogen and Incandescent Lights
Halogen and incandescent lights used to be the premier pool design option because of their next-level brightness. These types of lights have far-reaching capabilities, making illumination effortless, and with fewer of them.
The downside is that halogen and incandescent pool lights have a shorter lifespan than the LED variety. This makes them the less energy-efficient option. They also tend to run pretty hot during operation, making them hot to the touch.
LED Lights
If you place a strong value on pool lighting’s energy efficiency and longevity, LED lights are the answer. This type of pool lighting does come with a heftier upfront cost, but considering the bulbs last for years, there’s the upside of saving on operating costs in the long run.
Looking for a pooling lighting option that’ll spice things up? LED lights offer a wide range of color options. Some color changing pool lights even come with light shows pre-programmed into their systems. Your next pool party is bound to be a hit.
One thing to consider with LEDs is that they aren’t quite as bright as halogen and incandescent lights. Larger pools might require the addition of more LEDs to compensate for the space.
Fiberoptic Lights
Want less of a hassle when it comes to your pool lights? Fiberoptic lights offer an easy solution to the chore of changing out pool light bulbs. These types of lights are housed out of the water and far away from the pool in a power box. Light travels from the box to the pool through a cable, so any pool light maintenance or repair needs are done at the box.
The cable offers superior flexibility as well, allowing you to run them around the pool or even submerge them. Their unique features also allow you to program them to create beautiful and exciting light shows that mimic twinkling stars or dancing, racing points of light.
The main downside to this option is that fiberoptic lights are dimmer and less powerful than LEDs. The distance between its power source and the pool weakens the light received.
Solar Pool Lights
Maybe you’re looking for an option that is eco-friendly and has great energy-saving capabilities. If so, solar pool lights are just the answer. Since these lights rely on sunlight, costs and upkeep are minimal. However, solar pool lights don’t provide the best brightness or illumination. If you have a larger pool, these lights might not be sufficient enough. Depending on if a day or week doesn’t have a ton of sunlight, this will affect the performance of your pool lights.
That being said, solar-powered lights provide a ton of fun possibilities. Things like floating and colorful orbs, floating flamingos, and glowing blooms can all add liveliness to your pool space. For a polished look, you can even put solar landscape lights around the edge of your above or in-ground pool.
Floating Pool Lights
Floating pool lights are essentially a subsection of other pool light types. Solar and LED light types offer floating options. Floating pool lights can boost the aesthetic appeal of your pool with decorative options and styles. Their versatility also allows for practical use and special occasions.
Pool Lighting Ideas
Now that we’ve covered the types of pool lights you could be dealing with, it’s time to dive into creative pool lighting ideas.
Place Pool Lights Underwater
Let’s be honest, underwater pool lights look fantastic. Place pool lights underwater creates an enchanting and satisfying look that’s hard to ignore. This design option practically changes the DNA of your pool. On top of that, you can even get creative with the color options. Certain colors like purple can create a glowing effect and green exudes vibrancy.
Enhance Spas and Water Features With Lights
One area you can’t forget is your spa. Your spa is a sanctuary and a place of escape, so why not enhance it even more? Pool lights can illuminate your spa and all of its defining features like waterfalls, fountains, and jets.
Not only do pool lights enhance the look of your spa area with colors of all choices and intensities, but they also enhance the safety of the area.
Add Perimeter and Deck Lighting
Another area to add lighting would be around the perimeter of your pool and deck. This way, these lights add a cohesive look to your entire pool space. Perimeter and deck lighting also increase the safety and visibility around your pool and deck.
Try Color-Changing Lights
If there’s something to look forward to when designing your pool area, it’s color-changing lights. Color-changing lights put all of the creativity in your hands. They allow you to create different moods and curate different themes.
Use Spotlights and Accent Lighting
Want to highlight certain areas around your pool? Using spotlights and accent lighting can highlight the landscaping around your pool and can create focal points. Whether you want to highlight your property’s architectural features or even use artistic effects, spotlights, and accent lighting are a great design option.
Above-Ground Pool Lighting Ideas
For those with an above-ground pool, don’t worry, you can join in on the fun as well. Here are pool lighting ideas for above-ground pools:
- Underwater lighting options. Enjoy the benefits of underwater lighting with magnetic and suction cup wall-mounted lighting kits. Other kits allow you to install lights via your pool’s vented return line.
- Overhead and landscape lighting. For overhead options, the world is your oyster. You can choose between string lights, flood lights, landscape lighting, and deck step lighting. All of these options are worth exploring and can address the specific needs of your pool area.
Pool Lighting Safety Tips
- Electrical Safety. Make sure you practice proper electrical safety. Safety starts with proper wiring and grounding. Then, it’s important to use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets.
- Waterproofing and Maintenance. You can increase the safety around your pool area and maintenance tasks by picking water-resistant lights. Regular inspections and maintenance will also keep your pool looking great and your lights at an optimal level of performance.
- Avoiding Glare and Light Pollution. To minimize or avoid glare, make it a point during installation to have a strategy to accomplish that. And with many aspects of home additions, keep your neighbors and local wildlife in consideration in your decisions.
Pool Lighting FAQ
How many lights do I need for my pool?
The number of lights needed depends on the size, shape, and depth of your pool. A general guideline is one light for every 300-500 square feet of pool surface area. For larger or uniquely shaped pools, additional lights may be required for illumination and safety.
What is the best type of pool light for energy efficiency?
LED lights are the most energy-efficient option for pool lighting. They consume less electricity, have a longer lifespan, and offer a wide range of colors and brightness levels. Although they may have a higher initial cost, the long-term savings on energy bills make them a popular choice.
Are color-changing pool lights worth it?
Color-changing pool lights are a popular option for those looking to enhance the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of their pool area. They offer the flexibility to create different moods and themes, making them ideal for parties and special occasions. While they may cost more than standard lights, the added versatility and visual impact can be worth the investment.
Can I install pool lights myself, or should I hire a professional?
While some pool lights, like floating or solar lights, can be easily installed by homeowners, underwater and hardwired lights usually require professional installation. This creates proper electrical safety, waterproofing, and compliance with local codes. Hiring a professional also helps prevent potential issues with wiring and grounding.
How often should I maintain my pool lights?
Routine maintenance is essential for keeping pool lights in good condition. This includes cleaning the lenses and fixtures every few months, checking for water ingress, and replacing any faulty bulbs or components. LED lights typically require less maintenance than other types, but regular inspections are still recommended.
Turn Your Pool Into a Personal Oasis
Turn your pool into a personal backyard oasis today with our wide selection of pool lights. Shop online or visit our Phoenix pool store today to find the transformative lighting you’ve been looking for and make your pool area a sight to behold.
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