How to Choose the Right Pool Lighting

Swimming pools offer relaxation and enjoyment to thousands of families who create this perfect space in their backyard. However, it’s not only the scenery that gives you a great pool experience. Pool lighting adds a new element to your pool that creates a warm evening atmosphere.

But with all the different pool lighting options out there, it can be hard to figure out how to make your pool stand out. That is until you know what to look for!

Not sure where to begin when choosing your pool lighting? Not to worry, today, we’re here to help! Here is your ultimate guide to picking the right light for your pool!

What to Look for When Choosing Light Fixtures?

There are a few things to look for when you are looking to buy pool lighting. First, you must decide what kind of light you would like. Pool lights come in various colors and styles, including mercury vapor and LED. Once you have decided on the type, the next step is determining the wattage.

Lights with lower wattages are generally less expensive, but they may not provide as much light as higher-wattage lights. Another factor to consider is how long the bulbs will last.

Pool lights come in both single-bulb and multiple-bulb varieties. Finally, keep in mind that pool lights can be mounted on poles or hung from wires overhead.

How Durability and Type of Bulb Affect Your Choice?

When you want to purchase a pool lighting system, it is essential to consider the durability, type of bulb, and color of the pool light.

Pool lights can last anywhere from a few years to a decade or more with proper care. However, harsh weather conditions such as high winds or rain can damage your lights quickly. It is crucial to buy lights rated for outdoor use that has stood some abuse.

Three bulbs are used in pool lights: filament, gas, and LED. Filament bulbs use incandescent filament wrapped around an electric current to generate light.

Gas bulbs use an igniter that burns natural gas or propane to create heat and emit light. Pool LEDs use a small amount of electricity to produce an immense amount of light. They are usually the most expensive but also have the most extended lifespan.

What Is the Best Color Theme for Your Pool?

Choosing pool lighting can be a bit daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the different colors and meanings. Pool lighting comes in many different colors, each with a specific purpose. Here are five of the most common colors and their senses:

Black: Is used to create an eerie or ominous effect. It is also used to enhance accents in the water, such as plants.

Green: Often associated with relaxation, green pool lighting is often used to create a tranquil setting. It is also suitable for underwater swimming because it doesn’t make a glare.

Blue: Is known as the “cold light” because it casts a distinct shadow on objects beneath it. It’s perfect for highlighting features in the pool, like floating objects or swimmers’ heads.

Orange: Is commonly used to add life to pools during the day and make them look warmer. It’s also great for evening parties when you want everyone to feel comfortable and happy.

Yellow: We hope this color won’t be too shocking, but yellow pool lighting is often used to alert people that they should avoid entering the pool if there are any unsafe conditions (like high chlorine levels).

Avoid red or any other dark color themes, as they can overwhelm your pool.

Tips for Installing Pool Lights

First and foremost, consider your needs. Do you want some essential lighting for night swimming or more elaborate features like motion sensors or music players? Once you know what you need, think about your budget.

Pool lighting can range in price from around $50 to hundreds of dollars. Keeping this in mind will help narrow down your options. 

After deciding what type of pool light you need, it’s time to pick out the fixture. Different models come with additional features and offerings, so it’s important to study all available options before purchasing. Some institutions offer multiple light colors, while others only have one color option. 

Once you’ve chosen the fixture and settled on the light color, it’s time to get set up and wire it up! Most pools already have wiring in place, but if there isn’t any, don’t worry – there are numerous kits available that make installation a snap.

Just read through the instructions carefully to ensure everything is done correctly… And remember… If something goes wrong after installation, don’t hesitate to call an expert!

Energy Saver Pool Lighting

When it comes time to update your pool lights, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider.

First, the type of light you’ve got will affect your energy usage. Incandescent and halogen technology use the most electricity and should be replaced with LEDs or CFLs whenever possible. For medium-sized pools up to 30,000 gallons, a single string of 20×36 inch LED lights will use about one-third of the power of an equivalent number of traditional incandescent bulbs.

If your pool is more significant than 30,000 gallons or has low Ambient Light Levels (ALLs), you may want to consider replacing all of your pool lights with recessed lighting. Compared to an above-ground pool with no lighting at all, using a landscape lighting system with shielded lamps results in an 80% reduction in energy consumption* while still providing excellent illumination for swimming and relaxation.

Another factor you’ll want to consider when updating your pool lights is color temperature. With most LED lights reaching temperatures as high as 4000K (kelvin), warm white (2700K) light is best for pools and hot tubs because it emits little blue light, disrupting sleep patterns.

If you have decided to install a pool lighting system and it seems like a lot of work, you can try these services for professional and affordable installation. 

Ready to Take a Cozy Dip?

Pool lighting can make a big difference when having a relaxing swim or evening dip. Whether you’re looking for an extravagant light show or just some basic illumination, there are plenty of options.

However, knowing which type of pool lighting is best for your needs can be difficult. In this article, we have outlined the different types of pool lights and their main features so that you can choose the right one for your needs.

If you want to read more tips and guides like this, check out the rest of our blogs today!