Choosing the right swimming pool lights can be a cumbersome experience. Typically, people will choose the cheapest option for their pool lights and be done with it. But is it the wiser option? Not selecting the correct pool lights may save you in the short run, but it will probably cost you in the long run.
Therefore, having the necessary know-how to select the right pool lights is crucial. Here we have outlined factors to consider before purchasing pool lights. Moreover, we will also look at popular types of swimming pool lights with their characteristics.
So grab your scuba gear because we are diving in.
Which swimming pool light is suitable for your pool?
Pool lights can be classified into two major categories, which are as follows:
Aboveground pool lights
A swimmer’s worst enemy is the dark. The fear of not being seen by other swimmers or their family members is troubling for many. Aboveground pool lights ensure that every swimmer in your swimming pool is well-lit at night and during the day when they’re going to or coming from the pool area. Solar floating lights are an excellent option if you are looking for aboveground swimming pool lights.
Inground pool lights
A pool light is a critical piece of equipment that should be installed in your pool. A nice, bright, well-placed light doesn’t just make your pool area look nicer and prevents you from tripping over the ground or accidentally falling into the pool. A great example of inground swimming pool lights is Fiberoptic, halogen, and LED lights.
Popular types of Swimming Pool Lights
Now we dive into popular types of swimming pool lights.
1: LED pool lights
For several reasons, LED pool lights are the most popular swimming pool lights. Firstly, they are energy efficient and have a long life span; secondly, due to their vibrant light, which flows through the water. LED swimming pool lights illuminate and amplify the overall pool ambiance. Pool owners prioritize LED pool lights over other types of lights.
While LED pool light fixtures are more expensive initially, since the bulbs last so long, they are less expensive in the long run. LED lights come in several colors, allowing you to practice creativity in your pool. Moreover, for economical LED lights, you can use battery-operated LED lights.
Although LED pool lights are an excellent option for your pool, LED may not be great if you have a large pool. Because you would need more light to make your pool brighter, for that reason, Halogen lights are a far better option than LED pool lights.
2: Halogen Pool Lights
Regarding pool lighting, halogen pool lights might be the best investment you’ll ever make. In addition to being brighter, halogen swimming pool lights are cheaper initially than LEDs, which is a great deal if you want a lot of light at a reasonable price.
In the past, halogen was the most popular lighting choice for swimming pools and landscapes. In terms of brightness, they’re still hard to beat compared to a standard “regular” indoor bulb.
Despite this, halogen lighting has lost some appeal over the past few years, particularly in comparison to LED lights, which last longer and consume less energy. Furthermore, some pool owners have noted that halogen lights run hot, which can be uncomfortable for unprepared swimmers. But halogen pool light is appropriate if you have a large pool or need more light.
3: Solar pool lights
If you are planning a pool party, floating solar lights are an easy, fun way to sprinkle some color everywhere. Although solar swimming pool lights are not as luminous as their competitors, they are a great addition to your pool.
With solar lights, you won’t have to worry about higher energy bills or energy usage, as they get energy from the sun. In addition to being available at various price points, these globes come in fun shapes and colors, including floating, rainbow-hued globes, frivolous lotus flowers, and sleek, modern discs. For those who were wondering, floating solar lights are also functional at night, despite the absence of the sun.
Regarding durability, floating solar pool lights are probably not the best for whole-pool lighting. However, combined with your existing LED lights, they can transform your pool into a colorful, inexpensive haven.
4: Fiberoptic Pool Lights
Fiberoptic pool light is a popular lighting solution for your swimming pool. One competitive edge of fiberoptic swimming lights is the ease of changing the light bulb. Moreover, unlike solar pool lights that float on pool or LEDs and halogens installed underwater. Fiber optic pool light is installed in a dry power box outside the water. Light reaches your pool via a thin, flexible cable composed of tiny fibers. Thus, you don’t need to worry about mixing electricity and water when replacing a faulty bulb or doing any other maintenance or repair.
While Fiberoptic swimming pool light offers safety due to the distance between the pool and the power source, there is a downside: the lights get dimmer than halogen or LEDs when it reaches the pool. Moreover, fiber optics may be costly because they have a relatively shorter life span and are more expensive.
With that said, on the bright side, fiber optic cable offers a lot of flexibility: it can go around your pool perimeter or be fully submerged. Additionally, you can program them to mimic twinkling stars or racing points of light and perform truly stunning light shows.
Key Considerations before selecting swimming pool lights
Now that you know about the popular types of pool lights. It’s vital to consider some factors before making the purchase. Let’s explore essential elements to look for in pool lights:
1: Waterproofness
One of the critical factors to consider before purchasing pool lights is their waterproofness. After all, you do not want a diffused pool light to ruin your swimming experience. Moreover, as most swimming pool lights are generally under the water, they must have the necessary characteristics to run effectively. For this reason, always check the lights’ waterproof and dustproof rating at the time of purchase. Make sure all have high marks according to the standards of the IP68 protection rating. According to the IP68 protection rating, the following should be the rating of all factors:
● A dustproof level should be at 6 level
● A waterproof level should be 8
2: Safety
After you have made sure your swimming pool lights are reliable and durable. Now you must ensure you are protected from the electric show. If your swimming lights or wiring has a shortage, it may cause alarming damage.
To ensure safety, you need to understand crucial electrical protection classes. Electrical protection consists of four classes: 0, I, II, and III. Whenever you use underwater lighting in swimming pools, fountains, etc., we strongly recommend choosing class III and operating the luminaire at no more than 12V internally and externally.
3: Technology
With the advancement of technology, swimming pool lights now come in several convenient, fun features. You can add dimmers and smartphone integration to your pool lights. It is possible to program colored LED lights for entertaining purposes. You can add some color to your parties with these colorful light shows. Moreover, a smart pool lighting system enables you to automate your pool lighting.
4: Color
When selecting the color of swimming pool lights, white is the classical option. White light is the best option for people whose top priorities are safety and visibility. However, if you want to practice your creative skills and create a unique ambiance, you can install color-changing pool lights, adding a fun and entertaining environment to your pool.
5: Pool Appearance
Swimming pool lights would complement your pool’s appearance. Therefore always consider your pool finish, when purchasing pool lights. An interior surface with a light or medium color will reflect light, while an interior surface with a dark color will absorb light. Depending on your preference, you can use white or colored lights for the former. For pools with a darker finish, white lights are the best option. Without doing this, the finish will absorb the colored light, creating a gloomy and dark appearance.
How many pool lights do I need?
Now you know the types of swimming pool lights and how to buy them. It’s crucial to answer a question: how many lights would you need? Well, the answer would depend on the following factors:
● Swimming pool size and shape
● Current lighting systemThe current available lighting in the area around your pool
● Color scheme or aesthetic goal you want to achieve via a lighting system
There would naturally be more lighting in a large pool than in a modest-sized pool. If you live in a wooded or rural area with little ambient light, you should consider adding more lights to your property, not just to your pool. In particular, if you have young kids, pets, or elderly family members, this will help reduce accidents.
In addition to the shape of the pool, you should ensure that all sections are well-lit, regardless of the shape. The same goes for spa sections and shower areas. Add extra lighting near footpaths and steps to make the pool safer.
Consider providing adequate lighting after dark for certain architectural or water features in your pool area if you want to draw attention to them.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it’s always wise to look at significant considerations before purchasing swimming pool lights. After all, you wouldn’t want anything to be a hurdle in your swimming experience. We hope this guide will help you select the right lights for your swimming pool.