It’s true that a pool can transform your yard but proper lighting is key if you want to create a showstopping backyard spa. “Nowadays, people invest a lot of time, money, and maintenance into their outdoor spaces, and although it may sound basic, lighting your pool and illuminating that space is the best way to see all that work come to life,” says James Carter, director of product management, consumer, at Hayward.
Whether you’re adding or changing the lighting in a pool or starting from scratch, it’s important to have a plan in place. These are the techniques, tips, and strategies to keep in mind when considering pool lighting.
1. LED Lighting
For an investment that pays off, consider LED lighting. LED lights are the most popular option for pool lighting due to their energy efficiency and long-lasting life. While they require a greater investment upfront compared to solar-powered and halogen lighting, they will lead to cost savings over time due to their reduced electric consumption. They also provide great customization with options like color-changing programming, dimming ability, and remote control access.
2. Solar Lighting
Solar lighting is an economical choice, but it can have its drawbacks too—namely, lacking enough brightness to illuminate a full pool or larger areas. Think of solar lighting as a complement to your primary pool lighting. Floating solar-powered orbs, solar-powered perimeter lighting around your pool, and even solar-powered luminaries can be clever options for adding additional depth and ambience to your pool or pool deck.
3. Broad Lighting
If you want to update your pool, look to the broadest focus area of light. Properly lighting the main or primary section of the pool is crucial to setting the right tone. Broad, evenly dispersed light will illuminate your pool, creating usability, and tranquility, long after the sun has set. The result can be transformative, especially if you’ve become accustomed to your dimly lit spa. Look for lighting and placement that eliminates uneven lighting and dark areas for a stunning display if you’re starting from the ground up, or simply see what kind of bulb types and lighting options are available for your existing light placement.
4. Illuminated Features and Shallow Lighting
All-over lighting can do wonders for a pool, but highlighting shallow areas like sun shelves, benches, or beach entries can help your pool really shine. Smaller, focused lighting that doesn’t overwhelm the space can also highlight features like bubblers, water bowls, and waterfalls. “These are features that can be enjoyed without even using the pool,” says Carter.
5. Color Lighting
“A lot of people don’t realize the impact of good, color-rich lighting and the effect it can have on the backyard experience,” says Cater. “It adds this element of a customizable persona to the pool that’s immersive.”
Think of how color lighting can be used for holidays, special occasions, and other celebrations to deliver a festive touch. When working with any type of pool lighting, but especially colored lighting, Carter says it’s important to approach it as you would painting a room—consistency and organization are key. He advises focusing on the areas where lighting is important, then utilizing color combinations that complement each other.
6. App-Controlled Lighting
When it comes to today’s pool lighting ideas, the sky is the limit. Utilize apps to control everything from timing to light shows, dimmers, and more. “[Hayward’s Omni Automation has the option to dim your lights, add a flicker feature to your water bowls, and even implement one of seven light shows at a time, which speed up or slow down based on your mood,” says Carter. Gone are the days when pool lighting consisted of a simple, single halogen bulb placed at the far end of the pool.
