Pool and Landscape Lighting
With summer approaching, people are looking forward to enjoying the outdoors. This includes catching up with family and friends that you may not have seen during this last year. A swimming pool is a perfect setting for fun and fellowship, for children and adults alike.
An important part of creating the perfect outdoor space is pool lighting. Not only does it add visibility to your swimming area, but it can also bring a unique ambiance through color and design.
When it comes to pool lighting, there is almost an infinite number of options to choose from and at various price points. Picking out which option is right for your pool and your budget can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, the hard part is deciding what your lighting goals are. Then take a look at the information below, which covers some basic landscaping and in-pool lighting ideas.
Landscape Lighting
For the area around your pool, LED lighting is a good option. LEDs use about 75% less energy and last approximately 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This means you will not have to change them as often.
An obvious place to have lighting is around steps, walkways, and the pool deck. Hardscape lights, which are embedded in steps or walls, are a nice touch.
For a more economical alternative, consider path lights. These come in a range of styles and sizes and are effective at lighting up areas where people walk.
Beyond that, where you place lighting around the pool area is a matter of style and convenience. Think about what features you want to highlight.
You can hang accent lights in trees or shrubbery. Uplighting looks great in garden areas, walls, or statues. Floodlights are effective at lighting open spaces like a patio or grassy area near the pool.
Tiki or other outdoor torches bring a unique style to pool areas. Burning citronella has the added benefit of keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
Note that you should make sure outdoor lighting in your pool area meets all regulations for electric encasements near water. Distance from the pool and IP rating determine if a light is up to code. An easy way to avoid worrying about this is to hire a reputable installer who will know what is permissible in your space.
Pool Lighting
Permanent pool lighting must be installed during construction or it requires a major renovation. If you’re planning to put in a pool, there are lots of options for color and types of lighting.
If you already have a pool and are looking for a budget-friendly lighting upgrade, there are options for you as well. As the name suggests, floating pool lights are inflatable LEDs that you can throw right into the water. They are a cost-effective way to add light and character to your water.
These come in different sizes and with myriad features. Some include different lighting colors and modes, such as dimming, flashing, or strobe. This allows you to set them according to the mood of the particular gathering, from a relaxed dinner gather to an upbeat party. Others cast colorful silhouettes onto the sides of the pool, which can be fun and entertaining for the kids.
Find the Right Combination
Now that you have an idea of what cost-effective options for pool lighting are available, you can decide which options are best for you. The right landscape and in-pool lighting will both beautify your pool area and make it more functional.
At Precision Pools and Spas, we leverage our 40 years of industry knowledge and experience to provide high-quality pools to the Houston metro area. Reach out to us today to see how we can meet your lighting or other swimming pool needs.