Lighting for an Inground Pool: Why Is It Important?
Lighting in an inground pool plays a fundamental role in the design process, and its importance in the overall pool design cannot be underestimated. First of all, lighting is important for safety, providing perfect visibility within the pool even during nighttime hours, thus reducing the risk of accidents. To ensure that users can move safely, it is essential that all elements within the structure (such as stairs, beach areas, or hydromassage zones) are adequately highlighted, and that the area around the pool is well lit. From an aesthetic perspective, lighting can help create suggestive atmospheres, transforming the pool into a standout feature within gardens or green areas. Underwater and perimeter lights can be used to accentuate the architectural features of the pool and the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the use of colored LED lights allows for the creation of light effects and different atmospheres that can be adapted depending on the occasion. Good lighting also extends the use of the pool beyond sunset, thus increasing the versatility and flexibility of the pool. This aspect is particularly important in residential settings, as well as in spas and hospitality establishments, where the pool can become a social gathering place and a relaxing spot on summer evenings.
Factors to Consider When Designing an Inground Pool
Before starting to design the lighting for an inground pool, it is important to consider several aspects that will influence the design choices. Among the main factors to evaluate are:
- Size and shape of the pool: These aspects will determine the number and placement of lights needed to adequately illuminate the entire pool area. It is important to consider the length, width, and depth of the pool, as well as its shape (which can be irregular or non-standard) to determine the power and distribution of the lights;
- Location and orientation of the pool: Factors that will significantly impact the amount of natural light available during different times of the day. It is important to consider sun exposure and surrounding shading to determine the amount of artificial lighting needed to compensate for variations in natural light;
- Use of the pool: If the pool will be primarily used for recreational purposes, such as swimming and relaxation, softer and more suggestive lighting may be preferable. If, on the other hand, the pool will be mainly used for sports activities, more intense and uniform lighting may be necessary to ensure better visibility.
Teclumen's Five Tips for Designing Inground Pool Lighting
1. Choose the Right Underwater Lighting
Underwater lighting is a key element in creating a suggestive atmosphere in an inground pool. It is important to choose high-quality pool lights that are highly resistant to weather, humidity, and the corrosive effects of water - like the product range offered by Teclumen. LED lights, whether fixed or variable color, are undoubtedly the best choice for inground pools as they ensure greater energy efficiency and longer lifespan compared to traditional lights, while also offering the possibility to further personalize the pool with multiple scenographic solutions and light effects.
2. Strategic Placement of Lights
The choice of light placement is crucial to achieving a uniform distribution of lighting throughout the pool area. It is always advisable to place underwater lights in strategic spots, such as the corners of the pool and the deepest areas, to ensure good visibility. Underwater spotlights are certainly the most common and appreciated solution, both in terms of power and reliability, ideal for installation in new constructions, but also for replacing traditional spotlights in existing pool renovations. Additionally, perimeter lights, such as LED strips (or LED strips), can be positioned to illuminate the edges of the pool and further highlight specific shapes or features of the structure (edges, waterfalls, staircases).
4. Use Colors and Effects to Create Atmosphere
LED lights offer a wide range of colors and special effects that allow for customized lighting according to individual preferences. It is possible to use colored lights to create a relaxing or more dynamic atmosphere, depending on the occasion. In addition to fixed-color LED lights, special effects like variable color RGBW LED lights can be used to create true scenographies, making the evening lighting effect in the water even more suggestive.
3. Use LED Lights to Save Energy
LED lights are a sustainable and economical choice for lighting an inground pool. They consume less energy than traditional lights and have a longer lifespan. The savings obtained by using LED lighting are approximately 90% compared to old incandescent lamps, 85% compared to halogen lamps, 70% compared to metal halide lamps, and 55% compared to fluorescent lamps. The advantage is therefore significant, especially in terms of reducing operating and management costs. Additionally, LED lights maintain 70% of their initial luminous emission after 50,000 hours of operation according to EN50117 standards (the average life of a filament bulb is about 2,000 hours).
5. Automation and Remote Control
These automation systems can make the lighting of an inground pool more convenient and flexible. It is possible to use lighting control panels and specific automation systems to schedule the turning on and off of the lights according to time or personal preferences. Additionally, it is possible to control the pool lighting via a mobile app or remote control, allowing for quick and easy adjustments to the lighting.
Lighting Design with Dialux
The Dialux software is an extremely useful tool for lighting designers, especially for complex applications such as inground pools. It allows for precise and detailed simulation and optimization of lighting systems, offering a realistic visualization of lighting effects before the physical realization of the project. In the context of inground pool design, Dialux allows designers to input specific project parameters, such as the size and shape of the pool, the materials used for surfaces (which affect light reflection and absorption), and the location (to assess the impact of natural light). The software also offers the possibility to explore different lighting options, virtually positioning various types of lighting fixtures and adjusting parameters such as intensity, color, and light direction.
With extensive experience in the pool lighting sector, Teclumen not only provides lighting products but also offers lighting design services. Using Dialux software, Teclumen technicians can create realistic simulations and assist clients in developing projects that maximize the characteristics of lights based on the specific needs and features of each indoor or outdoor environment. For more information about our lighting products or design services, contact us! By contacting our technical department, you can also schedule a free Dialux course that will allow you to independently design the lighting for pools or fountains!