It’s officially Summer ’24 although you might not believe it given the weather recently, but we are!
So, now is the time to get into your outdoor swimming pool, your hot tub or even your paddling pool.
What better way to enjoy your swimming pool than with some illumination? Light your way into the summer and beyond with some lighting installations.
The benefits of swimming pool lighting
Well-chosen swimming pool lighting adds to your enjoyment on warm summer evenings and it looks stunning too. Illumination under the water or along the edges certainly provides another dimension. You can choose a mood and style to suit you, whatever the size and shape of your pool. Pool lights also help swimmers see where they’re going at night and improve safety when walking around your pool.
LEDs vs halogen lights for swimming pools
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are by far the leaders for modern swimming pool lighting, compared to halogen lamps, which are quickly becoming old-fashioned.
LED pool lights have a life span of tens of thousands of hours, making them popular for many uses. They come in a range of tones, they’re energy-efficient and easy to replace when you eventually need to.
Halogen pool lights are simple and bright so in the past they were popular. However not all of the energy they draw is used to create light, so they can become hot. This is inefficient, and that’s not something you want with rising electricity costs. That’s one of the reasons they’re being phased out for swimming pools and most other uses too.
Colour changing lights
LED lights win out too as the preferred choice for coloured lighting in pools because of their durability, quality and choice of colours. That’s certainly something to bear in mind if you’re considering colour changing lights for your pool.
Fibre optic lighting
Fibre optic lighting is a good way to light your pool and the surrounding area although less cost effective that LED lighting. Flexible fibres, typically made of glass or plastic, transmit light from a light source to another area. It’s practical too because you can simply replace the light source, which you don’t have to install in the pool. They are ideal for smart lighting options so you can adjust the colour of the lights and set the times they work. However, the light travels some distance so it’s not as bright and lamps might need replacing more frequently.
Practical considerations
Lights offer stylish visibility for the darker hours of the day although some light installations are costly. There’s less risk of injury and falling for your family and friends too. LED lights are probably the most cost effective and efficient lighting option for a swimming pool. They are likely to cost 80% to 90% less to run compared to halogen lamps and other lights.
Underwater LED pool lights are safe as long as you choose the right lighting products, cabling and electrical safety devices. There are specific IP (ingress protection) ratings for electrical products used near or under water. You should always use a professional electrician to install and certify your lighting too.
Finally
Lights are a good addition to your pool and if they’re cheap to run it’s even better. We always aim to help you make the best choices. All in all, we’d say LED lighting is the way to go to make a lovely addition to your swimming pool.
Get yours installed now and have the best of summer, day and night.
Get in touch with Mosaic Swimming Pools and Spas for advice about illuminating your swimming pool.
