Is it necessary to install landscape lighting around a pool? Although every situation is different, the answer is affirmative for most people. That's because the installation of pool lights increases the form and function of the area.
Whether you've got an in-ground pool project to manage or you're trying to spruce up an above-ground installation, adequate lighting provides more access to the water. You're creating a place to have fun, relax, and spend time with family and friends.
Knowing where to put the lights around your pool ensures that you have a safe experience.
Where Can I Put Lights Around the Pool?
Water-safe lights can be installed anywhere in and around a pool. Some fixtures are designed to operate within in-ground structures. If you have an above-ground pool, you'd want to look for options that automatically trigger voltage cutoffs if exposure to moisture occurs.
Choosing a light is the first step. LED options are often the most popular because of their color variety and low-voltage requirements. You can also select halogen, incandescent, or fiberoptic options.
Once you've selected the lights you want to use, you'll be ready for the following installation steps.
- Once you've picked the pool lighting product you prefer, assemble the components according to the owner's manual or manufacturer's instructions. Double-checks that all seals are watertight. You can submerge the fixture in shallow water and look for bubbles to verify you've done it correctly.
- Some pool lights are solar or battery powered. Connect the power resource to the product as instructed.
- If you need to connect a power source, ensure that a GFCI outlet is available. You can mount the transformer for your outdoor lighting and plug it into this receptacle. If that's not an option, a waterproof junction box on an existing line might be suitable. It may be necessary to contact a licensed electrician.
- Ensure the lights work correctly. Double-check each connection to ensure you've got good contacts if they do not.
- Once the lights work properly, mount or install them according to their purpose.
Adding new light sources to an existing pool can be a process. You would need to empty the pool, install wire within the wall, and route it to a power source. That's why portable LED lighting solutions are often a better investment.
Types of Landscape Lights to Use Around Pools
When choosing the landscape lights to install around a pool, you'll find a few different types available to consider. Each one comes with an LED option to promote an environmentally preferred experience.
| Pool Lighting Type | Benefits of Using This Pool Lighting Type |
| Spotlights | This option highlights your favorite features around the pool, such as a fountain, wall, or landscaping addition. It's useful for uplighting or downlighting effects. |
| Hardscape Lights | These lights are typically embedded in stone or concrete paths, steps, or walls. They're usually added as a safety component, delivering a subtle glow that makes it easier to see where you need to go. |
| Flood Lights | Pool owners will select this option if there is a large area that requires illumination. |
| Torches | Outdoor torches are often installed to light a pool's perimeter. Fencing is often mandatory around in-ground pools, which means this choice allows for a landscaping enhancement. Solar-powered options are an excellent choice to maintain a high safety profile. |
| Path Lights | This type lines stairs and walkways in and around pool installations. Some options can be close to the water, especially with battery-powered solutions or a GFCI outlet available. |
| Well Lights | Most installations put this light type in the ground. They're used to spotlight a specific area or remove dark patches from the pool environment. They can remain exposed, depending on your needs. |
| String Lights | Although fairy string-style lights are more for aesthetics than safety lighting, they still add more personality to the areas around the pool. Placement options are numerous, but you'll want to avoid hanging them over any water source or tanning ledge. |
How to Use Pool Lighting to Improve Nighttime Safety
You have two kinds of pool lighting to consider: underwater or above-ground. Both choices play a significant role in the beauty and safety of your installation. When used correctly, these investments deliver a captivating oasis that lets you relax in whatever way you prefer.
Underwater lights get installed in the flooring and walls of the pool so that swimmers can see and avoid potential accents. Try using complementary colors to add depth and different visual experiences while in the water. It's an easy way to indicate depth changes.
For above-ground lights, you'll find hundreds of different choices and variations to consider.
You can install soft lights for a relaxing atmosphere, vivid lighting for safety around walkways, and accent lights that maximize the aesthetic value of your installation.
It helps to keep your lights operational throughout the year as a final consideration. Using them for at least 15 minutes each week limits any access moisture that develops within the fixture, maximizing the lifespan of your preferred lighting option.
