Pool Lights: Facing The House, Pros And Cons

Pool lighting is an important feature that can elevate the design of your pool and enhance safety. When it comes to pool lighting, one of the key considerations is whether the lights should face the house or be directed away from it. While some people prefer the pool lights to face the house, creating a glow on the back of the house, others find it annoying to have bright lights shining directly at them.

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to have pool lights facing the house or not. One important factor is the amount of light that will shine towards the house and its potential impact on the ambiance and comfort of those sitting on the deck or inside the house. Additionally, the type of lighting and the number of lights installed can also influence this decision. LED lights, for example, provide more flexibility with colour-changing technology and remote-controlled displays, allowing you to adjust the lighting intensity and colours to suit different occasions.

Another factor to consider is the positioning of the pool in relation to the house. If the pool is very close to the house, having the lights face away from the house may be preferable to avoid the headlight effect of lights shining directly at you. On the other hand, if the pool is further away, having the lights face the house can create a beautiful glow that enhances the overall aesthetic of the backyard space. Ultimately, the decision of whether pool lights should face the house depends on personal preference, the desired ambiance, and the specific layout of the pool and house.

Underwater pool lights should be 4-18 inches below the water to avoid glare

When installing pool lights, it is important to consider not just the aesthetic appeal but also the safety of your household, guests, and pets. The location of your lighting is perhaps the most critical safety factor. Integrated interior pool lights should be installed into the pool walls, illuminating the pool's perimeter and highlighting the entrance and exit points.

Underwater pool lights should be placed between 4 and 18 inches below the water's surface to avoid unsightly glare and overheating issues. This depth ensures that the lights do not shine directly into the eyes of swimmers or those sitting by the pool, creating a more soothing and enjoyable ambiance. It is recommended to work with a trusted local pool contractor and certified electrician to determine the optimal placement for your swimming pool lights and ensure compliance with current regulations.

The number of lights needed for your pool depends on various factors, such as the shape and size of the pool, the lining colour, and your desired aesthetic. Traditional white pool liners require fewer interior lights, while darker charcoal or blue liners call for more. Different types of pool lights, such as LED, halogen, or solar-powered lights, also offer varying degrees of brightness.

In addition to safety and functionality, the direction of your pool lights can impact the overall lighting effect. Whenever possible, position the pool lights to face away from the house or the main viewing area. This way, you can enjoy the illuminated pool without seeing the direct source of light or experiencing glare. This trend in pool lighting design is prevalent across budget-friendly and high-end designer pools.

When it comes to pool lighting, it is crucial to strike a balance between aesthetics and safety. By following the recommended placement guidelines and working with professionals, you can create a beautifully lit pool area that is both inviting and secure.

LED lights are more expensive but long-lasting and energy-efficient

Pool lighting is an important feature that can elevate the design of your pool and enhance safety. While there are various lighting options available, LED lights stand out for their long-lasting performance and energy efficiency.

LED lights are more expensive than traditional halogen lights and other counterparts. However, they offer significant advantages that make them a worthwhile investment. Firstly, LEDs are highly energy-efficient, consuming up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This translates into substantial cost savings on energy bills. According to the US Department of Energy, LED lights can save you up to £13 per year for each 100W incandescent bulb replaced with an LED equivalent.

Moreover, LED lights have an impressive lifespan. They can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, with an average lifespan of 50,000 hours or more. This means you won't need to replace them frequently, resulting in additional cost savings.

LED lights also offer design flexibility. They come in a wide range of colours and can be tuned to different colours or hues of white light. Some LEDs even have colour-changing technology and remote-controlled light displays, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance for your pool.

In addition to their longevity and energy efficiency, LEDs have other benefits. They emit very little heat, making them safer to use and reducing the risk of overheating. Their small size and directional nature make them ideal for lighting tight spaces, such as countertops and cabinets.

When it comes to pool lighting, the positioning of the lights is crucial. It is recommended to position the lights to provide maximum illumination without shadowing and enhance the colour of the pool surface. Additionally, it is best to face the lights away from the house or main viewing area. This way, you can enjoy the illuminated pool without the glare or direct sight of the light source.

In conclusion, while LED lights come with a higher upfront cost, their long-lasting performance, energy efficiency, design flexibility, and safety features make them a superior choice for pool lighting. By investing in LED lights, you can enhance the aesthetics of your pool, improve safety, and reduce energy costs in the long run.

Halogen lights are the brightest but have a shorter lifespan than LEDs

Pool lighting is essential for both safety and aesthetics. While halogen lights were once the standard for pool lighting, LEDs are now becoming more popular.

Halogen lights are known for their unparalleled brightness, requiring fewer lights to illuminate a pool compared to LEDs. However, this comes at a cost. Halogen lights have a far shorter lifespan than LEDs, typically lasting between 2000 and 5000 hours, or one to two seasons with constant use, before needing to be replaced. In contrast, LEDs can last over 50,000 hours, or 15 to 20 years, according to manufacturers. This longer lifespan not only reduces maintenance but also results in cost savings over time, as LED lights are more energy-efficient, using about one-fifth of the power of halogen lights.

The heat generated by halogen lights is another factor to consider. Halogen lights produce so much heat that they are not recommended to be turned on when they are not underwater, as the pool water is needed to dissipate the heat. In contrast, LED lights run cooler, reducing the risk of overheating and burning out.

While LED lights may be more expensive upfront, their longevity, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs make them a more cost-effective option in the long run. Additionally, LED lights offer more colour options and can be controlled remotely or via a smartphone app, providing greater flexibility and convenience.

When deciding between halogen and LED pool lights, it is essential to consider factors such as brightness, lifespan, energy efficiency, maintenance, and cost. While halogen lights offer intense brightness, LEDs provide a more sustainable, cost-effective, and versatile solution for pool lighting.

Solar-powered lights are a budget-friendly option but are not suitable for large pools

Solar-powered lights are a great option for those looking to illuminate their pool without breaking the bank. They are budget-friendly and require little to no maintenance, making them a convenient choice for pool owners.

One of the main advantages of solar-powered pool lights is that they rely solely on sunlight, which means they won't impact your monthly energy costs. Additionally, their installation is straightforward and can be done in minutes without the need for electrical connections or construction work. They are suitable for various pool types, including tiled, polyester, liner, reinforced sheet, and fibreglass pools, as well as chlorinated or saline water pools.

However, it's important to note that solar-powered lights might not be the best option for large pools. They are not the brightest lights available and may not provide sufficient illumination for bigger pools. Their performance also depends on sunlight, so weeks with limited sunlight can affect their output.

If you're considering solar-powered lights for your pool, they are perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your pool parties or evening swims. They come in various fun shapes and colours, such as floating orbs, flamingos, and glowing blooms. You can also find solar landscape lights to place around the edge of your pool, creating a polished and elegant look for your deck or patio.

While solar-powered lights might not be suitable for large pools, they are an excellent choice for those looking to add some ambiance and charm to their pool area without breaking the bank.

String lights are a wallet-friendly solution and add charm to an outdoor area

String lights are a wallet-friendly solution for illuminating your pool and outdoor space, and they can also add charm to your backyard or patio. They are available in a variety of styles, bulb types, and colours, and can be used to create a festive or romantic atmosphere.

When choosing string lights, consider the type of lighting, size and shape, brightness, and colour. LED lights are the most common bulb type and offer a long lifespan and energy savings. However, incandescent lights are inexpensive and easy to find, while solar-powered and battery-operated lights are versatile options that don't require an electrical outlet.

If you want brighter lights, look for options with higher lumens, which measure light output. For a warmer glow, choose lights with a lower colour temperature on the Kelvin scale. To create a vintage look, opt for Edison-style bulbs, or go for fairy lights or globe bulbs for a whimsical or glamorous touch.

When installing string lights, it's important to consider the power source and durability. Plug-in options are great if you have an electrical outlet nearby, while solar-powered and battery-operated lights offer more flexibility in placement. Make sure to measure your space before purchasing to ensure you get enough length to cover the desired area.

For hanging string lights, use cup hooks, a staple gun, or heavy-duty sticky hooks to anchor them securely. Freestanding options include cementing poles to the bottom of planters or using wooden poles disguised as pretty potted plants.

String lights are a great way to enhance the atmosphere of your outdoor space without breaking the bank. With the variety of options available, you can easily find ones that suit your style and budget.

Frequently asked questions