Other considerations
Conventional pool lights with metallic niches have long been used as a water bond as required by the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) article 680.26C. A non-metallic nicheless system obviously cannot satisfy 680.26C and, therefore, another method is needed to bond to the water.
One useful fact many installers/builders may not be aware of is NEC 680.26(B)(1)(a), which states:
“Poured concrete, pneumatically applied or sprayed concrete, and concrete block with painted or plastered coatings shall all be considered conductive materials due to water permeability and porosity.”
Therefore, on a concrete pool, if the metal rebar of the pool base is properly bonded as required by the NEC, no additional bonding is necessary.
Some builders have been hesitant to move away from what they know. The easiest way to get familiar with nicheless lights is to build a night drop. By moving the night drop around the pool, builders can quickly appreciate how the lights will look, as well as the benefits of installing them closer to the waterline. Because the pool surface finish and its reflectivity impact the overall esthetic qualities, there is no magic formula or scientific method to follow. Most builders typically use up to two nicheless lights for every one traditional light they would have installed previously.
Putting together a nicheless pool lighting plan
The following are some quick tips on how to illuminate a typical 3- x 6.1-m (9.8- x 20-ft) pool using nicheless lights:
- Generally, the lights should be installed on the pool wall nearest the home pointing in the opposite direction.
- Avoid installing lights in corners to prevent awkward shadows.
- When installing two lights, put them 1.5 to 2.1 m (4.9 to 6.8 ft) away from the side walls and 1.8 to
3 m (6 to 9.8 ft) or more metres apart from each other. When installing three lights, put one in the middle of the pool and then install the other two at least 1.5 m (4.9 ft) away from the nearest side wall. The idea is to create a brightly and evenly lit pool.
It is also important to understand how the client intends to use their pool and/or spa/hot tub. For instance, do they envision a relaxing oasis or will the pool area be party central? To accomplish the former, use fewer lights to create a subtle, even, natural glow, while the latter requires more lights to create a bold, dramatic, and high-energy mood. Either way, these lights provide a flexible solution for builders to meet their client’s vision.
Wet area lights can be used to add backyard ambiance
Finally, homeowners who live in year-round swimming regions or who love to swim at night need lighting options that keep their pool and spa/hot tub safe and accessible without sacrificing ambiance or going over budget.
To accomplish this, manufacturers now offer wet area landscape lighting that can be installed within 3 m (9.8 ft) of a pool, without the need for the lights to be submerged. These wet area lights, which are ETL® listed to applicable Underwriters Laboratories® (UL®) electrical safety standards, are useful in cases where the pool may be situated close to a building, wall, or other structure. When combined with LED perimeter lights, wet area landscape lights illuminate spaces around the pool and spa/hot tub to make swimming after dark a colourful and fun experience.
David Goldman is the director of product development for Zodiac Pool Systems Inc. He is responsible for global product strategy for the company’s automation, controls, water care, and lighting divisions. He has been with Zodiac since 2011 and can be reached via e-mail at david.goldman@zodiac.com.
