Considerations and design guidelines for nicheless lighting

by jason_cramp | March 31, 2016 2:30 pm

By David Goldman

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There are many factors to consider when working with customers to determine the best lighting system for a pool or spa/hot tub. One of the most important is educating consumers on the three main types of lights[2] available: halogen, fibre-optic, and light-emitting diode (LED). The most common pool light is a halogen bulb, which is sealed into a housing built into the pool’s wall. These lights are the traditional “old standby” method of pool illumination, which usually last about 5000 hours and require the most energy to run. Another option is fibre-optic lighting cables, which can be used to create star-like effects on pool floors and around pool rims. They are not as bright as other lighting options and require several strands to create sufficient light for nighttime safety. However, as they do not carry electricity, they are a safe option for consumers. Finally, LED lights are becoming more popular because they not only have a long lifespan, but also have low energy requirements.

A typical LED light[3] can provide between 30,000 and 50,000 hours of use and consume less than 50 watts of power. LED lights also come in a variety of colours and options, including nicheless, which are easy to install.

In fact, one of the fastest growing pool lighting segments as of late has been the nicheless LED market. These lighting systems offer an easier, faster, and more cost-effective solution to adding coloured illumination to the pool and spa/hot tub experience. Further, nicheless lighting can simplify pool lighting installations in four ways, and for this reason pool professionals are using them to their advantage.

1. Simplified construction

Nicheless lights do not use a wet niche and; therefore, do not require the added engineering detail, steel, or gunite that is typically used to install standard pool lights. For example, some manufacturers offer lighting products that can be installed in a standard 38.1 mm (1.5 in.) return fitting, connected to plastic electrical conduit. In essence, the fitting and the conduit are the niche.

2. Bond-free and ground-free

Most nicheless lights are low-voltage LED systems with non-metallic housings and, as such, do not require grounding or bonding. Since most of these lighting systems draw little amperage and do not need a third (ground) wire, the cord sets tend to be thinner, which makes it easier to fish the wiring through tight and/or hard to reach spaces.

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3. Better overall lighting

Despite producing fewer lumens than typical LED lamps, nicheless lighting systems often appear brighter. This is because most nicheless lights only need 106 mm (4.17 in.) of water above them versus 457.2 mm (18 in.) for most wet-niche lights. By positioning the lights closer to the waterline, the light stays in the pool, while any bottom/surface imperfections become less visible. Also, more lights can be used for the same cost to achieve a brighter, more evenly lit pool. Since these lighting systems are less expensive than traditional lights, and installers save money by eliminating niches, a builder can install multiple lighting systems for every one traditional light they would have previously installed without affecting the client’s budget.

Further, this multiple light strategy also reduces hot spots and shadows, resulting in an esthetically pleasing, more energy-efficient lighting system.

4. Energy efficient

Nicheless lights are extremely energy efficient. Typically, they draw only nine to 30 watts (at 120 volts alternating current [VAC]). Like most other low-voltage lights, they use a 120 VAC to 12 to 14 VAC transformer for power. Since they operate at a lower wattage than traditional LED lights, nicheless lights can often use a smaller transformer, even if more lights are used.

Other considerations

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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[6]. 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)[7], 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.

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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.

[9]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[10].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/considerations-and-design-guidelines-for-nicheless-lighting/

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