Points of light
When LED manufacturers developed a single point RGB light, hot tub manufacturers were quick to install them around the inside of the hot tub, creating the same look and feel that was previously accomplished using fibreoptic lighting. This lighting technique has been used to illuminate everything from the hot tub water and air (jet) controls to water features and other items.
These lights are installed in small, clear lenses and are mounted at the bar top of the hot tub. This new design concept is tied to the main hot tub light and all of the lights change colour in sequence. Today, manufacturers are creating their own unique lens designs and are using this lighting technique underwater. For example, some hot tubs include as many as 50 or more points of light that are distributed on the various walls of the hot tub.
A new category: exterior hot tub lights
Once single points of light were introduced, many other options became available. For instance, one area that benefitted was the hot tub exterior. Before LED lights, hot tub manufacturers did not consider using any type of accent or decorative lighting on the hot tub cabinet as there was not really a system designed to enable this.
Now, manufacturers can create plastic housing designs that attach to the exterior of the hot tub where single-colour or RGB lights can be added. These lights can be operated independently or co-ordinated with the hot tub’s interior lights.
The future is bright
As LED lighting technology continues to evolve, outdoor living and outdoor products will continue to benefit from the new opportunities. New designs will last longer, provide more light, operate efficiently, and be easier to control. Soon entire outdoor systems will be able to communicate with each other and to devices like smartphones and/or iPads. Further, these lighting systems will play a large role in helping homeowners lower their overall energy usage and at the same time add the benefit of colour to their backyard.
Vic Walker is the product design and marketing manager for Custom Molded Products Inc., a manufacturer of components for the swimming pool, hot tub, and aquatics industries in Newnan, Ga. He has almost 20 years experience as an industrial designer and more than 15 years experience in the pool and hot tub industry where he has been awarded more than 15 patents for his contributions. He can be reached via e-mail at vwalker@c-m-p.com.
