By Jason Cramp
Swimming pool lighting helps to extend the backyard entertaining experience. As the sun starts to set, rather than ending the evening early, an illuminated pool/spa allows the time spent in the backyard—swimming, relaxing or entertaining—to continue into nightfall.
Lighting systems area available for any type of pool or spa—from gunite and fibreglass to vinyl-lined installations—allowing pool/spa owners to illuminate the water in virtually any colour imaginable.
There are various lighting systems available in the aquatics industry; however, thanks to their energy efficiency and longevity, there has been a significant increase recently in the use of multi-coloured and white light-emitting diode (LED) illumination features. Several manufacturers in the industry offer these lighting systems, which can be installed on new construction projects or even used to replace incandescent bulbs in existing pool/spa light housings.
“LED technology has taken over the lighting industry, not only in terms of pool products, but just about every form of illumination,” says Mitch Smith, national sales manager for GAME, which manufactures the ‘Pool Wall Light’ in Scottsdale, Ariz. “LEDs last longer than old-style bulbs and provide much brighter light, while consuming less energy.”
New innovations in LED technology have not only allowed these lights to become brighter and more energy efficient, but also create less heat, adds Jason Sorokin, president, Consolidated Pool & Spa Industries, manufacturer of the Rainbow Rays® multi-colour and Aqua/Lamp® white LED lamps in Woodbridge, Ont.
“In the past, the heat issue was a major problem that remained unsolved,” says Sorokin. “However, now that it is resolved and the costs of LEDs are slowly diminishing, they are becoming more accessible to the general public.”
The changing role of pool lights
Swimming pool illumination is not just for safety anymore. By utilizing the complex digital circuitry within the LED lights, mixing the primary red, green and blue offers an abundance of light shows and colour effects, says Sorokin.
Last season for instance, Consolidated Pool & Spa Industries improved its RainbowRays® LED light, creating a brighter light at a lower cost, while this season the company is introducing its new Aqua/Lamp® White LED light, which is two times brighter than its regular 60-watt sealed-beam bulb. The light also consumes 75 per cent less energy.
Zodiac Pool Systems Canada Inc., manufacturer of the Jandy Pro Series ‘WaterColors’ LED pool/spa lights and ‘Colored LED Laminar Jets,’ in Oakville, Ont., has also noticed how LED light fixtures have changed the role of traditional pool lighting.
“The role of illuminating residential pools and spas has changed from safety lighting to entertainment, theme and mood lighting presentations,” says John Bent, Zodiac’s hydraulics category manager. “Our lighting systems can also be synced together and easily controlled by one of our AquaLink automation systems, including the new iAquaLink™ mobile control app.”
Further, as costs of LED technology comes down and the variety of products using LEDs increase, it is becoming more affordable for homeowners to create fun and exciting poolscapes using bright, white or colour-changing light.
One example, is GAME’s ‘Pool Wall Light,’ which can be attached to the side of above-ground pools via magnet, or the side of a soft-sided pool via a metal plate, to provide underwater illumination.
“It can also float in a pool or spa, or hang under an umbrella or tent,” Smith explains. “It offers two settings (bright/dim) and is operable via remote control, making this one of the most versatile and easy-to-use LED pool lights available.”
