The future of pool lighting

by Sally Bouorm | April 1, 2012 10:23 am

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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.

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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.

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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.”

An easy swap

The Universal ColorLogic® pool/spa light from Hayward Pool Products Canada Inc., in Oakville, Ont., comprises high impact plastic and its low-profile design, which does not require grounding or bonding, allows it to be easily inserted into existing niches of most makes and models.

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“We provide a ‘Notice to the Electrical Inspector’ pamphlet in each carton explaining how the light meets all Canadian electrical codes,” says the company’s senior district sales manager, David Aitken. “Further, for new concrete pool installations, this shallow-wall-niche design saves builders considerable time and materials (i.e. labour, steel and concrete), as a light cage does not need to be formed.

“Additionally, the design allows it to be installed 102-mm (4-in.) below water level, giving concrete pool builders more flexibility for creative design in spas, beach-entry and shallow-water pool applications.”

Hayward also offers a ‘networked’ version of the Universal ColorLogic lamp, which permits user-enabled choreographing of colour light shows when connected to the company’s Pro Logic® automation system. By automating the lamp, homeowners can create their own palette of colours, with direction of motion, and even set the speed of motion or colour change.

“This feature is ideal when utilized with multiple lamps as each has its own ‘address’ and can be directed to achieve an individual effect,” adds Aitken.

When it comes to replacement, Consolidated Pool & Spa Industries has also designed its LED bulbs with the end consumer in mind.

“Every customer who has purchased an Aqua/Lamp pool light system now has the option of simply replacing their older bulb with either our RainbowRays colour changing LED or Aqua/Lamp® White LED bulbs,” explains Sorokin.

Bright and efficient

After successfully making its IntelliBrite® LED lamp brighter through the innovative use of lens and reflector technology, pool/spa lights from Pentair Water Pool and Spa in Sanford, N.C., are not only capable of maximizing the amount of light that remains in the pool, but also directing where the light goes.

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“Today, because we have achieved our goal of providing the brightest possible pool lights, our focus is now on creating the most energy efficient lights,” says David MacCallum, the company’s product manager, lights, automation. “For example, our IntelliBrite ‘5g Color LED’ pool lights consume a maximum of 45 watts and we are currently working on an updated model that will consume only 30 watts; however, it will be brighter than the 45-watt version.”

In terms of operation, rather than concentrating solely on choreographed light shows, Pentair has also put emphasis on providing homeowners, who also use the company’s automation controls, the ability to colour co-ordinate their nighttime poolscape.[6]

“While some products use the ability to provide different light shows and multiple colours, we have found the customer’s needs are easily met by simply providing a dozen or so options,” says MacCallum. “Homeowners will usually settle on one or two of their favourites and keep them on that colour or mode all year.”

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/the-future-of-pool-lighting/

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