Let’s face it: there’s nothing like swimming in the pool after a long, hot day at the height of summer. But what if you want to enjoy a cool, refreshing late-night swim?
Landscape lighting can make a huge difference on your outdoor summer experience in general, but pool landscape lighting in particular can transform your run-of-the-mill evening splash into an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re planning on enjoying a solo dip in the nighttime or looking forward to hosting poolside get-togethers all summer long, here are some tips for creating the perfect nighttime ambiance with outdoor poolside lights.
Understand Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting isn’t just about functionality; it’s an art form that involves strategically placing lighting fixtures to highlight your home’s one-of-a-kind features, landscaping elements, and focal points.
When it comes to poolside spaces, lighting serves multiple purposes, from making your swim safer and more secure to setting the mood for a perfect night of entertainment. Underwater and poolside lights from trusted brands like Alliance, FX Luminaire, and Kichler are fully submersible, safe for aquatic wildlife and additives, and provide both safety and an alluring aquatic environment for evening swims.
Types of Landscape Lighting Fixtures
Before we dive into the design process of adding outdoor pool lights, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the different types of lighting options available to create the best overall outdoor lighting. Some common options include the following:
- Path Lights: Path lights are ideal for illuminating the walkways to and from your pool, providign essential visibility while enhancing aesthetics. You get the best of both worlds, providing both safety and an impressive, captivating look.
- Spotlights: Accent spotlights, also called downlights or uplights, are perfect for drawing more attention to those interesting focal points in your outdoor space. Point them at any waterfalls, statues, or beautiful greenery around your pool.
- Flood Lights: Accent flood lights cast a broad beam of light and are often used for general illumination in large areas. These outdoor poolside lights provide vibrant illumination for vital sundown security and visibility.
- Wall Washers: Wall washers create a soft glow along walls or fences, adding depth and dimension to the space around your pool. These versatile poolside lights offer a welcoming poolside atmosphere everyone can enjoy.
- Underwater Lights: Submersible LED lights can be installed directly into the pool to create a mesmerizing underwater display. These durable poolside LED lights are energy-efficient, waterproof, and safe for pool additives and visiting wildlife.
Design Your Plan for Outdoor Poolside Lights
When designing your landscape lighting, think about the layout of your poolside area, the existing landscape surrounding it, and the vibe you’re going for. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Identify Key Features: Take a walk around your outdoor space and identify all of the key features that you want to highlight, such as the pool itself, waterfalls, trees, or outdoor seating areas.
- Create Zones: Divide your poolside area into different zones based on functionality and lighting needs. For example, you might have a zone for lounging and relaxation, another for dining and entertainment, and a third for pathways and safety lighting.
- Layer Lighting: Just like indoor spaces, outdoor areas benefit from layered lighting. Combine different types of lighting fixtures to create depth and dimension around your pool, such as a combination of path lights, spotlights, and wall washers.
- Consider Color Temperature: Choose lighting fixtures with a color temperature that complements your outdoor poolside environment. Warm white or amber tones create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cooler tones can add a more modern touch.
- Think About Control: Invest in a lighting control system that allows you to adjust the brightness and color of your lights remotely, as well as timers that allow you to choose when your lighting turns on. This will give you the flexibility to create different moods and settings for different poolside occasions.
By carefully setting up your new landscape lights with the intention of capturing the right angles, you can create an even more dramatic layered effect, turning your home into a work of art.
Install and Maintain Your Outdoor Poolside Lights
Once you’ve finalized your lighting plan, it’s time to bring your vision to life! Depending on the complexity of the design you’ve drummed up, you may choose to hire a professional landscape lighting designer or tackle the installation yourself—DIY style.
Keep the following tips in mind.
- Safety First: Always follow safety guidelines when installing outdoor lighting fixtures, especially when working with electricity or water near the pool.
- Optimize Placement: Position lighting fixtures strategically to minimize glare and maximize the desired effect. Experiment with different angles and heights to achieve the best results with your outdoor poolside lights.
- Choose Quality Fixtures: Invest in high-quality lighting fixtures that are designed to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting performance. Look for fixtures with weatherproof construction and energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Keep your landscape lighting system in top shape by scheduling regular maintenance checks. Clean fixtures, trim any greenery obstructing the light, and replace bulbs as needed to ensure optimal performance.
Enjoy Your Poolside Paradise
With your landscape lighting design complete, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a peaceful swim. No matter how you choose to set up your new outdoor poolside lights, you can rest easy knowing that your pool area is lit up from a diverse range of lighting options that get the job done in style.
At Lighting Warehouse, we don’t just offer the best lighting solutions for poolside experiences; we also provide unmatched support and guidance because we want to help homeowners like you be successful in all of your summer renovations.
From selecting the right products to giving you advanced insights on how to install them, our team of experts is here to assist you every step of the way to help you make the most of your poolside investment.
If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest landscape lighting news and make the most out of all of our one-of-a-kind promotions, become an Insider today.
Outdoor Poolside Lights FAQs
What types of poolside lights should I consider?
When designing lighting for your pool or other aquatic areas, consider a mix of safety and atmosphere options. Popular choices include path lights for walkways, underwater or poolside LED lights, and spotlights for landscaping or water features. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly choice, and wall washers add a soft glow to surrounding structures.
What is the proper height for poolside lighting fixtures?
Pathway lights should be installed around 14–18 inches above the ground. Spotlights or upward accent lights for trees, walls, or other features may be positioned 6–12 feet high for sweeping coverage and aesthetic impact.
How do I add lights to my outdoor pool area?
Start by identifying key features, such as the pool itself, walkways, trees, and seating areas. Use a combination of poolside lighting ideas like poolside LEDs for a magical glow, path lights for safety, and accent spotlights for architectural elements or foliage.
What kind of lighting is best for night swimming?
Consider underwater LED lights and surrounding landscape lighting. Use soft, warm lights for a relaxing ambiance or blue-toned lights for a modern, tranquil feel. Wall washers and path lights add extra safety while enhancing the overall atmosphere.
How do I maintain outdoor poolside lights?
Regular maintenance keeps your lighting in good condition for longer. Clean the fixtures periodically, check for water or weather damage, replace bulbs as needed, and trim nearby plants that could obstruct the light.
