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There are a lot more options nowadays for pool light ideas that go beyond the standard submerged pool lights. It’s a matter of beautifully and thoughtfully illuminating the surrounding pool area as well, so is an integral decision when planning your pool ideas. From path illumination to spotlighting the most aesthetically-pleasing surrounding pool landscaping ideas, these pool lighting ideas will inspire and inform your vision. ‘Lighting is an integral part of enjoying any outdoor living space and should not allowed to go without serious thought,’ says Michael Deo, certified outdoor lighting designer (COLD) and owner of NatureScape Lighting in Millington, New Jersey. ‘The overall enjoyment of the space is the reason we install swimming pools to begin with, and often, folks don’t get to use them until well after the sun sets,’ he adds.

BRIGHTEN UP THE POOL DECK OR PATIO

While it’s certainly helpful to light the pool itself, it’s equally wise to illuminate the surrounding pool area, deck or patio, something that will let you see your backyard at night in all its glory. This effect will create ‘an illuminated border outside the swimming pool,’ explains Michael Deo, which can make it the centerpiece of your outdoor space. It also will give you ‘a safe pedestrian zone,’ he adds, ideal for guests, who will benefit from your pool lighting ideas.

HIGHLIGHT PLANTS AFTER DARK

While your plants alongside your pool may look stunning in the daylight, they should take center stage at night time, too. Michael Deo advises planting colorful plants that look their best during the season when you’ll be using the pool. ‘Then, use accent lighting fixtures to minimize glare and highlight your favorite plants after dark,’ he says.

USE THE POOL AS A MIRROR

Your pool acts as a natural mirror, something that you can use to your advantage in pool lighting ideas. ‘When designing the pool and the yard, ultimately to be enjoyed at night, be sure that there are elements worthy of being lit and reflected in the pool,’ explain Kirk Bianchi and Janet Lenox Moyer. This can include the illuminated outline of a nearby pergola, lanterns that line the pool’s edge, or cascading, twinkling lights that hang overhead.

INCLUDE PATH LIGHTING

Path lighting isn’t just pleasing to the eye – it is also necessary when it comes to pool lighting ideas. ‘Path lighting is important and should first be accomplished by overhead sources illuminating the adjacent planter beds and indirectly lighting the path by spillover,’ advise Kirk Bianchi and Janet Lenox Moyer of their preferred method of lighting up pool pathways. ‘Only when there is no overhead opportunity should path light fixtures or wall fixtures be enlisted, and they must be shielded carefully to avoid glare,’ they add.

MAKE IT SAFE

In addition to turning to pool lighting ideas for added safety in your outdoor space, by illuminating pathways and walking areas, you need to think about the safety of the lights themselves. ‘First, you should ensure that any low voltage landscape lighting is located outside of the zone deemed safe by your local inspector,’ lighting designer Michael Deo emphasizes. Some inspectors use five feet away from the pool as a standard, while others enforce ‘the 10-foot rule. Check with your local jurisdiction,’ the lighting designer adds.

ADDING LIGHTS TO AN EXISTING POOL

To add lights to an existing pool in a backyard, there needs to be a planned remodel underway, ‘where the deck, or other surrounding landscaping is already being removed in the scope of work,’ advise Kirk Bianchi and Janet Lenox Moyer. If a pool remodel isn’t an option, however, then consider getting creative with other outdoor garden lighting ideas, such as solar-powered pathway lights, outdoor pendant lights, hanging string lights, and tiki torches. There are no set requirements as to how many lights a pool should have to adequately light the area and it is a matter of personal preference. While some people may prefer low lighting around their pool so they can see the stars, others may desire a fully illuminated pool space at night. In their work, Kirk Bianchi and Janet Lenox Moyer will, depending on the length of the pool, place lights about eight feet – centered to the pool – along the house side of the pool, aiming them away from the viewer. ‘In this way, you won’t be staring directly at harsh lights at night,’ they advise.

Text by Shelby Deering | Photo credits on homesandgardens.com | Read More Here