As a pool owner, no one knows the joys of a perfect summer night spent with friends and family around your own little slice of backyard paradise. We all know the vibe–a drink in hand, your favorite snacks, group gossip, and life updates. You also know that creating that relaxed vibe requires a lot of preparation and maintenance that others may never think of.
For example, having the right pool lighting installed can bring surprisingly significant enhancements to your relaxation experience. For both aesthetics and safety purposes, choosing the appropriate pool lighting is incredibly important. However, there are numerous types of pool lights. But why is pool lighting important, and how can you make the best choice for your backyard?
Why Does Pool Lighting Matter?
There are numerous benefits to being selective about your pool lighting, the most important of which is safety. With several pool injuries occurring each year, you don’t want to take the risk of owning an unsafe pool. Installing and maintaining proper lighting ensures that swimmers can see where they’re going and identify any potential hazards in the swimming area. Additionally, it should be noted that improperly maintained pool lights can malfunction at times–a crack in your pool lighting has the potential to create a current and put swimmers at risk of electrocution.
Not to be overlooked is the impact well-placed pool lighting can have on the ambiance of your swimming area. With modern technology, you can change the colors of your lights and set them to perform light shows. Additionally, making the right choice can have a notable financial impact. With energy-efficient LED lighting, you’ll save on maintenance costs as well as electricity.
What Are the Different Types of Pool Lights?
One of the types of pool lights is halogen. This option is often the cheapest in upfront costs, but in the long run, will offer fewer benefits than some other options and end up costing you more.
Solar lighting could be useful, depending on where you live. However, this option is highly dependent on weather conditions and often isn’t as bright as other options.
Fiber optic lighting is another option for your pool. This option can create an entrancing and starry-looking aesthetic, but it has a higher upfront cost than other options and requires more maintenance due to component failure.
LED lighting is the option that will provide you with the greatest balance of features and cost savings. With remote control options, various color modes, longer-lasting bulbs, and substantial energy savings, this would be our recommendation for most pool setups. However, we do recognize that not all pools are prepared for LED lighting, so if you’re unsure, it would be best to consult a pool lighting expert about your setup.
Can I Install and Maintain Pool Lights Myself?
If funds are low, DIY pool light installation and maintenance can be a cost-effective option. You’ll save on labor costs and be able to fund the project at whatever pace you need to follow. However, there’s a notable risk of improper installation and wiring, which could be a safety risk and end up costing you more in the long run.
While it’s certainly possible to install and maintain pool lights on your own, it’s recommended that you contact a certified pool installation professional who has experience working with all types of pool lights to be sure that your lighting doesn’t pose any safety risks, functions well, and is as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
It may be tempting to go with the cheapest upfront option, but remember that old-style lighting is as much as 80% less efficient than LED lighting, requires maintenance more frequently, and is generally considered to be less aesthetically appealing.
When choosing the best type of pool lights for your backyard oasis, it’s important to consider why you need them in the first place. As we discussed, well-maintained pool lights keep your swimming area safer for your family and any guests who visit. Additionally, making the right choice can significantly enhance the visual impact made by your pool lights while simultaneously lowering your energy costs. By carefully weighing all of these important factors before deciding on the type of pool lights you choose, you can set your backyard up to be a center of fun and relaxation for all who visit. Reach out to the experts at PoolLights.com to light your pool area today.