Swimming pool lights set the tone

Soft and subtle or crisp and clean - pool lights are the new mood breakers or makers. No longer just about visibility, but mood, pool lighting is advancing in look, style and functionality.

Swimming pool lighting has become a crucial element in pool and landscape design as 24-hour lifestyles are seeing our homes' outdoor spaces being used more after dark. Far from being just for visibility, pool lights are being used more and more to evoke particular moods, be it soft frosted lighting for sensual relaxation or crisp, intense light for exercise, or a contemporary industrial look.

What's new in pool lighting?

Hawthorn-based Out from the Blue landscape architect, Francis Dickinson, says lit pools are not only objects of beauty to be viewed in the landscape, but create calming and tranquil spaces through the water's diffusion of light. "While the mainstay of pool lighting is niche lights for their reliability, new systems have emerged in recent years," he says. "Fibre optic pool lights are popular and create strips of colours and coloured light features, but often the result is garish and over-the-top, and requires extensive installation.

Up-lighting steps with pin-point LED pool lights and lighting spill edges or water walls with LEDs are the latest looks in pool lighting. Matching lens surrounds to the tile or grout colour or using stainless steel is another contemporary look.

Are LED lights a good idea?

"LED pool lights are becoming a versatile and subtle way of lighting pools and spas, with flexibility in colour and lenses enabling different moods to be evoked. For example, orange and yellow tones give the impression of warmth, while blue and green tones suggest cool or even cold water." However, unless you want your pool to resemble neapolitan ice-cream, it's wise not to mix too many colours.

How should I place lights in and around my pool?

From a practical point of view, the whole pool needs to be visible. "Make sure your entry and sitting points in the pool are lit so that the shadow and highlight effect provides good vision of steps and swim-outs," advises Francis. "Always place the large pool light fittings facing away from direct sight lines to avoid glare, and plan an even distribution of lights, considering corners and bends in the pool."

Are there any common mistakes when installing pool lighting?

In terms of fittings, don't use simple pond lights without knowing they can deal with pool chemicals. Using untested or inappropriate fittings is a common mistake, which can lead to early failures of the fittings or dark patches in the pool. Life span is also important, as replacing fittings underwater can be costly and annoying. Francis also recommends checking the intensity of LEDs before specifying them for your pool, as you may need more or less depending on their purpose.

When it comes to choosing your pool light fittings, some restraint is wise. "Lighting water spaces is about subtle diffusion and reflections," Francis says. "Going crazy with light fittings will result in an intense glow but no hint of ripples or definition of shadow and highlight." Wise words from an expert - so go forth and shine.

To find a pool lighting design and installation expert in your area, browse online: