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—Design decisions

Designing pool lighting

Underwater lights are fixed when the shell is built. Planning them with the design avoids dark corners and glare into the house.

Underwater lights are set in niches or mounted in the walls, and their positions are fixed during construction. The number depends on the pool’s size and shape; spacing them evenly avoids patches of darkness. Lights are usually positioned to shine away from the main viewpoint so the house does not see glare.

Design guides set out the choices that are hard to change once the shell is built.

Colour-changing lights allow different moods; white light shows the water and finish clearly. Lighting around the pool — steps, deck, planting — completes the effect and improves safety at night. Controls can link pool and garden lighting into scenes or timers.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Fixed at construction

    Positions are decided before concrete.

  • Avoid glare

    Point lights away from the house.

  • Light the surroundings

    Steps and deck for safety.

02Detail

Lighting choices

  • Number and spacing

    Enough lights, spaced evenly along the walls, to light the whole pool without bright spots next to dark corners.

  • Colour

    White light shows the finish and water clearly; colour-changing fittings add moods for evenings and events.

  • Step lights

    Marking entries at night.

  • Deck and garden

    Low-level lights around the pool.

  • Controls

    Switches, timers or automation scenes.

  • Fitting type

    LED fittings use less power and run cooler than older lamp types, and are the usual choice for new pools.

03Before you start

During design

  • Mark the main viewpoint

    Usually the living room or terrace.

  • Plan cables and controls

    With the electrician.

  • Choose colours

    White, colour or both.

—In practice

How to use this

Plan light positions at the design stage: enough lights for the pool’s size, spaced to avoid dark patches, and aimed away from the main viewing points in the house. Decide between white and colour-changing lights and how they will be controlled. Plan cable routes and junction boxes so lights can be maintained later without disturbing finishes.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Lights facing the house
Lights pointed towards the main viewpoint cause glare from the living room. Aim them away from where people look.
Too few lights
Dark corners make a pool look smaller and less inviting at night. Spacing matters as much as the number of fittings.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

How many pool lights are needed?
It depends on size and shape; even spacing avoids dark patches.
Why point lights away from the house?
To avoid glare when looking at the pool.
Are colour lights worth it?
They allow moods; many owners use white most of the time.
Can lights be added later?
With difficulty; niches are cast into the shell.
Do pool lights need a special supply?
Yes. Underwater lighting uses supplies and protection suited to pools, designed by the electrician.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

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