Are you one of the lucky owners of a swimming pool? This relaxing spot is a real bonus for any home. But there's no secret to continuing to enjoy it even after the sun goes down: you need the right lighting. Lighting that's effective enough to allow you to take a midnight dip without being dazzled. So how do you find that balance? How do you create that wow effect that will make your summer evenings such a success? Location, solutions, aesthetics... Let's dive into the art of optimizing pool lighting.
Why light your pool properly? The real reasons
Lighting, in general, brings each space to life. It also plays many roles, and the same goes for the pool. Lighting provides guidance and better visibility, safety and beauty... So, does your pool really need it? "The answer is yes, confirms Christophe Coelho. Without any hesitation!"
Pool lighting is all about convenience and comfort. You've got to admit, diving into the pool in the dark is complicated! Pool lighting is also a question of safety, especially if you have small children. Every year, many domestic accidents could be avoided thanks to pool lighting or other safety measures. "What's more, the law requires all owners of in-ground pools to install mandatory safety devices, adds Christophe Coelho. So, no compromises!"
And to make matters worse, a well-lit pool is simply beautiful, and adds real value to your property. In terms of resale, you have everything to gain.
Key areas for positioning pool lighting correctly
When it comes to swimming pools, there are two key areas to distinguish: the inside of the pool and the surrounding area. So how should you position your lighting? Here's our advice.
Pool surrounds:
These are the areas where you walk: walkways, paths, flagstones, coping stones. Good lighting means you can see where you're stepping and avoid forced skinny-dipping. It's a question of safety. But lighting the pool's immediate surroundings with 12V recessed spotlights or 12V pool lighting bollardspool lighting bollards, you can also extend the space and add depth.
Inside the pool :
Here, it's not really a question of safety, although if your pool has stairs, good lighting will allow you to enter the pool without tripping. Pool lighting is more about practicality and aesthetics. This is where the magic happens.
So, should you illuminate both the interior and the contours of your pond? The answer is yes. But, budget tip: don't multiply light sources. "The aim is not to turn your pool into a light show, explains Christophe Coelho. Think of pool lighting as seasoning: you need just the right dose to spice things up, without distorting them. So concentrate on one or two key areas, inside and outside the pool. Just enough to sublimate without saturating or ruining you!" Excessive lighting is, in fact, one of the 7 classic errors of poor pool lighting.
Optimizing pool lighting: which luminaire for which atmosphere?
Now that you know which areas to light, it's time to move on to the type of luminaire. When it comes to swimming pools, the choice is yours. Recessed pool lights, underwater lights, bollards and contour lights... The choice of product is essential to bring your vision to life.
12-24V LED spotlights: the timeless classic
Perfect for illuminating pool surrounds, the 12-24V LED spotlights are durable, practical and energy-efficient. The icing on the cake is that they even let you play with the light, thanks to their RGB CCT technology. Remote controllable, they can be used to create a customized atmosphere, choosing the white shade that's closest to your heart or creating a world of color. Lagoon blue, intense red... Perfect for creating themed aquatic evenings with a single click!
Recessed and submersible spotlights for discreet, elegant lighting
Recessed and submersible spotlights are also among the great classics of pool lighting. Depending on their design, they can mark out the contours of your pool, or be plunged inside to illuminate stairs, for example. Discreet and practical, they create a magical, almost fairy-tale atmosphere with their beam of light. They're the ideal solution for illuminating without overdoing it!
Bollards and lampposts for safe pool surrounds
Finally, if you want to mark out a path leading to your swimming pool, or light up the edges, you can also use our 12V bollards and lampposts, specially designed for wet environments. Our Pyramid bollardsbollards, for example, are simply perfect for marking and lighting wooden or tiled terraces in aquatic areas.
Floating lamps for a touch of enchantment
Looking for magic? Floating lamps are also a lighting solution for the pool. Their primary purpose is not to illuminate, but to create a bucolic atmosphere. Available in the form of water lilies, spheres and many other shapes, they transform your pool into a magical tableau. To be used sparingly, for a poetic touch without weighing you down.
Economical, eco-friendly and practical LED lighting, even for aquatic areas
To optimize your pool lighting, opt for LED technology. Record life (up to 50,000 hours) and guaranteed energy savings! Finally, if you really want to optimize your pool lighting system, think home automation. Switch on, switch off, change color, light intensity, program moods... Everything is under control with connected lighting. Lumihome offers a wide range of remote-controlled pool lights and bulbs for perfect remote control.
You now have all the information you need to optimize your pool lighting and transform it into a magazine-worthy pool! The rest is up to you. Finally, don't forget to refer to the safety regulations set out in the NF C15-100 standard. Water and electricity have never been good bedfellows. Pool lighting has to meet both practical and aesthetic needs, as well as safety requirements. Discover our low-energy range for optimized, 100% safe pool lighting.