Outdoor Water Feature Lighting

Lighting is a versatile tool that can be used in a myriad of applications. When it comes to lighting outdoor water features, the goal is to create an ambiance while drawing attention to the area. This can be a hard-balancing act to achieve. Here are a few tips on lighting outdoor water features for the best results.

1. Use Directional Lights

One of the easiest and most common ways of lighting outdoor water features is to use directional spotlight fixtures. These can be placed either overhead facing downward or in the ground facing upwards. Directional lights are a great way to draw attention to a feature, especially a much larger feature like a water fountain in a city park. Directional lights can also be placed so the light spread casts a gentle spread instead of shining directly on the object to help create more ambiance.

2. Experiment with Water Skimming Lights

If you are looking for an option of lighting that adds to the elegance of the feature, water skimming lights are the perfect choice. These lights are listed for wet locations and submersion proof to allow you to place them directly underneath the water for added illuminance and ambiance. It is important to note the water quality is the deciding factor in whether to use lights with water skimming over them. If the water is clear and running in the way of a fountain, it is the perfect choice. If the water is a little murkier and more of a stagnant pond type feature, the effects of water skimming lights may be diminished or completely unnecessary.

3. Consider Viewing Angles

With a water feature, the goal is to make people look and linger. The best way to ensure this is with lighting that draws attention to the feature. To achieve the best lighting position, carefully consider the angle the object will be viewed. For example, if the feature is in a central location where all angles will be visible, lighting should focus throughout the area whereas if the feature is partially obscured on several sides, the lighting should focus on the exposed sides of the feature.

4. Focus on Water Movement

Most water features use moving water as part of the overall design and appeal of this type of landscaping element. If the feature is created in a cascading design with several levels to the feature, you may be tempted to light every area for ample visibility, but this can quickly detract from ambiance. If you are looking to focus the lighting to really draw attention to the feature, the best way to do so is focus on the movement of the water as opposed to surrounding rocks or structure of the feature. The human eye is naturally more drawn to movement than stillness so this is a great way to highlight this landscaping feature by way of illumination.