Aquatic Center Lighting

The location will always play a role in what types of lighting solutions are ideal. For aquatic center lighting, finding the right lighting can be time-consuming and involve some trial and error. Make the process smoother and faster with these helpful tips for choosing the best solutions for aquatic center lighting.

• Check your ratings. In an area where lights will be in close proximity to water, it is imperative that you choose solutions rated for wet or damp areas. While the lights are technically being used in an indoor setting, which should mean indoor lights are preferable, the conditions actually make outdoor lights an option. You will need to check UL listings and IP ratings to make sure you get a solution that works for pool areas.

• Know the suggested placement. Regardless of the type of lighting chosen or the durability for wet locations rating, lighting in an aquatic center should never be placed directly above the pool. Even if they are rated for wet locations, lights should be placed along the outside perimeter of the pool as opposed to directly overhead because it will be a challenge to perform maintenance on the lights if they are over the pool.

• Pay attention to uniformity and light levels. Uniformity is the average of the highest lighting output and the lowest lighting output. You want to choose solutions that give you a mixture of light to avoid it being too dim or too bright. You should also consider that some areas will need less light. For instance, the area over the pool needs more light for swimmers to see, but the lounging areas or corridors can have dimmer lighting.

• Watch out for glare. Glare can be a big concern for swimmers in indoor aquatic areas. Along with being uncomfortable for swimmers, the glare can actually create a safety hazard by preventing lifeguards from seeing past the water’s surface. You can prevent glare by placing the lighting around the perimeter, employing diffusers, and using indirect or uplight when possible. Another way to avoid glare is to make sure the ceiling paint has a matte finish rather than a sheen one to result in less lighting reflecting off of the ceiling and onto the water. 

There are many ways to find the right lighting for your location. With these tips, make sure your lighting solutions are safe and effective.