www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
Lighting JUN 2011 SPN
71
Pool lighting has never been more exciting. LED and fibre optic systems have brought refurbished pools to life and set tone, mood and style for new pools. New products and new technology for 2011 means there’s still no slowing up in innovation and fresh ideas when it come to lighting a pool and its surrounds
By Alan Lewis N
o one seems to remember exactly when pool lighting moved from the mundane to the spectacular. But change it did – and now the
sensational options available from modern lighting systems can change the ordinary into the spectacular, alter the mood of a pool and create different atmospheres around the water. Fulham architect and pool design specialist Peter Cranch says pool owners are putting more thought than ever into how a pool should be lit. “LED (Light Emitting Diode) underwater floodlights are becoming increasingly popular. They have a wide range of applications and can help save considerable amounts of energy. However, just like any other products for first- class pool and spa installations, it is important for owners to select durable, good quality products that make sure their pool is a joy to use in the long term. Our advice is that you can’t cut too many costs on good quality lighting. “I can’t remember when pool lighting became full of options. I suppose it was a gradual introduction of new products and new technology but when you look back to what the lighting options were, even five years ago, the
THIS & RIGHT: Three examples of how Atmospheric Zone's lighting brings pools to life at night
change is dramatic. Now we have light arcs, beam units, high power super bulbs, bulbs which can be changed underwater, systems which just push onto pool floors and walls and can be moved without tools. The options are very exciting for the pool owner.”
In the past two years, the vibrant and extensive choice available for leisure lighting has played a huge role in the refurbishment of pools, giving cost effective upgrades and a change in look, glamour and style far beyond the cost involved. LED and fibre optic are the professionals’ choices for swimming pools and exterior lighting. Nothing for a while looks likely to overtake LED at the forefront of lighting technology . They operate differently to traditional incandescent style lights. Instead of using a brittle metal filament that is susceptible to shock and vibration, LEDs are solid- state devices with no moving parts and use an electronic chip in an epoxy substrate. Fibre optic is exactly what it says it is. Optical fibres use pure glass pulled into ultra fine strands. Fibre optics make use of conditions where all the light encountering the surface between two materials is reflected. Light can travel for long distances through fibre optic cables reflecting off
the cable’s inner walls, even when the cable is bent. Although a fibre optic cable is transparent, almost no light escapes from it. This form of lighting can be used in areas difficult to service and because the light source is remote it can deliver multiple lighting options.
Pool lights are clearly not just for underwater use. Decking, water features and all outdoor areas can be enhanced with a cleverly installed mix of modern lighting that will provide dramatic effect, or be used to disguise and soften harsh walls and outdoor finishes. Paths and driveways can be lit not only for safety purposes but for style.
ATMOSPHERIC ZONE LIGHT UP THE WAY Leading pool lighting suppliers Atmospheric Zone work with architects, designers and pool companies from concept to installation to design and install automated lighting systems in private and commercial pools.
They now offer one of the most comprehensive ranges from LED systems that provide pure bright and vibrant light which includes the True-Colour Mix Technology where the colours combine in the lamp, not in the pool. Atmospheric Zone can provide fully automated
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