The swimming pool can be the most exciting place in your backyard, and a lot of that potential can be realized with strategic outdoor lighting. While every pool needs adequate underwater lighting for safety reasons, landscape lighting can set the mood whether you want your pool to be a place of relaxation or the center of the entire party. Here are six ways to incorporate outdoor lighting in a swimming pool area in Manhasset, NY.
Flickering Fire Light
Fire light can really make a swimming pool area magical, so be sure to consider adding a gas-fueled fire feature into the mix. A fire pit can provide that rustic campfire feel with a simple structure and a great place to let the days slide into night. A fire table can be well integrated into any outdoor dining area or make an effective place to chat while drying off or to relax with drinks in hand. An outdoor fireplace creates that homey feel that revolves around warmth and comfort. Whichever fire feature you choose, the light will reflect in the water to help make an outstanding atmosphere around your pool.
Spotlighting Plant Life
To create a magical environment around your swimming pool, it may be suggested that a feeling of depth perception is created: Otherwise, a dark landscape can feel unwelcoming around a well-lit pool area. The plants around your pool offer a perfect opportunity to disguise strategic landscape lighting fixtures to subtly illuminate the surrounding space.
Consider the placement of a few small spotlights at the base of your largest plants at the perimeter of your pool area. These can be pointed upward to light the tallest trees from below. This effect will make the trees focal points and add ambient light. If you don’t have large trees around the pool, you can place walkway lights “randomly” among smaller plantings such as shrubs or flower beds. Less is more—add just enough to let you know what’s there while keeping the pool the focal point.
Making Water Features Glow
A waterfall or a water fountain can create a wonderful atmosphere with the sounds and visuals of moving water. With the refractive properties of water, this gorgeous light will spread all over the surrounding area. You can even use lights that change colors so that you can achieve exactly the atmosphere you want for a particular occasion.
Taking Advantage of Expert Masonry
The various masonry structures of your outdoor living space are ideal for housing light fixtures. This stealth approach to lighting could include a retaining wall, seat walls, fire features, outdoor kitchen, and pillars. Masonry features can conceal the infrastructure needed for outdoor lighting and the light fixtures will also make the masonry more prominent and attractive at night.
Focusing on the Pool Deck
The most important lighting strategy involving your swimming pool area is making sure the walking surfaces are properly illuminated. The pool deck should be illuminated all around using low-lying walkway lighting that avoids shining light directly in the eyes. Focusing light energy onto walking surfaces also creates a more luxurious atmosphere since the space isn’t lit up from above like a sports stadium.
Automation and Remote Control
Many outdoor lighting systems can now be controlled through a device such as your smartphone. You can also automate these lights to dim at certain points of the day or even run a customized program.
Related: HOW THE SHAPE OF A SWIMMING POOL CAN INFLUENCE YOUR LANDSCAPE STYLE IN DEER PARK AND SAG HARBOR, NY
