Owning a pool can change your entire outdoor lifestyle for the better. The moment your toes touch the water, all becomes well with the world. However, you can’t enjoy a pool to the fullest without some proper outdoor lighting. This summer, you can enjoy your Manhasset, NY, backyard pool long into the night with outdoor lighting. Here are some top techniques for adding ambience to your pool area.
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Moonlighting
A great way of producing ambient light around your pool is the technique called moonlighting. This process will involve placing a white light in the upper reaches of a tree canopy and angling it towards the ground. As the light passes through the leaves and branches and hits the water of the pool, it becomes a gorgeous tapestry of dancing light that resembles the light provided by the moon. This technique should be used as an accent lighting.
Pool Deck Lighting
The pool deck is always designed with safety in mind, using non-slip pavers and adequate illumination at night. For one of the best effects, consider the use of low-lying walkway lights that direct light energy down to the walking surface. Your pool deck will have a sophisticated look that doesn’t give your pool a sport-stadium look (which can also attract every bug in the neighborhood).
Spotlighting Features
All the effort you’ve put in decorating the area around your pool and the entire landscape needs to be honored with some effective lighting techniques. This next landscape lighting technique should be used sparingly for greater effect. Use spotlights to add dimension to the ambience and draw attention to the various beautiful features that surround the pool. You can spotlight a special tree, retaining wall, sculpture, water fountain, natural rock outcrop, or even the walls of your home.
Integrated Lighting
Light fixtures can be integrated into practically any masonry feature that surrounds the pool. A retaining wall is a great candidate, since the light will both illuminate the surrounding area and highlight the textures of the wall. Lighting can be incorporated into the border of the pool deck. This gives people a clear visual as to where the borders are.
Water Feature Lighting
Many pool area designs incorporate a separate water feature such as a fountain or waterfall. This is another opportunity to use submersible lighting. The light will pass through the water as it moves, creating a dazzling light show that spreads around the area with a wonderful blue glow.
Lighting with Fire
Fire and water may be at odds in an elemental sense, but they do work extremely well together in creating ambience. A fire feature such as a fire pit is a favorite for placement next to a pool, both for warming up after a swim and providing a substantial amount of light. The orange glow will mix well with the bluish glow of an illuminated pool. You’ll even be able to catch a few reflections of the fire light in the shimmering water, always keeping things visually interesting.
Sconces on Landscape Features
Sconces are an elegant way to add subtle light to a pool area. They can be mounted onto vertical features such as a pergola, retaining wall, or a privacy fence. Sconces can direct light upward, downward, or both, and come in many styles to suit your design aesthetic.
Related: 6 WAYS TO INCORPORATE OUTDOOR LIGHTING IN A SWIMMING POOL AREA IN MANHASSET, NY