Best Lighting Options for Inground Pools

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While a custom-built inground pool is a beautiful centerpiece in your backyard at any time of day, there is something particularly alluring about the glow of a well-lit pool at night. In addition to enhancing the beauty of your pool, proper lighting is important for ensuring safety if you choose to go swimming after dark. But what are the best lighting options for inground pools? Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of each:

LED lighting

As arguably the most popular option currently on the market, LED lighting offers superior longevity and energy efficiency. While the upfront costs tend to be higher than with other types of lighting, they will likely save you money in the long run.

Another benefit of LED lighting is that it is available in multiple colors, with some models capable of changing colors on demand or according to a preset schedule. This can provide a fun way to give your pool area a contemporary, resort-like vibe through vibrant “light shows.” However, one potential drawback to keep in mind is that LEDs are not quite as bright as traditional halogen lighting, so you may need to install more lights to properly illuminate a large pool.

Halogen lighting

For many years before LEDs became the preferred choice, halogen was the standard option for pool and landscape lighting. Offering exceptional brightness and a lower upfront price tag, some pool owners still opt for halogen. However, this type of lighting will likely cost more over time than LEDs as they are less energy-efficient, and will therefore contribute to higher utility bills. Additionally, halogen lights tend to give off more heat, which may be uncomfortable for swimmers who get too close to them.

Fiberoptic lights

Unlike their LED and halogen counterparts, fiberoptic pool lighting is actually located outside of the pool in a dry power box, which makes bulb changes and other maintenance safe and easy. The light then travels to the pool via a slim cable that can either be submerged in the water or installed around the pool’s perimeter. Fiberoptic lighting can also be programmed to create different effects, such as soft twinkling or dancing bolts of light. While these benefits make fiberoptics a popular choice, they tend to be dimmer since the light has to travel to the pool, and the bulbs do not last as long as LED or halogen—often leading to a more costly investment over time.

As with many other design choices, the best type of lighting for your inground pool will depend on your unique needs and preferences. The design team at Aqua Pool would be happy to provide more information about these lighting options and other key features to bring your pool dreams to life. Contact us today to get started!