Providing proper lighting is essential for maintaining a safe and inviting environment. Proper lighting illuminates the entire pool area while creating a visually stunning display that you can enjoy during nighttime swims. In this article, we’ll explore the requirements for lighting in a swimming pool and discuss what you need to know to comply with regulations and ensure swimmer safety.
Major Swimming Game
Swimming pool
Diving pool
Swimming Pool: According to the international standard swimming events, the swimming pool is required to be 50m in length, at least 25m in width, and more than 2m in depth. There are 8 swimming lanes, each lane is 2.5m wide, and the distance from the outer lanes of the first and eighth lanes to the pool wall is 2.5m.
Diving Pool: The area of the diving pool is 25m×25m, and the depth of the pool is 5.4~5.5m. The diving venue not only includes the diving pool but also includes the range of three-dimensional space that the movement passes through from a 3-meter board and 10 jumps into the pool.
Dimension of synchronized swimming pool
Synchronized Swimming Pool: The swimming pool is at least 30m wide and 20m wide, and the water depth must reach 3m in the area of 12m wide and 12m long. The temperature of the water should be 26°C with an error of ±1°C. The water must be very clean and crystal clear.
Water polo Pool: use a standard 50m swimming pool, the water depth exceeds 2m, and the competition area is marked with water lines. The men’s competition field is 30m×20m, and the women’s competition field is 25m×20m.
Indoor swimming stadium with hanging floodlights
Outdoor swimming pool with high-mast floodlights
Requirements For Lighting In A Swimming Pool
There are many different lighting requirements for swimming pools, including brightness, color, and location. Below is a list of some of the most important requirements you should know:
1. Brightness: The amount of light that is suitable for your pool depends on the intended use of the area. For recreational swimming, around 50-100 lux is usually sufficient, while competitive swimming requires around 200-300 lux.
2. Color: The color of your pool’s lighting is also important. White, blue, and green are the most common colors used in swimming pool lighting, as they provide a calming atmosphere while also creating a visually appealing effect.
3. Water resistance: The lighting fixtures must be water-resistant and able to withstand the harsh chemicals in the water.
4. Placement: The lighting should be placed around the perimeter of the pool to provide even illumination across the entire water surface. This will help to ensure adequate visibility for swimmers and lifeguards.
5. Wiring: The wiring for all pool lighting fixtures must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical shocks.
Indoor Diving Halls Are Taken As An Example
Generally, swimming pool lighting is not arranged above the water’s surface. It can be arranged under the ceiling other than above the water surface, under the roof truss, or on the wall, and can also be arranged in the light strip type. When arranging special lights for swimming pools, attention should be paid to the control of glare. Due to the unique optical characteristics of water media, the following issues must be considered:
1. Glare control
① Control the reflected glare on the water surface by controlling the projection angle of the lighting in the swimming pool. It is required to be no more than 55°, preferably no more than 50°. The larger the angle of incidence of light, the more light is reflected from the water’s surface.
②Glare control measures for divers. From 2m and 5m on the diving platform to the water surface, that is the entire trajectory space of the diver. In this space, the field lights are not allowed to have any uncomfortable glare on the athletes. The direct glare control of the 10m platform athlete’s head-up is mainly realized by restricting the installation position and projection direction of the lamps.
③Strictly control the glare to the camera. The main camera field of view reflects the light on the surface of the still water. The light emitted by the swimming pool lighting cannot be directly cast on the fixed camera. It is ideal if it does not directly illuminate the 50° fan-shaped area centered on the fixed camera.
2. Track lights
The layout of the track and swimming pool lamps should also be combined with a line-of-sight analysis to avoid the above problems. It is necessary to determine the spatial range of lighting calculations in diving competitions, that is, the front end of the springboard/platform 2-3m, not just the space range of 0.5m or less at the front end of the diving platform or springboard.
Lighting Requirements For Swimming Competitions
If your swimming pool is used for competitive events, there are additional lighting requirements that must be met. For example, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) sets guidelines for lighting levels during competitions, which state that a minimum of 500 lux is needed to ensure optimal visibility for both swimmers and officials.
Additionally, the lighting must be placed in such a way that there are no dark areas in the pool. The goal is to make sure that swimmers can see the walls and the lane lines clearly, which aids them in their performance and safety.
How Many Light Fixtures Do You Need for a Standard Pool?
The number of light fixtures required for your pool will depend on the size and shape of your pool, as well as the type of lighting you choose. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to install one 400 to 500-watt light fixture for every 25 ft of pool length. When using LED lights, the wattage should be reduced by around 70%, with the same number of light fixtures installed.
For instance, a standard 50 ft swimming pool will require approximately 8 to 10 LED fixtures with 12,000 to 15,000 lumens per fixture. This will produce an illumination of around 150 lux, which is suitable for recreational swimming.
When it comes to lighting requirements for a swimming pool, there are many factors to consider. By ensuring that your pool’s lighting meets the necessary brightness, color, and safety requirements, you’ll create an inviting and safe atmosphere for all swimmers in your pool.
Remember that lighting is not only critical for recreational swimming; it is also necessary for competitive swimmers to perform and ensure their safety. So, if you plan to host swimming competitions, make sure to adhere to the required lux levels set by the regulatory bodies.
Finally, when planning the lighting for a pool, it’s important to consider the type, placement, and number of fixtures required to produce a well-lit, visually stunning environment. With the right lighting, you can transform your swimming pool and create an inspiring space that you can enjoy for years to come!
