The right lighting can take an ordinary swimming pool and turn it into a mini fiesta at night, creating a stunning backdrop for your entertainment space. Thankfully, we have so many lighting choices available to us, each with their own unique look and feel.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting is a very popular choice for swimming pools which offers a range of energy-efficient, long-lasting colours and effects.

Is LED lighting the right option for you?

Pros and Cons of LED Lighting

Energy efficient

Right at the top of the list of pros is the energy efficiency of an LED light. Here in South Africa we simply can’t afford to waste money on power-hungry appliances or lighting systems and are constantly looking at ways to reduce our energy consumption. A standard incandescent bulb will run from around 300 – 500 watts, but the humble LED only needs around 42 watts.

You are going to save money long term, but your initial outlay is going to be higher with LEDs than with other pool light options. Requiring a specific transformer and converter for its particular needs equals more equipment layout at the outset.

Long-lasting

Again, a notable point for those of us concerned with eco-friendly products, LEDs will last for 10 years or more. This, alongside its hardwearing and tough build, means lower maintenance and replacement costs.

On the downside, while an LED lamp may theoretically last longer than, say, a halogen lamp, they are not serviceable and when something goes wrong, the whole fitting will need replacing.

Colours and effects

The range of colours available in LED make for exciting choices. Whether you want to create a sultry midnight mood or highlight a beautiful water feature, you are certainly spoiled for choice. Light changes and other effects can be controlled remotely if that’s your thing.

Whatever you need for your swimming pool, be it a brand-new LED lighting system, chemicals or replacements parts, you know where to go. The Pool Spa team are waiting for your call.