If you’re planning to have a pool installed, you might be wondering about the different pool features that you can add to it. The truth is, it’s the pool features that really take your pool from ordinary to extraordinary and help you to get even more enjoyment and use out of it.
One such consideration is adding lights to your pool.
There are so many wonderful benefits of pool lighting and it is not something that should be an afterthought—or even limited to just one small light in the deep end (which is what your typical, cookie-cutter pool builder might do).
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the reasons to install pool lighting as well as what options you have beyond the “typical.” We want to help you get the most possible value out of your pool, and pool lighting is one of the ways to do just that.
Reasons to Install Pool Lighting
Let’s dig into some of the reasons to install pool lighting in your new pool installation. We’re talking not only about the lights in the pool, but the lights around the pool area, too. All of this is important when it comes to maximizing the value, enjoyment, and use of your new pool.
1. Pool Lighting Allows for Night-Time Swimming
Chances are, you don’t envision the pool fun stopping just because the sun goes down. Night-time swimming is a lot of fun—but not going to be possible without the proper lighting.
The truth is, one tiny light in the deep end really isn’t going to cut it.
You want your whole pool well-lit—as well as the areas around the pool, too. After all, you need to be able to safely navigate and use the space in the dark and this isn’t possible if you and your guests cannot see.
Pool lights also increase the safety of swimming at night time. While pool lights are sometimes thought of in terms of aesthetics, they are incredibly helpful when it comes to seeing people (especially kids) in the water.
2. Pool Lighting Improves the Aesthetics of the Space
While aesthetics certainly are not the only benefits of pool lighting, there’s no question that lights are going to make your entire pool area look better. Having the pool lit up in the dark can create a whole “poolscape” scene that is enjoyable to look at even if you aren’t using the pool.
It creates an ambiance that makes having dinner or drinks poolside so much more appealing.
One way to really ramp up the enjoyment factor is to consider LED color-changing lights. You might want to light up certain water features in different colors or even create an entire night-time light show. There’s an element of artistic design that goes into creating a poolscape scene like this. You’ll want your landscape designer to focus on highlighting specific features that you want to show off.
The fact is, there are so many options beyond a boring single light in the deep end. You can truly have a light display in your own backyard.
If you really want to get creative and exciting with your pool lights, we could do a fiber optic floor on your pool bottom. This would make it look like you have a galaxy on the floor of your pool—and truly make night-time swimming out of this world!
3. Lighting In and Around the Pool Helps You Get More Use Out of Your Space (Maximizing the Value)
One of the other really big benefits of pool lighting is that you’ll end up using your outdoor space a whole lot more.
Something that we often talk about at Rock Water Farm is that our goal is to help get you outside more often and for longer periods of time. It’s in these outdoor spaces that you end up making memories with family and friends that you will cherish forever.
But you need ways to enjoy your space while you’re out there.
This is where pool lighting will really help you to get more out of your investment in your outdoor space. Since you’re able to spend the evening hours at your pool enjoying it just as much as you do during the day, you’ll really maximize the value of your investment in that space.
Other Pool Features that Should Not be Afterthoughts
There’s no question that adding lights to your pool is a wise choice. But lights are one of many features that you should definitely be considering (and that should not be afterthoughts, added on later).
Too often, pools end up falling short of a homeowner’s dreams because these pool features were not considered from the start.
But not all pool contractors are thinking about these extra amenities that can take your pool to the next level. They’re just interested in getting your pool in the ground as quickly as possible and moving on to the next project.
However, you’ve probably been dreaming about your swimming pool for a very long time and you don’t want something ordinary or even boring. A pool is a valuable investment that will provide your family and friends many years of enjoyment and you want it to be everything you’re dreaming of.
We have written an entire article on pool features that shouldn’t be afterthoughts. Pool lighting is certainly one of them.
But here are a few more to consider.
- Water features
- Fire features
- Pergolas or pavilions
- Outdoor kitchen
- Landscaping around the pool
- Pool patio upgrades
- Infinity edge
As you can tell, the areas around the pool are as important as the pool itself. In fact, we would argue that if you don’t pay attention to the areas around your pool, you may not end up enjoying the pool as much as you could.
After all, you’re not going to be in the pool all day (or all night) long. You’ll need areas to hang out and things to do when you aren’t swimming (or while the kids are swimming and the adults are hanging out).
Getting the “Complete Package” Out of Your Swimming Pool Installation in Northern Virginia
At the end of the day, it boils down to feeling that you’ve got the “complete package” when your swimming pool is finished. The last thing that you ever want is for your pool to be done but you feel like it’s not everything you wished it could be.
When it comes to something as important as your swimming pool design, which you’ll enjoy for years to come, you want to be sure it’s done right. That means hiring a company that looks at the big picture and thinks about everything that your pool could be.
Adding pool lighting is one big feature but as you can see, there’s so much more, too!
This is one of the huge benefits of working with a landscape designer and builder.
While pool companies are just looking at the pool itself, a landscape designer will be able to plan the complete project—even if you don’t plan to do it all at once. The project can be appropriately phased so that additions (like a pavilion or an outdoor kitchen) can be added at later dates when they’re more in line with your budget. However, by planning ahead you’ll save yourself money and the hassle of having your yard dug up more than once.
At Rock Water Farm, we look at the big picture. We are thinking about all of the features that can help make your pool amazing and completely customized based on your wants and needs.
The truth is, these features can’t always be added later on, so it’s really important that you’re thinking about them now—at the time of the pool installation.
We always hate to see people disappointed but once the pool is in the ground it can’t be moved and you’re stuck with what you’ve got. However, if you plan for everything from the very beginning, you’ll end up with an overall finished project that fits your dream.
By making that good first decision about who to hire, you and your family will be able to enjoy a dream pool that meets everyone’s wants and needs.
Are you ready to get started on the swimming pool of your dreams at your Northern Virginia home? If so, talk to an expert, choose a solution that rocks, and get ready to see your dreams begin to take shape!
