Colored lighting adds ambience to pools

The visual appeal of the pool and spa can be enhanced with colored lighting. There are numerous after-market products that will allow you to add a kaleidoscope of colors into the water.

The intensity of the illumination of any of these devices depends on the power source, as well as the design, depth, size and interior finish of the pool.

The most intense and evenly distributed colors will be garnered from hard-wired electric lights. Existing white lights can be covered with a colored lens or replaced with a color light unit.

Light lens covers in amber, blue, green and red are available individually or in multicolor packs at pool supply stores or online from about $45 for the set. Adaptable to most standard fixtures, the lens cover simply snaps on over the existing white light. Pool owners often place a different colored lens over the light in the pool and spa.

If you’re looking to have more versatility with the colors, major pool manufactures such as Hayward, Pentair, Fiberstars and Jandy Industries have engineered colored lights that easily interchange into most existing light niches replacing the original white lights in pools and spas. The process of interchanging the lights should be performed by a trained technician.

Jandy’s JandyColors quartz halogen digital fixtures feature 10 vibrant colors and start at around $500 per light plus installation. The color units are easily synchronized with Jandy’s remote control Aqualink RS or PDS systems, allowing one to select individual colors or the ability to rotate through the full spectrum of colors.

Pool owners also can create instant eye-catching, lighted displays with free-floating light units. Perfect for theme-driven events, battery- and LED-operated floating lights vary in style and intensity and range in price from $13.99 to $150. The size of the pool will determine the number of units needed to obtain the desired appearance.

LED Innovations Inc., manufacturers of indoor and outdoor LED products, has an assortment of floating accents. The Floating Sensations collection with poinsettias, roses and lilies brings a floral glow to any water amenity.

Individual roses in a variety of colors automatically turn on when placed in the water. The floating flowers freely glide on the pool surface providing beautiful colored accents. Roses are offered in eight colors: white, orange, yellow, blue, pink, red, green and mauve. Create a solid color bouquet using one color or a multicolored scheme mixing several shades.

Water-activated LED lights have a sealed battery with more than 120 hours of illumination. Light-sensored lilies are available in pulsating white, yellow, pink and multicolors and illuminate in dim light settings.

LED Innovations Inc. products are available online at www.ledproducts4u.com.

Joe Vassallo is the president of Paragon Pools, a certified building professional and on the boards of the local, regional and national Association of Pool and Spa Professionals organizations. Send questions or suggestions for column ideas regarding pools and spas to him at jvassallo@paragonpools.net or 251-0500.