Indoor Pool Lighting
Design Guide
By: Patrick O’Flaherty
LUX dynamics
Lighting an indoor pool can be a challenging endeavor. Selection of the correct
luminaire is critical to ensuring longevity of the installation, proper light levels, as well as
controlling glare in the environment. The purpose of this guide is to navigate the
designer through the process of creating a successful lighting design.
Safety is at the top of the list of considerations. It is recommended that the most recent
version of the National Electrical Code (or governing body in your area) is consulted.
The NEC, Art. 680 has strict criteria as to the mounting height and location of electrical
lighting in relation to bodies of water. Although it is sometimes acceptable by code to
locate lighting fixtures over the water (provided there is enough clearance), it is not
recommended primarily for maintenance reasons. Placing luminaires around the
perimeter is the preferred method for illuminating an indoor pool. It is important to
maintain a minimum of 12’ between the pool deck and the bottom of any suspended
luminaire.
Another important aspect of safety is Light Levels and Uniformity. Below is a table
with recommendations from the IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America) RP-06-01. Although these recommendations are for the sport of indoor
swimming, it lends itself to general lighting of indoor pools. NOTE: many cities,
counties or other jurisdictions may have their own minimum light level requirements for
public indoor pools. Be sure to check prior to establishing your light level criteria.
Class I (Professional Class)
Pool: 75 f.c. with 1.7:1 max:min
Deck: 50 f.c. with 2.5:1 max:min
Class II (Collegiate Class)
Pool: 50 f.c. with 2.5:1 max:min
Deck: 20 f.c. with 4:1 max:min
Class III (Intermediate Class)
Pool: 30 f.c. with 3:1 max:min
Deck: 10 f.c. with 4:1 max:min
Class IV (Recreational Class)
Pool: 30 f.c. with 4:1 max:min
Deck: 10 f.c. with 4:1 max:min
Light levels and uniformity play a key role in establishing a safe environment. Utilize
lighting calculations in the design phase to ensure this is achieved.
Although light levels and uniformity are important, they are only part of the formula.
Creating a Low Glare environment is also crucial. Glare at aquatic facilities is a frequent
problem for lifeguards. If there is glare on the water, the lifeguard cannot see below the
water surface. If he or she is unable to scan the pool bottom or observe swimmers’
details such as facial features or expressions, there exists a major safety issue.
Glare is simply reflected light. It is offensive when it is reflected off the water into
someone’s eyes. Light fixtures located in the front of us present the highest likelihood of
creating glare. One strategy to combat this is to locate the fixtures around the perimeter
of the pool and use indirect, or predominantly indirect, lighting with a reflective white or
off white ceiling. Whenever this strategy is employed, it also helps to keep the paint
finish as matte as possible. The higher the sheen on the ceiling paint, the more glare is
produced on the surface and this too becomes reflected glare in the water. The same
recommendations apply to the finishes on the walls of the facility.
Once the appropriate light levels and design approach have been selected, it is time to
Choose a Luminaire. The selection should take into consideration the caustic
environment that is often present in a natatorium environment. The chemicals and
moisture in the air can destroy a fixture in a matter of months. Be sure to use a fixture
that is constructed of premium components, such as stainless steel fasteners, hangers and
marine grade anodized finishes. All painted materials should be powder coated with a
chromium bath prior to painting. LUX dynamics uses this approach with all its NAT
Series luminaires.
In summary, lighting an indoor pool requires the designer to educate themselves on the
National Electrical Code, adequate light levels for the environment, and to take care in
selecting a fixture that not only provides low glare lighting, but can withstand the tough
conditions found in this unique environment. We hope you found this guide helpful. It is
intended to provide general recommendations and is not a replacement to items such as
the NEC or IESNA booklets.