12 minute read
LIGHTING OPTIONS
Showing Projects In Their Best Possible Light
Lighting has developed at a fantastic rate over recent years and thanks to some advanced and innovative technologies, lighting solutions are now enhancing a wide variety of wet leisure environments. Installations, both new and old, are benefiting from the latest energy efficient products, which when combined with highly creative ideas, provide some truly incredible settings. This issue, we take a look at some of the latest illuminating options
By Andrea Hartshorne
With a wide variety of options now available for an even wider range of wet leisure settings, it’s no exaggeration to say that the current lighting technologies have literally transformed the look of many of today’s pool and spa installations in both domestic and commercial environments, allowing them to be seen in their best possible light.
Highly efficient LED’s have quite rightly become the accepted choice of professionals across a variety of projects and their use has meant that the plain yet functional white lights with the occasional coloured filter on show – something that was regularly seen not all that long ago – are sights that thankfully are now few and far between.
And it’s easy to see why – a mix of cleverly installed lighting can provide dramatic effects inside a pool or spa, enhancing features and project aesthetics plus they can also be used externally to soften walls and other finishes too. Whole areas can be improved with thoughtful and imaginative lighting, providing both safety and style to complement the surroundings. With plenty of choices available on the market from a variety of manufacturers, this issue, we take look at a number of the many solutions which are lighting the way in 2020.
CERTIKIN DEVELOP LIGHTING SOLUTIONS BASED ON FEEDBACK
For pool lighting, you will find no greater range than that offered by leading manufacturer and distributor, Certikin. Over the years they have continued to develop an ever-expanding range which includes the Certikin PU9 and PU6 lights. These are some of the most popular and reliable lights in the industry, with various benefits for the pool builder and customer alike.
The company are keen to remain at the forefront of lighting design and deliver products that the industry demand. It is through this close customer liaison, that Certikin took on board the need for a small pool light, and in partnership with the manufacturer delivered the very successful
PU2 Mini LED Light. Available in both RGBW and white, these highly efficient lights are easy to install, have a high output, the neatest of finishes and are controllable via a smartphone using the free app. The full 316 grade stainless steel body fits directly into a standard 1.5-inch pipe, leaving just the 2mm thick stainless steel fascia on display in the pool.
When launched last year these lights were only available for concrete pools, however, again after listening to feedback from customers, Certikin have developed a liner version. These are now available ready to order alongside the existing range of lights for concrete pools, both of which are an ideal companion to the Flolux range of stainless steel fittings available from Certikin.
Certikin took on board the need for a small pool light, and in partnership with the manufacturer delivered the very successful PU2 Mini LED Light
WATERCO’S BRITESTREAM ADDS A SPLASH OF COLOUR
The BriteStream Multicoloured LED lights have been cleverly designed to produce a myriad of colours without the need for coloured lenses. They have an in-built colour memory which means that it always defaults to its last colour selection. There are nine different colour programmes to create the perfect pool side ambience.
Waterco has developed the new state-of-the-art range of BriteStream LED lights for use with concrete, wooden, liner and fibreglass pools. Available in both surface and niche mounted versions, this complete range offers a light for every installation. Both versions are available in multi-colour RGB, BriteWhite or Tri-series colouring.
The BriteStream LED are energy efficient, super bright, long-life LEDs operate on only 15% of the energy required for a halogen light. The BriteLux diffuser lens significantly boosts colour saturation and increases light transmission by 50% ensuring light radiates throughout the entire circumference of the lens.
Available in new installation kits and replacement light kits that can be used to upgrade older halogen or LED pool lights.
Britestream LED Replacement Kits includes a retrofit connector and a universal pool light adaptor, cleverly designed to adapt the Britestream to convert a majority of lights.
Available in surface (as shown here) and niche mounted versions Waterco’s BriteStream Multicoloured LED lights produce a myriad of colours without the need for coloured lenses
COMPACT AND POWERFUL LED SOLUTIONS FROM LIGHTHOUSE
Zodiac’s compact and powerful ‘NL’ nicheless LED lights are easy and fast to install for unparalleled lighting of any swimming pool or spa.
The attractive design shines a wide light beam that fully lights the pool. The lamp is discreet and powerful with no visible parts.
Made of a 100% waterproof, one-piece over moulded aluminium body, NL LED lights screw directly into the pool wall fittings and are compatible with salt water settings.
The NL LED lights high-end design and compact size allows flawless integration with a secure, screw fit into any 1.5” inlet fitting. They can be seamlessly placed in several locations in the pool for high-quality lighting, while saving energy thanks to the LED technology. The lamp is in constant contact with pool water, meaning it always operates at the ideal temperature to optimise its lifespan.
They are available in a pure white or multicolour ‘RGBW’ model that provides a choice of nine static colours and five automatic sequences to enhance any pool. With RGBW LED, there is no need to choose between white and colour as white is added to the three primary colours. This enables the generation of an infinite colour palette, for more natural shades or pure, white lighting. The lights are also compatible with Zodiac’s iAquaLink system and can be controlled by eXO iQ, Hydroxinator ® iQ or AquaLink TRi.
Top this off with three levels of intensity, and pool and spa owners do not have to choose between power and eco-responsibility anymore as 6W, 12W and 24W options ensure infinite pool lighting configurations are made possible. The LED technology provides an average of 90% energy savings, while delivering the same lighting intensity with better distribution.
For peace of mind, NL LED lights are also offered with a three year warranty.
Lighthouse’s Zodiac nicheless NL LED lights high-end design and compact size allows flawless integration with a secure, screw fit into any 1.5” inlet fitting
BATTERY SWITCH SOLVES PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS FOR HYDROFLUX!
Light manufacturer HydroFlux have wanted to add a battery pack to their original FlowBright for some time. They knew that whilst they and many professionals within the trade loved their original product, following customer feedback received at several trade shows, the innovative product did have some minor imperfections that they wanted to eliminate – e.g. the light did not function when the filtration system was turned off; the flow at the inlet needed to be around 6,000l/h to generate sufficient energy to power the LED array; the output was restricting the product’s implementation to only smaller pools etc.
With this feedback in mind, Hydro-Flux started working on a rechargeable battery pack to solve these issues back in November 2018. Unfortunately, some things are never easy, however after almost a year and a half of development and testing, they have finally arrived at a design that they can be proud of.
The latest model – FlowBright Plus – uses the same high-flow, low resistance patented turbine technology as the original FlowBright, however, it has been installed with a large NI-MH rechargeable battery. Instead of sending the energy directly to the LED, all the power generated will be stored within the battery. Now, when the light is turned on, it will draw its energy requirements from the battery and not from the real time coil generation.
The switch of battery chemistry types from Lithium-Ion to NI-MH was a main driver of design improvements. While this style of battery is only used in about 3% of overall rechargeable battery applications, they were perfectly suited for this situation. NI-MH has removed the vast majority of performance stumbling blocks and enabled HydroFlux to develop a battery pack that really punches above its weights in terms of power and functionality.
Hydro-Flux’s FlowBright Plus has been installed with a large NI-MH rechargeable battery to solve a number of performance challenges
SHINING A LIGHT ON UNDERWATER LIGHTING
Wibre’s Centum°° range comprises a range of built-in and surface mounted underwater spotlights which use the very latest technology to offer industry-leading light outputs at 166 lumens per watt. This, coupled with temperature monitoring and integrated surge protection, ensures optimum operation, long life cycle and low maintenance.
Available exclusively from Lights Projects, Wibre’s Centum°° range comprises a range of built-in and surface mounted underwater spotlights
Exclusively available in the UK via Light Projects, Centum°° includes four recessed IP68 underwater fittings from 5 to 47 watts. The light sources used are particularly powerful and compact LED modules available in 3000K, 4000K and 6000K as well as RGB-W and Dynamic White. Two surfacemounted spotlights complement the range for use in fountains and water features. These feature similar colour temperatures and lumen efficiency with the added versatility of distribution angles of 25° to 30°.
Thanks to effective thermal management and low-loss light radiation, CENTUM°° features permanent temperature monitoring and an integrated surge protection ensure the optimum operation of the LED technology. The watertight housing with protection class IP68 consists of V4A-stainless steel 1.4571, 316L while the light output is sealed by a highly transparent, ultra-white glass.
Wibre products sit perfectly alongside Light Projects’ own ranges and also complement Roblon’s fibre optic lighting solutions also exclusively distributed by the company in the UK. With a range of products for every situation, Light Projects are one of the most knowledgeable, complete and qualified companies in the country for underwater lighting product solutions.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT POOL LIGHTING FROM PLASTICA
Plastica believe that any swimming pool light sold should be LED. Not only are they far more efficient and therefore cost effective than the old 300W bulbs – the range of colours and features available means you can completely change the look and mood of a swimming pool, creating the perfect ambience for the pool owner to relax in.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) have been around since the 1970s but in recent years they have really come to the forefront of lighting technology. Not only are LED lights energy efficient and inexpensive, LED lighting also contains no toxic chemicals. This makes it a much more environmentally friendly option.
Plastica have made a conscious effort to adopt and understand the concept in order to give the best possible service and support in planning and specifying LED lighting projects. They are able to offer a full range of options, from standard like for like PAR56 replacement, all the way up to multi-light configurations which all link into a central controller to ensure synchronicity during colour changes.
Plastica are able to supply this cuttingedge synchronisation across the size range allowing projects to have large PAR56 LED lights in the bulk of the pool, and details like steps or spas can be illuminated using much smaller units that all change colour instantly together at the touch of a button.
The Eolia RGBW LED bulbs that Plastica supply are equipped with very powerful and energy saving colour LED. These are also available in white. They are fitted in standard PAR56 niches present in almost every pool and they replace incandescence floodlights, creating a lot of different atmospheres within the pool.
Manufactured in Europe, Plastica’s Chroma and Mini Chroma Lighting feature ‘Power LED’ technology – more powerful and brighter than LED lights that utilise conventional mini-LED technology. The remote control syncronisation kit can be activated via an iPhone app giving an impressive array of lighting mood and atmosphere.
Plastica’s Chroma (shown here) and Mini Chroma Lighting feature ‘Power LED’ technology for more powerful and brighter lighting
LIGHTING OPTIONS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF SETTINGS
The latest range of products from WaterTec – which are available through Fairlocks Pool Products – have been developed with recent environmental issues at the forefront of their design. LED lighting is now the world’s number one choice for all lighting applications and with Water-Tec, Fairlocks are able to offer the very latest technology – high powered LEDs with low energy consumption combined with the contemporary look that customers desire.
Some of the benefits of the Water-Tec LED lights include, all 316L stainless steel bodies with electro polished front face, high powered energy efficient LED power of 2000 lumens for WT4 and WT5, up to 50,000 hours life span, colour changing RGB options with full digital control (DMX and Zigbee).
LED lighting is now the go-to option for swimming pool lighting as it offers the safest, most cost-effective option. The Water-Tec light range features options for either Warm or Cool lenses and standard 20m cable length. All are controllable to suit the mood / ambience of the pool with both Wi-Fi and / or a smart device (both White and RGB) options.
The team at Fairlocks can advise on the number of lights required to provide the best lighting display for the size of pool, and type of atmosphere the lighting design can provide. There really are unlimited options with swimming pool lighting and it comes down to style, design and the ultimate look of the finished pool that will determine the light installation.
Water-Tec offer the very latest technology – high powered LEDs with low energy consumption combined with the contemporary look that customers desire
LED LIGHTING THAT LASTS FROM GOLDEN COAST
Pool owners can now easily upgrade and enhance any pool with the dynamic LED lighting options available from Golden Coast.
For example, the new Duravision Spectra is an ultra-flat underwater light that has 11 RGB colour modes and six tuneable white modes. Duravision Spectra lights are powerful and efficient, with a bulb life of 30,000 hours.
Golden Coast is also the exclusive UK supplier of a range of lighting options from Dutch pioneers EVA Optic. This includes A12 LED underwater lights, which are designed for large recreational pools as they have a range of 12m and can illuminate areas of up to 30m2, as well as A6 LED underwater lights which are ideal for smaller pools.
“EVA Optic underwater lights use a combination of wide-angled and narrow beams, so visibility in the water is outstanding,” said Adam Clark, Sales Director at Golden Coast.
For commercial facilities, EVA Optic offers direct ambient LED lighting designed to withstand the heat and humidity of pools halls. The range includes EVAline individual or modular lights, downlights, Hydra spotlights and pendant lights. All products have a Unified Glare Rating of less than 19 due to a microprism cover that allows powerful yet glare-free light. EVA Optic lights have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours (assuming 18 hours a day for 7.5 years) and are extremely energy efficient thanks to the use of Constant Light Output technology.
“EVA Optic lights have been used in hundreds of pools around Europe and the UK,” said Jamie Adams, Managing Director at Golden Coast. They are high quality, durable and reliable, so it’s no wonder that these lights have such a great reputation.”
Available from Golden Coast, the new Duravision Spectra is an ultra-flat underwater light that has 11 RGB colour modes and 6 tuneable white modes
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Certikin International
01993 777200
www.certikin.co.uk
Fairlocks Pool Products
01865 988346
www.fairlocks.co.uk
Golden Coast
01271 378100
www.goldenc.com
Hydro-Flux
01924 472665
Lighthouse
www.hydro-flux.com
01752 253525
www.lighthousepools.co.uk
Plastica
01424 857802
www.plasticapools.net
Light Projects
020 7231 8282
www.lightprojects.co.uk
Waterco Europe
01795 521733
www.waterco.eu
