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Wanting to capture the essence of a vacation in your own home? Pool deck lighting may just do that! Here in this article we will discuss pool deck lighting ideas to elevate your outdoor spaces
Pool deck lighting can be SO important when it comes to the visual aesthetic appeal AND also the practicality of your backyard pool. It can play a crucial role in enhancing safety, aesthetics, and functionality while setting the mood for enjoyable evenings by the pool. There are so many different lighting options to choose from and the results can be visually stunning!!—mimicking a day at the resort pool on a tropical vacation. It’s important to note that most of these require professional installation so please consider this when choosing the right option for you! In this article, we’ll explore 12 pool deck lighting ideas that will inspire you to illuminate your outdoor oasis with style and creativity and elevating your outdoor space!
Pool Deck Lighting Ideas
1. Recessed Deck Lights
Recessed deck lights, also known as in-ground or underground lights, are fixtures designed to be installed flush with the surface of the deck or ground. They tend to be very appealing because they usually look very sleek, clean and modern!
2. Underwater LED Lights
Submerged LED lights not only illuminate the water but also add a captivating glow to the entire pool area making it one of the best water features to add to your backyard pool. With customizable color options, you can create different moods for various occasions, from vibrant pool parties to tranquil evenings. These lights can be VERY bright and effectively light up your pool in darker conditions.
These lights from Amazon can be placed under water and are color changing, so cool!!:
3. String Lights
String lights draped along the perimeter of the pool deck or overhead create a charming and whimsical ambiance. Pool string lights come in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your pool area to match your decor preferences. Whether you prefer classic white lights for a timeless look or colorful LEDs for a festive vibe, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Also, they are relatively easy to install and require minimal setup compared to other types of outdoor lighting. They can be hung along fences, pergolas, trees, or other structures surrounding your pool using hooks, stakes, or mounting clips. Many string lights are also designed for outdoor use and are weather-resistant, making them durable enough to withstand the elements!
In addition, they are pretty flexible in regards to placement. You can hang them in straight lines, zig-zag patterns, or even drape them overhead like a canopy to create such a cozy ambiance!
Lastly, they can be very affordable. They consume less energy than traditional outdoor lighting fixtures, helping you save on your electricity bills while still achieving the desired level of illumination for your pool area.
Get these on Amazon if you want to achieve this cozy and inviting aesthetic:
4. Pathway Lighting
Illuminate pathways around the pool deck with low-profile lights to ensure safe navigation after sunset. Opt for fixtures with soft, diffused lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.
One obvious point about why pathway lighting can be very beneficial is safety. Illuminating pathways around the pool ensures that swimmers and guests can navigate the area safely, even in low-light conditions or after dark. Especially when you use your pool a ton during summer nights! It can prevent trips, slips, and falls by clearly defining walkways and highlighting potential hazards such as steps or changes in elevation.
5. Solar-Powered Lights
Solar-powered pool deck lighting harnesses energy from the sun to generate electricity, eliminating the need for electricity. By using solar energy, these lights are highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Solar-powered lighting systems have lower operating costs compared to traditional grid-powered lights. Once installed, solar lights draw their energy from the sun at no additional cost, helping you save on electricity bills over time. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term savings can be significant, making solar-powered lighting a cost-effective choice for your pool deck.
Solar-powered pool deck lights are easy to install and require no wiring or electrical expertise however you might need a professional to install a larger solar powered light/panelling. Since they operate independently of the electrical grid, there’s no need for complicated wiring or trenching, making installation quick, simple, and hassle-free. This also allows for greater flexibility in placement and design, as solar lights can be easily moved or repositioned as needed.
Solar-powered pool deck lights come in a variety of styles, designs, and configurations to suit your aesthetic. Whether you prefer pathway lights, deck post lights, string lights, or floating lights, there are plenty of options available to enhance the ambiance of your pool deck.
Also, they usually have built-in sensors that automatically detect light levels, turning the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. This eliminates the need to manually turn on the lights and allow your pool area to be illuminated during the evening and nighttime hours.
Lastly, they are durable and require minimal maintenance making it an excellent option for pool deck lighting!
These lights from Amazon are so versatile and are solar-powered!!:
6. Fiber Optic Lighting
Fiber optic lighting is a lighting technology that utilizes optical fibers to transmit light from a source (usually an LED or halogen lamp) to a desired location. Instead of relying on traditional electrical wiring to carry electricity to a light fixture, fiber optic lighting systems use flexible, transparent fibers made of glass or plastic to transmit light over long distances with minimal loss of intensity.
This type of lighting can create a soft, uniform illumination that can bring such a gorgeous touch to your pool area. Unlike harsh, glare-inducing lights, fiber optic lights produce a gentle, diffused glow that adds warmth and depth to the water, creating a visually stunning focal point that can bring some coziness and ambiance to your backyard pool.
7. Deck Post Lights
Mounting lights on deck posts or railings to add a touch of elegance to the outdoor space. Choose fixtures that complement your existing decor for a cohesive look.
There are SO many different kinds of post lights such as sleek, modern, or rustic so it’s important to shop around and figure out what works best for your design taste and outdoor decor.
8. Floating Pool Lights
Floating pool lights can be very versatile. Essentially they are lighting fixtures that can be placed anywhere in the pool, providing customizable illumination for different areas and occasions. Whether you want to create a focal point in the center of the pool, line the perimeter, or highlight specific features (ie. waterfalls or foundations) they can be placed honestly anywhere!!
They can create such an AMAZING ambiance to your pool deck. They can create a magical and enchanting ambiance to your pool area, especially during summer nights.
You can opt for floating orbs, lanterns, or cubes to add a playful element to your pool deck!
These ones from Amazon are great if you want to incorporate floating pool lights in your backyard!
9. Color-Changing LED Lights
You can install color-changing LED strips along the edges of the pool deck for some really great lighting effects! Control the colors and intensity through a smartphone app or remote control depending on the brand.
This is a great idea for the customization and versatility as you can use more softer colors to create a beautiful and cozy ambiance to your pool deck or change to more brighter colors for special events.
Get these LED color changing lights on Amazon and install them around your pool!:
10. Deck Stair Lighting
Not only can deck stair lighting provide a beautiful lighting aesthetic to your pool deck, but can improve visibility at night as swimmers and guests can easily navigate the space safely.
This can be such a great pool deck lighting idea as it can add a whimsical touch and elegance to your backyard. Recessed lighting can be a great option for this type of look!
11. Tiki Torches
Create a tropical paradise with tiki torches placed strategically around the pool deck! These torches typically consist of a tall pole or stake topped with a reservoir for fuel and a wick, which is ignited to produce a flame. So, yes, these do require fuel! However they can be very easy to install and ambiance they create is so unique and unmatched compared to other types of lighting.
12. Uplighting Trees and Plants
Lastly, use your surrounding bushes and trees as a way to hang lights and create a pretty landscape that highlights the greenery in your backyard! You can use tradition LED uplights to achieve this gorgeous aesthetic!
Those are your insanely clever and beautiful pool deck lighting ideas! There are so many different types of lighting options to fit your pool decor needs—whether you love subtle sophistication or beautiful bold colors, the options are endless! Let these 12 pool deck lighting ideas inspire you to transform your outdoor space into a luminous vacation right in the comfort of your own home and help you choose the right lighting for your needs!
