Find a store
Login/Register
The right poolside lighting can transform your pool area into a beautiful, functional space for evening relaxation, entertaining and safe swimming. By selecting the right types of lights and placing them carefully around your pool, you can create a magical atmosphere that complements your outdoor decor while improving visibility and security. Here's our advice on the best poolside lighting options, and tips for creating an inviting atmosphere around your pool.
SHOP OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Outline the pool for safety
Subtle perimeter lighting around the pool shows everyone exactly where the water's edge is, so evening swims and get-togethers stay safe. Keep it low and soft: the aim is a gentle outline of the pool area, not a floodlit deck.
- Low-level lights: Set them around the paving or the edge of the pool area to trace its shape, like a soft outline drawn in light.
- Step lights: Light every step leading down to the pool, so evening swims don't start with a stumble.
Light the walkways and paths
Path lights mark the routes between the house, the pool and the loungers, guiding guests safely and defining each walkway. Stagger them along the path, keep them low and choose fittings that direct the light down, so there's no glare in anyone's eyes.
READ OUR PATHWAY AND STEP LIGHTING ADVICE
Add layers with landscape accents
Spike lights set in the garden beds, or aimed up into trees and plants, add depth and atmosphere around the pool. They give the water something beautiful to reflect and turn the whole pool area into a view after dark. Spike lights are easy to move as your plants grow.
READ OUR LANDSCAPE AND TREE LIGHTING ADVICE
Choose the right rating
- Pool edge: Close to the water, we recommend IP65, because these lights are going to get splashed, often enthusiastically.
- Further from the water: IP44 is more than enough for lights around the wider pool area, which only get the odd splash or a sprinkle from the hosepipe.
- Inside the pool: Underwater pool lights need IP68. We don't stock pool lights, so we recommend a reputable pool company to supply and fit them.
Whichever lights you choose, all our outdoor fittings must be installed by a qualified electrician.
READ OUR IP RATINGS ADVICE
Don't over-light it
Too much light creates glare and harsh reflections on the water, and spoils the calm. A few well-placed, softer lights create a far more relaxing pool area than one bright floodlight.
Choose the light colour
- Warm white (2700K to 3000K): Sets a relaxed, holiday mood around the loungers, seating and walkways.
- Coloured lights: Save these for parties and special occasions, when the pool deserves a bit of fun.
Let it switch itself
- Day/night sensor switches and timers: Let them switch the pool lights on at dusk and off at a set time, so you never have to remember.
- Motion sensors: Fit them along walkways and at gates, so the light is there when someone needs it and off when they don't.
