The lighting design for indoor swimming pools is not merely about illuminating the space; it involves meticulous planning and strategic selection of fixtures to ensure safety, enhance ambiance, and create a bright, comfortable environment for every swimming time. Whether it’s a professional competition pool, a leisure or resort pool, or a pool intended for daily exercise or training sessions, a scientifically crafted lighting solution can significantly elevate the user experience.
Commonly Used Lighting Fixtures for Indoor Swimming Pools
Main Pool Area
This zone prioritizes functional lighting, with a wide range of ceiling-mounted lights available. 400W (or higher) LED high-bay lights or floodlights are typically chosen for international competition swimming venues with high ceilings. Waterproof and anti-glare LED downlights, panel lights, or linear fixtures are enough for pools with lower ceiling heights (e.g., recreational or training facilities).
Underwater Lighting area
Select 12-36W DC12V/24V IP68 underwater LED lights embedded in the pool walls or floor to provide underwater guidance and safety alerts. Color-changing fixtures (e.g., RGBW) can also be incorporated to enhance entertainment and ambient effects.
Rest area and Spectator area
Dimmable LED Track lights and LED strip lights are used for the rest area or spectator area to enhance the spatial layering.
Shower area
LED ceiling lights or downlights with IP44 or higher are the option.
Lighting Design Requirements for Different Application Swimming Pools
| Swimming Pool Types | Standard size | CCT | Lumen Flux | Additional Option |
| International competition pool | 50*25*2M, 8-9 lanes, each 2.5M width | 4000-5000K | 2500-3000lux | Starting platform, automatic timing touch panel, underwater observation window |
| Daily exercise | 25*12*1.5M(s) ,50*21*1.8M(m)， 1.2-1.8depth | 2700-4000K | 300-500lux | Adjustable pool bottom (for children or adults) |
| Commercial entertainment Pool | 8*4M(villa), 20*10M(hotel) | 2700-6500K | 300-500lux | Massage jets, water slides, wave-making equipment |
| Rehabilitation and Wellness Swimming Pool | small 8*4M 0.5-1.2M depth | 2700K | 200-300lux | Constant temperature (30-34°C), barrier-free design |
| Traning Swimming Pool | 10*5*1.2M (children）， 25*15*1.5M，0.8-2M depth | 2700-4000K | 300-500lux | diffrent depth area |
Key Points to Consider in Swimming Lighting Design
Waterproofing and Heat Dissipation:
Fixtures must be certified with IP65/IP68, and heat dissipation design should adapt to high-temperature and high-humidity environments.
Underwater lights should be made of 316 stainless steel to prevent corrosion.
Glare Control:
Pool surface lighting should use anti-glare shields with a shielding angle of ≥30° to prevent direct glare for athletes and spectators.
Underwater lights should avoid direct light on the water surface to reduce reflective glare.
Energy Efficiency and Smart Control:
Use high-efficiency LEDs (≥150 lm/W) combined with an intelligent control system.
Easy Maintenance:
Underwater lights should feature a quick-release structure for easy maintenance.
Overhead lights should be designed with a liftable maintenance track or installed on both sides of the pool.
Lighting Trends for Swimming Pool
UV-C Disinfection Integration: Some LED fixtures built-in UV sterilization modules to reduce the need for chemical water treatment.
Li-Fi Technology: Uses LED lighting for high-speed data transmission, meeting the digitalization needs of the facility.
Hello, customers
My name is Ricky Wang, I’m the business manager of GRNLED. I have been in LED lights industry for more than 10 year. Feel free to contact us. I’m happy to provide you the best service and products.
Email: info@grnled.com | WeChat: ledfixture
