Lighting

Proper lighting in and around a water feature creates an alluring, exotic atmosphere. The entire area is enveloped in a subtle dance of light reflected from the waters surface. Fountains and waterfalls become mysterious glowing focal points.

Types of Lighting

Most lighting systems can be installed after the pond has been completed. It is best to use a combination of underwater, surface and external lighting around a water feature.

Underwater Lighting:

When placing underwater lighting it is best to avoid shining lights directly into people’s eyes. This is done by aiming the lights away from viewing areas to create the effect that the water is glowing. Dramatic effects can be achieve by directing lights straight up from beneath a fountain or by aiming them at the rocks underneath a waterfall.

Underwater lighting often requires more powerful transformers than regular garden lighting. Be sure to have proper GFI (ground fault interrupt) receptacles installed.

Light switches or dimmers should be easily accessible yet well hidden and out of reach of small children. Some control features to consider are timers and remote controls for turning lights on and off.

Exterior Lighting:

Vertical plants like rushes and tall grasses around a water feature look spectacular at night with proper directional lighting. It is best to aim exterior light at features around the pond without directing them at the water. Exterior lighting may be hidden behind rocks and plantings. Some exterior lights are designed to look like rocks or stumps to camouflage them.