The sweltering heat from the previous hour lingers, as the dampness of the air sticks to your face. Dusk has settled and darkness creeps in, the worries of the day fade away, and you’re ready to take a much-needed dip in the pool—ready to cool off. To your surprise, however, you find the pool lights to emit a dull, lifeless glow. This illumination does very little to meet the needs of your nighttime swim. If only you knew how important lighting was before you had to find out the hard way. Join Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design’s Stef Grinberg as she sits down with Mel Howley, the manager of Personal Pools, as they chat about the influence of pool lighting design.
Lighting can instantly change the feel of a space, with hues and tones playing a vital role. Even the smallest of adjustments can take an area from feeling jarring, clinical and cold to an atmosphere which is warm, moody and relaxing, all through something as simple as brightness and colour. Personal Pools is family owned-and-operated, first started by Mel Howley’s father, Chris Howley. Her father has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry from pool design and maintenance to building. The business was created with the sole purpose of crafting outdoor retreats infused with comfort and luxury. Over the years, the Personal Pools team has pushed the boundaries of pool design, creating bespoke, fluid masterpieces that complement both the home and its surrounds. Each swimming pool is made in collaboration with homeowners, with Howley explaining that the team works closely with clients, “managing design, approvals, and construction.” The purpose of each project is to add a touch of brilliance to a space, turning backyard into the perfect retreat for you to enjoy.
THE ‘LIGHT BULB’ MOMENT
Working with the texture, tone and aesthetic of the rest of the space creates a cohesive story throughout the entire backyard. Howley says that lighting choice is “influenced by several key factors, including … the pool’s shape, size, and overall design … [with] strong emphasis on the client’s vision,” the only addition is “ensuring the lighting enhances both the aesthetic and functionality of the space,” she said.
Crafting the environment means every element must be perfect. Precision, attention to detail and passion are the driving factors behind each project, leaving the client with their desired space that truly reflects their personality and lifestyle. As the building stage continues, “careful consideration is given to [pool lighting] placement and intensity, so the space flows seamlessly, while still meeting all safety and functional[ity] requirements,” Howley said. Working towards a shared vision through a collaborative approach ensures the client is always present for every important step and decision of the design process for their perfect pool.
‘SHEDDING LIGHT’ ON YOUR CHOICE
The first step is shifting the idea that lighting is an afterthought into it being a tool that has the power to craft the mood of any environment. This change in mindset is the easiest way to understand your own wants for your retreat, with Howley explaining that “lighting design is tailored to the client’s preferences and intended use of the space.” Each choice is guided by the needs of the homeowner, “we discuss the desired atmosphere whether for relaxation, entertaining, or night swimming and develop a lighting plan that aligns with that vision,” Howley said. Pool depth plays an important role in the placement and effectiveness of the bulbs. “Lights are typically … 600mm below the waterline … [such] placement allows for optimal light dispersion across the pool surface while minimising glare for users both in and out of the water,” Howley explained.
Pools hold depth, and in that depth darkness ensues. Unless of course, you have beautiful lighting! “In deeper sections of the pool, additional lighting or increased intensity may be required to ensure adequate illumination reaches the floor and maintains a consistent visual effect … shallower areas naturally reflect more light, often requiring less intensity to achieve the same brightness,” Howley said. Taking this into account when designing your pool is integral to create that striking and satisfying result. It’s how the Personal Pools team creates a “balanced, functional, and visually appealing lighting outcome,” she said. To enhance the ambiance of an already beautiful space means the overall visuals of the space need to improve and elegantly match.
‘LIGHTEN’ UP!
The modern era of lighting means that customisation is easier than ever! “Most clients request flexible lighting options, including automation and ease of control,” Howley says. With the ability to adjust settings at the touch of a button, the choice is yours, simply by “adjust[ing] settings such as brightness, colour, and scheduling via a mobile app,” she said. This accessibility and modernisation of pool lighting only further enhance the already relaxing pool experience, bringing the peaceful atmosphere to life through texture, material and lighting. “For us, lighting is what really brings a project together,” Howley said. “It’s the finishing touch that highlights the design, creates atmosphere, and allows our clients to enjoy their pool long after the sun goes down.”
Images courtesy of Personal Pools
