A: Whether it's illuminating a patio, a landscape or a water garden, outdoor lighting can have a dramatic impact on the area's space. It creates a special mood and spotlights stunning features while adding ambient light to the environment.
Underwater lighting is best installed when your pond is empty, like while it's being constructed or – in most cases – while you're doing your annual spring cleanout. If you're putting in lights this spring, here are four key tips to follow:
Choose the Right Lights
Landscaping lights come in many different sizes and varieties, and so it can be hard to choose the best for your needs. Luckily, we offer three above- and underwater lights that will do the trick.
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LEDPro Mini 1-Watt 3 Pack: These lights are great for small water features, bog areas, or fish ponds. Each 1-watt light shines with the same intensity as a 10-watt halogen bulb, while being more energy efficient.
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LEDPro 6-Watt LED Light Kit: These lights highlight your pond and landscaping with energy-efficient LED bulbs. It shines with the same intensity as a 50-watt halogen but with a longer life span and lower energy costs.
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LEDPro 12-Watt Single Light: This spotlight also features an LED bulb, but it shines with the same intensity as a 70-watt halogen.
Point Lights to the Pond
Rather than directing your landscape lights toward the patio or other viewing area, shine the light on pond instead. Your goal is to illuminate your water feature – not blind yourself while viewing it.
Cast an Underwater Glow
Beneath the water's surface, install lights that will spotlight your waterfall or stream's cascading water. And don't forget to include some that will highlight landscaping around and pondscaping in your water feature, too.
Stash Extra Power Cord
To give yourself easy accessibility to the underwater lights when you need to change their bulbs, wrap some excess power cord around the light. This will allow you to simply pull the light out of the water and change the bulb without having to drain the water or move a rock.
Over time, algae and other debris will build up on your lights – and so you'll need to add a new to-do item on your spring cleanout checklist! Each year, plan to give those lenses a good scrubbing and replace any burned-out bulbs.