LED lighting for swimming pools
In a swimming pool hall, it is not only brightness that matters but also the view into the water: reflections can stop lifeguards from seeing swimmers below the surface. DIN EN 12193 gives 200 lx for training, school and recreational sport, 300 lx for mid-level competition and 500 lx for top-level sport. Humidity and chlorine also place high demands on luminaires and fixings.
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Send an enquiry for a swimming poolWhat matters in the swimming pool
Avoiding reflections
With low-angle light and waves, reflections can completely hide swimmers underwater.
Luminaires beside the pool
According to licht.de, ceiling luminaires should be placed to the side of the pool.
Plan daylight from the start
Windows in the side walls can make the water surface act like a mirror.
Ingress protection for humidity and chlorine
The damp air, usually containing chlorine or salt, calls for luminaires with a high ingress protection rating and corrosion protection. licht.de gives IP 44 as the lower limit for the parts with lamp and control gear; at least IP 54 is the guide.
Check fixings carefully
The air above the pool is especially critical, also behind suspended ceilings, and this also affects luminaire mountings.
Clarify maintenance above the pool
Luminaires must be safely accessible for maintenance, and this needs to be considered at the planning stage.
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Reflections on the water
The water surface reflects directly incident light particularly strongly. Check the position of luminaires and windows from the point of view of the lifeguard at the pool edge, the bathers and the spectators.
- Layout
- Asymmetric optics
- Indirect lighting
Light by playing level
| Average illuminance | Playing level | Lighting class | Uniformity | Glare rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200lx | Training, school and recreational sport, simple competitions | Class III | U 0.5 | |
| 300lx | Competitions at medium level, performance training | Class II | U 0.7 | |
| 500lx | High-performance sport | Class I | U 0.7 |
What do the values mean?
Lux tells you how much light reaches the pitch. Uniformity shows how evenly it is distributed, and the glare rating how strongly the floodlights cause glare.
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Illuminance (lx): How much light falls on a surface. 1 lx equals 1 lumen per square metre. For sports facilities, the average horizontal illuminance on the playing area is usually given.
Uniformity (U): Lowest divided by average illuminance. The closer the value is to 1, the more even the light.
Glare rating (GR): Assesses how strongly floodlights cause glare at outdoor facilities, on a scale from 10 (no glare) to 90 (unbearable glare).
Emergency lighting needed too?
If needed, you can get emergency lighting for your site through our sister brand NOTLUX.
To NOTLUXFrequently asked questions
How many lux does a swimming pool need?
According to DIN EN 12193, it is 200 lx in Class III, 300 lx in Class II and 500 lx in Class I, with a uniformity of 0.5, 0.7 and 0.7. As a guide, 300 lx applies to most activities and 500 lx to competitions.
Why is lighting so important for lifeguards?
The British Health and Safety Executive (HSE) counts glare among the factors that played a role in earlier deaths and serious injuries. It recommends checking lighting levels annually and keeping the luminaires maintained, so that the view of the pool floor does not suffer.
Does the pool need underwater lighting?
It reduces reflected glare and makes it easier to see into the water. According to licht.de it is a must for synchronised swimming, but for water polo and competitive swimming it should stay off. Underwater floodlights are separate swimming pool luminaires.
What applies to diving facilities?
They need additional lighting that supplements the vertical illuminance across the whole diving area, especially at the point of entry. The diving judges also depend on it.
What does World Aquatics require?
For international swimming competitions, the 2025 Competition Regulations give at least 600 lx above the starting blocks and turn ends, and for the Olympics and World Championships 1,500 lx above the whole pool. This is not the benchmark for club and school use.
What emergency lighting is needed?
For swimming, licht.de gives, under DIN EN 12193, at least 5% of normal operation for 30 seconds. In Germany, DGUV Regel 107-001 requires, wherever a failure would create a risk of accidents, at least 1% of the general lighting and at least 1 lx, expressly including indoor pools. The current KOK guidelines and state building law are also relevant.
What applies to the electrical installation?
Installations and equipment must withstand humidity, heat and mechanical and chemical stress. In Germany, DIN VDE 0100-702 contains specific requirements for swimming pools, so clarify the design early with a qualified electrician.
What colour rendering makes sense?
licht.de recommends at least Ra 80, which is above the standard value and improves visual comfort. Warm white accents can make a hall more attractive to leisure swimmers.
Send an enquiry for a swimming pool
Tell us the pool sizes, hall height, use and how the luminaires can be reached today. We will get back to you with an initial assessment for your hall.
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