What are LED Fountain Lights?
Allow me to take you back to the basics. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and it’s a semiconductor light source. LEDs combine a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor. The former (P) is a larger hole concentration, the latter (N) is a larger electron concentration. When the two come together they emit energy in the form of light. Well, I’m done with the physics class. Now to the fun bit!
LED fountain lights are known for being waterproof and for their efficiency. Water plus electricity is a deadly combination thanks to the electric shocks that are generated. The perfect solution to not only mitigate electric shock risk but also extend the life of your lighting fixture is using LED fountain lights. They are sustainable regardless of the amount of water as they are waterproof. Also, LED lights are energy-saving so they help you conserve electricity reducing your financial maintenance cost.
These lights are available in a broad range of colors so you won’t need any filters while using them. You can get RGB LED fountain lights to add visual character to your water feature. They are highly durable so they’re not affected by the frequent water action or the number of times they’re turned on and off.
LED fountain lights not only enhance the general look of a water feature but they’re durable, non-corrosive, and very easy to maintain.
Top 10 LED Fountain Lighting Tips
A fountain will bring tranquility to your gardens and entertainment spaces. If you want one but you haven’t installed one yet, you can always follow these steps to create an outdoor water fountain. I promise it’s not rocket science. The sound of the trickling water in the evening will be a worthwhile reward.
Back to lighting. Using LED fountain lights is not as easy as placing a few fixtures in the water. It’s a bit more complicated than that as it needs thoughtful planning. When done correctly, the outcome is magical. It literally brings your water to life. It’s important to keep in mind that fountains and other water features that can’t be seen at night are dangerous to children or guests moving around. So it’s not only about creating beauty but also ensuring the safety of your loved ones.
Fountains are often more beautiful at night than at daytime if the lights are used to make them an interesting focal point. More so, if you love spending time outdoors or entertaining at night. Whether you want to use a professional installer or make it a DIY project, here are some pointers to help you when lighting up your fountain.
1. Light Planning
Let me use the adage, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Before commencing any outdoor and even indoor lighting project, you need to have a lighting plan. It’s essential to put down what you consider the right ambiance for your water features. Draw the fountain, the surrounding area, and the existing landscape lighting. I’d recommend you take a video of the fountain at night to see the light your fountain already has. This will help pinpoint the angles and locations that need more lighting.
As you’re doing this, remember to keep the focus of the light on the fountain. This prevents you from having an end product with lights focused on the hardware around the fountain, cords, or wires. In addition, you should also include the type of lighting you want to use in your plan.
2. Choose the Lighting Angle
One of the most important considerations of fountain lighting is the angle of illumination. Fountain lights are used to accent some features or enhance the water play on the surrounding objects. The wrong angle can cast a glare on the water or create a blinding beam of light from the fountain to the entertainment area. Put the lights at an angle that they are away from the main seating areas and walking paths in your outdoor space. Rocks, plants, and other outdoor fixtures can be used to shield light from glaring directly towards the major viewing positions.
3. Right Location/Placement
LED fountain lights should be enjoyed without seeing the mechanics behind the lighting. They should be used to display the ambiance, not the lighting fixture itself. However, remember you need to easily access the fixture during maintenance and cleaning.
If you have a waterfall, you can light it from the bottom, side, or front to enhance light movement and the beauty of the water falling. Never light a waterfall from behind as the light will be directed towards your viewing positions creating a blinding beam.
Take into consideration how you can use your space to add drama to the fountain. Here are a few techniques you can think about.
- Downlighting: These lights are used to shine downward on one particular feature in your garden. They can be hidden in a water feature and be used to cast light on a fountain. If you’re looking for a gorgeous diffused glow on the water surface, this is the way to go. Just angle the lights properly and use cooler lights and you’ll have a striking look from a distance.
- Uplighting: It gives a fountain waterfall such a stunning effect. Uplighting works well as the waterfalls as it adds more visibility and diffuses the light creating beautiful effects. One can even add colored lights to give the fountain more visual interest.
- Spotlights: If you have a large tree or pole near the waterfall, you can opt for a spotlight to be directed towards the fountain. The fixture is hidden but it calls attention to the water feature. It can also create fascinating reflection effects on the water.
4. Consider Submersible LED Fountain Lights
Underwater lighting comes in handy if you want to illuminate your fountain from within. I’d advise you to combine both external landscaping lighting and submersible fountain lights for the best results. I know with this option you might have to work with a profession but it’s worth it. They’ll help you get the right light choices and proper installation.
Underwater lights have a way of drawing people’s attention to the interesting fountain features by casting an underwater glow. This enhances the general visual appearance of your fountain. Submersible LED fountain lights are the best for those with waterfalls and who want to create refracted lights that dance on walls or ceilings with the water movement.
Just throwing it out there, submersible lights need more maintenance than their external counterparts. Also, they’re more expensive to install. But the outcome is worth every dime.
5. Light Color
Before making any purchase, you need to think about the mood you want to create as this will determine the color. If you want to create a relaxing, calm, and tranquil feel, white lights glowing underwater bringing attention to particular fountain features will do. If you’re not in the market for a relaxation retreat, you can opt for colored lights. They help create an eclectic, lively, and party ambiance. They can change color based on your sound system or at regular intervals.
The right software and equipment can give your guests an unforgettable water and lights show.
6. The flora and fauna
Some water features support aquatic life so one needs to be more careful when installing light fixtures. You don’t want toxic fixtures such as copper that are harmful to fish. Also, avoid using LED fountain lights that emit so much heat changing the water temperature. Work with a lighting installer as they can help you make the best decision while choosing the lights. If the water feature doesn’t support any fish or plants, you have more freedom to play around with the lighting.
I find that lighting the areas where fish swim creates a striking display but you need to have some dark spaces for the fish to retreat when they need some calm and tranquility.
7. Installation
I find it easier to install submersible LED fountain lights when the water feature is being installed. It gives you more freedom to choose the light placement and easily hide the lighting fixtures and wires. This also saves you from taking apart some parts or the entire fountain feature to install the lights. Not forgetting water wastage that comes with completely or partially drawing the water fixture to install the lights.
With that being said, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to install underwater lights long after you’ve had your water feature. Most homeowners realize they need submersible lights long after they’ve completed their project. It’s when most people realize their water feature can’t be seen at night. So don’t panic, you’re not alone. You can always get a professional lighting installer or a waterscape designer and they’ll sort you out.
8. Location of the transformer
All LED bulbs need a transformer. The bulb’s size determines if the transformer is built inside the bulb casing or is built externally. In the case of LED fountain lights, the transformer is external. The main purpose of the transformer is to reduce the power supply fed into the bulb.
I’d advise you to have the transformer near your water feature. However, you put it somewhere your guests can see while they enjoy their time outside. Use a rock or a plant to hide it so that you can’t see it from the main viewing positions.
9. Cost implications
Whenever you’re selecting water lighting fixtures, you have the option of either halogen or LED lights. There are also solar options like float lights for ponds but you can always add these on a whim. The major waterscape lighting choice is between LED and halogen.
Halogen lights are cheaper upfront compared to LED lights in most cases. However, LED lights are more durable hence long-lasting and they use less energy. Meaning, you’ll be saving more on your monthly electricity bill over time. Also, you will not need to replace LED fountain lights often saving you money.
10. Less is more
I’ll conclude this list with another popular adage, “less is more.” When the lighting is too much, it overpowers the beauty of your fountain. Too much underwater light can blind your guests, reducing the visual appeal of your fountain. Also, too many external lights glaring on the water have the same blinding effect.
My golden rule is to have properly angled and placed lights to enhance specific water features and highlight water movement. Avoid overwhelming the area with excess lights for the best outcome.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using LED Fountain Lights
When choosing underwater LED fountain lights, it’s always advisable to look for these three safeguards to prevent leaks and waste of money.
● Choosing low-quality submersible lights
I’ve often heard people complaining that they bought water-resistant fountain lights but they’ve replaced them several times. Here’s the thing, water resistance doesn’t mean that it offers a complete barrier to water. It just means water will struggle to get through but it will eventually. So when picking underwater LED fountain lights, go for those with leak prevention at the forefront of the design. It has to be waterproof.
Choose rubber or silicone gaskets as they are flexible, pliable, and offer the best seal. Check if they have resin-potting, this is the second layer of defense against water penetration. Finally, ask if they are machined materials as these have a specially aligned design ensuring the lights are waterproof. Always look for these three characteristics as they make high-quality submersible LED fountain lights.
● User error when installing underwater lights
Unfortunately, user error during the installation process can result in leaks even if the lights are waterproof. One of the most common mistakes, especially in DIY projects, is misaligned parts. Take for instance when the lights have a screw-on design; when using the screw to secure it in place ensure there is no gap between the gasket and lens. Align all the parts are aligned properly before and during the light installation.
● Wrong base materials for underwater lighting
Just as we have seen it’s important to choose waterproof submersible lights, it’s also important to get base materials that can withstand staying underwater. Brass and stainless steel are my top picks on the base materials for underwater ponds and fountain lights. They hold up great while submerged in water. Also, just for your peace of mind, go with base materials that have a guarantee or warranty against corrosion and rust. This applies to your underwater LED lights too.
DIY Fountain Light Installation Guide
This part is mainly for DIY lovers. But if you’re using an expert, it doesn’t hurt to ask how they plan to do the lighting, the fixtures they’ll be using, and their experience around lighting fountains.
I like LED fountain lights because you can buy, install, and maintain them yourself. You’ll find that each brand and make has their manual and guide on the process you just have to follow.
But before you start, you need to know the safety measures and electrical connections. Failure to adhere to these measures can result in fire hazards, equipment damage, electric shock, personal injury, and death.
- Before you handle, repair, or install any fountain light fixture, always disconnect the electricity supply.
- Always attach the fountain light to a 12 volt AC transformer.
- Don’t use fountain lights for swimming pools.
- Never connect the lights directly to an outlet that is 120 volt or higher.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Conclusion
With the development of LED fountain lights in recent years, landscapes have become more cinematic. Homeowners are now able to illuminate the beauty of their surroundings with the glow of fountain lighting.
Choosing the right LED fountain light is as important as picking the right location and the correct angle. Otherwise, your light is rendered useless if it can’t do the work it was meant to do. I hope these tips help you get the right outdoor lighting for your fountain to make it the highlight of your property.
RC Lighting is a leading LED fountain lights manufacturer based in China. We are a dedicated team of professionals who produce high-quality submersible and waterproof LED fountain lights for our customers. For any questions, kindly talk to our experienced outdoor lighting experts.
