Water can be an important part of outdoor lighting. It could be a pond, a pool or fountain in the yard or actual waterfront along a lake, river or ocean. Lighting water can dramatically change the mood and creates a much different ambiance. The beauty that comes with lighted water is not to be overlooked as well. If you have a water feature on your property have you considered having it illuminated?
What Can Light Do With Water?
Night changes the complexion of water. A shoreline now becomes more foreboding since you cannot see as far. A river or creek becomes more menacing since you can only hear it. Light changes that. Light can skim across the water creating a much more peaceful and serene waterscape with its mirrored look. If you have a fountain or waterfall feature light behind it can do the same thing, potentially giving it an almost supernatural feel.
Light can also be placed in the water. Water dissipates light so you will need more light than you think and it may need to be boosted depending on how clear the water is. One way to help increase your light is to place lighter colored stone in a feature along with LED lights but that is something that Resort Lighting can handle.
Does Light Hurt Fish?
Not all lights are safe for fish so make sure that before installing any lighting that they are safe for your fish. Light produces heat, which can change the temperature of the water and can be harmful to your fish. Stainless steel lights or polycarbonate lights are the safest bets. When you install a light that is safe for fish you may very well find that your fish like it as much as you do. They will spend their time swimming around or under them. Just make sure that there is at least one dark place for the fish to hide in.
Illuminate An Existing Water Feature
You may have installed that pond or fountain in your yard so that you could enjoy it during the day. By lighting it at night you can continue to enjoy it. The same can be said for any waterfront property. Light and night gives it a different look. Just think about how different Niagara Falls looks at night when compared to daytime.
Lighting a pre-existing feature is more than just dropping a light into a pond and calling it quits. It very well may require installing a new transformer or wires and it may require the demolition and reconstruction of some features in order to install the lighting and to hide the wiring.
Illuminate A New Water Feature
You may also be thinking about having a water feature installed and are considering lighting it. If so it will be easier to install the lighting as the feature is being constructed or installed. With a new installation you also have more options when it comes to lighting as well. If you are considering installing a backyard water feature have you considered lighting it?
At Resort Lighting we can handle any outdoor lighting project on Long Island, even ones that involve water. If you have a backyard water feature or are going to have one installed and want to illuminate it give us a call. You will not believe how much different you backyard looks when a pond or fountain are illuminated.