Pond lights are essential for enjoying your garden
sanctuary after dark. Pond lighting also assures greater safety
around water features by highlighting the different depths of your
pond. Use a combination of light sources to illuminate your
garden pond and waterfall. Submersible lights can be placed in the
bottom of the pond, or built into the sides. Spotlights of various
wattage can light pathways, plants, and pond statuary. Floating
lights can create an attractive feature on the surface of the pond,
adding color and texture to the surface.
Adding pond lights is a great way to
bring your water garden to life after dark. There are a few things
to think about when setting up pond lights.
#1 - Point Pond Lights Away From
the Viewing Area. When placing your pond lights, it
is always suggested to point the lights away from the viewing area
(where you sit or stand to enjoy your water garden the most). This
will prevent the lights from shining in your eyes when trying to
enjoy the view.
#2 - Selecting the right
light. Pond lighting is generally 12 volt. 12-Volt is
much easier and safer to work with then standard 115v power. 12
volt power is produced by simply adding a transformer. There are
basically two types of lights spot lights and flood lights. The
difference is that a spot light will produce an intense light to
directly light up a subject or feature, where a flood light can
provide a glow on a larger target.
Tip: It is
recommended to use only 90% of the total transformer output to
maximize light potential. For example: a 300 watt transformer
should have a maximum of 270 watts of watts. That would be
equivalent to (5) 50 watt lights and (1) 20 watt light. Please
Note: Some pond lights will come with their own
transformer.
#3 - Combo Underwater Lighting
and Landscape Lighting. Don't only think of adding
pond lights to light up the water. Make sure to add some landscape
lighting to show off your landscape and set the
tone.
