Water features are fast becoming the focal point of many gardens. They create a relaxing mood in any environment with sound and movement. A great way to take advantage of the natural dancing and rippling of water is by reflecting the action with underwater lighting. Imagine the soothing sounds of water spilling into a pool, while shimmering light is projected on surrounding plant material, rock, or architectural structures.

There are many lighting techniques that can be used to show off not only the beauty of the water feature itself, but also the beauty of the natural qualities of water. There are three basic types of underwater lighting products that are available to contractors today.

• 12 volt

• 120 volt

• Fiber Optic

In Figure 1, the light is placed directly below the water spill point. This will create a shimmering wall of water and lots of movement and reflections. Direct light will also come out of the water itself. The light will spread throughout the pool as well, and partially light behind the spill point or back wall. This is the typical way of lighting a waterfall.

Twelve-volt fixtures are probably the most common for Landscape Contractors because they can be tied into the landscape lighting systems, they have little risk of electrical shock, and are available in many different styles. Standard 12-volt fixtures are ABS plastic with a halogen light source.

Fixtures of 120-volt type are also very popular because of their high wattage light output. Some of these fixtures can use 300-watt lamps, which would probably only be used in very large ponds or pools. However, 120-volt wiring does require a qualified electrician for proper installation and greater care has to be used to ensure that there is no risk of electrical shock or leakage through conduit fittings. Most of these lights are niche-mounted or can be part of a pump/jet/light system that is very common in commercial applications.

In Figure 2, the light is placed behind the spill point and aimed towards the fall. This creates a shadow on the back wall and focuses on the falling water. Some light will reflect off the falling water and bounce off the back wall, which is already a little dark -- a great effect to get light dancing off that wall.

Fibe Optic underwater lighting is being used more and more in today’s water features. The reason is that these fiber ropes are completely waterproof and are "pure light." They are basically plastic materials that have light projected through them, all of the electrical components are outside of the water itself. This means that there is virtually no electrical hazard in the water whatsoever.

Another benefit of fiber optic lighting is that color wheels can be programmed to change throughout the night, providing a very lively and festive mood. Fiber optic systems start with a light source in a housing close to the water feature. Fiber optic lines are then run from this light projector and carry the light throughout the pond or fountain.

In Figure 3, the light is placed behind the spill point and aimed at the back wall. This will silhouette the falling water and your eye will be drawn actually through the water to see the highlighted back wall. Light will also reflect off the wall, go back through the fall, and create some light movement in the falling water.

Water does magnify, reflect, and spread light. Underwater lighting effects can be dramatically changed simply by the placement of the fixture.

Underwater lighting is essential in all water features. It will bring to life the entire landscape and invite people to gaze at the motion created by sparkling light. Experiment with all of the techniques mentioned, and be imaginative and create your own. Water features are unique works of art, and underwater lighting is a sure way to enhance and compliment them.

Bob Klaidman is VP of Sales with SPJ Lighting, Inc.

In Figure 4, the light is placed in front of the fall and aimed directly at the falling water. This will directly illuminate your focal point of the water feature, and will provide lots of motion of light bouncing off the waterfall and to the surrounding landscape.