Natatorium Lighting Design
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What to Expect When Requesting a Lighting Plan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natatorium Lighting Design?
Natatorium lighting design uses specialized lighting design software to create a comprehensive lighting plan for indoor swimming facilities. Our design calculates the total number of fixtures needed, shows optimal installation locations, and provides detailed light levels and balance analysis.
Light balance is crucial for creating a swimming environment that feels bright and comfortable rather than harsh or uneven. We offer free lighting designs for commercial lighting clients, electricians, electrical contractors, and ESCOs.
What Are the Light Level Requirements for Different Natatorium Types?
Light requirements vary based on the competition level and facility use.
- Professional pools need 75 foot candles on the water surface and 50 fc on deck areas.
- College-level facilities require 50 fc for pools and 20 fc for decks.
- Recreational natatoriums need 30 fc pool lighting and 10 fc deck lighting.
A professional lighting plan ensures you meet these requirements while optimizing fixture placement and beam spread.

How Many Lumens Do You Need for an Indoor Swimming Pool?
Lumen requirements range from 10 lumens per square foot for recreational deck areas up to 75 lumens per square foot for professional-level pools. The exact number depends on your facility’s purpose, ceiling height, and surface reflectance values. Our lighting calculations factor in all variables to determine precise lumen requirements.
Can Any High Bay Light Fixture Be Used in a Commercial Pool Facility?
Standard high bay fixtures are not suitable for natatorium environments. Pool lighting requires fixtures with tempered glass lenses, cast aluminum housings, and corrosion-resistant coatings. These features protect against high humidity and chlorine exposure that would quickly degrade standard fixtures.

How Can You Reduce Glare in Natatoriums?
We recommend installing frosted or prismatic lenses to eliminate the harsh “star” appearance of LED fixtures. Additional glare reduction comes from proper fixture positioning, using appropriate beam angles, and ensuring uniform light distribution. Our lighting designs optimize fixture placement to minimize glare for swimmers and spectators.
Why Do I Need a Professional Lighting Plan for My Natatorium?
A professional lighting plan prevents costly installation mistakes and ensures code compliance from day one. Our photometric analysis shows exact light levels, eliminates dark spots, and optimizes fixture quantities to reduce energy costs. The plan provides contractors with precise installation specifications, reducing labor time and ensuring proper beam angles for optimal performance.
What Information Do You Need to Create a Natatorium Lighting Design?
We need your facility’s dimensions and ceiling height, target foot candle levels, and any existing fixture locations. A floor plan or architectural drawing helps us optimize fixture placement. We also consider factors like ventilation equipment locations and any areas requiring special lighting considerations, like diving platforms or therapy pools.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Natatorium Lighting Plan?
Most natatorium lighting designs are completed within 3-5 business days after receiving your facility information. Complex projects with multiple pools or special requirements may take up to one week. Rush orders can be accommodated for projects with tight deadlines.
Can Lighting Plans Help Reduce My Project’s Energy Costs?
Yes, our lighting plans optimize fixture placement to achieve required light levels with fewer total fixtures. This reduces both upfront equipment costs and long-term energy consumption. Proper spacing prevents over-lighting areas while ensuring uniform coverage meets code requirements. Many clients save 15-25% on fixture quantities compared to rule-of-thumb installations.
Sample Natatorium and Swimming Pool Lighting Plan


