Follow this tutorial to turn your poolside into the perfect outdoor retreat. We'll start with what you need and then guide you through the installation like a pro. Let's dive in!
Advantages of Custom Landscape Lighting Around Your Pool
Illuminates the Space
Any outdoor area can become dark at night. However, LED Christmas lights can brighten your pool surroundings, making it enjoyable long after sunset. The G50 LED retrofit bulbs we recommend provide greater illumination compared to other Christmas lights, ensuring your pool area is well-lit.
Enhances Atmosphere
Ordinary outdoor lights are common. But holiday lighting offers a special glow, creating a magical ambiance wherever they are placed. The area around your pool will not only look different but will also feel enchanted thanks to the unique allure of Christmas lights as custom landscape lighting.
Necessary Items for Installation
Setting
Before gathering your supplies, evaluate your area. For this project, the lights will be affixed to foliage. Ensure your pool area has surrounding trees, although not exclusively. Bushes, hedges, and shrubbery can also be adorned with lights, but make certain they can support the weight of a light strand.
Ultimately, success will be when you truly enjoy the effect of your breathtaking pool lighting.
Materials
The ingredients for a flawless installation are critical. Here's a list of meticulously chosen items we suggest:
G50 SMD Retrofit Bulbs
With a medium base, G50 bulbs shine more brightly than traditional ones due to the 10 LEDs within each bulb. The faceted design enhances their sparkle and glow, catching the eye. For this endeavor, use G50 bulbs with a C9 (or E17) base to ensure they fit the empty socket light line.
C9 Empty Socket Light Line, 24” Spacing
Even non-professionals can achieve a professional look with empty socket light lines. Two main reasons are: you can insert top-notch bulbs into the sockets, and you can tailor the length as needed. C9 empty socket light lines with 24-inch spacing provide robust amperage and ample room for each light to shine.
Light Timer
Using a dedicated light timer simplifies illumination, especially for landscape lighting. Your timer will decide when your lights turn on. A photocell timer activates the lights as darkness falls, while a Wifi smart app timer offers more precise control.
5mm Conical Angle Light Sets
Small but striking, these best-selling lights are perfect for greenery. Their convenient all-in-one design makes setup and takedown easier than other professional-grade lights.
Additional Materials:
- 18/2 male and female vampire plugs
- Socket cap covers
- Extension cord
- 18/2 zip cord
- Zip ties
- Cutting pliers
- Light timer
- Rubber mallet (optional)
Professional-grade lights guarantee a lighting display that's both bright and stunning. Retail store lights, even those labeled as “professional,” don't match true pro-grade standards. For any lighting project, high-quality lights are sourced where professionals shop.
Hang LED Christmas Lights on Trees & Greenery
With materials ready, commence the installation. Focus on illuminating the sides of the trees and greenery facing your house and pool, maximizing the use of your lights and ensuring a cost-effective setup.
Before starting, attach a female vampire plug to the starting end of the light line to terminate the open wire, even if not planning to use it.
Landscape lighting around your pool is meant to be a lasting installation. Zip ties are useful for maintaining lights over time. Secure the line to the upper tree using a zip tie, and trim the excess with cutting pliers.
Follow a U-shaped pattern, bringing the line down and then back up the tree, repeating around the front and side.
Adding Bulbs to Your Light Line
Once the line is in place, add bulbs to the sockets. Skip sockets not facing your house or pool and use socket cap covers to keep debris out. For a cleaner look, remove un-bulbed sockets with a rubber mallet and seal with electrical tape. Add zip ties for support, spacing them generously.
Terminate the light line with a male vampire plug and connect it to the female end of the zip cord. Do not exceed 250 feet of line or 250 bulbs. Remember, more line/bulbs mean reduced amperage.
Connecting to the Next Line
Move to the next tree with a new empty socket light line, using the same U-shaped pattern. Regardless of the tree's shape or size, this pattern works universally. Secure the line with zip ties for stability.
As you guide the line around branches, adjust and position sockets to face your pool or home. Cap or break off any misaligned sockets using a mallet if needed.
Installation Video:
Ta-da!
With your trees and foliage adorned, it's time to test your craftsmanship. Plug the end of the chain into an extension cord, connect to the timer, and then to the power source. Behold, your lights should illuminate with the charming glow only LED Christmas lights can provide.
Transforming your pool area with LED Christmas lights is a straightforward project that will make your pool surroundings truly shine. Are you seeking more ways to enhance your outdoor space, or have a special project in mind? We're here to help! Contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-391-5280. We're always delighted to hear from you!
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