Fiber Optics Underwater Lighting

Fiber Optic underwater lighting requires three different items per underwater light...

Light Source Illuminator SV150	Endglow Cable	Lenses

The SV150 Illuminator The Illuminator is the light source of the fiber optics. It is where the white light or the color changing actually occurs. The light is then transfered from the illuminator through the endglow cable and out through the lens. The color changing effect is actually caused by a color wheel located inside the Illuminator. One Illuminator can be used for multiple lights (underwater, perimeter, waterfall, or landscape). The maximum amount of strands that can be used per illuminator is 550 strands of fiber. An upgrade kit can be purchased that makes the maximum amount of strands 756 Strands (SVFH756KIT)

Endglow Cable From the light source the light is transferred through actual fiber. In the case of underwater lighting the fiber is known as Endglow cable. The endglow cable is made in different strands of fiber (4 Strand up to 300 Strand) and is sold per the foot. The strand of endglow cable you purchase depends on the shape and color of your pool. The length of endglow cable is based on the length from where you put your Illuminator out to where your lens is located.

Lenses The lens of the underwater lighting is where the light is actually displayed. There are several different types of lenses sold depending on what type of swimming pool you have (Gunite, Fiberglass, Vinyl). They also come in either white or black, and either plastic or glass.

Underwater Lighting Layout
Below is an example of the underwater layout. Remember you can have multiple amounts of lights coming from one single fiber optic illuminator. The maximum amount of strands is 550 Strands. In this case One Illuminator is used for 5 seperate lights. 3 Lights have strands of 150 fiber, the step lens has 50 fibers, and the Swimout Lens has 50 fibers. So in this case the maximum fiber is used (150+150+150+50+50). If more fiber was needed the upgrade kit (756 Strands SVFH756KIT) could be purchased, or a second Illumanitor could also be purchased.

Next Step
After lens placement, amount of fiber per lens and light source placement are drawn on the pool plan, the amount of fiber required can be estimated. Be sure to add and extra 5’ or so to each run of endglow fiber and an extra 10’ to the total length perimeter including the distance to and from the light source. This will ensure enough cable for variations in the actual installation, as well as allowing for a service loop at the light source.

How many fiber strands should I use for my swimming Pool?

The number of strands for your swimming pool depends mainly on the size, shape, and color of your swimming pool. Here are a few question you need to ask yourself before purchasing underwater fiber optics.

1. What color is the surface of the swimming pool?
Light or white surfaces reflect light and color best. Dark surfaces absorb light and won't show much color change. More
fiber is required to light dark pools. Avoid underwater lighting in black pools (Perimeter, however, may be used).

2. Where is the house in relation to the swimming pool?
Lenses should be placed facing AWAY from the house or primary viewing area. This way the client will only see the wash
of color on the opposite wall, and won't be staring directly into the light.

Do not use Fiber Optics on Black Pools

3. How much fiber should I put in each lens?
Single lens applications will require a larger fiber size (225 or 300 strands) than a multiple lens application (usually 150 strands per lens).

Do not use Fiber Optics on Black Pools

Underwater Fiber Optic Lighting Construction General Guidelines

• Mount lenses 6-9" below water level. Watch for swimouts as lens placement above the bench will cause shadows and below the bench will be too deep.
• Single lens applications - Mount lens in the deep end of the pool. See example in figure 1, 2, 3 for reference.
• Multiple lens application - Lenses should be placed facing away from the house or primary viewing area. The average sized residential pool will use three lenses on the long wall, shining across the width of the pool. See examples in figure 4, 5, 6 for reference.
• Spa lenses may be placed in the footwell.
• If light source capacity allows, use 25 or 50 strands in a lens assembly to illuminate the steps.

Gunite Pool Lens Prep	Gunite Pool Lens Finish
Gunite Spa Lens Prep	Gunite Spa Lens Finish

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