Installing a high quality pool lighting system can be an expensive and labor-some endeavor. It requires much time and untypical materials such as waterproof piping. Furthermore, precautions and code adherence must be followed since this is an electrical project. However, a more relaxing project can be completed when a larger high-voltage plan is demoted to a low-voltage design. Low-voltage fixtures and installation is affordable and still compliments any pool space.
Low-voltage lights only use 12 volts of power with the installation of a step-down box. This will lower the amount of power used, which would normally be 120 volts. A 6 piece lighting set uses less electricity than a single regular light bulb. Deciding where the lights will go may be a hard decision, along with what type of effects the lights will present. Consider purchasing a kit for pre-made designs. Plan a route beside a path or walkway near the pool.
Gather the required tools and safety equipment needed. The materials needed are lights, light fixtures, a transformer box, wire, wire cutters and a wire stripper, an insulated screwdriver, a shovel and safety glasses.
Prior to installing the low-voltage lighting system, check to make sure there are no other underground wires near or around where the system will be located. Lay out a wire to connect the landscaping lights to and refrain from making the wire tight or wrapping it around itself. This may cause damage or circuit failure in the future.
Place the lights along a path, pool edge, or other designated location next to the wire. Make sure the number of lights does not exceed the number supported by the circuit. Drive the fixture spikes into the ground. Use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the ground before pushing to hard on the spikes. If the ground is hard, the spikes may break off when pressure is applied.
The cable that connects the lights together should be buried slightly underground. Dig a small trench about 6 inches in depth to place the cable. Clip the wire leads from the lights to the cable with wire cutters. Do not fill the trench in with dirt yet.
Connect the low-voltage wires to the step-down transformer. Follow the manufacturer’s directions in doing this since not all lighting systems are alike. Use a wire stripper and an insulated screwdriver to connect the wires, making sure they are well-fastened. Install the transformer beside an outdoor electrical outlet. Plug the transformer in and test the light system.
Refill the trench in with dirt when everything is in working order. If they lights flicker or no connection is made, check the wiring again. Make sure the light bulbs are not blown. Also check to make sure there is power to the outdoor outlet.While a low-voltage lighting landscape unit may not be as professional as some may desire, the look still makes an outdoor evening at the pool more inviting. For extra decorative touches, add some rocks or plants around the area. Many things can be done with a pool landscape and low-voltage lighting can make the possibilities endless.
References:
Back Yard City Pools: http://www.backyardcity.com/Landscape-Lighting-Outdoor.htm
Most homeowners have probably spent hours looking at the different types of garden seeders. You may have even come across…
When it comes to vehicle lovers, cleaning their cars on a regular basis is essential to maintaining the paint job's…
Gas chainsaws are the perfect tool for a variety of outdoor tasks, including chopping up logs for firewood, clearing brush…
A home can be a daunting project, one that takes some time and energy to maintain. With hard work, determination,…
Today ginger is grown all over tropical and subtropical regions in Asia, in parts of Africa and South America, and…
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the world, and growing onions is a snap in the home…