FD5 - Lighting of Pool Halls

Purpose

To establish safety guidelines for the design of both natural and artificial lighting in pool halls (both indoor and outdoor).

Design

The design of lighting within pool halls should take into account a harmonised approach between natural and artificial light sources.

Lighting design should start at the architectural planning stage, considering the orientation of the building for optimal natural light, as well as the layout for artificial lighting fixtures.

The design should facilitate a well-lit environment that ensures the safety of all users, especially in low light conditions.

The design should also minimise glare and shadow formation (see sections 5.5 and 5.6).

Natural Light

The use of natural light within pool halls is of utmost importance and correct orientation of the pool hall to the sun is important. Natural light is not only energy efficient, but also maintenance free.

Care should be taken with placement of glazing, particularly to the west and east. (sun is low in the sky, light is difficult to control causing glare across the water surface).

Windows to the north can be controlled via the use of horizontal sunshades, but the light received can be very harsh.

South light however has the advantage of being a softer diffused light source withless problems of glare or harshness.

Light from directly above is preferable as it reduces surface reflection.

Lighting Level

Lights should be generally located evenly throughout the aquatic facility to eliminate shadows to the edges of the pool tank. This is less of a problem with “wet deck” pools.

Consideration should be given to the ability to access light fixtures for maintenance purposes.

The  average horizontal maintained illuminance level may vary depending on the intended use of the pool. The following illuminance levels for intended activities should be as follows:

Minimum uniformity of illuminance should be provided over the total water area and pool surrounds in accordance with AS 2560.2:2021.

Reference should also be made to AS 2560.2:2021, AS 1680.2.1 and the FINA Handbook, especially when considering lighting for television broadcasts.

Glare

All glare across the water surface should be reduced to a minimum. Not only from the safety aspect of being able to observe all underwater activity, but a glare free environment is highly desirable for competition use.

The shape of the pool hall and its ceiling height can also contribute to glare.

Glare may also be reduced by correct angle and location of artificial lighting. (see also Section 5.6 below).

Glare may also be reduced by use of diffusing strategies such as opaque glazing / sky lights, diffusing screens and/or splashing light across white or ceiling surfaces.

Outdoor Lighting: The maximum glare rating (GR) for outdoor lighting shall not exceed a GR of 50.

Indoor Lighting: The maximum glare rating (GR) for indoor lighting shall not exceed a GR of 40.

Artificial Light

Angle of incidence of light

The angle of the incidence of light reaching the opposite side of the pool, from any given luminaire or artificial light should not be more than 60 degrees. This should ensure that only low illuminance images (reflections) of any artificial lighting are visible to those on the pool deck (such as lifeguards), thereby reducing glare from installed lighting and reducing detrimental impacts to swimmer supervision.

Lighting of diving areas requires special consideration. For more information refer to AS2560.2:2021.

Colour

The colour of light within a pool hall should be correctly balanced. For more information refer to AS2560.2:2021.

Maintenance

Generally, lamps should not be placed directly over the water surface as this can make replacement of globes difficult. A number of mechanical systems of lowering and/or sliding the lamps to the concourse areas have been used, but serious consideration should be given to corrosion. There are a number of alternative methods currently in use including asymmetric, high bay fittings.

Efficiency

Care should be taken in the selection of any lamp type with its energy usage. The efficiency of any lamp is seriously affected if the ambient air is contaminated and allows dirt to build up on the lamp lens. Generally temperature does not have any effect, but high humidity can cause corrosion within the lamp itself.

Maintenance

To ensure that the standard of lighting for an aquatic facility is maintained:

1. External windows should be kept clean as part of a regular maintenance schedule;
2. Artificial lighting should be maintained in good working order, with units kept clean (where appropriate) and a provision made for replacement is a defect causes illumination to fall below a safe level at which a view of the pool bottom is impaired.
3. Emergency lighting should be tested and maintained in accordance with AS 2293.1:2018 and its amendments.
4. Illumination values should be tested annually to ensure there is no deterioration.

References

• Building Code of Australia - 2006. Australian Building Code Board.
• AS 1428.1 – 2009 Design for access and mobility - General Requirements for Access - New Building Work
• AS 1428.2 – 1992 Design for access and mobility - Enhanced and Additional Requirements - Buildings and Facilities
• AS 2560.1:2018 Sports Lighting, Part 1: General principles
• AS 2560.2:2021 - ; Sports Lighting Part 2: Specific Applications
• AS 1680 - 2009 Interior Lighting - Safe Movement

Previous Versions

• FD20 Lighting of Pool Halls Issue 2 November 2007
• FD5 Lighting of Pool Halls Issue 3 January 2018