Ask any person what their dream home looks like and, in most cases, a swimming pool will be a part of that home. Once upon a time, the backyard swimming pool was simply installed, without much thought given to the area surrounding the pool. These days, however, the pool area is very much an extension of the home and, as such, is given the attention it deserves to turn the pool area into a beautiful and functional part of the home.
Many people have chosen to have a pool cage or a lanai constructed over their pool area. This gives the pool area more privacy and you can do so much more in terms of decorating. Best of all, you can extend your swimming from all day and into the night with the right lighting.
Pool Cage Lighting Ideas
Take a look at some of the awesome pool cage lighting ideas and turn your backyard pool area into a summer oasis better than any resort.
Surrounding Yourself With Light
Part of the charm of a pool cage is that it gives the illusion of being indoors while you are most definitely outdoors. To avoid that “closed-in” feeling, especially at night, you need the right lighting. Sure, you can add lots of different lights or a set of really bright lights, but most people don’t want lighting at night that is too bright.
Whether you have a pool cage or a lanai, a great option for just the right amount of light are the ones that emit light upwards and downwards. Up and down lights are an excellent choice in this area as they shine enough light downward to illuminate the ground so you’re not tripping over towels or end tables. Also, the light is directed upwards and this adds an almost ethereal glow to the pool area.
Beams Of Light
The construction of most pool cages makes it incredibly easy to add lighting and one of the most obvious places to install lights are along the beams. There are many different lighting ideas you can select but one that will definitely give you a holiday atmosphere in the pool cage are LED rope lights. You can secure these to all the overhead beams as well as continue downwards. There are no limits to how much rope lighting you need to add to your pool cage so you can choose a few beams for subtle lighting or go all the way and cover every exposed beam and post for something a little more dramatic.
Every Night Is Fiesta Night
If you love entertaining, or simply like the party atmosphere, turn your pool cage or lanai into an ongoing first with a combination LED sting and rope light. The bright colors of these lights illuminate your pool area in a cacophony of lights in different colors that are fun and inviting. You can have a single string of rope lights going along the length or width of the pool or you can install several of these strategically along several sections of the pool. This type of lighting is available in a single color if you prefer a little simplicity but overall, this is a fun type of lighting that will accentuate your pool cage as party central.
Don’t Neglect The Decking
If your pool cage has a deck, you may think you don’t need any lighting around this area of your pool. However, if you’re looking to create the right atmosphere in your pool area, don’t overlook the deck or any steps. Keep in mind that adding lighting to your pool cage usually means you plan on making the most of your pool area at night and any area around the deck or steps can be hazardous without a touch of illumination in this space.
So where to place the solar deck lights!! The obvious place to install these lights is on any steps you have leading to the pool area, but you can also place a few along the edges of the pool cage, the deck and any railings you have. The amount of light you need is entirely up to you so you can add them sparingly if you want a little bit of light or add these lights generously and illuminate the entire area.
Fences And Walls
The perimeter of your pool cage or yard is often the darkest area so light up with wall lamps and sconces. There are some stunning designs and styles you can choose from so you’re sure to find one that is ideal for the ambient you are hoping to create in your pool area. Choose timeless wall lamps that will look great with your pool cage decor and will also complement any other lighting you have. Surround the edges with light and you can enjoy pool time with just the right light from dusk until dawn.
Mix & Match To Set The Scene
Gone are the days when the pool area or pool cages were simply used for swimming. Today, most home and pool owners have opted to create an entire lifestyle around this area. It’s not unusual to find pool cages to also have areas for relaxing or entertaining that don’t necessarily need to involve swimming or getting wet. Perhaps it’s our primordial instinct to be close to water or we simply enjoy the natural movement of fluid.
With that in mind, there are no set rules for decorating your pool cage and that includes the type of lighting you use. While it’s perfectly acceptable to choose one pool cage lighting idea, if that’s what you want, you don’t need to choose just one. By mixing and matching different types of lighting, you can accentuate the actual pool but also create different spaces around the pool. For example, you may have a sound system close to the entrance of the house and this would be an ideal place for LED strip lights. These lights are easy to install and can give a seamless look to your chosen area.
You may also have a flower bed situated along the fence line of your pool cage and this would be the perfect place to install some stunning wall lamps. You can also create a nice quiet corner in your pool cage for reading or enjoying your morning coffee.
Of course, this area would then need a comfy armchair or two and a table for snacks and beverages. Add a trendy table lamp and you have a neat little sanctuary where you can start or even end your day.
Pool Lanai Lighting Ideas
An outdoor covered area is a must in hot, sunny areas and this is where the lanai is an instant winner. The lanai was first popular in one of the sunniest places on the planet, namely, Hawaii and is a particular type of outdoor covered area somewhere between a patio and a porch.
In recent years, the lanai has become a great choice to cover pool areas. It allows the homeowner to cover the pool and create a space that is functional and beautiful. Learn some pool lanai lighting ideas to make it more cosy.
Liven Up You Lanai
Add the right lighting to your lanai and you can enjoy the warmer months around the pool all day and all night. Think of the pool parties you can host.
To start with, place solar fence lights along the edges of the lanai to create a soft, yet inviting glow. This option gives you enough light to see everything around you without the glare. You can also add a set of solar string lights overhead which will give you extra lights on those warm, starry nights.
Lower Height Lanai? No Worries!
Not all pool cages or lanai need to be particularly high and much of it depends on where your pool is situated. Many homes have a pool area adjacent to the house and this often involves a lanai that is the same height as the guttering. Often, this has limited the options for pool cage style lighting ideas to long, industrial-looking fluorescent lights, which are overly bright and somewhat mundane.
If this is not the look you want, why not consider making the pool cage area a full extension of the home? As long as your lanai is covered, you can add the simple elegance of a ceiling light, or a few of them, overhead. This lighting idea will give the feel of the pool cage being another room of the house, albeit a fun one.
While playing with indoor lighting ideas for your lanai, you can also add some table lamps. These are ideal to add to decorative stands around the edges of the pool cage but you can also add them to small tables next to lounge chairs and other furniture.
The main thing to consider when selecting the perfect pool cage lighting ideas for your home is to decide the main purpose of your pool area and then take it from there. As you are installing these lighting ideas near water, it’s a good idea to ensure that the ones you choose close to the pool are waterproof.
Whatever you decide, turn this area of your own into your own private oasis or a fun entertainment area and make the most of those hot summer days and warm summer nights.
