How to Light a Water Pond

Illuminate a pond using pond lights.

Lighting enhances a pond's look as well as the overall landscape surrounding the pond. Pond lighting provides a warm ambiance, and the pond can be seen and enjoyed while it is dark outside. Different types of lights can be used to illuminate a pond. Some lights must be plugged into an electric source, while others run off of batteries or solar power. Pond lights may be used outside of the pond, beneath the water, floating on the water or in a combination of locations.

Things You'll Need

• Light bulbs
• Extension cord or batteries
• Timer (optional)

Instructions

1. Examine your pond to determine the type of lighting required. If you need lighting for safety reasons, lights outside of the pond would be most helpful. If you want lighting for ambiance, choose lights that submerge below the water, or soft lighting that floats on the surface.

2. Visit a home improvement store or landscaping store to purchase pond lighting. Specialized pond lighting kits are available (see the first two Reference links below for some examples), or you can purchase each light separately. Depending on the lights you choose, you may need an extension cord to plug the lights in. Some lights run off of batteries or solar energy and do not use an extension cord. Purchase bulbs for each light if they are not included.

3. Read the manufacturer's instructions and assemble the lights. Some lights may come pre-assembled. Underwater lights typically have several parts since they will be attached to the pond wall using brackets. Generally, you must install the brackets before placing the underwater light into the cage. Different brands of lights may include colored lenses that will supply washes of color for your pond, either under or above the water. Other lights come with decorative fixtures that resume pond plants such as water lilies or vines.

4. Install the lighting according to the manufacturer's directions. For underwater lighting, you may need to drain the pond before installing the brackets. Lights outside of the pond may be installed on stakes, using a hammer, or spotlights can be installed onto buildings with screws. Floating lights are placed on the surface of the pond and generally operate via battery or solar power. For lights that are screwed into a surface, a motorized drill will be useful.

5. Install a timer if you wish to set the time the lights are turned on each day. Timers can be employed with lights that use extension cords. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the timer for proper use and installation. Battery-run lights do not work with a timer. Most solar lights automatically turn on when the sun goes down.

Tips & Warnings

• Take safety precautions when working with electricity and water. Read all manufacturer's safety warnings first. Turn off breaker boxes prior to installing lights.

References

• Pond-O-Mania: Pond Lights
• Foster and Smith Aquatics: Overview: Water Garden Lighting Guide
• Garden Ponds 101: Pond Lights