GUIDELINE

Safe Public Pool Illumination Guideline
Version 1.0 Issue Date: July 2023

Introduction

Properly lighting an aquatic facility should not be based on energy efficiency, but rather public safety. The same philosophy of “public safety” should be used when selecting an architect, lighting engineer and new fixtures. The ORFA has been made aware of recent pool lighting upgrades that have resulted in poor lifeguard visibility. At times, these equipment upgrades have placed users of our facilities at risk. This resource is offered as an awareness to possible known risks as well as other forms of risk management reduction strategies being utilized by industry leaders. The resource remains open for additional feedback.

Public Pool User Safety

Protecting pool users is a strictly controlled responsibility under Regulation 565 Public Pools RRO 1990, Reg 565 | Public Pools | CanLII The weight of this responsibility rests with certified lifeguards, however, pool design and ongoing maintenance is as important as the human factor in swimmer safety. Lifeguards are humans and as such will have limitations. Water clarity is essential to a lifeguard’s ability to monitor user risk. Facility design can unknowingly impact water clarity throughout an operational day as natural light penetrates the bowl. Water movement, based on user loads, will also impact visual ability for the lifeguard. Lighting levels, positioning, maintenance and loss of illumination through hours of use will require ongoing management to monitor and maintain.

Responsibility of the Designated Pool Operator

As outlined in Regulation 565, every pool operator must select a designated pool operator who is properly trained. Proper pool illumination is deemed to be the responsibility of the designated pool operator to ensure that the pool remains safe and serviceable at all times.

Lifeguard Vision Quality

The Life Saving Society states:

Good visual acuity improves a lifeguard’s or instructor’s monitoring and scanning ability of the swimming pool, and their response time in an emergency. Any person who assumes the role of a lifeguard or instructor in an aquatic environment should achieve and maintain the following vision standards:

Source: 98visionstandard20210325.pdf (lifesavingsociety.com)

The issue of requiring lifeguards to confirm their vision quality through regular testing is a “designated pool operators” responsibility to consider as part of internal operational policy.

Water Visual Quality

Swimmer safety can be affected by hazy water, lane markings or other features of the pool. The pool bottom should be clearly visible as water clarity helps to identify swimmers in danger and limit the risks of injury. Water clarity is a measure of the number of particles in the water, or the extent to which light can travel through the water. There are many ways to express water clarity, including Secchi disk depth, turbidity, colour, suspended solids, or light extinction. A Certified Aquatic Technician (CAT) understands the importance of pool water balancing and the benefit of water clarity. An important element of a lifeguard’s ability to continually scan the pool rests with the pool operator’s competency.

The National Sanitation Foundation standard for water clarity in pools is 0.5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). At times of peak bather loads, the turbidity is allowed to increase to 1.0NTU but must return to 0.5NTU within 6 hours (NSPF 2005). Portable hand-held nephelometers commonly referred to as turbidimeters uses the principle that light passing through a substance is reflected or scattered by particulate matter suspended in the substance. The light reflected at 90° to the light beam, which is specific to a nephelometric measurement is received by photocells and measured based on calibration with a standard turbidity suspension. The results are expressed in terms of FNU (Formazin Nephelometric Units) – identical with NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units). The units of measurement for the EPA method are recorded as nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). The units of measurement for the standard ISO method are Formazin Nephelometric Units (FNU).

Regulation 565: Water quality 

7. (4) In the case of a public pool, every owner and every operator, other than an owner and operator of a modified pool or a wave action pool, shall ensure that the pool water is of a clarity to permit a black disc 150 millimetres in diameter on a white background located on the bottom of the pool at its deepest point to be clearly visible from a point on the deck nine metres away from the disc. O. Reg. 494/17, s. 5.

(5) In the case of a public pool, every owner and every operator of a modified pool shall ensure that the pool water is of a clarity to permit a lifeguard occupying the lifeguard control station that is least affected by reflections from the water surface to see at a distance of 35 metres from the control station the continuous black marking referred to in subsection 18 (3) on the bottom of the pool where the water is 1.20 metres in depth. O. Reg. 494/17, s. 5.

Life Saving Society Pool Operational Lighting Standards

Lighting levels on the pool deck and surface of the water should be maintained at a minimum of 200 lux. The swimming pool and surrounding pool deck must stay illuminated through all periods of operation and maintenance.

Life Saving Society Pool Emergency Lighting Standards

In the event of a power failure, an emergency escape lighting system should immediately illuminate the pool surface and pool deck. Emergency lighting must provide a minimum of 10 lux to all paths of egress from the facility for not less than 30 minutes.

Facility Lighting 101

Aquatic management often inherit the pool lighting system without understanding if in fact it continues to meet set lighting standards. Recreation facilities lighting systems have evolved. Early construction may have utilized mercury vapour or metal halide lighting systems. These bulbs produced a variety of different shades of lighting. The colour of light ranges from soft white to daylight on the Kelvin (K) temperature scale. The lower end of the scale appears more yellow, and the higher end appears bluer.

Lux, Lumens & Watts 101

Lumens and watts are two units that represent the light output and energy use of a light bulb. A facility manager must be able to compare the life expectancy of light bulbs with the same wattage and lumens to calculate longevity to determine best investment.

Different light bulb designs will have different calculations, for discussion purposes as the bulb ages, the filament becomes thinner. This increases resistance, so with the same 120v voltage applied, it draws less current. Example: a 60-watt bulb will become the (near) equivalent of a 40-watt bulb. Watts=Volts x Amps. Less wattage, less light. In simple terms, lumens measure the brightness of the light produced but not the dispersion, where as lux measures one lumen per square metre which is a better representation of light spread. A narrow spotlight might have the same lumen output as a flood light, but the dispersion would be very different. The handheld light meters provide a reading in lux.

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Standards

Swimming pool lighting standards are available through IES and should form the basis to the design and installation of all pool lighting systems. Proactive aquatic designated operators would hold a copy of the Illuminance Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) – Recommended Practice and Sports and Recreational Area Lighting Standard. Visit: Home - Illuminating Engineering Society (ies.org)

Light Transmission Principles

Refers to the amount of light that can successfully pass through any materials (glass, water). When measured, transmission is usually expressed through a calculated percentage of the light that can pass through the materials being tested. There are two principal forms of light transmission: internal and external. Water is considered a good transmitter of light. However, the surface of the water can also act as a “reflector” of incident light. The degree of reflection depends on the angle of the incidence. Swimmers will cause surface turbulence which produces scattered reflection.

As light strikes water at a shallower angle, the reflected component increases until virtually no light penetrates the water surface. This reflection of light causes “veiling” making difficult to see into pool water. Controlling reflection is just as important as selecting the correct number of “lumens”. A general light installation practice is to have the angle of incidence of the main light beam less than 50 degrees from vertical. The illuminance within the pool basin should always exceed the illuminance of reflected light from the water surface.

Pool Bowl Colour Selection

To help ensure enhanced visibility pool basin finishes below the water line should be white or a colour with a reflectance of not less than 50%. Swim lane markings should be a broken line design to assist lifeguards in their scanning efforts.

Aquatic Facility Wall Colours and Ambiance

Selecting the correct colours and finishes of walls and ceilings for a pool is also an important safety feature that is not always considered. Wall and ceiling colours should not contribute to visibility issues. The additiona of murals or other art may unintentionally cause lifeguard scanning challenges.

Challenges of Pool Natural Lighting

Architects like to include as much natural lighting as possible in new construction. Consideration of changing seasons and how the sun may enter windows in a pool, at different times of the year, should be given during the design phase. Daylight admitted from the top of the pool is considered the best use of it however, in cold climate regions these can add to a pool manger’s maintenance responsibilities. Skylights are selected so that the design and finish prevent direct sunlight from entering the pool. It is important to keep all windows clean and in good repair. Installation of window treatments may assist in meeting the operational needs of the facility.

When Pool Lighting is Too Bright

Over lighting a pool can also challenge a lifeguard’s scanning ability. It is important to keep within the illumination recommendations.

Underwater Pool Lighting

Lighting a pool bowl is an effective way to improve lifeguard scanning capability. There are two types of underwater bowl lighting options:

1. Dry niche mounting: luminaires are placed behind watertight portholes or windows
2. Wet niche mounting: special light luminaires are recessed directly into the pool walls

As these lighting systems are connected to the facility’s power system, the risk of shock is present. Facility management must be diligent in their inspection and maintenance of these systems once installed.

The Rise of LED Pool Lighting

The growing popularity of colour-changing light emitting diode (LED) lighting for pools and spas is primarily due to the brilliant-lighting effects of newer systems. The difference between old technology (incandescent) pool lighting and LED pool lighting is like comparing a standard definition television to a high-definition television - the colours and visual quality are simply stronger, brighter and more appealing. LEDs use far less electricity; an LED light can last six times longer than an incandescent light of equal brightness. An LED is a small semi-conductor device that converts electrical energy directly into light. Since there is no filament, an LED does not heat up the way an incandescent bulb does, which wastes a significant amount of electricity routed to it to produce heat rather than light. An LED light provides a noticeably brighter light while using less energy than an incandescent bulb—resulting in significant energy savings. Ontario has a variety of energy reduction programs that many communities are taking advantage of. At times, the aquatic facility upgrade is added as part of a community wide upgrade project with no or little consideration of the specific needs of these buildings. Pool management must be proactive in raising awareness of the information held within this resource as part of the upgrade process.

Recent Industry Pool Incident

A member recently shared a user incident in a pool that suggested that new LED lighting fixtures contributed to the on-deck lifeguards’ ability to scan the pool properly. The post event investigation identified many of the lighting reflection matters outlined in this resource. The incident had a positive outcome but did raise a flag that testing for adequate illumination under all types of operational conditions, post installation, should be undertaken by all aquatic facility management. A review of the incident resulted in the identification of the new LED lighting system requiring an additional investment to correct. Often installation testing only occurs when the pool is not in use.

Pool Lighting Operational Testing and Maintenance Program

It is essential that light level testing occurs immediately post installation so that all levels can be used as benchmarks for future light level testing. Pool owners and the selected designated pool operator operators have a responsibility to ensure that swimming pools always remain illuminated to original standard. To keep the lighting system in good condition, a schedule of inspections, along with a regular preventive maintenance program should be maintained to keep the lighting system to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Sample Pool Lighting Inspection Procedure

The Designated Pool Operator shall:

If the pool lighting levels fall below standard or the lighting system presents a risk, the swimming pool should be closed immediately until repairs have been completed by a qualified technician and the lighting system restored to specification.

ORFA members shared that their aquatic operations log light level readings are done weekly whenever possible with a mandatory monthly inspection being conducted. Staff take readings in the pool, on the deck, in changerooms and shower areas are measured and recorded as part of their risk reduction strategy. The ORFA views this as a recommended industry best practice for other members to consider adopting.

The Risks of (Eye) Photo Bleaching

Photo-bleaching happens to the cells in a retina which is the light sensitive bit at the back of an eye. It is populated with cells called rods and cones, and these are full of light sensitive pigments. Normally we get light as particles called photons coming into the eye; these stimulate the cells by changing this light sensitive pigment, which is called retinal, into a slightly different form and they stimulate the cells to send electrical impulses to the brain. When a person receives a bright light - like a flash or looking at the sun or a bright light bulb, it sends the cells into overdrive and they get really overexcited, and it takes them a little while to calm down. So then when a person looks at a normal level of light, like a wall, they see black spot(s) where they have been looking at light where the cells have been over stimulated. LED lights in a pool can cause this to occur creating a lifeguard scanning issue. Workplace specific training should include awareness of this issue so that lifeguards might avoid the problem.

Properly Storing Light Bulbs

Light bulbs should always be stored in a clean dry location as excessive moisture may reduce the lifecycle of the bulb. A reminder that storing bulbs in mechanical rooms may present a fire hazard and may not be an acceptable practice as outlined in the Fire Code. Discussing this with the Joint Health and Safety Committee is an option to be explored.

Annually Checking Hanging Fixtures Over a Pool

On May 8, 2023 - 6 people were injured after an HVAC system collapsed into busy Colorado resort pool. Suspended equipment in all recreation facilities (speakers, lights etc.) requires annual inspections to confirm that they remain safe and serviceable. Once a complicated maintenance management task, now has drones capable of capturing high quality images of these installations. Facility management must consider adding this task to the building’s asset management plans.

Changing Pool Light Bulb Risks and Hazards

Maintaining lighting over a pool has challenged building maintenance staff since the start of indoor swimming. Facility management would benefit from tracking light burn time so that a complete rebulbing might be scheduled based on light life expectancy. If this work is being performed when the bowl is empty, working at heights and fall restraint regulations would need to be met. Accessing engineering expertise to design a standard operating procedure is recommended.

Electrical Pool Safety

A reminder to include GFCI testing, inspection and replacement based on projected life cycle as part of a pool’s electrical maintenance plans.

Public Health Inspectors

The ORFA does not believe that Ontario’s Public Health departments are aware of the challenges created by new pool lighting systems. ORFA recommends that Public Health Inspectors (PHI) include lighting improvement inspection to their responsibilities and ensure that any new LED installations have staff aware of the known reflection risks. It is recognized that PHI is not always qualified to perform light level testing however, they do have the authority to ask if lighting upgrades have occurred at the pool, if aquatic staff are aware of the possible scanning risks associated with these installations, and what light quality testing program for the facility is in place. Awareness is always the keystone to public safety.

Conclusion

The ORFA recognizes the expertise provided by its Provincial Research and Development Focus Group. This team consists of frontline practitioners who volunteer their time to improve the industry. The information shared in this resource is a direct result of this commitment. We invite all members to share their experiences so that together we might continue to lead the industry.

ALERT - Public Pool Swimmer LED Light Lifeguard Scanning Risk

To: All Owners & Designated Public Pool Operators and Public Health Inspectors

Recent Industry Pool Incident

A member recently shared a user incident in a pool that suggested that new LED lighting fixtures contributed to the on-deck lifeguards’ ability to scan the pool effectively. The post event investigation identified many of the lighting reflection from a recent LCD light upgrade contributed to the event. The incident had a positive outcome but did raise a flag that testing for adequate illumination under all types of operational conditions, post installation, should be undertaken by aquatic facility management, should LED lights be installed. A review of the incident resulted in the system requiring an additional investment to correct the original upgrade.

In response, the ORFA released the Safe Public Pool Illumination Guideline to assist aquatic facility staff in understanding the science and contributing factors that can impact public pool scanning quality. The resource is designed to provide direction for architects, lighting engineers and contractors to better understand the variables and risks associated with LED lighting installations.

Key Points of the Safe Public Pool Illumination Guideline Include

ORFA members shared that their aquatic operations log light level readings are done weekly whenever possible with a mandatory monthly inspection being conducted. Staff take readings in the pool, on the deck, in changerooms and shower areas are measured and recorded as part of their risk reduction strategy. The ORFA views this as a recommended industry best practice for other members to consider adopting.

ORFA is committed to adding this information to its current Certified Aquatic Technician (CAT) training curriculum to continue to raise awareness of this issue.

Other Resources

• City of Mississauga, Lighting for Pool Areas and Changerooms

better understand how public safety can be obtained through training and ongoing education.

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