{"id":213320,"date":"2025-12-31T09:33:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T14:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=213320"},"modified":"2026-04-28T13:19:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T17:19:47","slug":"from-dim-to-dazzling-bright-ideas-illuminate-old-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/from-dim-to-dazzling-bright-ideas-illuminate-old-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"From dim to dazzling: Bright ideas illuminate old pool"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photos courtesy Kenall Manufacturing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Natatoriums are highly specialized spaces, and luminaires in this setting face several challenges. Perhaps the most significant challenge is corrosion, which is exacerbated by high indoor humidity, condensation, and pool chemicals, resulting in material degradation. Fixtures for this application must, at a minimum, be rated for damp locations and offer the highest protection against moisture and chemical vapors resulting from water treatment.<\/p>\n

Additionally, because natatorium fixtures are typically difficult to access, maintenance must be limited to a minimum. If glass were to fall into the pool during maintenance, the entire pool would need to be drained\u2014an expensive and time-consuming effort. Life safety and accident prevention are driving forces behind natatorium lighting.<\/p>\n

One way to address these issues is by installing LED luminaires. Indirect illumination is recommended to reduce glare and veiling reflections, improving the clarity of underwater viewing and related safety.<\/p>\n

Niles West High School natatorium<\/h2>\n

In Skokie, Ill., Niles West High School\u2019s pool and coaches\u2019 offices were constructed in 1960. Since then, the facilities have served thousands of students, athletes, numerous coaches, and hosted many meets. However, new code requirements and accessibility regulations, along with an aging infrastructure, compelled major upgrades. The pool is part of a five-year facility improvement project. Renovations include upgrades to the structure and design of the natatorium, as well as the replacement of the pool deck, tiles, and the concrete beneath the pool. New features include the ceiling, additional storage areas, starting blocks, and an entrance to the pool deck that complies with accessibility guidelines.<\/p>\n

Additional renovations include changing the gutter system, adding 227 mm (9 in.) of water, completely overhauling the pool\u2019s mechanical and HVAC systems, updating timing equipment, remodeling coaches\u2019 offices, and adding an enhanced grandstand area including glass railings for unobstructed sightlines, new school graphics, updated record boards to celebrate achievements and create a vibrant atmosphere, and new lighting. The $7.3-million pool renovations were covered by funds allocated through the school district\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n

Stuckey Construction, a pool constructor certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health, began renovations in February 2024 and completed the project by August 2024, in time for the start of the new school year.<\/p>\n

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The use of indirect illumination above the pool\u2019s perimeter reflects off the dropped ceiling to reduce glare and veiling reflections, and improve the clarity of underwater viewing and related safety.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lighting system<\/h2>\n

The 2,641-m2 <\/sup>(28,430-sf) complex previously included a metal halide (MH) lighting system installed over the pool. To access the lights for maintenance, the facilities team had to climb onto a non-compliant catwalk above the dropped ceiling, posing safety concerns. MH lamps degrade over time, losing light output and color consistency, and typically have a lifespan of 6,000 to 15,000 hours before the bulbs require replacement.<\/p>\n

Marcus Holleran, facilities manager at Niles West High School, knew a new lighting system was critical to the renovation:<\/p>\n