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Natatoriums

Natatoriums are highly specialized spaces, and luminaires in this setting face several challenges. Perhaps the most significant challenge is that of corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is caused by using dissimilar materials in fixture construction and mounting. Corrosion is magnified by the presence of pool chemicals and high indoor humidity, which leads to condensation and material degradation. Stainless steel or aluminum construction is highly recommended for natatorium lighting, with the need for key hardware to be of similar materials. Additionally, heat and sun load in natatorium environments must also be considered during luminaires selection and placement.

Natatorium Lighting

Kenall EPLBs installed in a natatorium

Natatorium Overview

Although direct illumination is more efficient, it often causes veiling reflections in natatorium environments, thereby reducing safety. As such, it should only be used in cases where the ceiling has low reflectance. Otherwise, indirect illumination is recommended to reduce glare and veiling reflections, improving the clarity of underwater viewing and related safety. Additional considerations when lighting a natatorium include increasing high angle illumination when daylight enters the space from low angled windows, heavy efficiency losses from coffered ceilings, fixture proximity to HVAC venting and skylights, elevated ambient temperatures, and the use of aimable optics to avoid maintenance issues. Fixture maintenance must be kept to a minimum, as they are often difficult to access.

Lighting Best Practices

  1. Increase high angle, artificial illumination when daylight is provided from windows at low angles
  2. Do not install fixtures directly over the water. Use luminaires with aimable optics to avoid maintenance issues
  3. Use indirect illumination to reduce veiling reflections and glare.
    • Direct illumination is more efficient but often causes veiling reflections, reducing safety and is best used when ceilings have a low reflectance.
  4. Plan for heavy efficiency losses in coffered ceilings

Addressing Corrosion Challenges

Pool chemicals and moisture magnify corrosion, and lower mounting heights increases this corrosive effect.

  1. Choose corrosion resistant fixtures
  2. Consider stainless steel or aluminum construction
  3. Look for sealed electrical compartments to protect LEDs & circuit boards
  4. Consider galvanic corrosion in luminaire and mounting component selection; key hardware must be of similar materials

Mounting Considerations

  1. Consider heat and sun-load in fixture selection and placement
  2. Use fixtures appropriate for 104°F/40°C room temperature due to elevated ambient temperatures in natatoriums
  3. It is advisable to mount fixtures away from HVAC vents & skylights

Peace of Mind Guarantee

Kenall will repair or replace qualifying luminaires rendered inoperable due to intentional abuse by vandals or accidental impact for the normal service life of the fixture.

Learn More about our Peace of Mind Guarantee

Recommended Illuminance  

Foot Candles (fc) @ surface / object Activity / Use
75 Start and Finish lanes Competetive Events
50 Water Daily Use
30 Deck Spectating
Most building codes require at lesast 20fc on the deck and some states require 50fc minimum across the water.
Multipurpose Classroom and Theatre

IN9 Series

Indirect lighting is superior in a natatorium and the IN9 Series is purpose built for this wet, hot, and corrosive environment. When positioned over the pool deck and aimed to project the light over the water, the fixture evenly lights the space and remains serviceable.

View Luminaires Ideal for Natatoriums

IN9 Series
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