Koi Pond lighting

[northwest native]

What is your favorite way to light a waterfall in koi pond/ I am concerned that lighting from below will not create a good look with the water even filtered in koi pond being a little murky.

[Tadpole]

If you have the proper filtration, there is no reason for the water to be 'murky'.if there is a problem with discolored water, a little activated charcoal will remedy that in a jif. Waterfalls always look better uplit IMO.

[Keith N]

It might not be the best way but for a beginner or a homeowner doing thier own lights I suggest this. Run your wire with extra slack so you can pull the lights in and out of the water to see what placement works best for your application. Do the same with your exterior lights (lanterns/pathlights/spotlights). This way might take a couple nights to dial in what looks best to you.

As Tadpole said uplighting looks great! Uplight the underside of falls and use some latern/pathlights or spot lights to highlight the exterior aspect of the waterfall.

[northwest native]

Tadpole, thanks again...I have learned more about Koi Ponds over the last few months. I brought in an expert to assist in the up coming installation. I learn as you stated that with proper filtration and water circulation that the water will be clear. My experience in the past was through observation of some older koi ponds that didn't incorporate proper filtration and we therefore hard to keep clean. I will attach include some photos as this project get under way and at completion.

[northwest native]

Final lighting solution will be three different switched lighting options. We are going to install one switch for the colorfalls, one switch leg for uplights in the pond on the falls and one switched leg for lights below large granite pads for walking across the pond and to view the koi.

[Tadpole]

Final lighting solution will be three different switched lighting options. We are going to install one switch for the colorfalls, one switch leg for uplights in the pond on the falls and one switched leg for lights below large granite pads for walking across the pond and to view the koi.

Am I reading that correctly? You are going to use a Colorfalls spillway in conjunction with your Pond?

If so, I must tell you that that is not advisable or recommended by the manufacturer. Reason?...You will have a naturally occurring layer of algae develop on the spillway masking, if not completely blocking, the light. Colorfall units are designed specifically for decorative water features where Chlorine or other harsh algaecide can be used on a continuous basis.

[northwest native]

Tadpole,

Thanks for saving my bacon!!! I overlooked that important fact on the spec sheet. I will be going in another direction for the waterfall, I will save the colorfall for another time. This just great example of the power of this web site for connections. I appreciate the sharing and I will do the same.

[Tadpole]

Glad I caught you in time. Post some pics when construction is finished.

[northwest native]

Will do. Thanks again.

[jrld]

I'm not sure what your setup is, but submersible lighting should look nice. I have some submersible as well as lighting under a rock ledge where a waterfall is both in my pool and small pond area. I just had my Los Angeles electrician buddy install mine. But I would be pretty confident in your lighting skills if you're DIYing it, because obviously you could easily be shocked if you're not careful.

[Tadpole]

I hope that you are not talking about using 120V lighting around a Pond. Not only is it dangerous, but is universally against every municipal code. Never heard of someone getting a substantial electrical shock from 24v lighting.