Lighting Case Study: Natatorium Light Replacement Increases Energy Efficiency by 100%

The Backstory:

Wayne’s Electric Service contacted LED Lighting Supply to assist with streamlining a unique lighting upgrade for a natatorium. They were looking to replace aging 400-watt metal halide lights with new LED fixtures. LED Lighting Supply understood the project requirements and worked with the customer to recommend a strategic solution focused on increasing energy efficiency while reducing overall facility expenses.

The Customer’s Challenge:

Traditional metal halide fixtures produce around 75 lumens per watt, while LED fixtures produce 150 lumens per watt with less energy. The existing fixtures were consuming excess energy to produce adequate brightness for an indoor pool facility. Natatorium environments typically require balanced, glare-controlled lighting to ensure clear visibility across the pool surface and deck. The fixture placement process created a unique challenge due to the inability to install the lights directly above the pool water area. With these details in mind, the challenge was clear: deliver uniform, low-glare illumination across the water and surrounding areas without directly mounting the fixture above the water.

The traditional lights posed several challenges inside the natatorium:

• Excessive heat output radiating into the pool area, creating humidity buildup while straining the facility’s ventilation and dehumidification systems
• High operating temperatures accelerated corrosion, premature failure of fixtures, and internal component damage due to constant moisture exposure
• Uneven lighting levels across the pool deck and water surface reduced visibility and created potential safety concerns for swimmers and staff
• Frequent maintenance, which is more difficult due to high ceilings in a corrosive, moisture-rich environment, increasing overall maintenance costs

The Strategy & Solution:

LED Lighting Supply was able to recommend a lighting solution, despite unique mounting locations and limitations. The strategy included a custom-tailored lighting plan, which provided a visual rendering of the facility’s light levels with the new fixtures installed, confirming adequate light levels and uniformity ahead of purchase.

LED Lighting Supply’s Product Specialist recommended 13 Wattage Adjustable LED UFO High Bay fixtures. The existing metal halides were replaced one for one with the new LED fixtures.

The Results:

The high bay UFO fixtures achieved an average foot-candle (fc) level of 30 across the indoor pool area. The fixtures were strategically mounted around the pool, avoiding direct placement above the water, to ensure proper illumination while maintaining safety. The lighting upgrade delivered a 100% increase in energy savings and extended fixture lifespan by 17 times compared to the previous system.

This case study demonstrates how strategic planning and the advantages of LED technology can transform an outdated lighting system into a more efficient, cost-effective solution. By taking a consultative approach and creating a customized lighting plan, LED Lighting Supply delivered a solution tailored to the customer’s specific needs.

Customer Feedback:

“The facility is completely satisfied with the final outcome. Thank you so much for your assistance…Looking forward to working with you on the next project.” -J. Wayne Cellio, President of Wayne's Electric Service

If enhancing worker safety, boosting energy efficiency, and lowering overall project costs are priorities, LED Lighting Supply is the partner you can rely on.