DARLASTON Swimming pool

Overview

Walsall Council, operator of the Wednesbury swimming pool in Birmingham, needed to modernise its pool lighting to improve visibility, safety, and efficiency.

The pool hosts everything from general recreational swimming to competitive galas, so a flexible and robust lighting system was essential.

Having already worked successfully on previous swimming pool projects, Kellwood Lighting was asked to design and deliver a new swimming pool lighting scheme that could meet the unique demands of this commercial facility.

The challenge

Upgrading commercial swimming pool lighting comes with a very specific set of requirements. For the Wednesbury pool, the key challenges included:

• Durability in a chlorine-rich environment - The fittings had to be corrosion-resistant to withstand long-term exposure.
• Compliance with LG04 lighting guidance - The council required reduced glare, particularly off the water surface, so that lifeguards could safely monitor swimmers.
• Straightforward installation - A one-for-one replacement was preferred to simplify installation and reduce costs.
• Difficult ceiling conditions - The laminated wooden ceiling had low reflectance, and one row of floodlights was mounted close to it, restricting the space available for casting light.
• Efficiency and adaptability - The council wanted an energy-efficient lighting solution with adjustable light levels for different uses, from eco-mode swimming to full competition events.

This project was about more than just upgrading old fittings - it was about delivering a tailored commercial lighting upgrade that balanced safety, compliance, and sustainability.

The Solution:

Kellwood Lighting supplied and commissioned 39 McFarlane Series Swimming Pool floodlights, designed specifically for challenging pool environments. These chlorine-resistant floodlights were finished in white for maximum corrosion resistance and installed as direct one-for-one replacements to minimise disruption.

The scheme incorporated several innovative design elements:

• Specialist optics - The McFarlane Series units used IESNA Type IV optics with short lateral throw, ideal for casting light onto the ceiling, especially for the row of fittings mounted close to it.
• Wireless lighting controls - Using Kellwood’s Wireless Pro system, pool operators can now select lighting scenes for different activities. Lux levels can be adjusted for everyday swimming, competitions, or eco-use, ensuring both flexibility and energy savings.
• Daylight-responsive dimming - Lights near the glazed section of the pool were linked to photocells and can dim automatically when natural light is available.
• Optimised light distribution - Tilt angles were set precisely to maximise forward throw and uniformity, without affecting lifeguard visibility or creating glare from the water’s surface.

This bespoke lighting scheme demonstrated Kellwood’s expertise in application-specific lighting solutions, combining technical performance with energy efficiency.

The results:

The upgraded lighting system achieved the required results:

Uniformity exceeded 0.6, ensuring consistent and even lighting across the water surface. Lifeguard positions retained a clear, unobstructed view into the pool, free from both direct and reflected glare.

By integrating swimming pool wireless lighting controls and energy-efficient fittings, Walsall Council can now reduce running costs while providing optimal lighting conditions for every activity. The pool is brighter, safer, and more sustainable, with a system designed to perform long-term in a harsh swimming pool environment.

Conclusion

The Wednesbury project highlights how Kellwood Lighting delivers tailored solutions for challenging environments like swimming pools. By combining chlorine-resistant floodlights, energy-efficient lighting technology, and smart wireless lighting controls, Kellwood helped Walsall Council achieve a safe, compliant, and cost-effective upgrade.

If your organisation is planning a commercial lighting upgrade - whether for a swimming pool, sports facility, or other demanding environment - speak to the experts at Kellwood Lighting. Our team can design, supply, and commission lighting systems that improve performance, enhance safety, and reduce energy costs.