Smart color grotto lighting options

[Owner/Builder]

I'm building a large grotto with about 800 sq feet indoor space. I'd like to add some sort of smart lighting to be able to change colors on my phone. Im just wondering what my options are? I'd rather not spend thousands on Jandy pool lights if there is a cheaper alternative.

 

[Rich D]

I'm building a large grotto with about 800 sq feet indoor space

Cool. Do you have any pics??


I use these..

Amazon.com : Aquascape 84057 2-Watt LED Color Changing Waterfall and Pond Up Light, Black : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Aquascape 84057 2-Watt LED Color Changing Waterfall and Pond Up Light, Black : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

I do not use it but they offer a smart hub for your phone.

Amazon.com : Aquascape 84074 Smart Control Hub for Color-Changing Lights, Black : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Aquascape 84074 Smart Control Hub for Color-Changing Lights, Black : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

Check out there web site for other options..

 

[Rich D]

The usual set up for this would require a 110v source out by your waterfall to plug in the 12v transformer and of course where you place the hub by the falls needs a good wifi signal. I chose to install the transformer in my basement and ran just low voltage wiring out to the water fall. Here is a post on that.

Low voltage lighting question

I would like to add some low voltage lighting to my waterfall. What I'm trying to avoid is installing a - up to code 120 VAC outlet up by the waterfall. I would prefer to run low voltage up there to be able to keep everything underground. I have a 1-inch conduit going from the equipment pad up...

www.troublefreepool.com

The lighting control wires that go from the hub to the lights require 5 conductors. So you could potentially put the the hub close to the house or pad but you need to run 5 conductors out for each light circuit.

 

[Owner/Builder]

12V Low Voltage Outdoor Landscape Yard Garden Well Light | eBay

The well light is constructed of durable fiberglass, and it is built to last for many years. All types of MR16 bulbs (50W Max) can be used with this fixture to achieve various landscape lighting effects.

www.ebay.com

I have some 12 volt mi-light MR16 smart lights in my landscape spotlights that I really like. The color can be changed from my phone and they are cheap, only $10-15 each depending on where I buy them. I would like to add a bunch of them to the grotto I am building. I found some waterproof niches for $13 each that the mi-lights should fit inside. I'm just wondering if these niches will be suitable for use in a grotto ceiling. They are considered well lights, so I assume they are for the ground or in decking like shown in photos but I feel they would work well for my purpose. What are your thoughts on it? I'm looking for an inexpensive way to add color smart lights to the grotto.

 

[Owner/Builder]

I think I have decided to use some MR16 Mi-Lights. I used these around my old pool because it was the only color smart bulbs I could find to fit my landscape spotlights. They are pretty cheap at only $16 on Amazon, and I was lucky enough to find some waterproof well light housings on eBay for $13 each. So for less than $30 each, I will have smart color lighting throughout my grotto and landscape and paired with a wifi controller to set the color from your smart phone. Each of these lights are about 250 lumens.
I already have everything on order to build twenty, but if anyone else has built inexpensive lighting, please let me know what your found.

 

[kimkats]

I have some people who might be able to help you out @bdavis466 @jimmythegreek @Rich D

 

[guinness]

Make sure you comply w/ National Electrical Code regarding poolside lighting. The article In The Drink is worth a read if you're not familiar w/ the code.

680.22(B)(6) Low-Voltage Luminaires. Listed low-voltage luminaires not requiring grounding, not exceeding the low-voltage contact limit, and supplied by listed transformers or power supplies that comply with 680.23(A)(2) shall be permitted to be located less than 1.5 m (5 ft) from the inside walls of the pool.

 

[Owner/Builder]

If that a joke, I don't get it.

 

[guinness]

No joke, just a list of people that might help.

 

[Owner/Builder]

The list of names had me thinking it was a joke when I saw Jimmy The Greek. Haha

 

[Owner/Builder]

So far I have installed 29 lights in various locations. I'm adding a couple more tonight to illuminate the stairs and top a little better. I have them set up in 8 different zones/presets so I can turn off or change the color of certain sections of lights.

 

[TexasRain]

Holy Cow that is a BIG grotto!

 

[kimkats]

What she said!!! Please, oh pretty please show us more pics!!!