We would like to add lighting to the planters within the Lanai around the pool on 3 sides. We were thinking of 5 well lights, all MR11, all in-grade, all brass, all 2W, all 60 degree angle, all 3000K, no shield, no grate, no turret https://www.voltlighting.com/salty-dog-mr11-brass-in-grade-light I have attached 3 pictures showing where the 5 lights would go. In the attached pictures, the well light location lines are drawn at the edge of the planter and tile, but that is just limitation of the drawing software. The actual location of the lights would be in the ground in the center of the planter underneath the plants. Does this design make sense? I think MR11 are appropriate because they are smaller but still can change the bulbs if/when needed? I think that in-grade are appropriate because they are smaller, lower profile? I think brass is appropriate because it blends best with the existing river rock? I think that shield/grate/turret are unnecessary, with no top so that the light would spread? I think 2W are appropriate? I think well lights are appropriate - not spot lights? I think 3000K is appropriate, but would something cooler (4k, 5k)) be better? Last thing - inside the pool also is some lighting (not shown). When illuminated at night, the lights within the pool alternate randomly between soft green and blue colors. Would very much appreciate some guidance
Hi Jules. Your plan is just fine. I've documented your photos to show how you might add some more variety and complexity to your plan. It looks like you're using 60° spread lights and placing your fixtures roughly equal distance apart. No reason to limit yourself to one beam spread or even one fixture type. But for the sake of argument, let's say you use only well lights. Consider using some of the larger M16 fixtures. The MR16 has more beam spread options (110° for instance) and they also come in a wider range of wattages/lumens. You've installed a variety of plants with different leaf colors, patterns and foliage structures so I would encourage you to have fun and illuminate them in whatever groups you find most appealing. The important thing to remember is that there's no one single perfect way to create a compelling lighting plan. You can also use some different fixture types if you want. Spotlights, for instance, will allow you to better focus the direction in which the light is cast. I can tell you from experience that after you've had your fixtures for a few months, you will forget they're even there. But if that's a major concern for you, you might want to limit yourself to the smaller spotlights and well lights. Just keep in mind that the full size fixtures are generally more customizable and offer you a bit more design flexibility. Wherever possible, you want to hide the actual light source so that no lamps are shining in anyone's eyes as they pass by your fixtures. So, if you go with well lights, I strongly recommend going with the grated models or beacon models. 3000K would be ideal for your plants. HTH
On beam angle, i see only 60° spread available in MR11 from Volt, but that's just from Volt. It is possible to wider spreads in an MR11 size, just need to get bulbs from other suppliers - correct?
To avoid any potential warranty issues, I strongly recommend that you contact VOLT customer service before experimenting with bulbs from other companies. Depending on the lighting effects you're going for, a CS rep might be able to help you choose fixtures and/or bulbs that suit your needs.
