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Home / News / The Effects of Illumination on Water Fountains

The Effects of Illumination on Water Fountains

October 12, 2016 by CAE

Where the lighting effect of reflection uses the element of light to create a mirror effect, illumination uses  light to take further advantage of the translucent properties of water. The element of Illumination is the next focus of our commercial water design series article. The use of light to heighten the water fountain sensory experience makes water fountains a twenty-four hour design feature. Through this series, we hope to encourage you to explore the incredible characteristics of water for your future fountain project and inquire further how Commercial Aquatic Engineering can help you decide which water element best fits your architectural needs. To look back on the other highlighted elements of this series, visit

  • Mirror Like Reflections in Water
  • The Visual Element of Mist
  • Creating an Atmosphere
  • Visual Characteristics of Water
  • The Beautiful Sights and Sounds of Water
  • Mesmerizing Ice Fountain Sculptures

Illumination Water Fountain Design Effects

A thoughtful approach to creating a peaceful and visually interesting water display offers a design element that is just as beautiful in the evening hours as it is during the daytime. Aerated water effects illuminate well to provide a nighttime impact to water displays. Laminar water effects are very difficult to illuminate because of the translucent properties of clear water, similar to trying to  light a clear piece of glass. Typically, the more light output there is in regard to  illuminating aerated water effects, the more impact!  In sequencing nozzle effects, lighting can be also sequenced on and off to create a greater impact to the changing water formations.

illumination water fountain design elements, CAE

Some pitfalls of poor visual impact with illumination are typically due to the lighting wattage  being to low and only a section of the water being illuminated. This is easily remedied by our professional designs, correct wattage, and planning. We take the time to go over all these considerations with you and look forward to hearing your ideas for using water and illumination in your future landscaping and architectural designs.

This Water Design Series is by Greg Stoks, Principal at Commercial Aquatic Engineering (CAE). Please contact us for a free custom fountain design consultation.

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