Often in my career I have been asked to light unusual architectural features. I once designed a project for a 1/25 scale Childs playhouse with custom chandelier over the dining table, reading light, and recessed ceiling lights on the first and second floors. The project also called for vanity bathroom lighting and exterior coach lighting as well as lighting for the upper outside deck! The lighting itself had to be 1/25 scale, so we went to work and actually manufactured some of the lights by shortening the components.

Hot tubs usually sit outside detached from the home. Oftentimes they are remotely located in the softscape somewhere. A festive way of indirectly lighting the tub architecture and indirectly lighting the area adjacent is to use festoon lighting or rope lighting. These products can be purchased in 110 or 12 Volts for safety. These items are bendable, and field cuttable, and minimal installation techniques are required. It is also a sexy form of lighting. The warm toned light and the blue water are very attractive together.

Spas can be lighted the same way, and I love to use fiber optics or the new neon type rope lighting. Spas may be located out of doors or inside the home. Depending on the type of spa. Water spas are lit like hot tubs when raised above the grade and can incorporate a ceiling fan with a single dimmable outdoor light kit placed directly over the center of the tub. Indoor Hot Dry Spas require lighting the 4 corners of the room in a vertical position from floor to ceiling. This removes unwanted shadow effects caused by the users. Using a good switching system with dimmers can make this very desirable lighting.

Swing sets should be lighted for safety. Use a rope light or light string under the horizontal cross bar for a festive effect. For extra effect you can run the lighting down the support poles as well making it a special play area at night for the children. If a tree is located nearby, down lights can area light the playground and be a safe light source for children to play after dark. Using a simple track to run your rope lighting in can give it straighter lines and make for a very professional and structural look as well.

Lighting spas, tubs, and play areas may sound unusual, but it is the result of a professional consultant exploring all of the challenges of creating something from nothing and increasing the drama overall.

I am sure that there are still some readers of periodicals who remember when I made a tree company stop cutting down an old dead tree on a client's property. It had no leaves, but wonderful branch structures very sparsely placed. I talked the client into spending 700.00 dollars to up light this old dead tree. The client said, "Try it!" The rest is legend. That was the origin of Lone Tree Ranch!

Have fun with your lighting! Explore the possibilities. Treat it like art!

Jim Lehman