Article Contents
Industry Insight: Waterproof Pool Lighting
The Critical Role of Certified Waterproof Pool Lighting in Commercial Applications
Commercial aquatic environments—such as natatoriums, municipal pools, hotels, and high-end resorts—demand lighting solutions engineered for extreme conditions. These spaces expose fixtures to continuous moisture, chlorine/saltwater corrosion, high humidity (up to 100%), thermal stress (40°C+), and rigorous safety regulations. Without proper engineering and third-party certification, lighting failures can result in safety hazards, project delays, costly maintenance, and legal liabilities. For global importers and contractors, specifying certified, industrial-grade solutions is non-negotiable for compliance, durability, and operational reliability.
Market Demand Drivers for Industrial-Grade Pool Lighting
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Western markets enforce strict electrical safety standards for wet locations. In the U.S. and Canada, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires fixtures in pool areas to carry ETL certification, verifying compliance with UL standards for moisture resistance and electrical safety. Similarly, the European Union mandates TUV CE certification under the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and EMC Directive. Importers face significant risks—including customs rejections, project rework, and liability claims—when sourcing non-certified products. For example, a natatorium project in Florida was recently delayed for 90 days due to uncertified fixtures failing inspection, costing the contractor $120K in penalties.
Environmental Durability Requirements
Commercial pools subject lighting to relentless chemical exposure (chlorine concentrations up to 4 ppm), saltwater (up to 35,000 ppm in saltwater systems), and thermal cycling. Fixtures must feature:
Corrosion-resistant materials: 316 stainless steel housings and EPDM seals to withstand chemical degradation.
Thermal management: Operating temperatures rated for 50°C+ ambient conditions to prevent overheating near HVAC systems or in sun-exposed areas.
Indirect illumination: Optics designed to minimize glare while ensuring uniform light distribution for safety and visual comfort.
Performance and Total Cost of Ownership
Legacy incandescent or halogen pool lights consume 4–5× more energy than modern LED solutions and require frequent replacement (typically 1–3 years). High-quality LED systems reduce energy costs by 60–80% while delivering 50,000+ hours of operational life. For facility managers, this translates to lower maintenance cycles, reduced downtime, and compliance with sustainability mandates like LEED or BREEAM certifications.
Why Certification Matters for Global Importers
Certifications like ETL and TUV CE are not merely marketing claims—they are verified proof of compliance tested by independent laboratories. ETL certification ensures fixtures meet North American safety standards for wet locations, including dielectric strength testing, ingress protection, and thermal runaway prevention. TUV CE certification validates adherence to EU safety directives, covering electromagnetic compatibility, voltage stability, and fire resistance.
For importers, these certifications:
Prevent customs delays: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and EU authorities routinely reject non-certified electrical goods.
Mitigate liability: Project managers require certified products to secure insurance coverage and avoid negligence claims.
Ensure project approvals: Municipalities and private developers (e.g., Hilton Hotels, YMCA facilities) explicitly mandate ETL/CE compliance in tender documents.
Example: A European distributor recently rejected a batch of “IP68-rated” pool lights from an uncertified supplier. Subsequent testing revealed the fixtures failed at 30°C ambient temperature—well below the 40°C requirement for natatoriums—leading to a $85K loss in inventory and reputational damage.
Meeting Industry Demands with Proven Expertise
Beauty STC Lighting has manufactured commercial-grade LED solutions since 1998, serving 50+ countries across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Our 25+ years of experience include rigorous R&D for aquatic environments, ensuring all products meet or exceed global safety and performance standards. As a certified OEM/ODM partner, we tailor specifications to project-specific needs—from material selection to thermal design—while maintaining full compliance with ETL, TUV CE, and other regional certifications.
All products undergo 100% waterproof testing (10m submersion for 48+ hours) and accelerated life-cycle validation (1,000+ hours at 50°C). Our manufacturing process adheres to ISO 9001 quality protocols, with traceability from raw materials to final shipment.
| Specification | Beauty STC Standard |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IP68 (submersible to 10 meters, 48-hour test) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 50°C (validated per IEC 60598-2-1) |
| Housing Material | 316 Stainless Steel with EPDM Seals (saltwater-tested) |
| Certifications | ETL (USA/Canada), TUV CE (Europe) |
| Voltage Options | 12V DC, 24V DC (low-voltage safety compliant) |
| Lifespan | 50,000+ hours (L70, IEC 62717 standard) |
| OEM/ODM Support | Custom lengths, color temperatures (2700K–6500K), mounting configurations, and certification packages |
As a responsible enterprise committed to innovation, Beauty STC Lighting ensures every project meets the highest safety, durability, and efficiency standards—without compromise.
Contact Us
Manager: [email protected]
Phone: +86 13902885704
Location: 41st, Caihong Road, High-tech Industrial Zone, Jianghai District, Jiangmen City, Guangdong, China
Technical Specs & Certifications (ETL/CE)
Technical Specifications & Quality Standards for Waterproof Pool Lighting
Factory-direct perspective – Beauty (STC) Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Jiangmen, China – Est. 1998
1. Optical & Electrical Benchmarks for Natatorium LEDs
| Parameter | Industry Baseline | Natatorium-Specific Target | Beauty STC Tolerance Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 90–110 lm/W | ≥120 lm/W @ 25 °C case | 125–135 lm/W binning after 4 h burn-in |
| CRI | 70–80 | ≥90 (R9>50) for true water colour & skin tone | 90–93 CRI, 3-step MacAdam ellipse |
| L70 Life | 25 000 h @ Ta 25 °C | 50 000 h @ 40 °C, 70 % RH, chlorine vapour | 54 000 h per IES TM-21, 85 °C Ts ALT |
| Flicker | <30 % @ 100 Hz | <5 % (IEEE 1789) for TV/photography | 100 % 1 500 Hz PWM, <3 % flicker index |
| Voltage | 12 V a.c./d.c. or 24 V d.c. | SELV 12 V for underwater, 24 V for wet niche | ±2 % constant-current driver, <30 mV ripple |
2. Ingress & Corrosion Protection
| Rating | Meaning | Beauty STC Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| IP68 | Dust-tight, >1 m submersion | 10 m/72 h factory test, 5 Nm torque on 316L SS bezel, dual FVMQ O-rings |
| IP69K | High-pressure steam | Offered on driver box for automatic pool cleaners, 80 °C, 100 bar |
| IK08 | 5 J impact | 3 mm polycarbonate diffuser + stainless guard, pool-vacuum impact test |
| Chemical | Chlorine, bromine, salt | ASTM B117 1 000 h salt-spray <0.2 % surface oxide; passed 500 ppm NaClO 60 °C 1 000 h |
3. PCB & Thermal Design
2 oz (70 µm) copper, immersion gold + white solder-mask for 98 % reflectance
Thermal via array under LED pad → RθJS <2.5 K/W
3-stage conformal coating: acrylic base + UV-cured urethane edge seal + parylene over SMDs → 100 % coverage on automatic selective-coat line
100 % AOI after SMT, 100 % 3 h 85 °C/85 % RH power-aging before final assembly
2.3 Consistency Controls – From Reel to Retail
- Bin-on-reel: LEDs binned by flux, Vf, and colour within 3-step SDCM; each reel barcode-linked to pick-and-place programme.
- Driver pairing: Constant-current boards laser-trimmed to ±1 %, then matched to strip section for <5 % lumen variation end-to-end.
- Burn-in: 4 h @ 55 °C case temperature; any unit deviating >3 % from initial flux is rejected.
- Traceability: Serial number on aluminium back-plate → MES database → raw material lot, operator ID, test data kept 7 years for warranty claims.
4. Certification Snapshot (Factory-held files)
| Standard | Scope | Beauty STC Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETL 1598 / 676 | Wet-niche & underwater luminaires | File 5021238, -40 °C to +40 °C ambient |
| TUV EN 60598-2-18 | Particular requirements for pools | CE 0123, IP68 validated by TÜV SÜD |
| EN 62471 | Photobiological safety | RG0 (exempt) for all models |
| RoHS / REACH | EU & UK | <0.1 % each phthalate, Cd-free solder |
| ISO 9001:2015 | Factory quality | SGS annual audit since 2006 |
5. Generic Market vs Beauty STC Certified Quality
| Attribute | Generic “IP68” Strip / Fitting | Beauty STC Certified Version |
|---|---|---|
| LED source | Unbinned mid-power, 80 CRI | 90 CRI 2835, 3-step bin, Seoul or equivalent |
| Efficacy @ 25 °C | 95 lm/W typical | 130 lm/W (driver included) |
| PCB copper | 1 oz, HASL | 2 oz, ENIG, 0.2 mm Al core on request |
| Coating | Manual silicone dip | 3-layer robotic conformal + parylene |
| Cable | PVC, 0.5 mm², 300 V | Chlorine-resistant PUR, 1 mm², 600 V, IP68 moulded |
| Submersion test | 1 m, 30 min, self-declared | 10 m, 72 h, 3rd-party witnessed |
| Salt-spray | Not specified | 1 000 h ASTM B117 pass |
| Safety mark | CE “house” mark only | ETL cETL, TUV CE, RoHS, REACH |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 5 year full, parts & labour, backed by 1998 factory |
6. Available Form Factors for OEM / ODM
RBGW Underwater Strip: 24 V, 14.4 W/m, cut 100 mm, PU tube 14 × 8 mm, 50 m reel
Wet-Niche Flush Fitting: 12 V a.c., 35 W/50 W, SS316 face-ring, 1.5″ NPT hub, 1 000–2 000 lm
Surface-Mount Wall Washer: 24 V, 40 W, 120 ° × 15 °, IK08, IP68 driver integrated
Fibre-Optic Replacement Kit: Retrofit 6″ niche, 40 W remote driver, 600 mm active length
All above can be supplied with CCT 2700–6500 K, RGB/RGBW, DMX512/RDM, or ONVIF-compatible POE driver for smart natatorium control.
Next Step
Send your pool plan or specification sheet to [email protected]; our engineers will return a lux plot, bill of materials, and ETA in 24 h.
Factory Tour: Manufacturing Excellence
Precision Manufacturing: Engineered for Aquatic Environments
With over 25 years of industrial expertise since 1998, Beauty STC Lighting’s Jiangmen facility combines precision engineering with stringent quality protocols to deliver waterproof pool lighting solutions engineered for the most demanding aquatic environments. Our vertically integrated production line adheres to ETL (USA/Canada) and TUV CE (Europe) certification standards, ensuring every fixture meets global safety and performance benchmarks for commercial and residential aquatic applications.
Advanced Production Line Capabilities
SMT Assembly Line: High-speed surface-mount technology (SMT) with automated optical inspection (AOI) ensures micron-level precision in LED component placement and soldering integrity, critical for thermal stability in high-humidity environments.
Wave Soldering & Conformal Coating: Each PCB undergoes wave soldering followed by a silicone-based conformal coating application, providing robust moisture resistance and corrosion protection for electrical pathways.
Encapsulation Process: Underwater-rated fixtures utilize precision potting with UV-stable silicone compounds, achieving IP68 certification through hermetic sealing techniques verified by third-party testing.
Rigorous Quality Control Protocols
All production stages follow documented quality control protocols aligned with ETL and TUV CE requirements. Key validation steps include:
| Test Type | Protocol | Duration | Compliance Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Aging | Continuous operation at 60°C (140°F) under full load | 72 hours | ETL/CE thermal stability requirements |
| IP68 Submersion | Immersion at 1-meter depth with 24-hour pressure testing | 24 hours | IEC 60529 certification |
| Electrical Safety | Dielectric strength, insulation resistance, and grounding checks | 100% batch testing | UL 8750 (WBDT), CE EN 60598 |
Custom OEM/ODM Solutions
Beauty STC Lighting provides end-to-end customization for global projects, from conceptual engineering to final delivery. Our capabilities support niche requirements for natatoriums, commercial pools, and saltwater environments with no minimum order constraints.
| Customization Parameter | Standard Options | OEM/ODM Capabilities | Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP Rating | IP67 (splash-proof) | IP68 (submersible to 10m) | ETL, CE, TUV certified |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 50°C | -30°C to 60°C (custom thermal management) | Certified for 104°F (40°C) environments |
| Cable Type | PVC-insulated | Chlorine-resistant silicone, UV-stable jacketing | UL-listed (WBDT) |
| Length Customization | 1–5m LED strips | Any length (0.5m increments), no minimum order | Project-specific cutting |
| Color Temperature | 2700K–6500K | Full spectral tuning (e.g., 4000K for natatoriums) | ANSI C78.377 compliant |
| Housing Material | Anodized aluminum | 316 stainless steel (saltwater-grade), polycarbonate lenses | ASTM B117 corrosion-tested |
All custom designs undergo pre-production engineering validation, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for thermal management and salt spray testing for marine environments. Packaging solutions range from branded retail boxes to neutral bulk packaging for distributor rebranding, with eco-friendly materials prioritized where feasible.
For project-specific technical specifications or certification documentation, contact our engineering team directly:
[email protected] | +86 13902885704
Installation & Application Scenarios
Application Scenarios for Factory-Certified Waterproof Pool Lighting
Industrial-grade solutions from Beauty (STC) Manufacturing Co., Ltd – ETL / TUV-CE listed since 1998
H2 Where Spec-Grade IP68 Fixtures Are Non-Negotiable
| Application Segment | Typical Mounting Zone | Key Environmental Load | Recommended Beam / CCT | Cert. Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel & Resort Infinity Pools | Wet-niche, 300–500 mm below water-line | 24 h chlorine 1–3 ppm, 38 °C, UV index 9 | 30° 3000 K (CRI 90) for luxury ambiance | ETL cETL, TUV-CE, IP68, 40 °C rated |
| Shopping Mall Water Features | Dry-well uplight behind 30 mm glass wall | Splash zone, condensing humidity 95 % RH | 60° RGBW 4000 K base + DMX color change | CE LVD, EMC, RoHS |
| Corporate Atrium Reflection Pools | Sub-surface 12 V strip in stainless tray | HVAC chloramine carry-over, pH 6.8–7.4 | 24 V 4000 K 120° glare-free lens | ETL wet-location, IP68 IK08 |
| Facade Wet Deck Fountains | Deck-mounted, 50 mm water cover | Thermal shock 20 °C–40 °C nightly | 15° 6000 K for architectural punch | IP68, –20 °C to +50 °C, 1000 h salt-spray |
| Competition Natatoriums | Ceiling indirect cove ≥ 3 m from pool | Chloramine corrosion, 104 °F/40 °C air | 80 CRI 4000 K, <19 % flicker, UGR <19 | ETL cETL, TUV-CE, 50 000 h LM80 |
H3 Contractor Installation Checklist – Factory-Direct Guidelines
-
Pre-Build Coordination
Request IES/LDT files & TM-21 report from OEM (Beauty STC issues within 24 h).
Confirm niche model: Pentair SAM™, Hayward DuraNiche, or custom 316L SS body supplied by Beauty STC ODM cell. -
Cable & Seal Integrity
Use factory-attached, chlorine-resistant PUR cable (2 m or 10 m) – no on-site joint allowed underwater.
IP68 gland torque: 1.8 N·m; verify with supplied torque key. -
Thermal Relief
Mount minimum 300 mm from HVAC outlet; maintain 50 mm water clearance above fixture lens to prevent lens-surface boiling at 40 °C. -
Bonding & Safety
12 V AC/DC or 24 V DC only; secondary side fed by TUV-CE isolated driver, SELV <60 V DC.
Equipotential bonding: 4 mm² Cu conductor to pool grid; continuity <0.1 Ω. -
Commissioning Record
Log insulation resistance (>500 MΩ @ 500 V DC), IP68 immersion test 30 min, and CCT delta u′v′ <0.004 versus datasheet.
File copy to Beauty STC QC portal for 5-year extended warranty activation.
H3 OEM / ODM Fast-Track Matrix
| Customization Option | Min. Run | Tooling Time | Cert. Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extrusion 316L SS housing | 100 pcs | 10 days | Re-use ETL file No. 5016724 |
| Logo laser + Custom length strip | 50 pcs | 3 days | No re-cert |
| DMX/RDM addressable PCB | 200 pcs | 7 days | Update CE EMC report |
| Special CCT 2700–6500 K | 1 reel (50 m) | 2 days | LM80 already covers 2700–6500 K |
Contact Beauty (STC) Engineering: [email protected] | +86-13902885704 for DWG, STEP, and IES pack within 12 h.
Why Choose Beauty STC Lighting
Partner with Beauty STC Lighting: Engineered for Aquatic Environments
Certified for Global Aquatic Applications
Beauty STC Lighting delivers industrial-grade waterproof lighting solutions rigorously tested and certified for demanding aquatic environments. Our products meet the strictest international safety and performance standards, ensuring reliability in chlorinated, saltwater, and high-humidity settings.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certifications | ETL (USA/Canada), TUV CE (Europe), IP68 (submersible to 3m depth) |
| Material | Marine-grade 316L stainless steel housing, UV-resistant silicone seals |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 50°C (suitable for extreme climate variations) |
| Voltage Options | 12V DC / 24V DC (low-voltage safety for wet environments) |
| Lifespan | ≥50,000 hours (reduced maintenance costs for long-term projects) |
| Applications | Natatoriums, commercial pools, water parks, luxury residential features |
25+ Years of Industrial Manufacturing Excellence
Established in 1998, Beauty STC Lighting has honed its expertise in high-reliability lighting for over two decades. Our Jiangmen, Guangdong facility operates under strict quality control protocols aligned with ISO standards, ensuring consistent performance across all production batches. With 50+ countries served globally, we understand regional regulatory requirements and environmental challenges unique to aquatic projects.
“Our 25+ years of experience isn’t just about longevity—it’s about refining processes to eliminate risks in mission-critical installations. Every product is designed from the ground up for durability in corrosive, wet conditions.”
Custom OEM/ODM Solutions for Diverse Projects
We specialize in tailored engineering for commercial and luxury aquatic applications:
Custom lengths, beam angles, and color temperatures (2700K–6500K)
Corrosion-resistant cabling with chlorine/saltwater compatibility
Integrated control systems (DMX, DALI, or simple on/off)
Project-specific thermal management for HVAC-adjacent installations
Our OEM/ODM model ensures seamless integration with your design specifications—whether for large-scale natatoriums, high-end resorts, or municipal aquatic centers. All solutions undergo rigorous in-house testing for waterproof integrity, UV resistance, and electrical safety before shipment.
Next Steps for Your Project
Ready to specify lighting that meets code, resists corrosion, and delivers long-term value?
Contact our engineering team directly for technical documentation, sample requests, or project-specific quotations:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +86 13902885704
Location: 41st, Caihong Road, High-tech Industrial Zone, Jianghai District, Jiangmen City, Guangdong, China
Beauty STC Lighting: Where industrial precision meets sustainable innovation.
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