When discussing pool lighting solutions, frequently one name that pops up again and again in conversation is PAL Lighting. The Sydney Australia-based manufacturer makes a line of wirelessly controlled LED lighting and controllers that are perfect for swimming pools, spas, water features, and landscape lighting. After first entering the US market back in 2004, word spread both in the marketplace and with professionals. Consequently, today, PAL Lighting has become a serious force to be reckoned with in the world of LED lighting. Folks are suddenly paying attention, particularly in the pool industry; and for good reason.

A Vacuum in Supply for LED Pool Lights Creates Opportunity

One thing the pandemic did was create supply chain issues with manufacturers all over the globe. What it also did was create an opportunity for LED lighting manufacturers like PAL to suddenly reach more customers. While many pool professionals were aware of who PAL Lighting was, change happens slowly in the industry as does mass adoption of a new product line. Shortages and delays getting products have caused professionals to reexamine PAL’s products and value proposition. Suddenly PAL is in the spotlight, so to speak.

To get a better understanding of their product line we met with Ben Forrest, U.S. representative for PAL Lighting and Ryan Hughes, one of the elite builders working today. “Many have heard of our product line but haven’t tried them just because of the comfort level of doing the same old thing,” said Forrest, “while they might have heard of us, they may not have much experience with our products.”

Industry Looks To New Sources For LED Pool Lighting

“Most pool professionals in the industry didn’t have much knowledge of PAL Lighting prior to the pandemic, we were probably best known for our strip lighting. When Covid happened product shortages impacted a lot of manufacturers. That didn’t happen with us because our products are manufactured in Australia, not in China so we didn’t have any of the trade sanctions or challenges other manufacturers faced to the same degree,” said Forrest.

“A lot of operators were forced to try PAL Lighting as an alternative to one of the ‘Big 3’ and when they did they came back and said ‘Wow, where have you been?’, and we said, ‘Well, we’ve always been here, but nobodies been paying attention til now,'” said Forrest.

Building Awareness One Builder at a Time

“Our sales have skyrocketed, simply because we’ve had to fill the void,” explained Forrest, “for us, the growth that we’ve seen in demand for our strip lighting is really exciting. For the last four years our strip lighting has been more than 1,000% of the previous year. You do that for four years in a row and you can tell you’re really getting strip lighting out there.”

“The other growth that’s exciting for us is that once we build a relationship with a builder and go through a few projects with them, they start to get a real understanding of what they can do with our lighting,” said Forrest, “they’re accomplishing things they’ve never been able to do before and that gives them room for growth. Instead of putting 4 lights in a swimming pool, I work with builders who are regularly putting 20-30 fixtures. They’re adding lighting for outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and all sorts of things.”

Ryan Hughes Turns To PAL Lighting

In this industry, mass adoption happens when products hit a tipping point with the right people. The fact that the elite of the industry such as Ryan Hughes have begun incorporating PAL Lighting into their luxury pool projects, suddenly puts PAL on the world stage with their products. In a recent interview with Hughes back in November at the International Pool & Spa Expo, Hughes showcased one of his latest projects using PAL Lighting products.

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In Hughes’ PAL Lighting application he wanted to give homeowners the ability to fully control their lighting system. “They were the only manufacturer that could give us a four wire RGBW light that could be connected with DMX,” said Hughes, “because (the homeowner) wanted a DMX controller, he didn’t just want 10 colors, he wanted to be able to have any color show he wanted.”

Forrest, who uses the Hughes project as an example when showcasing the product, agrees that homeowners have come to expect more from their lighting system. Consequently, the number of existing pool owners that are looking to upgrade to LED lighting in their pool is growing.

“Think of all the lights that were installed prior to the late 90’s and early 2000’s. All of them use incandescent bulbs. We developed a bulb that we can use as a replacement that takes the average pool from a 500 watt incandescent bulb to a 9 watt LED and you get all the features that you would get from a true RGB light,” said Forrest, “meaning you get 16 million colors, dimming functions, true white mode; all controlled by remote. Pool professionals can make good margins but still retail these things for under $400.”

Listen to our entire conversation with Ben Forrest of PAL Lighting on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Featured Photo Credit: Ryan Hughes Design | Joe Traina Photography

As the weather warms up, many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, you may be considering how to make the most of your outdoor living space. One option that has become increasingly popular this summer is the Ledge Lounger Autograph Collection.

This brand new luxurious line of furniture already seems a perfect fit for those who want to create a sophisticated and stylish outdoor living environment in their backyard. A recognized staple in outdoor living furniture and amenities.

Ledge’s newest collection completely reimagines comfort as it equates to luxury and refinement. Understated, modern, and streamlined aesthetics lie at the core of the Autograph Collection.

What’s truly impressive is how the collection is both equally at home at the trendiest 5-star luxury resorts as well as right in the backyard. A quick glance through the new collection leaves no doubt that Autograph is versatile and well-designed. Featuring a variety of high-end amenities that sophisticated homeowners are looking for, the new collection includes comfortable chaises, chairs, umbrellas, and side tables.

One of the hottest features in recent years has been incorporating huge tanning ledges in the design of the pool. Not only does this create a larger shallow area but creates a more dynamic use of the space. Ledge Lounger has capitalized on this trend to rapidly become the leader of in-pool furniture with their popular line of chaise lounges.

Perhaps the most exciting offering in Autograph is the reinterpretation of their exciting in-pool furniture. We’re in love with these stylish new chaise loungers and think you will be too. Available in white, sandstone, cloud, and granite gray, there are 4 unique looks in Autograph Collection which should greatly appeal to designers and builders looking to offer more options to their customers.

The Autograph chairs are available in the same exact colors and when smartly paired with side tables instantly create a stylish and contemporary poolside conversation area. Submersible up to 12 inches, the chairs can also be used in and out of the pool which makes them an enormously popular choice this summer.

Ledge’s efforts to create a luxurious collection really bring some of the best elements together. New, incredibly comfortable headrest pillows were designed for the chaise lounges and come in a wide assortment of colors and patterns.

Marine-grade fabrics and EZ-Dri foam core make the pillows resistant to fading, mold and mildew. They also come with convenient built-in pockets for storing a cellphone, wallet, or keys.

One thing we appreciate in the new collection is the attention to detail in how products are used and utilized in real-world settings. Smart details like creating multi-functional pieces with hidden storage for ice and drinks are the differentiator here. The Autograph Umbrella Stand features an Ice Bin as does the tall variation of the Autograph Side Table.

Attention To Detail & Real World Use

Honestly, these are all important and frequently overlooked details that make all the difference when selecting a line of outdoor living furniture for your pool area. The Autograph Collection will appeal to those looking for ways to take their backyard to the next level. With its luxurious design and high-end features, the Autograph Collection is the smart choice for those who simply want to enjoy the very best of outdoor living.

Having a dream outdoor living space is something a lot of us want to check off our bucket list. Whether it’s because you love to throw big parties with friends, host fun family reunions, or just want to create a space to relax on the weekends, transforming your outdoor living area doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With just a little planning, you can create the ultimate outdoor area and entertain your loved ones for years to come. Let’s dive deep into a few ideas to create your unique space!

Luxury Outdoor Furniture & Accessories

Your outdoor space’s aesthetic is just as important as any other part of your home. Whether you’re looking to create an area to relax in with your family, or host large parties for friends, making sure your backyard reflects your personal style while providing you with desired conveniences is crucial. But with so many styles, it can be a daunting task to find furniture that helps create the look you want while being durable enough to withstand outdoor elements.

One thing anyone can use in their backyard is tabletop space. Even the smallest of spaces can be transformed with something like the Amped Table with Cupholders. This small side table is available in over ten colors and will keep you and your loved one’s beverages safe from spilling.

These unique side tables pair beautifully with many styles of seating such as the Mibster Chair or the Moon Chair.

Stylish In-Pool Furniture and Seating

You can’t have a deluxe pool and outdoor space without luxury in-pool furniture. Creating a space to lay back and soak up the sun will take your backyard paradise to the next level. Have an empty Baja shelf you’re looking to fill? Try a luxurious in-pool lounger like the Kai Shelf Lounger. These ultra-modern loungers aren’t only visually appealing but provide optimal comfort for you and your loved ones.

Another option is the Shayz Lounger which can be used in or outside of the pool to add an elegant touch for your ultimate outdoor space. With risers of different sizes available, the options are endless no matter how deep your shelf.

Porcelain Patio Pavers & Hardscapes

Keeping the area around your pool looking clean and fresh is imperative to maintaining a luxurious and inviting outdoor space. Nobody wants to get out of a relaxing and refreshing pool only to walk barefoot on rough, dirty pavers. Traditionally, pavers have been made of concrete and natural stone and require more maintenance than porcelain pavers and hardscapes.

Unlike traditional materials, porcelain pavers don’t need to be sealed because they are non-porous, making them easy to clean and maintain. They provide a consistency in color that is not found in other materials, and they are resistant to fading and staining. Moreover, they provide an elegant, high-end feel to match your luxury aesthetic. When creating the ultimate outdoor area to entertain your loved ones, choosing the best pavers shouldn’t be overlooked.

Modern Fire Features

Add a unique and cozy element to your outdoor space with a modern fire feature. Available in many shapes and sizes, there is something for every backyard, no matter how big or small your space may be.

Cozy up around a fire with family during the fall, or simply warm up and have a drink after getting out of your pool; either way, adding a fire bowl or table to your backyard paradise will add a high-end feel to your home’s style. Some even double as additional tabletop space to serve food and drinks. A fire feature makes for another sophisticated and inviting gathering place to make memories with loved ones.

Fire & Water Combination Bowls

Wishing you could bring the warmth and ambience of a high-end fire feature poolside? Well, now you can with a Fire and Water combination bowl. This new, trending outdoor feature brings a warm, sultry feel to your pool that will get your friends and family talking. Now you can have a drink and relax in a cozy atmosphere without ever having to get out of the pool!

Robotic, Solar-powered Pool Skimmers

The final piece to creating the ultimate outdoor space for entertaining is to keep your pool clean and party ready at all times. Let’s be honest, this can be a daunting, time-consuming task. Investing in a solar-powered robotic skimmer is a great solution to help you keep your pool looking clean and inviting all year long.

Solar power energy means it’s not only eco-friendly, but you don’t need to worry about additional energy costs, charging, or batteries. These new modern models also have accompanying apps for both android and Apple devices that allow you to control the skimmer and even check pool chemical levels from the palm of your hand. Take a break and rid yourself of one more chore with an automatic pool cleaner.

Whatever your dream outdoor space looks like, these suggestions will help elevate your space to a truly welcoming and enjoyable area for you and your loved ones. There really is something for everyone to make their ultimate outdoor space a reality.

Featured Photo Credit: Tenjam