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falls from outside the water feature. Because falls tend to serve as focal points in the landscape, light levels should be at least 10 footcandles (FC) and up when employing this method of lighting a waterfall.

Grazing is another way to light from outside a water feature. This technique casts or skims light across the water's surface. It is especially attractive when used in combination with running water. Similar to mirror lighting this technique takes advantage of the reflective qualities of the water's surface. It is an effective way to both light the water itself and highlight the immediately surrounding landscape features.

This technique may require additional planning and some on site experimentation because grazing (when not properly applied) can dull the textures of the water feature and create an undesirable glare. When lighting a pond or water feature, from inside or outside of the water, it is essential to avoid creating a glare whenever possible.

Fixture positioning and the angle of incidence are variables that can either reduce or magnify glare and therefore warrant prior consideration. A light source in a tree opposite the primary viewing angle can bounce light off the water surface into the eye of the viewer. It is critical to view the lighting from several different points in the landscape before finalizing the lighting design. This practice will help insure glare is kept at minimum.

Glare is a by product of poor design
and can be corrected. But there are other physical aspects of a lighting system that can prove to be much more troublesome. What if the fixtures used fail and have to be replaced? This is only one example of how _toptenance calls can and will deteriorate profits if the system is not properly designed and installed. Choosing the right equipment is the first step toward minimizing these kinds of additional expenses, and insuring the safe, effective operation of the lighting system.

All transformers and submerged fixtures present in the system must be rated for underwater use. Not all fixtures and transformers have this rating. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm the equipment's underwater rating with either the supplier or manufacturer.

Though a fixture may be permanently and completely water-tight, water may still get in where the connection is made outside the water feature. Irrigation water in the soil can make it's way into the splice if a completely water-proof splice is not used. This will lessen both the life and aesthetic appearance of the lighting system. NEVER make an underwater splice, unless it is in an approved, water-tight underwater junction.

Never use un-approved fixtures in water that people come in contact with like swimming pools or spas. 12 volt fixtures are not rated for use in water used by people. Even if the fixture is not directly submerged in the pool where people swim this guideline must always be followed. Even a fixture placed in a waterfall away from the actual pool is not approved for this use if the water from that fall eventually spills into the pool. Low voltage fixtures must be placed in the landscape a minimum of 10' away from the edge of all water intended for use by people. If there are koi or other fish present in the water feature, do not use copper or brass fixtures. These materials are toxic to some fish.

By following these guidelines and experimenting with the different lighting techniques, designers who incorporate landscape lighting into their water feature designs boost the value of their individual water features on multiple levels. The homeowner will realize added value in that they can enjoy the visual and audible enhancement the water feature brings to their property both day and night. The designer can command a higher premium for services rendered. And, the water feature itself will become a more attractive, functional component in the landscape.
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