As the gym owner or an arena, your most important concern is keeping your customers and members happy. One way to do this is by making sure the lighting within your facility is adequate and doesn't leave anyone feeling like they can't do their best work. If you're currently using fluorescent lights in your gym or arena, it might be time to consider switching to LEDs, which can help you improve visibility and reduce energy costs at the same time. Here's why you should consider LED for gym and arena lighting and what you need to know before doing so.
Interior Lights
When choosing interior lights for your gym or arena, LEDs use much less power than incandescent bulbs, so even if you have to install more of them, you'll likely save energy and money by switching over. You can compensate for poor visibility by ensuring all switches are highly visible, so people don't accidentally turn off the lights they need on. When possible, adding light sensors to automatic light controls is a great idea because that will allow lights to switch on only when necessary. Using motion sensors is another easy way to use less electricity.
Locker Rooms
Outfitting a locker room can be expensive, with traditional lighting costing as much as $1 per hour per fixture. However, with LED lights that number can drop to pennies on the dollar. Not only does LED lighting cost significantly less than its HID counterpart, but it also lasts longer. With LEDs boasting an average lifespan of 50,000 hours (over 20 years), you won't need to replace them every few months. And while it may take more time upfront to install LED lights in your locker rooms, considering how long they last, you'll save money over their HID counterparts in no time!
Pools, Restrooms, and Showers
Gyms and arenas are public facilities, so it's essential to make sure these spaces are easy to see to ensure safety. LED lights are placed on both interior and exterior walls to help direct traffic around your facility. Outdoor sports facilities should also include outdoor lighting on their surrounding fences or walls for security purposes. It's best to incorporate dimmers into these installations because lights that are too bright will affect other users, while lights that aren't bright enough can leave hallways dark and cause accidents, especially after hours when security is not present.
Exterior Lights
If you want to replace your exterior lights with LED lights, make sure you buy a light bulb that's not too bright. You don't want to blind people in front of your arena or gymnasium but rather produce a soft glow in an attempt to make your building look more inviting. Make sure that you select exterior lights that are suitable for both wet and dry locations—if they can survive in rainy conditions, they will last longer. In general, though, LEDs are better suited for outdoor applications because they do not have glass enclosures and therefore resist corrosion from salt air and splashing water. LEDs are easier to install because their compact size makes them perfect for installation on top of gutters or rooflines.
This post serves as a great guide to help you decide which LED lights are right for your gym or arena. For more information, contact us today! We'll help you choose LEDs that will last years, save on maintenance costs and deliver excellent lighting for your facility.