There’s a difference between simply lighting up a yard and designing an experience. When a Columbus-area family dreamed of turning their outdoor space into a peaceful retreat, they reached out to Light Up Columbus with a simple request: make it beautiful, make it functional, and make it feel like home, even after the sun goes down. The result? A breathtaking transformation that recently earned “Best of Show” from the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP)—one of the industry’s top honors.

More Than Lights—An Atmosphere

This wasn’t about floodlights or overly bright fixtures. The goal was to create a space that invited relaxation, connection, and calm. Designer and President of Light Up Columbus, Chris Apfelstadt, led the project with that exact vision in mind.“We weren’t just solving for visibility,” Apfelstadt shared in a recent episode of The Lighting Coach podcast. “We were building an experience—something peaceful, something memorable.”With that mindset, the Light Up Columbus team got to work.

The Details That Made It Magic

The property already had great bones: a pool, stone pathways, mature trees, and multiple entertaining areas. But at night, everything faded into darkness.

To bring the space to life, the team used a mix of subtle, layered lighting techniques:

Moonlighting high in the trees to cast a gentle glow—mimicking the feel of a full moon
Underwater lighting in the pool to enhance movement and safety without glare
Soft step and path lighting to guide guests naturally across the space
String lighting in seating areas to create warmth and intimacy

The result was soft, inviting, and seamless for an outdoor space that feels just as alive at night as it does during the day.

From Backyard to Award-Winner

What started as a standard backyard quickly became one of the most talked-about designs in the industry. The Moonlit Oasis project stood out not just for its technical skill, but for how it made people feel. It’s proof that outdoor lighting, when done right, doesn’t just light up a home, it transforms it.

Inspired? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own moonlit escape or want to make better use of your outdoor space after dark, we can help you get there.

6 Pool Landscaping Lights Ideas

No one ever said that swimming in the dark was a fun idea, but with the right pool landscaping lights, it can be. By using different colors and styles of lights, you can create an inviting atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy. You can also use them to highlight different features in your yard, such as trees or flowers.

There are many options when it comes to pool landscaping lighting. Whatever look you want to achieve, whether it’s a rustic or modern feel, there is a light that will help you achieve it. Some popular options include:

Standard floodlights: These lights are usually the most affordable option, and they can be mounted in different positions to create a variety of effects around your swimming pool. They can also be used on walkways and other outdoor spaces as well.
LED string lights: If you want a soft glow around your pool area, these are an excellent choice. They come in many different colors, so you can easily match them with your existing backyard décor or choose something completely new and funky.
Spotlights: These lights are perfect for highlighting trees, shrubs, or other features in your yard. You can choose from different colors to create a unique look or stick with the classic white light.
Fiber optic lighting: If you’re looking to add some color and movement to your pool area, fiber optic lights are a great choice. They come in many different designs and colors that can be arranged any way you want around your swimming pool or garden area to create an interesting and unique look.
Underwater lights: These lights are perfect for adding a bit of drama to your pool area. They come in different colors and styles, so you can easily find one that matches your existing backyard décor or choose something completely new and exciting.
Other lighting options: There are many other types of pool lights available, such as colored glass globes or floating lights that create a beautiful glow on the water’s surface. Choose the type of light that best matches your vision for your backyard oasis and start creating an inviting space to relax and unwind after a long day.

Tips for selecting and installing pool landscaping lights: Before you purchase any lights for your pool area, it’s important to think about where they will be placed, how they will be powered (e.g., whether they will be plugged into an outlet), and what kind of mounting hardware will be needed to secure them in place. In addition, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing these lights to ensure they are used correctly and safely.

When selecting pool landscaping lights, it’s important to choose an option that will best match your needs and budget. There are many different types of lights available, so take some time to browse the different options and find the perfect one for your backyard oasis. And don’t forget to have fun! After all, this is your chance to get creative and add your own personal touch to your outdoor space.

No matter what type of pool landscaping lights you choose, they will help you create an inviting atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy your backyard area at night. With so many options available, it’s easy to find the perfect light for your needs and budget. So why wait? Go ahead and get started on creating a backyard oasis that everyone will love!

Light up Columbus
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