A returning customer from outside Houston, TX, contacted Access Fixtures in search of an indoor tennis court lighting upgrade. A few months prior, the customer had installed Access Fixtures LED luminaires on their outdoor tennis courts. They were thrilled with the results of the outdoor courts and wanted to achieve the same light on two additional, covered courts on their property.
Prior to any recommendations, the Access Fixtures team gathered relevant information from the customer to ensure we could provide the most accurate indoor tennis court lighting results possible. This information included ceiling height, current number of installed fixtures, fixture arrangement, Kelvin temperature, voltage,
amount of ambient light, requirements of options such as occupancy sensors and dimming, and more. To appropriately light this tennis court, we knew how important it was to address and evaluate all of these factors. Using indoor tennis court lights, which are ceiling-mounted LED fixtures, would help achieve the desired lighting results.
Revamping the current indoor tennis court lighting meant replacing the community’s fifty-two existing 400w pulse-start metal halide fixtures. With this many fixtures dedicated to the twin tennis courts, a one-for-one swap of the existing units would create a phenomenally even lighting solution. Knowing one of the main goals of the project was to create lighting comparable to the existing outdoor courts, we knew this is the kind of lighting the customer was looking for. There were no bleachers indoors, which meant the priority was to just light the two courts themselves. The courts, which measured a total of 120 by 108 feet, were covered by a metal structure. The customer did not know the exact height of the structure but was able to measure some of the lower wall panels. These measurements allowed our team to use some basic trigonometry to calculate the pitch and height of the roof.
Introduction to Indoor Tennis Court Lighting
Indoor tennis court lighting is a crucial aspect of creating a safe and enjoyable playing experience for tennis enthusiasts. Proper lighting can enhance visibility, reduce eye strain, and improve overall performance. With the advancement of technology, LED lighting has become a popular choice for indoor tennis facilities due to its energy efficiency, longevity, and high-quality light output. LED lighting ensures that players can see the ball clearly, react quickly, and play their best game, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions outside. In this section, we will explore the benefits and best practices of indoor tennis court lighting.
Photometric Design Goals
To be sure the light levels would match or exceed that of the outdoor courts, the Access Fixtures team ran this photometric analysis. The aim for the indoor tennis court lighting layout was to achieve approximately 55 footcandles throughout the playing area. Foot candles are a key measurement for determining adequate lighting levels on tennis courts, ensuring proper illumination for both players and spectators. We had a good idea of what high bay fixture would make an appropriate replacement for the 400w PSMH fixtures; the results of the photometric analysis did not disappoint. The report came back promising 62 average FC and 91 maximum FC across the playing areas of both courts.
Benefits of LED Lighting for Indoor Tennis Courts
LED lighting offers numerous benefits for indoor tennis courts, making it the preferred choice for modern sports lighting solutions. One of the most significant advantages is energy cost savings. LED lights consume significantly less energy than traditional lighting sources, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. This makes them an environmentally friendly option that also helps facility managers save on operational costs.
Another key benefit is the longer lifespan of LED lights. Unlike traditional lighting sources that require frequent replacements, LED lights have a much longer operational life, reducing the need for constant maintenance and replacements. This longevity translates to lower maintenance costs and less downtime for the courts.
LED lights also provide improved visibility. They offer high-quality, uniform lighting that enhances visibility across the entire playing area, reducing eye strain for players and spectators alike. This uniformity ensures that there are no dark spots or overly bright areas, creating a consistent and comfortable lighting environment.
Increased safety is another crucial benefit of LED lighting. By providing clear visibility of the court and surrounding areas, LED lights help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Players can see the ball and their opponents more clearly, leading to a safer and more enjoyable playing experience.
Lighting Solution
Before running any photometrics for this indoor tennis court lighting setup, Access Fixtures explored some options with the customer. First was deciding whether they preferred uplighting or downlighting. Uplighting would reduce glare and offer unique mounting possibilities, while downlighting would provide more direct lighting to the playing area. Indirect lighting minimizes glare by directing light upwards towards reflective surfaces, creating a uniform and high-quality illumination that enhances visibility and overall playing conditions. Their existing PSMH fixtures were hung as downlights, and after discussing each available option, the housing community decided that they were happy to proceed with the same downlighting format.
The KOTA family of LED fixtures is ideal for applications such as detailing shops, commercial facilities, retail buildings, inventory warehouses, sporting applications, and more. The KOTA 185 LED high bay was the perfect choice for this covered double tennis court application. The fixture is incredibly powerful, delivering up to 20,324 lumens, and it is rated at 100,000 hours (over eleven years if run nonstop). One aspect of the KOTA 185w high bay fixture that makes it stand out from the crowd is its patented heat sink and passive cooling system. The KOTA has unmatched ability to redistribute heat by removing any heat from the COB LED area, ensuring crucial components are kept cool and functioning at full capacity. LED sports lighting offers significant advantages for various sports facilities, including energy efficiency and durability.
KOTAs feature just one LED per fixture, which may sound strange or hard to believe. However, this one LED far outperforms regular LED chips, largely due to its heat dispersion tunnel that allows heat to escape. This heat dispersion boosts the lifetime of the fixture, which makes for less fixture downtime and more consistent performance overall. Each KOTA has a standard rating of IP65, making it ideal for use in the steel-built structure, where dust and moisture ingress is sometimes a factor. Though the space was enclosed, the IP rating meant that there would be no issue if dust or moisture came in contact with the fixtures.
Mounting the KOTA 185w high bays for use in indoor tennis court lighting is simple. These fixtures come standard with an adjustable mounting arm or eye-hook; pole-top mounting is also available. This customer chose the standard eye-hook mounting option, which made it easy to hang the fixtures from the ceiling. Given the number of fixtures, they didn’t need to be aimed or pointed anywhere but straight down; the hook mount was the perfect option for this project. If your project has a unique mounting requirement, let our lighting specialists find a solution for you. Access Fixtures has an unspeakably wide range of mounting brackets; call us today to determine the best mount for your project. Our team will also help you navigate the tricky territory of EPA ratings, wind loads, weight restrictions, and more. We can run a photometric report for your layout so you can see exactly the kind of light you’ll get from your KOTA fixtures.
Overall, these fixtures are extremely versatile, powerful, and efficient, making this the dream fixture for this and many projects.
How Many Fixtures Were Needed?
Simulating the results with a photometric analysis not only allowed the customer to better understand the results this project would achieve; it allowed the Access Fixtures lighting team to work closely with the customer to ensure that doing a one-for-one replacement on the existing fixtures would provide sufficient light for the covered double tennis court. Providing accurate suggestions and results prior to purchasing or installation is crucial. This indoor tennis court lighting project was a big investment for this housing community, and they wanted to ensure they got it absolutely right. Tailored lighting systems for various sports facilities are essential to enhance player performance and ensure safety during activities.
To accommodate the size of the space, the angle of the roof, and the playing area of the double tennis court, we used KOTA to replace all fifty-two pulse-start metal halide fixtures.
The Indoor Tennis Court Lighting Answer
Once we had selected the fixture, run a photometric analysis, and educated the customer on the details, he was able to present the package to his board. The proposal passed with ease. The lighting solution is also highly applicable and advantageous for indoor sports facilities due to its brightness, uniform light distribution, and energy efficiency. The board’s only request was for an estimated lead time; they were planning to resurface the courts and wanted an idea about the timeline so they could schedule the resurfacing.
This customer came to Access Fixtures looking to achieve a similar lighting solution to another part of their facility’s tennis playing area. In just a few weeks, Access Fixtures lighting specialists had gathered every necessary detail about their space and requirements, ensuring accurate information and results.
The outcome of this project was exactly what the customer had imagined. The customer and his team were delighted with the results of their new double tennis court lighting solution. He and his team were so happy with the solution, and support from our lighting specialists, he agreed to be a reference for another one of our customers.
Common Challenges in Indoor Tennis Court Lighting
Indoor tennis court lighting can pose several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure optimal performance. One common issue is insufficient lighting. Poorly lit courts can lead to poor visibility, making it difficult for players to see the ball and their opponents. This can result in eye strain, reduced performance, and a less enjoyable playing experience.
Glare and reflections are another challenge. Improperly positioned lights can cause glare, which can be distracting for players and spectators. Reflections from shiny surfaces can also create visual disturbances, affecting the players’ ability to focus on the game.
Maintenance and upkeep of traditional lighting sources can be time-consuming and costly. Traditional lights often require frequent maintenance and replacements, which can disrupt the use of the courts and increase operational costs. Ensuring that the lighting system is always in optimal condition requires regular attention and resources.
Best Practices for Indoor Tennis Court Lighting Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of indoor tennis court lighting, it is essential to follow best practices for maintenance. Regular cleaning of lights and fixtures is crucial to prevent dust and dirt buildup, which can reduce light output and efficiency. Clean fixtures ensure that the lighting remains bright and effective.
Scheduled maintenance checks are also important. Regular inspections can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach can prevent unexpected failures and ensure that the lighting system remains reliable.
Upgrading to LED lighting is a highly recommended practice. LED lights not only reduce energy consumption but also have lower maintenance needs compared to traditional lighting sources. This upgrade can result in significant cost savings and improved lighting quality.
Conducting regular lighting audits is another best practice. These audits help ensure that the lighting levels and uniformity are optimal for the playing area. By assessing the current lighting conditions, facility managers can make informed decisions about necessary adjustments or upgrades.
By following these best practices and considering the benefits of LED lighting, indoor tennis facilities can create a safe, enjoyable, and energy-efficient playing experience for tennis enthusiasts. Proper maintenance and upgrades ensure that the lighting system remains effective and reliable, providing the best possible environment for players and spectators.
Speak to an Access Fixtures Lighting Specialist
Do you have a tennis court in need of better lighting? Access Fixtures will assign a team to your project who will work closely with you to make sure you receive the ideal solution for your performance and budget requirements. We are passionate about lighting and love what we do—we’ll find the best solution for your project. Call us today at 800-468-9925.
