This project involved the installation of a high-performance LED lighting solution for a recreational tennis court in Texas. The client selected a pre-configured lighting package with a focus on dark sky compliance but faced unexpected challenges after installation. Access Fixtures worked closely with the client to resolve light trespass issues, implement effective shielding, and introduce a remote dimming solution. This case study details how the project overcame obstacles to deliver optimal lighting performance while maintaining compliance and neighborhood harmony. Details on which LED lights for tennis court lighting was used to successfully complete this project was also given.
Key Takeaways
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- Dark Sky Compliance & Optimal Lighting Performance: Installed (4) APTA 480W LED sports lights with superior optics and full cutoff design, achieving an average of 24 footcandles with a 1.35 max/min ratio for recreational tennis play.
- Mitigating Light Trespass & Custom Shielding: Custom-fabricated backlight shields minimized light spill into neighboring properties, fixture tilt correction aligned with the photometric design, reducing excess illumination beyond the court, and shields were painted to blend with poles for aesthetic integration.
- Enhanced Control with Smart Dimming Solutions: Implemented a Lutron power pack for remote dimming without rewiring, configured brightness limits to maintain consistent output levels upon activation, and provided recommendations for future-proofing lighting control.
Project Overview
Project Title: Recreational Tennis Court Lighting Installation
Location: Bellaire, Texas
Client Type: Private Tennis Court Owner
Objective: Install high-quality LED lighting with dark sky compliance while addressing light trespass concerns and ensuring optimal visibility.
What is Tennis Court Lighting?
Tennis court lighting involves the strategic placement of high-lumen fixtures to provide uniform visibility across the playing area. Proper lighting eliminates glare, prevents shadows, and ensures an even distribution of brightness, which is essential for recreational and professional gameplay.
Initial Consultation
The client initially approached Access Fixtures after seeing a pre-configured lighting package online. Budget constraints were a priority, and the client was primarily concerned with installing lighting quickly rather than conducting a thorough photometric review. The selected package included (4) APTA 480W LED fixtures mounted on 20’ poles, delivering the necessary footcandles for recreational play.
During the consultation, the client expressed a need for dark sky compliance but did not prioritize light trespass concerns. After confirming the order, Access Fixtures moved forward with the installation based on the package specifications.
Photometric Analysis & Implementation
A photometric study confirmed that the selected fixtures would achieve an average of 24 footcandles with a max/min ratio of 1.35, ensuring adequate lighting for tennis gameplay. The APTA 480W LED sports lights were installed with T4VS optics and a 3000K color temperature, ensuring full cutoff design to meet dark sky requirements.
However, after installation, several issues arose, including:
- The client tilting the fixtures beyond their designed orientation, causing excessive light spill into neighboring properties.
- The court’s proximity (6-8 feet) to the neighbor’s property, increasing the impact of light trespass.
- Complaints from the neighbor, prompting involvement from local authorities.
Solutions & Adjustments
Before and After Shield Installation
Before Installation: Initially, the lighting system was installed without any shielding. The fixtures produced an average of 24 footcandles on the court, but the tilted orientation caused excessive light spill, leading to brightness levels exceeding 1 footcandle on adjacent properties. While the photometric analysis confirmed compliance with recreational tennis court standards, the tilted fixtures caused excessive light spill into adjacent properties. Due to the court’s proximity to the neighbor’s yard, this resulted in significant light trespass beyond the intended playing area. The neighbor, concerned about the unwanted brightness affecting their property, escalated the issue to local authorities. Additionally, the fixtures’ orientation amplified the problem by directing more light outward rather than focusing illumination solely on the court.
After Installation: To address the light trespass issue, Access Fixtures implemented several corrective measures. The realigned fixtures maintained an average of 24 footcandles on the court while reducing light trespass to below 0.1 footcandles on neighboring properties. The fixture tilt was adjusted to its proper horizontal alignment, ensuring that the optics functioned as intended. Custom-fabricated backlight shields were then installed on the fixtures, effectively reducing stray light and directing illumination downward onto the court. To enhance the aesthetics, these shields were painted to match the poles and fixtures, seamlessly blending into the overall design. The shields played a critical role in preventing excess brightness from spilling into neighboring properties while maintaining optimal court visibility for players. These improvements successfully brought the project into compliance with local light trespass regulations, resolving the issue with the neighbor and ensuring a balanced lighting environment.
Correction of Fixture Tilt
Adjusting the fixtures back to their intended horizontal alignment significantly reduced light trespass. Proper alignment ensured that the optics worked as designed, directing illumination strictly onto the court.
Custom-Fabricated Backlight Shields
To further control light spill, custom-fabricated backlight shields were created and installed on the fixtures. These shields were later painted to match the poles and fixtures, blending seamlessly into the overall aesthetic.
Dimming Solutions for Enhanced Control
The client initially opted out of dimming, but later requested it to help control light levels. A Lutron power pack was installed, allowing remote dimming via a handheld controller without requiring new wiring. This also enabled the client to set a maximum brightness level, ensuring consistent output upon activation.
Final Outcome
Through fixture realignment, shield installation, and dimming integration, Access Fixtures successfully mitigated the light trespass issue while maintaining optimal tennis court illumination. The adjustments brought the project into compliance with local regulations, resolving neighbor concerns and enhancing the client’s overall experience.
Conclusion
This project highlights the importance of proper lighting design, photometric analysis, and adaptability in sports lighting installations. By implementing targeted solutions, Access Fixtures delivered an effective and compliant lighting system tailored to the client’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key factors in achieving dark sky compliance for tennis courts?
Full cutoff fixtures, appropriate Kelvin temperature (3000K or lower), and minimizing light trespass beyond property boundaries.
How can light trespass be controlled in court lighting?
Light trespass can be reduced by using full cutoff optics, adjusting fixture angles, installing backlight shields, and utilizing dimming controls.
What was the impact of the Lutron power pack on the project?
The Lutron power pack provided a remote dimming solution without requiring additional wiring, allowing for on-demand brightness adjustments while maintaining set output levels upon reactivation.
What is the recommended footcandle level for recreational tennis courts?
For recreational tennis courts, an average of 24 footcandles with a max/min ratio of 1.35 provides adequate illumination for gameplay while maintaining visibility and uniformity.
How do tilted fixtures affect light trespass?
Tilting fixtures beyond their designed orientation can cause excessive light spill, directing illumination outside the intended playing area and into neighboring properties. This can lead to complaints, regulatory issues, and the need for corrective shielding.
Why were backlight shields necessary for this project?
Backlight shields were installed to minimize light trespass, directing illumination downward onto the court rather than spilling into adjacent properties. These shields were custom-fabricated and painted to match the poles for seamless integration.
Can LED tennis court lights be dimmed to reduce brightness?
Yes, LED tennis court lights can be dimmed using solutions like the Lutron power pack, which allows for remote dimming control without requiring additional wiring. This helps manage brightness levels based on specific needs.
How does pole placement affect tennis court lighting performance?
Proper pole placement ensures uniform lighting coverage and minimizes shadows. In this project, four 20-foot poles were used to achieve optimal light distribution across the court while meeting dark sky compliance standards.
What steps should be taken before installing tennis court lighting?
Before installation, conducting a photometric analysis is crucial to determine the optimal fixture layout, footcandle levels, and light distribution. Ensuring compliance with local regulations and considering shielding options can prevent issues like light trespass.
Light Trespass Concern
Light Trespass Controlled
APTA 480w Light Fixtures with Backlight Shield
Light Fixtures Before Tilt Correction
Why is 3000K color temperature preferred for dark sky compliance?
A 3000K color temperature emits a warm white light that minimizes blue light emissions, reducing skyglow and helping to comply with dark sky regulations while providing excellent visibility for players.
What are the benefits of full cutoff LED fixtures?
Full cutoff LED fixtures direct all light downward, reducing glare and unwanted light spill. This improves visibility on the court while ensuring compliance with dark sky and light trespass regulations.