eLightBulbs Lighting Blog > Light Bulbs for your Backyard, Pool, and Patio

There are a lot of different light bulbs to choose from when thinking about lighting your backyard.  Today's energy efficient light bulbs such as compact fluorescents and LEDs are better than inefficient incandescent light bulbs for various reasons.  Pool and patio lighting also benefit from energy efficient light bulb technologies. 

Pool Lighting 

Good light bulbs outside the pool are important to prevent slipping accidents and to aid in pool cleaning.  Compact fluorescent light bulbs work well here; even if climates become cold, you can use cold cathode compact fluorescents.  Cold cathode compact fluorescents are created to start instantly in temperatures as low as -10 degrees F, and are sturdier than standard CFLs. 

Cold cathode CFLs are great for any outside lighting application, including patio lighting.  With a variety of color temperatures available, you can customize your backyard lighting to match any patio set.  LED light bulbs can also work well in this situation with their instant-on capabilities and energy efficiency.  Their light spread is not yet as wide as compact fluorescent light bulbs, so they are best used in spot lighting around outdoor furniture. 

With the great energy efficiency of compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED light bulbs, there's no reason to use old inefficient incandescent light bulbs.  Currently CFLs are the best value and quality of light, with LED light bulbs gaining speed as research is continued.  Research is also ongoing with incandescent technology, as lighting manufacturers know many people prefer not to switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.  Energy efficient incandescent light bulbs could very well be available in the future.