Q&A from Webinar Lighting the Way Forward 2025

Explore our full range of underwater luminaires, including wall-recessed, linear, and projector options. Designed for performance and reliability, Unilamp underwater fixtures are engineered using marine-grade materials to ensure long-lasting operation in harsh pool environments.

Click here to explore all underwater luminaires

1. Can stainless steel be painted in a custom color for underwater use?

While it is technically possible to paint stainless steel, it is not recommended for underwater applications. Paint does not adhere well to stainless surfaces and will degrade quickly when exposed to chemicals such as chlorine. Unilamp uses marine-grade 316L stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and aesthetic durability when left uncoated.

2. Can the housing size of the ACQUA series be reduced?

Reducing the size of the ACQUA luminaire would require new tooling and significant development time and costs. For applications needing a smaller profile, we recommend the VOLGA series, which offers compact dimensions with comparable performance.

Click the image to view ACQUA and VOLGA drawings and specifications.

3. Is RGBW available in the ACQUA series?

Yes. Unilamp can integrate RGBW 4-in-1 chips (as used in the ARC series) into ACQUA luminaires. These are compatible with DMX or DALI control protocols and have been successfully implemented through our UniModification service.

Learn more about UniModification

4. What is the expected LED lifespan?

Unilamp underwater fixtures, including the ACQUA series, offer long lifespans. For example, ACQUA has an L70B10 > 40,000 hours. This ensures reliable illumination over years of operation, especially in pool environments where lights typically run fewer than 8 hours daily.

5. What is the typical service life of LED drivers?

LED drivers generally offer up to 5 years of service life, depending on usage and environmental conditions. They are often the first component that may require replacement in an underwater system.

6. How do you manage thermal shock from rapid temperature changes?

While Unilamp does not produce thermal protection devices directly, we recommend incorporating appropriate safety components into the electrical design to safeguard against issues such as lens cracking, seal failure, or internal condensation caused by sudden hot and cold water transitions.

Our team is available to provide project-specific guidance and recommendations to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Please feel free to consult with the Unilamp expert team for tailored solutions at online@unilamp.co.th

7. What is the maximum installation depth for underwater fixtures?

• Recessed luminaires: Up to 1.5 meters
• Surface-mounted fixtures: Up to 2 meters

These limits help maintain performance and protect against water pressure damage.

8. Is IP69 a real requirement for underwater lights?

IP69 is a recognized industrial rating, designed for environments subject to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, such as those in industrial cleaning processes. However, this level of protection is not required for swimming pool applications, where such extreme conditions do not exist. For underwater lighting, the correct and internationally accepted standard is IP68—ensuring protection against continuous submersion.

All Unilamp underwater luminaires are IP68-rated, and each unit undergoes a 48-hour submersion test to ensure long-term reliability and durability in submerged environments.

9. How does chlorine affect underwater fixtures, and what standards apply?

Unilamp fixtures are tested for chlorine resistance and meet international standards, including IEC 60598. Marine-grade 316L stainless steel provides excellent resistance to corrosion and discoloration in chlorinated environments.

10. What is the 3.5-meter rule for non-underwater fixtures around pools?

Per IEC 60598, AC-powered fixtures must be installed at least 3.5 meters from the pool edge. If installed closer, they must operate on DC voltage with a remote driver and be properly grounded for safety.

11. Are DIALux files with honeycomb accessories available for ACQUA?

While DIALux plug-ins do not yet support accessory data, Unilamp can provide IES files that reflect honeycomb performance. Using a honeycomb may reduce light output by approximately 30%, which can be manually adjusted in your lighting design.

12. How resistant are ACQUA fixtures to long-term exposure to chlorine or saltwater?

ACQUA fixtures are built from 316L stainless steel and undergo both salt spray and chlorine resistance testing. With proper installation and maintenance, these luminaires can last well over 5 years in harsh water conditions.

13. Are pressure tests required for deep pools (>3–4 meters)?

Yes. For pools deeper than 1.5 meters, pressure factors must be considered. Unilamp can support your project by providing pressure testing data and technical recommendations for deep or Olympic-sized pools.

14. How does Unilamp manage heat dissipation in underwater luminaires?

All underwater fixtures feature integrated heat sinks and are factory-tested to maintain internal temperatures below 90°C. The surrounding water also helps regulate temperature, ensuring long-term stability and performance.

15.  What is the recommended maximum distance between remote driver and underwater fixture?

Using a 1.00 mm² cable, the remote driver can be placed up to 30 meters from the fixture. With a 2.00 mm² cable, the distance can extend beyond 50 meters, depending on site conditions.

16. Are all IP68 products suitable for swimming pools?

Not necessarily. Some European manufacturers caution against using IP68-rated products in pools due to differences in testing standards. Unilamp underwater luminaires fully comply with IEC 60598-2-18, which defines specific requirements for underwater use—such as low voltage (≤12V AC or 30V DC), Class III protection, and non-detachable tails. Our IP68-rated fixtures are designed and tested to meet these stringent criteria.

For more information, visit www.unilamp.co.th or contact online@unilamp.co.th