Project Guide · Ellumiglow Learning Center
Underwater Lighting for Pools, Fountains & Marine
Standard IP-rated LED strip is not built for permanent submersion in pool chemistry. The Pixel-Free LED™ AQ is — with injection-molded end caps sealed to your exact length at the factory, and zero visible pixels through the water column.
The Problem
Why Standard LED Products Fail Underwater
IP68-rated LED strip is rated for submersion. What it is not rated for is continuous immersion in pool chemistry — chlorine, salt, pH-adjustment chemicals, and algaecides — combined with UV exposure and thermal cycling over the lifetime of a pool installation.
The failure mode is consistent: the silicone sleeve that provides waterproofing on a standard LED strip is the weakest component in the system. In a pool environment, chlorine degrades silicone elastomers over time. UV exposure accelerates this at above-waterline positions. At splice and connector locations — the points where field cuts were made and end caps were applied — the seal is even weaker, because the integrity of the sleeve was compromised by the cut.
A standard IP68 strip installed in a pool waterline channel may last one season, or three, depending on chemistry, UV exposure, and how it was cut and capped. The failure is not dramatic — it is progressive, showing up as color shift, intermittent sections, and eventually complete failure at the most chemically exposed positions first.
The end cap problem: When LED strip is cut to length in the field, a new end cap is applied. That field-applied end cap is the single most likely failure point in any underwater LED installation. The Pixel-Free LED™ AQ eliminates this entirely — the end caps are injection-molded at the factory to the specified length. There are no field-cut ends.
Product — Pixel-Free LED™ AQ
Built for the Aquatic Environment
The Pixel-Free LED™ AQ is a purpose-built aquatic LED fixture, not a standard product adapted for wet use. Every material specification — the body, the end cap compound, the internal waterproofing — is chosen for the specific chemical and UV profile of maintained pool and marine environments.
The product is made to order by length. You specify your run length, your application type (pool, saltwater, spa, fountain, marine), and your color temperature. We produce the product to that specification, with injection-molded end caps sealed to that exact length. The product arrives ready to install — no field cutting, no field sealing, no compromise to the waterproofing system.
Available in: Natural White 4000K, Medium Warm White 3000K, Warm White 2700K, and RGB. Pixel-controlled RGB in development.
Request a Quote →Why It Matters
Seamless Output Quality Through Water
Water amplifies the visual defects of a light source. A standard LED strip that appears acceptable in air shows distinct periodic hotspots through a water column. The Pixel-Free LED™ AQ eliminates this.
When light passes through water, refraction and diffusion amplify the visual structure of the source. A continuous linear light source produces a uniform column or plane of illumination through the water. A periodic point-source strip produces a series of bright cones that do not merge — the individual LED positions become visible to anyone near or in the pool.
For any application where underwater visual quality is a consideration — resort pools, feature pools, architectural water features — the difference between a seamless and a point-source product is immediately apparent. The Pixel-Free LED™ AQ produces a result that reads as architectural and intentional, not mechanical.
Waterline position: The highest-impact pool lighting position is at or just below the waterline on the pool wall. A seamless line at the waterline reflects cleanly on the water surface and produces precise perimeter definition. Point-source strip in this position — even with diffusion — cannot replicate this result.
Pixel-Free LED™ technology explained — what makes the seamless output different and why it matters for display, architectural, and aquatic applications.
PFL Complete Guide →Applications
Where Pixel-Free LED™ AQ Works
Pool Perimeter — Waterline
Continuous AQ run along the pool wall at the waterline. Visible from inside and outside the pool. Particularly effective on dark-bottom pools, infinity pools, and resort-style designs where the waterline is a deliberate visual element.
Underwater Step Nosing
Each step nosing ordered to exact tread width. Provides clear definition for safety and a polished decorative result. The made-to-order production gives each step a clean, continuous run with no cut-point compromise to the waterproofing.
Fountain and Reflection Pools
Linear runs along the floor or perimeter of fountain basins and architectural water features. Illuminates the water column from below for dynamic fountain effects. Handles the full chemical and UV exposure profile of maintained water features.
Water Walls and Blade Falls
Positioned behind or at the base of water curtains and weir features where a linear light source illuminates the falling water itself. The submersion zone at the base of the fall is fully covered by the AQ's waterproofing specification.
Spas and Hot Tubs
Higher chemical concentrations than standard pools make spa environments more aggressive. The AQ's chemical resistance specification covers bromine, chlorine, and the elevated concentrations typical of spa maintenance programs.
Marine Hull Underwater Lighting
Below-waterline hull accent lighting. Made-to-order length means a full hull run with no field joints — the only connection points are the terminated ends at power entry locations outside the submersion zone.
Ordering Process
How to Order Pixel-Free LED™ AQ
The AQ is made to order. The injection-molded end caps are produced to a specific length — this is not a product that can be cut after production. Every unit is manufactured to your specification.
Step 1 — Measure your runs
Map each lighting zone and measure exact run lengths: waterline, step nosings, basin floor runs, feature wall runs. A plan drawing helps our team confirm the routing and provide accurate installation guidance.
Step 2 — Submit your inquiry
Use the Start a Project form with your run lengths, application type, chemistry type (chlorine, salt, bromine), and color temperature or RGB requirements. Include your timeline — production lead time varies by current schedule.
Step 3 — Receive your quote
We return product specs, per-run pricing, and production lead time within two to three business days. As few as one piece per order. Batch production preferred for multi-zone projects.
Step 4 — Professional installation
We provide installation guidance for your specific application. AQ should be installed by a licensed pool contractor or electrician where local code requires it.
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