If you give us a scan of the design we can answer that question better. One may be fine, two is always better, just more $$$

Ok, trying to post the actual picture where it doesn't just create a link.... You can see that the light is set up just to shoot straight down the 34.5' length. Spouse would like extra light facing the raised back beam...not sure if its necessary...

Also, if you don't mind....we only have 1 skimmer set up for this thing but we're getting a vacuum side type of cleaner. We don't have lots of trees or folliage...yet. I'm not exactly sure how this vacuum thingy works but I assume since no bag, all large debris stays in skimmer and small goes to the filter....hence frequent skimmer cleaning? But probably better than emptying a cleaner bag?? Any need to add the extra expense for a second skimmer? Thanks so much for any help or advice!!

I would put two color LEDs on the house side of the pool (facing away from the pool). One between R and CA and one between the bubbler and the skimmer. However, I would go with Pentair's IntelliBrite color LEDs since they spread the light into the pool much better. See this post for picture comparisons:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/pools/msg0611514410796.html

Here is a link that might be useful: ColorLogic 4.0 vs. IntelliBrite

Thanks for the link to the comparison pictures. That's very helpful. I need to talk with PB about that. Spouse is asking for having one light point down the length and the other between R and CA as you suggest...

Thanks for the input!

If this is going to be white plaster 1 light should be sufficient. If its dark/pebble one length

Oh Btw don't let them ugly up the pool with 4 main drains. Tell them to use larger grates, or unblockables and have less grates on the floor.

2 paramount sdx grates would be sufficient for a pool like this even with th water features.

One would light it with no real shadows, as I said before two is better.
I would put one near the skimmer, and one near "ca".
I think that is what linda was saying. I think she meant "facing away from the house".

I'd be worrying about lighting the steps if you put them in that orientation.

My pool design is very similar as is the house orientation. Our engineer suggested one Intellibrite at the middle of the deep end and the second between the "R" and "CA" location as shown on your diagram. Our pool is not operational yet, so I can't report how well this works, but we have a shelf and steps in the same location as yours and hope they get lit as well.

This is very helpful feedback. It sounds like I need to consider putting two lights on the house side, one near the deep end and one in the shallow end both pointing toward the raised beam. But I could get away with just one down the center with no major shadows.

racket: the pool will have Stonescapes Tahoe Blue. I'm not sure I understand what you meant by "If its dark/pebble one length" Could you please clarify?
About the drains....The engineering drawing (which I don't have a copy of right now, it may be out hanging on the fence) and my contract indicate only 2. The sketch always showed 4 though...not sure why.

njfolks: At the rate we're making changes, it may be next summer before digging... Please let us know how your lighting works out.

Anyone have an opinion about having only one skimmer with a vacuum side cleaner?

We have about the same size pool, 16500 gallons, 92+ perimeter, 32X20...and we have 2 LED lights...and we have pebble sheen. I would never go with 1 light. Even if you have white plaster, 2 lights would be better. They are one of my favorite things about my pool....the lights, colors and light shows! You can't go back and add a light, and you will wish you had 2.
Good luck!!!

Our build looks very similar to yours. We went with 2 Color Logics in the pool and 1 in the spa and are happy we did .. they look great.

I'm not sure one would have been enough ... when someone is in front of one of the lights, the other end of the pool is defionitely not illuminated as much as we like.

Be sure that none of them is angled towards your house.

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. We're going to get another light. I'm a little disappointed that its gonna cost us >$700 though....

janetlong and leonardsmalls: I really enjoy watching your pool builds - they are very helpful. They're both very beautiful. I hope I can do as good of a job documenting the process as you both have. Thank you both for sharing.

After looking at leonardsmalls pool, I've asked my builder to make my spa dam wall stacked all the way below the tile line. Really like the way that looks.

Looks like I have to wait for this Wednesday to get the perimeter repainted. I'm really hoping that they'll start digging soon after that....

I went with 1 light and think it needs two. My wife and PB disagree so I just live with the 1 light and smile as I enjoy my pool.