How Do You Light a Pickleball Court? A Homeowners’ Guide

When you’re ready to install your very own pickleball court, figuring out how to install proper lighting can really throw you for a loop. How do you make sure that your court area is well-lit enough to make your surroundings clear, but not so bright that it creates glare or light spill?

At Dominator Hoop, we’re dedicated to helping players craft a setup that leaves everyone happy. How do you light a pickleball court when it comes to specific sizes, court types, and play styles? Our homeowners’ guide will answer all your questions so you can create the ultimate pickleball setup for your favorite hobby. 

Why Lighting Matters for Backyard Pickleball Courts

Without proper lighting, your pickleball court is just another big, empty space. Good lighting serves multiple functions, transforming the area into a must-visit location that gets everyone excited for some intense matches. 

Energy

Just like waking up to a bright sunrise, good lighting naturally makes us feel more alert. When you create a well-lit pickleball court, you ensure each player has the energy needed to give every round their all. 

Safety

Bright lighting is not only good for our physical and emotional energy, it’s also a safety feature. If your court is too dark, people may bump into nearby fixtures or struggle to see the ball. 

Evening Play

How do you light a pickleball court to make sure you can play during the evening or even at night? A well-lit pickleball court ensures you don’t have to wait until the next day to enjoy pickleball matches, so let’s take a look at different lighting options. 

What Is the Best Lighting for a Pickleball Court?

LED lighting is the gold standard for pickleball courts due to its relatively low long-term cost, steady brightness, and long lifespan. However, we’ll examine a few other options so you can build a functional pickleball court that fits your needs. 

Pickleball Lighting Types	Pros	Cons	Best For
LED	Extremely energy-efficient, able to last 25,000 to 50,000 hours	Incompatible with dimmer technology, so may not be ideal if you want to customize your lighting intensity	Passionate pickleball players who plan on using their space regularly and need a long-lasting option
Metal halide	Very high-quality light that brings out the surrounding environment’s colors well	Shorter lifespan than industry-standard LEDs, as well as a longer warm-up period	Pickleball players who have a specific exterior or interior design in mind
High bay	Durable choice for indoor environments due to consistent lighting and reduced glare	Requires professional mounting and spacing and is not well-suited to outdoor courts	Indoor pickleball courts that see regular activity

What Are the Official Pickleball Court Lighting Standards?

Pickleball courts come with official lighting standards to save you time trying to figure out all the minute details on your own. For starters, it’s important to note that the amount of light you need depends on skill level, court type, and court size.

For example, extremely skilled players and full courts will need very bright, widespread lighting fixtures. Smaller courts and more casual play will do fine with a simpler, smaller lighting fixture. 

What Mounting Options Should I Use for Indoor Lighting?

The recommended mounting for an indoor pickleball court is four corner direct cable suspension. You can also try a pendant-attached single hub cable mount for a smaller space. 

How Many Lights Do You Need for a Pickleball Court?

Before you look at the number of lights, you need to narrow down the size of your pickleball court. If you’re working with a smaller half court, you can do a two-pole configuration. This setup involves erecting a pair of poles, one on either side of the court near the net. 

If you’re working with a larger full court, a four-pole configuration will give you a much more reliable lighting solution. This option involves installing a lighting pole on each corner of the court, with each pole established between the net and the baseline. 

How Tall Should Light Poles Be for a Pickleball Court?

How do you light a pickleball court when it comes to height? Firstly, you need to determine if your court will be indoors or outdoors. Indoor courts will have more limitations in terms of pole height. 

The standard height for pickleball court poles ranges from 20 to 26 feet. Smaller courts and indoor courts will usually have shorter poles, while larger courts and outdoor setups will need taller installations. 

Feel like taking your pickleball court with you? Dominator Hoop provides portable, weather-proof lighting options you can take on vacation or while camping.

How Much Does It Cost to Light a Pickleball Court?

On average, it costs between $5,000 and $8,000 to light a pickleball court, though some lighting options may exceed $20,000. Several factors will impact your lighting cost (on top of the general building cost), so we recommend taking some time to review the following details.

• Court size: Full courts need more light poles, while half courts need fewer.
• Experience level: Seasoned players need brighter lighting than inexperienced players.
• Indoor or outdoor: You may need different installation types depending on where your pickleball court is located. 
• Lighting type: LED lighting is the most cost-effective in the long run, while other lighting types may cost more upfront and in the long-term.

Can You Install Pickleball Court Lights Yourself, or Should You Hire a Professional?

We highly recommend hiring a professional to install your pickleball court lights. Not only do you have to figure out placement and pole quantity, you have to make sure you’re getting the job done right the first time. Improperly installed lighting fixtures can fail to work, work inconsistently, or become a health hazard. 

A professional will have the technical expertise to quickly and safely install lighting fixtures that hold up to ongoing wear and tear. 

How to Maintain Your Pickleball Court Lights Year-Round

How do you light a pickleball court, then keep it working steadily year-round? With such a massive investment, you want your pickleball court to last for several years. Maintaining your lighting is easy once you adopt a few consistent habits. 

• Turn off your lights when not in use. Forgetting to turn your lights off burns out the bulbs prematurely and spikes your electric bill. 
• Use LED lightbulbs. These last three to five times longer than incandescent lighting.
• Call a professional for an annual inspection. An experienced eye can test your fixtures, look for potential safety hazards, and ensure you can use your court safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Court Lighting

Still have a few questions on how to light a pickleball court?

Light Your Court, Play Longer, Enjoy More

How do you light a pickleball court and have it last for years? With Dominator Hoop on your side, you’ll craft a setup that holds up to weather changes and regular play without trouble.

Your pickleball court lighting setup depends on your court size, court location, experience level, and specific details such as the time of day you prefer playing. You also need to review legal specifications such as zoning restrictions and light pollution.

Thinking of putting together the ultimate pickleball court? Dominator Hoop provides lifetime warranties and attentive customer service to ensure your new play area is a hit. Browse our lighting options today and bring out your hobby’s true potential.