New Pool Lighting Saves Electricity, Money, and the Environment

New lighting reflects off the water on a calm morning at the Cook County YMCA swimming pool Photo by Charles Hathaway

“It makes the pool seem new!” “The light seems bright, but softer.” “I like how it makes the water seem more blue!” These are just some of the positive comments the Cook County YMCA has gotten after the recent installation of the new lighting system at the facility’s swimming pool.

And beyond the aesthetics, the new LED system is much more efficient than the fluorescent lighting it replaced. There will be an annual 10,600 kWh reduction in electricity use, resulting in a savings of more than $1000 per year, and a corresponding annual CO2 emissions reduction of 8.1 tons. Plus, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Association (SMMPA), which supplies electricity to Grand Marais, will provide the County with a rebate for the installation. It’s a win for the County, the YMCA, and the environment.

Cook County funded the new lighting installation, which was performed by Terry Erickson of Hunt Electric with assistance from county and YMCA personnel. “We’re super happy with how it turned out,” remarked Emily Marshall, director of the Cook County YMCA. She laughed, “It really puts the pool in a good light!” Aquatics coordinator Karen Runkle agreed: “The pool is a great resource for the community — it gets lots of use, from toddlers to young kids, to older recreational and competitive swimmers. The lighting upgrade just makes the pool experience that much better.”