Outdoor-rated LED fixtures with high color rendering add to the thrills at the largest indoor water park in the U.S.
You can forgive the thrill seekers at America’s largest indoor water park at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, for not noticing the lighting design. Chances are, they’re otherwise occupied admiring the African artwork, not to mention holding their breath on the rides. But architect HKS, lighting designer MWHarris and Lighting Studio and wholesaler Legacy Lighting still had a job to do, specifying 15,000 fixtures from 140 manufacturers that would inspire guests at the Round Rock, TX, complex.
Lighting played a critical role in helping the design team create an awe-inspiring environment that showcased the art collection and African feel. Color rendering was crucial, especially for the restaurants, interior areas and the life-sized animal statues throughout the property.
Inside the 223,000-sq ft indoor water park are 20 pools and whirlpools, along with 30 water slides complemented by three acres of outdoor pools. Attractions include a FlowRider surf simulator, adult grotto swim-up bar, cabanas and waterfalls. The controls system can change the lighting throughout the day to mimic the passage of time.
Acclaim Lighting supplied a majority of the lights. For the indoor water park, 436 Dyna Drum SO fixtures were installed on poles 35 ft above ground.
The pole-mounted fixtures are high-output, outdoor-rated, white LED floodlights that include wireless DMX technology for precise control and are IP66-rated for wet locations. Each unit produces more than 6,700 lumens allowing guests to easily navigate around the water activities.
2700K and 3000K LED units with IP68 ratings were selected based on their ability to perform in
submersed and wet locations.