In recent years, pickleball has become more and more popular in the United States, and more and more Pickleball courts are being constructed on a variety of venues. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of building a Pickleball court. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when designing a lighting program. This article will help you understand what the standards for pickleball court lighting look like.

How Much Light is Needed for Pickleball Courts?

The American Pickleball Courts Association sets standards for court dimensions, with standard Pickleball Courts being 20 feet by 44 feet for singles and doubles, and a minimum total playing surface of 30 feet by 60 feet (the recommended total playing surface is 34 feet by 64 feet).

As for the mounting height of the lighting fixtures, the standard requirements need to be provided by fixtures mounted on 20-foot poles, and mounting the fixtures on 20-foot poles will allow players to see the ball when it flies out of a high arc.

Fixture brightness is categorized by level of play (fc = foot candles):

• Professional level: 70 fc (horizontal) x 40 fc (vertical)
• Club level of play: 45 fc (horizontal) x 35 fc (vertical)
• Recreational: 30 fc (horizontal) x 20 fc (vertical)

Lighting color temperatures of 5000K are recommended for demanding venues and public facilities and 4000K for residential facilities. color temperatures between 4000K and 5000K are not suitable for use on Pittsburgh courts.

The Importance of Uniform Lighting Distribution in Pickleball Courts

Proper lighting design for Pickleball Courts is critical in the following areas.

-Fair Play and Safety

Lighting design at Pickleball Courts is critical to both fair play and player safety. Uneven lighting can result in some shadows or glare that may create an unfair situation for players or jeopardize player safety.

-Enhanced Visibility

Uniform lighting results in high enough visibility for players to see the ball clearly and accurately judge its trajectory and make split-second decisions.

-Match Comfort

Uniform lighting greatly improves match comfort and reduces player eyestrain, allowing players to maintain a higher level of concentration and perform better throughout the match.