Padel court lighting: a practical guide
Good lighting is what turns a daytime court into one you can use every evening. Here’s what to ask for and what to avoid.
Plan for about 300 lux of even light for recreational padel and around 500 lux for competition, using LED fixtures mounted outside the court enclosure so they don’t block lobs. Aim for even coverage, low glare off the glass, and fixtures that keep light from spilling onto neighboring properties.
How bright is bright enough
Light levels are measured in lux at the playing surface. Guidance from padel and tennis bodies lines up roughly like this:
| Use | Typical target |
|---|---|
| Recreational and home play | About 300 lux |
| Club and regional competition | About 300 to 500 lux |
| National or international events | 500 lux or more |
| Televised matches | Around 1,000 lux or more |
Uniformity matters as much as brightness. A court that’s bright in the middle and dim in the corners is harder to play on than one that’s slightly dimmer but even.
Where the lights go
Fixtures are usually mounted on poles or the structure outside the enclosure, with a clear space of at least 6 meters above the court so high balls stay in view. Indoors, lights are typically mounted from the ceiling, and placement needs to account for beams and ducts.
LED is the default now
LED fixtures use less energy, turn on instantly and last a long time. Look for fixtures with good optics and glare control, not repurposed parking-lot lights.
Glare and the glass
Padel courts are mostly glass, and glass reflects. Poorly aimed lights can bounce into players’ eyes. A proper lighting layout considers fixture angle, shielding and the color of nearby surfaces. Indoors, light-colored walls and ceilings help spread light evenly.
Being a good neighbor
- Choose fixtures with sharp cutoffs to limit spill and sky glow.
- Use timers or app controls so lights shut off when play ends.
- Check local rules. Some towns limit hours or require a lighting plan.
- Add planting or screening where the court faces homes.
Questions to ask your installer
- What average lux and uniformity will the design deliver?
- Can I see a lighting layout or calculation?
- How is glare controlled on the glass walls?
- Can the lights dim or switch between modes?
Common questions
Do I need lights on a home court?
Not strictly, but without them you lose most evening play outdoors, which is when many people want to use the court.
Can lights be added later?
Yes, but it’s cheaper to run power and plan pole locations during the original build.
How many fixtures does a court need?
It depends on the fixtures and the lux target. A lighting layout from the supplier is the reliable way to know.
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