Padel Court Lighting Requirements
Lighting is the line item people underestimate. It decides whether a court is usable after work, which is when most players book. A court that is too dark, too glary or uneven loses players quickly.
How much light a padel court needs
Targets depend on who plays. These figures come from European sports lighting practice and U.S. LED lighting guidance, which agree closely:
| Level of play | Lux | Footcandles |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational | 200 to 300 lux | about 19 to 28 fc |
| Club and training | 300 lux | about 28 fc |
| Competition | 500 lux or more | about 46 fc or more |
U.S. LED suppliers often quote 20 to 30 fc for recreational padel and 50 to 75 fc for competition. European practice, as summarized by a Spanish padel retailer, cites standard EN 12193, with 200 to 750 lux depending on use and a uniformity of about 0.7. Indoor competition courts sit at the high end.
Uniformity matters as much as brightness
Uniformity is the ratio between the darkest and brightest spots. A court can be bright on average and still have dark corners where the ball disappears. Aim for even light across the whole court, including the back walls, where the ball is in play.
Pole height and fixtures
- Height. The common minimum is 19.7 ft (6 m) for poles and for any roof or fixture over the playing surface.
- Fixtures. LED floodlights are standard: efficient, long-lasting and instantly on.
- Our courts. The Standard court comes with four light posts and either four or eight 200 W dimmable LED floodlights. The Panoramic and Full Panoramic courts use eight.
Glare and light spill
Glass walls reflect light. Fixtures should be aimed and shielded so players do not look straight into them and so light does not reach neighbors' windows. Many towns and HOAs limit evening hours and light spill, and some communities have dark-sky rules. Check them before you finalize the layout. Dimmable fixtures and timers help you stay within hours.
Indoor courts
Indoor courts use high-bay or low-bay LED fixtures in the ceiling, similar to a gym. Clear height must be at least 19.7 ft (6 m) over the entire playing surface, with 26 ft (8 m) better for lobs. Lights should sit outside the ball's flight path.
Power and permits
Bring an electrician in early. Lighting needs a dedicated circuit, conduit to the poles and often a permit. For a multi-court project, plan the load for all courts together.
Read more about planning a padel court and compare models on the specifications page.
Frequently asked questions
How many lux does a padel court need?
About 300 lux (28 footcandles) for recreational and club play, and 500 lux (46 footcandles) or more for competition.
How tall should padel court light poles be?
Commonly at least 19.7 ft (6 m), with fixtures aimed to avoid glare.
How many floodlights does a padel court need?
It depends on the design. Our Standard court uses four or eight 200 W LED floodlights, and our Panoramic and Full Panoramic courts use eight.
Can I play padel at night outdoors?
Yes, with proper LED floodlights. Check local hours and light-spill rules, especially near homes.
Keep reading
- Court specifications
- How to plan and design a padel court
- Padel court dimensions
- Build a padel court at home
Planning your lighting?
Tell us your site and number of courts. We reply by email.