Proper lighting is one of the most important elements in any padel facility. Whether for competitive tournaments or casual evening matches, the right illumination guarantees player safety, consistent performance, and a better overall experience for both players and spectators.
Tabla de contenido
The European Standard: EN 12193
In Europe, sports facility lighting is governed by EN 12193: Light and lighting – Sports lighting, which also applies to padel. The standard sets out requirements to:
Ensure clear visibility for fast-paced gameplay
Support consistent visual performance throughout matches
Provide comfortable viewing for spectators
Reduce glare and light pollution in surrounding areas
Although padel shares similarities with tennis, its enclosed court design and glass walls mean lighting must be carefully planned to avoid reflections and glare.
Lighting Classes for Padel
EN 12193 divides sports lighting into three main categories based on competition level and facility use:
Class I – High-level competition
For national and international tournaments not broadcast on TV
Larger spectator areas with long viewing distances
Highest lighting requirements to follow the ball clearly at speed
Class II – Club competitions and advanced training
Suitable for regional tournaments and club-level events
Medium spectator distances
Common for facilities where competitive play and advanced training take place
Class III – Recreational play and practice
For local matches, training sessions, and leisure play
Minimal or no spectators
Focus is on safe participation rather than professional competition
Lighting Requirements for Padel Courts
Padel lighting values are close to tennis, but with adjustments for indoor vs. outdoor play.
| Class | Canchas al aire libre | Canchas cubiertas | Uniformity Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | 500 lux | 750 lux | 0.7 |
| II | 300 lux | 500 lux | 0.7 |
| III | 200 lux | 300 lux | 0.5 |
Notes:
Lux measures horizontal illuminance on the playing surface.
los uniformity ratio shows how evenly light is spread (e.g., 0.7 means the darkest point has at least 70% of the average illumination).
Why Even Lighting Matters
Uneven lighting forces players’ eyes to adjust constantly between bright and dark spots. This can cause:
Visual fatigue
Slower reaction times
Difficulty tracking the ball, especially after bouncing off glass walls
Think of driving at night under patchy streetlights – the constant adjustment reduces awareness. A well-designed padel lighting system eliminates shadows and glare, creating uniform brightness across the court.
Indoor Court Considerations
Indoor padel courts often benefit from existing sports hall lighting. However, if the ambient light is insufficient, additional LED fixtures may be required.
Important technical aspects:
Fixture positioning and beam angles must be calculated carefully
Mounting heights and overlaps influence lux levels
A photometric study ensures compliance and avoids wasted energy
The advantage of indoor setups is straightforward: power and mounting infrastructure are often already available.
Outdoor Court Considerations
Outdoor padel courts extend playing hours into the evening but require attention to:
Weatherproofing: Fixtures must withstand rain, humidity, and temperature changes
Durabilidad: Resistance to wind loads and corrosion is critical
Light control: Avoiding glare, light spillage, and neighborhood disturbance
Regulations: Compliance with local light pollution standards
Fortunately, outdoor courts typically require fewer lux than indoor facilities, since twilight or surrounding lights may contribute.
Why LEDs Are the Best Choice
LED technology has become the clear standard for padel court lighting because it offers:
Instant start-up (no warm-up time, unlike metal halide)
Energy efficiency: 40–60% lower consumption for the same output
Long lifespan: Fewer replacements, less downtime
Better color rendering: The yellow ball stands out more clearly
Precision beam control: Light is directed on the court, not wasted outside
For new projects or upgrades, professional LED design ensures compliance with EN 12193 while minimizing long-term operating costs.
Should You Go Beyond the Minimum?
Many clubs choose to exceed the basic requirements. For example, recreational courts often adopt Class II lighting instead of Class III. The reasons include:
Sharper visibility and improved player enjoyment
A premium atmosphere that justifies higher rental fees
Better conditions for hosting events or tournaments
Increased customer satisfaction and retention
Lighting upgrades can quickly pay for themselves through higher court usage and player loyalty.
Moving Forward with Your Project
Designing effective padel court lighting is a balance between:
Compliance (meeting EN 12193 standards)
Rendimiento (uniform light and visibility)
Efficiency (energy savings and durability)
Experience (player comfort and satisfaction)
Before investing, it is strongly recommended to:
Work with a specialized sports lighting designer
Request a photometric report for your court dimensions
Consider local rules on light pollution and environmental impact
With the right design, your padel courts will deliver excellent play conditions day or night—keeping players safe, engaged, and eager to return.