Industry News
Industry News
Oct. 06, 2025
One of the most frequently asked technical questions in padel court construction is: what is the optimal light pole height and positioning to achieve professional-level illumination?
The answer is a blend of physics, visibility standards, and player comfort. According to the International Padel Federation (FIP) and several sports lighting guidelines such as CIE 121:2019, the ideal light pole height ranges from 6 to 8 meters, ensuring uniform light distribution and minimal glare. However, depending on the surrounding environment and lighting intensity, 3–6 m poles can also deliver excellent results when combined with precision-angled LED floodlights.
At Fortune, a professional padel court manufacturer from China, we design and supply custom lighting systems and poles from 3 m up to 8 m, tailored to each venue’s needs—whether for private clubs, residential courts, or large-scale tournaments.
Light pole height directly affects the angle of illumination, shadow formation, and glare control on a padel court.
If poles are too low, lights create sharp shadows and glare on glass walls, disturbing players’ vision. If poles are too high, much of the light is lost before reaching the surface, reducing efficiency.
Based on studies published by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), the optimal height-to-court ratio for small enclosed sports areas like padel is approximately 1:0.5–0.7, meaning for a 20 m court length, a 6–8 m pole height is recommended. This allows for even light distribution (uniformity ratio ≥ 0.7) and horizontal illuminance between 300–750 lux, depending on competition level.
At Fortune, we manufacture and supply poles in multiple height options to adapt to different use scenarios:
| Pole Height | Typical Application | Recommended Illuminance (Lux) |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 m | Indoor or residential courts | 200–300 lux |
| 5–6 m | Outdoor recreational courts | 300–500 lux |
| 7–8 m | Professional or tournament venues | 500–750 lux |
Our 8 m poles are especially popular in large complexes or where high-power 200–300 W LED floodlights are installed. They provide broader coverage, minimizing dark zones while maintaining low glare levels.
The positioning of poles is as crucial as their height. Proper placement ensures uniform brightness, avoids light spillage, and enhances player comfort.
Position: Two poles on each long side, located 1 m outside the side wall, aligned with the service line.
Mounting Height: 6 m
Light Arrangement: Each pole with two 200 W LED lights at opposing angles (around 25–35° beam angle).
Application: Ideal for recreational and club-level courts.
When designing lighting systems, the following factors must be evaluated:
● Glare Control: Lights should be angled below 65° from the horizontal plane to reduce direct glare on players’ eyes.
● Wind Load Resistance: For outdoor courts, poles up to 8 m must comply with EN 40-3-1:2013 standards to withstand wind speeds up to 42 m/s, ensuring safety and durability.
● Corrosion Resistance: Fortune’s galvanized steel poles feature powder-coated anti-rust finishes, ideal for coastal or humid environments.
Each pole we produce undergoes structural simulation testing, confirming its stability and long-term reliability under high-power LED load conditions.
The European Sports Lighting Standard EN 12193:2018 classifies padel courts as “small area sports fields,” recommending:
▶ Minimum maintained illuminance:
→ 300 lux (training and recreation)
→ 500 lux (club and competition)
▶ Uniformity: U₀ ≥ 0.7
▶ Glare rating (GR): ≤ 50
Following these standards, 6–8 m poles with precision light aiming are considered the global benchmark. This configuration ensures the ball remains visible against both the court and background, critical for player performance and viewer experience.
As a trusted padel court manufacturer and lighting solution provider in China, Fortune integrates structural engineering, optical design, and material innovation into every project.
We not only produce padel courts and lighting poles but also deliver customized lighting layouts based on local regulations, site geography, and client preferences.
Our lighting engineers use Dialux simulation software to model lux distribution, glare zones, and energy efficiency before installation—ensuring your court performs perfectly from day one.
Contact Fortune today to receive a free consultation and customized lighting layout for your next padel court project.
Feature: Immersive Match Experience: the Ultra panoramic court design offers an unobstructed view, creating a professional, tournament-level atmosphere. built to meet WPT height standards.
Ideal for: Professional events and premium clubs.
Highlights: The frame is made of 5mm thick Q235 steel plates combined with a double-mesh structure, offering strength far beyond standard models. It is capable of withstanding high-density, high-intensity professional competitions, ensuring maximum stability of the court.
Feature: Innovative cornerless panoramic design
Ideal for: Installation in small spaces such as rooftops, courtyards, and unused commercial corners.
Highlights: Compact and cost-effective, the single-player Padel court is the perfect solution for training, limited spaces, and private use.
Feature: Motorized retractable roof adaptable to changing weather
Ideal for: Top-tier sports arenas and upscale sports clubs
Highlights: Technologically advanced, extremely flexible
Feature: Fixed roof model adaptable to changing weather
Ideal for: Top-tier sports arenas and upscale sports clubs
Highlights: Technologically advanced, extremely flexible
Feature: Classic panoramic design with corner posts
Ideal for: Popular in high-end competitions and clubs
Highlights: Top-selling model, perfect blend of solid structure and clear visibility
Feature: Innovative cornerless panoramic design; Compared to traditional padel courts, our panoramic padel court provides better visibility and is ideal for indoor and outdoor installations.
Ideal for: Professional events and training seeking ultimate experiences
Highlights: Unobstructed full view, comprehensive spectator experience while ensuring structural stability
