Aquatic Development Group unveils latest expansion at Wilderness at the Smokies

Martin Aquatic,a world-class aquatic firm,has announced its latest innovation, the submersible light series, Blue Mar Nova, alongside the launch of its largest project to date that utilises its technology for powering multi-acre bodies of water, Blue Mar Basins.

“We’re proud to have developed a light capable of illuminating the largest bodies of water we’ve ever designed and engineered,” says Josh Martin, president & creative director of Martin Aquatic.

“The Blue Mar Nova came about as we struggled to find the right solution for our Blue Mar Basins. And in our pursuit, we took it upon ourselves to meet the challenge with a product that we could stand behind.”

More efficient design

The Blue Mar Nova series includes two separate lights: the single-colour Blue Mar Nova Bright White and the full-colour Blue Mar SuperNova RGBAW.Both feature the same robust stainless-steel construction, an output power of 96 watts, and a light face made up of 100 cutting-edge Cree high-power LEDs.

Additionally, the lights are manufactured in the United States, ensuring the highest fabrication standards with UL 676 Certification for pool and spa applications. The main differences between the two lie in their unique brightness and colour capabilities.

With a lumen output of 9,841 lm, the Blue Mar Nova Bright White light delivers a visible light output equivalent to a 1,560-watt incandescent light. This results in a beautifully lit environment that can illuminate pools stretching hundreds of feet.

Supported by lighting design software, each project can be rendered during the design phase to display the optimal lighting distribution, ensuring compliance with underwater lighting regulations.

For the Blue Mar SuperNova RGBAW, its wide range of colours is balanced by its ease of use. The deepest shades are available at the push of a button and fully controllable with built-in DMX/RDM functionality without needing external drivers. Owners wishing to create ambient coloured lighting can craft themed environments to suit any holiday or special event, thanks to the Blue Mar SuperNova’s colour-changing features. 

Reducing light pollution

“Martin Aquatic’s background in the themed entertainment industry was another factor that pushed us to develop these capabilities within the Blue Mar SuperNova,” says Diego Cordova, technical director at Martin Aquatic.

“Having the built-in controls that integrate with other special effect controls can make any underwater environment an extension of nighttime shows or productions—whether the lights are installed in a body of water next to a stage, supplementing a show fountain, or adjacent to a themed attraction.”

Both lights feature built-in louvers that help focus and contain their output within the body of water. This reduces nuisance lighting outside the pool that can contribute to light pollution.

Additionally, the Blue Mar SuperNova RGBAW is designed to assist coastal property owners with pools or basins located in sea turtle nesting areas. Changing the lights’ colour setting to Red or Amber will prevent hatchlings from being disoriented by white lights.

The launch of the Blue Mar Nova light series follows Martin Aquatic’s introduction of the Blue Mar Basins system, featuring its own filtration technology and custom control modules. Overall, these products for aquatic environments are being developed and marketed under the company’s Blue Mar Products brand, a new range from Blue Mar Basins, LLC.

These lights are open to any designer to utilise, and their size and powerful lumen output make them an ideal fit for properties looking to refresh their existing aquatic features by adding a new dynamic element. 

Earlier this year, Martin Aquaticnamed themed entertainment industry veteranChris Grapas creative director, increasing the company’s capabilities in thematic storytelling.