Patent Publication Number: US-2022214020-A1

Title: Spa and pool light and lighting method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/912,810 having a filing date of 26 Jun. 2020, which claims priority on and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/868,182 having a filing date of 28 Jun. 2019. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention generally is in the field of lighting devices and methods for spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like. The present invention more particularly is in the field of lighting devices and methods for illuminating the interior of and/or the area surrounding spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like. The present invention more particularly also is generally directed to the formation or insertion of a lighting device into, or through, the side wall(s) defining the water-containing portion of a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like. 
     Prior Art 
     Few applications derive more benefit from the addition of aesthetically pleasing and/or safety lighting than artificial bodies of water such as spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like. Modern developments in the art make pool lighting a perfect feature for pool and spa manufacturers to focus on. Users and owners of such structures, therefore, often desire the addition of lighting features and methods of lighting such structures. 
     The addition of a lighting feature or the illumination of a feature already present on or features added to an artificial body of water, for example, can provide a substantial decorative effect to, or can provide a relaxing background visual experience for, or can provide for increased safety in or around an artificial body of water. As the market for spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like grows, users desire more, different, better, more interesting, and more aesthetically pleasing lighting features and methods of lighting. 
     Many existing spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like include some type of lighting feature to add to the aesthetics of the device. In some existing spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like, the lighting feature is located on a feature of the device, such as on a waterfall or water jet, for providing an aesthetically pleasing water flow. In other existing spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like, the lighting feature is located on the decking or the exterior of such structures or as separate lighting devices, such as lamps, for providing ambient lighting or safety lighting. In yet other existing spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like, the lighting feature is located within the tub of water, such as in the wall, shell, or liner, also for providing ambient lighting and safety lighting. 
     In the pool and spa market, aesthetics are becoming more and more important. Aligned with this trend, high-end pool finishes are becoming more popular, and there are many to choose from. Some even have pebbles, stone, or glass beads mixed in with the plaster. When these aggregate materials are mixed with the plaster it creates a multi-tone finish that is not easily matched by a single-color component. Likewise, advancements in the printing and manufacturing of vinyl liners have led to the introduction of more intricate and ornate and sophisticated patterns and textures available for vinyl liner pools. Similar advancements in fiberglass technology have increased the aesthetic options for the shells of fiberglass pools. There is demand for pool components and equipment that compliment rather than stand out against these finishes. There is demand for components and equipment that are essentially invisible when installed so as not to detract from the overall aesthetic. Some components have been made to incorporate the pool finish into the component to help them blend in with the surroundings. However, there is not a similar solution available for pool and spa lights. Lights currently on the market have polished metal or color plastic trim to accent the feature in the pool. There is a need for a pool light that can be adapted to incorporate these high-end finishes into the light fixture to become invisible when the light is not on. Alternatively, there is a need for a new and unique lighting effect when the light is on. 
     Some reasons why pool and spa lighting features have remained relatively unadorned are the challenges to overcome to arrive at the present invention. For example, lights create heat, which causes thermal expansion and contraction of materials, each at a different rate, which can create challenges when adhering different materials to one another, especially plaster and concrete. For another example, light lenses have been traditionally made of glass, which poses challenges when attempting to fasten another material to it. For yet another example, in pool/spa lighting typically “brighter is better” and it is counterintuitive to block or mask a center portion, or indeed any portion, of the lens. For still another example, although there have been many advancements in the electrical design of lighting over recent years, the way in which lighting features are installed into and interact with the pool or spa, such as in a niche, has remained effectively unchanged for decades. 
     Currently, known wet-niche lights are intended for installation in pools or spas with floors and walls formed of gunite or concrete (shotcrete) with a reinforcing bar (rebar) frame. The outside shape of the pool or spa is formed from a suitable material and in some cases, the excavated dirt wall will serve as the outside form. The shape of the inside wall of the pool or spa is skeletally formed from rebar that is bent to the desired shape. Niches, often as a metal or plastic form, are positioned between adjacent rebars such that the niche is held on preferably all four sides by sections of rebar. Once the niche has been securely positioned (wedged) in the rebar it must be securely tied to the rebar with tie wire. When the concrete or gunite is poured or shot to form the pool or spa wall, the niche remains as an indentation-like feature in the pool or spa wall. A hole or passageway can be formed in the back of the niche to allow wiring from outside of the pool or spa structure to extend into the niche for energizing a lighting feature. 
     The pool or spa must meet the requirements of the current National Electrical Code and all local codes and ordinances for a lighting feature to be properly installed. For example, for a wet niche below the surface of the water for containing an underwater light the lighting circuit must have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for line voltage 120-volt models, and must have an appropriately rated circuit breaker. The junction box (or, for 12-volt models, the low voltage transformer) must be located at least eight inches above water level, at least four inches above ground level, and at least four feet from the edge of the pool or spa. The light fixture and all metal items within five feet of the pool or spa must be properly electrically bonded to a reliable point of grounding. The wet niche must be properly installed so that the top edge of the underwater light&#39;s lens is at least eighteen inches below the surface of the water in the pool or spa. 
     For vinyl lined metal wall, fiberglass panel, or fiberglass pools, a niche box can be installed by drilling and cutting out wall panel sections, inserting the niche box through the panel section from the interior of pool, and securing the niche box to the pool wall. For wood or fiber panel vinyl liner pools, a similar process can be carried out by cutting out a portion of the wall panel, inserting a niche box through the hole in the panel from interior of pool, and securing the niche box to the pool wall. However, once the lighting feature is inserted into the niche box, one typically is left with a common, aesthetically neutral lens. Thus, for this type of pool or spa, it would be advantageous to adorn the lens in a manner that blends with, contrasts with, or compliments the liner pattern. 
     There is, accordingly, a need for new and different lighting devices and methods for illuminating the interior of and/or the area surrounding spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like, and for lighting devices and methods for generating aesthetically pleasing light in, on, and around spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like. There also is a need for new and different lighting feature and methods of lighting artificial bodies of water and the like. There also is a need for an efficient and effective pool light that is minimalist in dimensions and materials, without sacrificing function, that also is aesthetically pleasing and can be well hidden or camouflaged, and that has different aesthetic designs and shapes, to maximize the lighting function as well as other forward-looking functions. It is to these needs and others that the present invention is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One exemplary embodiment of a spa light system of the present teachings is a flanged embodiment comprising a base component having a body, a lens at a first end of the body, and a means for securing the base component to surrounding mounting surface, a decorative flange, and a light source. The body can be any shape, such as cylindrical, triangular, square, pentagonal, etc. in cross-section, as desired for aesthetic purposes. Similarly, the lens can be any shape, such as flat, domed, wavy, ridged, faceted, etc. as desired for aesthetic purposes. The body can be structured for mounting on or through a shell wall, within niches in a solid wall, or in passages in a shell or solid wall. The mounting structure can comprise threads and nuts, tongues or tabs and slot or screw holes, weldments, etc. depending on the structure to which the invention is to be mounted. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of a spa light system of the present teachings is a flangeless embodiment comprising a base component having a body, a lens at a first end of the body, and a means for securing the base component to surrounding mounting surface, and a light source. The body also can be any shape, such as cylindrical, triangular, square, pentagonal, etc. in cross-section, as desired for aesthetic purposes. Similarly, the lens also can be any shape, such as flat, domed, wavy, ridged, faceted, etc. as desired for aesthetic purposes. The body also can be structured for mounting on or through a shell wall, within niches in a solid wall, or in passages in a shell or solid wall. The mounting structure also can comprise threads and nuts, tongues or tabs and slot or screw holes, weldments, etc. depending on the structure to which the invention is to be mounted. 
     In these exemplary embodiments, the lens is a translucent lens defining a desired shape with a recessed central region, and a translucent region as a concentric band around the recessed central region. In the flanged embodiments, the decorative flange can be a concentric band around the translucent region. The decorative flange can be a part of the lens, can be a part of the body component, can be a separate component as a band around the lens, or can be a part of a separate housing for holding the lens. The flange also can be or have a recessed region. 
     In both the flanged and the flangeless embodiments, the recessed central region of the lens can be filled with a material to match or contrast with the pool or spa wall or shell, or the central recessed region of the lens can retain a cap having a desired design or pattern, including holes or punch-outs therethrough, or various other aesthetic devices. In this manner, the light emitted from the light source through the lens can be altered, patterned, or otherwise aesthetically changed. In the flanged embodiments, the recessed region of the flange also can be filled with a material to match or contrast with the pool or spa wall or shell. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of both the flanged and the flangeless embodiments comprises a lens mechanically retained by and/or in a pool niche. These embodiments of the light system preferably can be mounted in or to a niche or niche box that is embedded into the pool or spa wall. In these embodiments, the light system of the present invention can be installed during the initial construction of the pool or spa or as a retrofit into a preexisting niche or passage in or through the pool or spa wall. Similarly, all embodiments of the spa light system of the present invention can be installed through a pool or spa shell or liner as a unitary item secured to the shell or liner or in a separate light housing separately secured to the shell or liner. 
     These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numerals with letter character designations such as “102A” or “102B”, the letter character designations may differentiate two like parts or elements present in the same figure. Letter character designations for reference numerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral to encompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flanged light system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional perspective view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a flanged light system according to the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a flanged light system according to the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 4  but with a cap component removed and an aesthetic material substituted therefor. 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a flanged light system according to the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 6  but with the cap removed and an aesthetic material substituted therefor. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a flanged light system according to the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 8  but with the cap removed and an aesthetic material substituted therefor. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective side view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 1  with a flange as part of a housing. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective side sectional view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective side view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 10  without the aesthetic surface material and showing optional features to mechanically hold the aesthetic surface material. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged perspective side view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 10  without the aesthetic surface material and showing optional features and a lip on the upper edges of the recess wall to mechanically hold the aesthetic surface material. 
         FIG. 14  is a side sectional view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side sectional view of a flanged light system similar to that of  FIG. 10 , but with a single-component lens and flange embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective side view of a nicheless flanged light suitable for use in the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective side sectional view of the nicheless flanged light of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective side view of a lens for holding aesthetic surface material suitable for use with the present invention, such as in combination with the nicheless flanged light of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a side sectional view of the lens of  FIG. 18  with an enlarged view of the central recess for holding aesthetic surface material and the lip of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 20  is a side sectional view of a niche in a solid wall for holding a nicheless version of the light system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a side sectional view of a through-wall mounting for a through-wall version of the light system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a side sectional view of through-shell mounting for a shell or liner mounted version of the flanged light of the present invention similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIGS. 23A-D  are schematic side perspective views of a manner for installing a flanged embodiment of the invention in a niche housing or box, with  FIG. 23A  being a view of a niche housing,  FIG. 23B  being a view of the light system and cable ready for placement in the niche housing,  FIG. 23C  being a view of the light system being attached to the niche housing using a tab and then rotated upwards for securing, and  FIG. 23D  being a view of the light system secured to the niche housing with a screw. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective side view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 1  having a square flange and a round lens. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective side view of the flanged light system of  FIG. 1  having a square flange and a square lens. 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flangeless light system according to the present invention for use in a wall-mounted housing, without a separate niche. 
         FIG. 27  is a front perspective layered view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 26  for use in a wall-mounted housing, without a separate niche, illustrating additional internal threading attachment details. 
         FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flangeless light system according to the present invention for use with a separate niche. 
         FIG. 29  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 28  installed within a niche. 
         FIG. 30  is a side sectional view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 29  installed within a niche. 
         FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 28  installed within a niche without any filler material in the lens recess. 
         FIG. 32  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 26  installed within a spa wall mounting structure. 
         FIG. 33  is a front perspective sectional view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 32  with additional detail regarding the spa wall mounting structure and the connections of the light system to the spa electrical system. 
         FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 32  with additional detail showing a tool for inserting and removing the light system from a housing, with the tool ready for insertion. 
         FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 32  with additional detail showing a tool for inserting and removing the light system from a housing, with the tool inserted. 
         FIG. 36  is a front view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 32  with additional detail showing a tool for inserting and removing the light system from a housing, with the tool inserted. 
         FIG. 37  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 28  with additional detail showing bayonet projections as mounting means. 
         FIG. 38  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 28  with additional detail showing a tool for inserting and removing the light system from a niche box, with the tool ready for insertion. 
         FIG. 39  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 28  with additional detail showing a tool for inserting and removing the light system from a niche box, with the tool inserted. 
         FIG. 40  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 28  with additional detail showing a tool for inserting and removing the light system from a niche box, with the tool inserted and the light system in a niche box. 
         FIG. 41  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 28  with additional detail showing an alternative embodiment for holding the light system within a niche box, similar to  FIGS. 23A-D . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Generally— 
     Embodiments and aspects of the present invention provide lighting devices and methods for illuminating the interior of, and/or the area surrounding spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like, that are not susceptible to the limitations and deficiencies of the prior art. The inventive concepts described herein, in certain non-limiting embodiments, allow for the formation or insertion or engagement of a lighting device into a pool or spa wall such that the lighting system/device provides functional illumination, and such that the non-illuminating portion of the lighting device is efficiently and effectively hidden from a user&#39;s view, or from contact with a user or pool equipment (e.g., a pool skimmer, a pool robots). More specifically, the lighting devices disclosed herein can be secured within niches or passages formed in the solid walls of in-ground pools and spas, secured within niche boxes secured to pool or spa shells or liners, or secured directly to a pool or spa shell or liner. 
     In preferred embodiments, the inventive concepts described herein allow for inserting, embedding, recessing, insetting, engaging, in certain non-limiting embodiments, a lighting device into, or through, the side wall(s) and/or floor defining the water-containing portion of an artificial body of water. The inventive concepts described herein also allow for a recessed, inset, and/or friction-fit grommet lighting device. The inventive concepts described herein also allow for a lighting device that is efficient and effective, that is minimalist in dimensions and materials, without sacrificing function, but that also is aesthetically pleasing and can be well hidden or camouflaged, and that facilitates different aesthetic designs and shapes, to maximize the lighting function, and to facilitate other parallel- or related-functions, such as creating synchronized lighting. This allows for a streamlining and simplifying alongside an expansion of the types of systems/devices capable of solving the problems inherent in the prior art. 
     As context and further background, one example of a light system generally is known for placement on or through a spa shell on the tub interior, either above, at, or below the water line of the water in the spa tub, so as to provide light or illumination for the interior of the spa tub. In this example, the spa light comprises a structured or molded base component having a hollow body that is mounted through the spa shell, a lens or light diffuser at a first end of the body, a nut or a friction fit wall grommet, or the like, for securing the base component on the spa shell, and a light source. Optionally, the spa light comprises a separate cap or is structured and shaped with a cap to partially cover the light source in the spa light, allowing the light to be directed. Also optionally, the spa light comprises a decorative cap having a decorative design thereon. This example also could be used on a pool or spa constructed with a vinyl liner or with a fiberglass wall. 
     Thus, as a general example, the inventive light system comprises a base component having a hollow body or interior, a front end, and a back end; a lens located at the front end of the body, the lens comprising a central area or portion and a peripheral area or portion surrounding the central area or portion; an optional flange surrounding the peripheral area or portion; a means for mounting or attaching the light system to a mounting surface or an attachment location; a light source contained within the base component, wherein at least a portion of the light emanating from the light source passes into the lens; and a means for interfering with or affecting the light emanating from the light source so as to prevent or alter a portion of the light from entering or passing through at least the central area or portion of the lens. 
     In another example, the light comprises a structured or molded base component having a hollow body that is mounted in a pool or spa wall, typically in a niche or passage in or through a solid wall such as gunite or concrete, a lens or light diffuser at a first end of the body, a tongue or tab for securing the base component on the wall or to the niche or niche box, a screw hole for accommodating a screw or other attachment means for further securing the base component on the wall or to the niche or niche box; and a light source. Optionally, the light comprises a separate cap or is structured and shaped with a cap to partially cover the light source in the light, allowing the light to be directed. Also optionally, the light comprises a decorative cap having a decorative design thereon. 
     The base component preferably comprises a one piece, generally hollow cup-like component having a closed or substantially closed bottom or back end, side walls, and an open top or front end, and may be formed at least partially out of a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent material capable of transmitting light. The lens component is attached to the open top or front end of the base component normal to the axis of this generally hollow component. The open top or front end allows access to the generally hollow interior of the base component, for containing and accessing the light source. 
     The general structure of the lens component or the components making up the lens is a common feature of all of the light systems of the present invention, irrespective of the type of pool or spa, and irrespective of the type of mount. The lens component, or light diffuser, allows the transmission of light from the light source to the tub interior of the spa. The lens component, or the components making up the lens component, comprises a translucent portion defining a desired shape with a recessed central region, a translucent region as a concentric band around the recessed central region, and an optional flange as a concentric band around the translucent region. The optional flange can be a part of the lens, can be part of the body or housing, can be a separate component as a band around the lens, or can be a part of a separate housing for holding the lens. The optional flange also can be or have a recessed region. 
     The recessed central region of the lens and/or the recessed region of the optional flange can be filled with a material to match or contrast with the pool or spa wall or shell, or the central recessed region of the lens can retain a cap having a desired design or pattern, including holes or punch-outs therethrough, or various other aesthetic devices. In this manner, the light emitted from the light source through the lens can be altered, patterned, or otherwise aesthetically changed. The lens or light diffuser may be a permanent portion of the body or base component, being molded at the same time as the body or base component. The lens and body are preferably in a watertight arrangement to protect the light source and electronics from water ingress. Further, the body may be potted (filled with epoxy, RTV, silicone sealant, etc.) for further protection. The light source may be an LED, a mini-bulb, or a more conventional or older bulb. The light source preferably is removable and replaceable. 
     The device may further comprise a tubular structure for holding the light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or other light-emitting device, depending on the embodiment of the invention use, which generally is dependent on the type of mount, namely, in-wall, in-niche, in-passage, or through-shell. The tubular structure can be an extension of the body and is generally coaxial with the body, whereby the hollow interior extends through the body and the tubular structure. The tubular structure is structured to contain the light source. As disclosed previously, the light source itself can be any light source suitable for use in a body of water, including, for example purposes only, one or more LEDs, one or more LED arrays, one or more LEDs mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). The light source also can be designed to provide aesthetically pleasing light. The tubular structure allows for light emanating from the light source to be directed at the lens or light diffuser, generally centrally, such that the lens or light diffuser can be illuminated, and the illumination to be seen from the tub interior of the spa. Preferably, the optional cap will block a portion of the light illuminating the lens or light diffuser from being seen by the user. Optionally, the light source can be arranged in a ring or other pattern such that at least a portion of the light can escape through an area of the lens outside of the blocked center portion. 
     The lights are 12V AC but also may be provided in other electrical arrangements such as 120V AC, 24V AC, 24V DC, 12V DC. The lights can be color-changing LEDs, but also may be white-only LEDs or incandescent lights. In LED embodiments, the lights are RGB and designed to sync with other lighting or lighted water features. In other embodiments, the lights may have a quick-disconnect feature to allow for a power cord to be removed from the light for easy service/replacement (cords typically are 50-100 ft long or more in the field, and have to be run through conduit to remove the cable and install a replacement). 
     In use on a pool or spa wall of the shell or liner type, the light may be attached to the wall at the manufacturing location, at the installation location, or after the pool or spa has been installed. In an exemplary embodiment, the base component is attached to the wall by drilling a hole through the wall, inserting the bottom or back end of the base component through the hole from the interior or wet/water side of the pool or spa such that the rear side of a mounting support of or proximal to the lens or light diffuser contacts the interior surface of the wall, screwing a nut onto the screw thread on the exterior of the body, and tightening the nut up against the exterior dry side surface of the of the wall such that the wall is sandwiched between the nut and the rear side of the mounting support and/or at least one gasket. The lens component then can be secured to the base component. In use on a solid pool or spa wall, such as an inground pool or spa with a gunite or concrete wall, the light may be inserted into a niche or passage in the wall, which niche or passage can be pre-existing or created specifically for the light. Inground pools and spas typically are made on-site and with niches or passages through their wall for mounting lights and other features. These pre-existing niches or passages typically are a standard size, and the present inventive light device can be made to be of such standard size for easy mounting in such pre-existing niches or passages. 
     Specific Exemplary Embodiments 
     With the above context in mind, a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts provides an efficient, effective, and versatile light system for connecting to the controller and power-supply system of a pool or spa, wherein the light system comprises a lens component with at least a portion of the lens configured for receiving a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material, whereby the light system attractively blends in with or compliments the pool wall(s) or floor. The light system is configured for inserting, embedding, recessing, and insetting into, or through, the side wall(s) or floor defining the water-containing portion of the pool or spa, and the light system is efficiently and effectively obscured or otherwise provided with an aesthetic feature, and allowing for a generally reduced level of contact with a user or pool equipment by having a thin profile. 
     A second exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts provides a light system comprising a lens, with at least a portion of the lens configured for receiving a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material, and with a decorative flange that bounds the perimeter of the lens. The decorative flange along the exterior and the “masked” or “hid” interior portion sandwich a translucent portion of the lens. The lens can be of any shape, including planar and domed, and circular or other geometrical shapes. 
     A third exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts provides a light system comprising a Fresnel lens, with at least a concentric portion of the lens configured to receive a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material. Alternatively, the lens can have a prismatic or other pattern rather than a standard Fresnel pattern, depending on the desired lighting effect. The central interior portion of the lens can be filled in the field by the pool builder with plaster, Pebble-Tec™ aggregate finish, concrete, gunite, tile, fiberglass, acrylic, vinyl, etc. to match or compliment the surrounding mounting surface around the lens, namely the pool or spa wall, shell, or liner. The concentric portion of the lens may contain ribs, barbs, anchors, or other features to help mechanically fasten or facilitate fastening of the “masking” or “hiding” material. Alternatively, an adhesive or various types of welding can be used to fasten the material within the central interior portion. The lens may be made in clear (glass or plastic) or with a translucent effect (etched glass or diffused clear plastic). The lens also may comprise features or patterns such as prisms, dimples, bumps, ribs, ridges, etc. to enhance, focus, diffuse, or direct the light to achieve a variety of lighting effects as the light passes through the lens. This third exemplary embodiment can be flangeless or can comprise a concentric decorative flange that bounds the perimeter of the lens. The optional decorative flange is located circumferentially about the exterior of the lens and also can be filled in the field by the pool builder with plaster, Pebble-Tec™ aggregate finish, concrete, gunite, tile, fiberglass, acrylic, vinyl, etc. to match or compliment the surrounding mounting surface around the lens, namely the pool or spa wall, shell, or liner. 
     A fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts provides a flanged light system comprising a lens, with at least a concentric portion of the lens configured to receive a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material, and with a concentric decorative flange that bounds the perimeter of the lens. The decorative flange itself can have at least a concentric portion configured to receive a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material. At least the concentric portion of the decorative flange, along the exterior, and the concentric interior portion of the lens, sandwich a concentric translucent ring/halo/band of the lens. The concentric portion of the lens and the flange may be filled in the field by the pool builder with plaster, Pebble-Tec™ aggregate finish, concrete, gunite, tile, fiberglass, acrylic, vinyl, etc. to match or compliment the surrounding mounting surface around the lens. The concentric portion of the lens and the flange may be filled by the manufacturer with a separate cap or insert made of stainless steel, color coordinated plastic, or any other decorative material. The concentric recessed portions of the lens and the flange may be simple recesses. The concentric recessed portions of the lens and the flange may be concave, flat, or convex, but a preferred embodiment is concave. Material installed into the recess may be fashioned to be concave, flat, or convex. 
     A fifth exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts provides a flangeless light system comprising a lens, with at least a concentric portion of the lens configured to receive a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material. The concentric portion of the lens may be filled in the field by the pool builder with plaster, Pebble-Tec™ aggregate finish, concrete, gunite, tile, fiberglass, acrylic, vinyl, etc. to match or compliment the surrounding mounting surface around the lens. The concentric portion of the lens may be filled by the manufacturer with a separate cap or insert made of stainless steel, color coordinated plastic, or any other decorative material. The concentric recessed portions of the lens may be simple recesses. The concentric recessed portions of the lens may be concave, flat, or convex, but a preferred embodiment is concave. Material installed into the recess may be fashioned to be concave, flat, or convex. 
     Flanged Embodiments 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flanged light system  1  of the present invention. The light system  1  comprises a base component (not shown) having a tubular body (not shown) for mounting through or within a surrounding mounting surface  16  (a pool or spa shell, floor, liner, or wall, for example) (best seen in  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9 ), a generally flattened lens  2  at a first end  12  of the body, a mounting means (not shown) for securing the base component to surrounding mounting surface  16 , a decorative flange  6 , and a light source(s) (not shown). 
     This embodiment of the base component is a one-piece component. The base component has the lens  2  attached normal to the first open end  12  of the tubular body (best seen in  FIG. 2 ). The first open end of the tubular body (not shown) preferably is open, allowing access to the hollow interior of the base component, for containing and accessing the light source(s). The lens  2  is formed out of a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent material capable of transmitting light, and defines at least a central region  4  configured for receiving a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material  10  and a visible region  8  that allows light to pass through the lens  2  and be seen. The decorative flange  6  bounds the outermost circumference or perimeter of the lens  2 . The decorative flange  6  and the central region  4  of the lens  2  sandwich the visible region  8  of the lens  2  to effectively form a translucent ring/halo/band to be illuminated by the light source(s). The decorative flange  6  also is configured to have a recess  14  to receive a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material  10  that is the same or different from the central region  4 . 
     The lens  2 , in this embodiment, can be a translucent, disk-shaped, Fresnel lens defining a circular shape with a recessed central region  4 . The translucent region  8  is a concentric band around the recessed central region  4  of the lens  2 , and the decorative flange  6  is a concentric band around the translucent region  8 . The decorative flange  6  can be a part of, that is a radial extension of, the lens  2 . The decorative flange  6  alternatively can be a part of the base component, such as extending normal to the open end  12  of a light housing  35  as shown in  FIG. 11 , in which case the decorative flange  6  would be considered one of the components making up the lens component. The recessed central region  4  may be filled with an aesthetic material to match or compliment the surrounding mounting surface  16  around the light system  1  (best seen in  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9 ). The recess  14  in the decorative flange  6  also may be filled with an aesthetic material to match or compliment the surrounding mounting surface  16  around the light system  1  (best seen in  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9 ); however, in  FIG. 1  the recess  14  in the decorative flange  6  is filled with the material  10  to match, compliment, or contrast with the recessed central region  4 . 
     In this way: the light system  1  efficiently and effectively inserts, embeds, installs, or insets into, or through, the side wall(s) or floor defining the mounting surface  16 . The lens  2  portion preferably is structured so as to be of a reduced profile, that is, flat, shallow domed, etc., so as to reduce contact with a user or pool equipment. 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional perspective view of the light system  1  of  FIG. 1 . The lens  2  is attached normal to the first open end  12  of the tubular body of the base component. The lens  2  defines a recessed central region  4  formed into, but not through, the material of lens  2 , and taking the shape of a bulls-eye from a front-facing perspective. When the recessed central region  4  is filled with the filler material  10 , the filler material  10  obfuscates or completely obstructs the illuminated recessed central region  4  of the lens  2 . Alternatively, the filler material  10  may be at least in part translucent or patterned to provide for a glowing effect in the central region  4 . For example, the filler material  10  also can comprise a mixture of different materials, or include holes, to produce a patterned effect. The filler material  10  may be fashioned to be concave, flat, or convex. A separate cap  24  (see  FIG. 4 ) also may be installed to obfuscate or completely obstruct the illuminated recessed central region  4  of the lens  2 , or to allow the light to be redirected. The decorative cap may have a decorative design thereon. The decorative cap  24  also can have holes or a punched design therethrough to allow for light to show through in a desired design or lighting effect. 
     The decorative flange  6  bounds the outermost circumference or perimeter of the lens  2  and defines a recessed region  14  formed by the material of the flange  6 . The recessed region  14  of the decorative flange  6  also is filled with a material  10  to match or compliment the recessed central region  4 . Unlike the filler material  10  of lens  2 , the filler material  10  of the decorative flange  6  does not necessarily obfuscate or affect illumination of the flange  6 . This is only because the decorative flange  6  of this embodiment does not illuminate separately from the lens  2 . An illuminating flange  6 , however, is envisioned as a possible feature of another embodiment. 
     In this way: the decorative flange  6  and the central region  4  sandwich the to-be-illuminated halo  8  of the lens  2 ; the halo  8  defines a first concentric band around the central region  4  bull&#39;s-eye, and the decorative flange  6  defines a second concentric band around the halo  8  and the central region  4  bull&#39;s-eye. Although the term “bull&#39;s-eye” is used herein, the light system  1  does not need to be circular, and other shaped “bull&#39;s-eyes” are contemplated, such as concentric triangles, rectangles, and other geometric figures. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a light system  100 . The light system  100  is identical to the light system  1  of  FIGS. 1-2 , but for the differences described herein. The light system  100  comprises a disk-shaped lens  2  mechanically retained by a pool niche (see  FIG. 20 ). The light system  100  is embedded into the wall/surrounding mounting surface  16 , as is understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The lens  2  is securely engaged via a fastener  18 , or the fastener  18  provides a single mounting point to the pool niche. The light system  100  has the halo  8  illuminated, and a light source is activated to illuminate the halo  8 . The recessed central region  4  of the lens and the recessed region  14  of the flange  6  are filled with an aesthetic material  10  to match the surrounding mounting surface  16  around the light system  100 . A visible portion  20  of the flange  6  is comprised of a material to match the tones of the surrounding mounting surface  16 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a light system  200 . The light system  200  is identical to the light system  1  of  FIGS. 1-2 , but for the differences described herein. The decorative flange  6  bounds the outermost circumference of the lens  2 , and the decorative flange  6  and the central region  4  of the lens  2  sandwich the visible region  8  of the lens; however, the decorative flange  6  is not configured to receive a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material. The decorative flange  6 , instead, is made of stainless steel, color coordinated plastic, or any other decorative material. 
       FIG. 4  also illustrates the use of a cap  24  that is installed to obfuscate the recessed central region  4  of the lens  2 . In embodiments without the cap  24 , the recessed central region  4  may be filled with stainless steel, color coordinated plastic, or any other decorative material to match or compliment the decorative flange  6 . The recessed central region  4  may contain grooves, snaps, or other features to help mechanically fasten the cap  24 , and also may contain ribs, barbs, anchors, or other features to help mechanically fasten other filler materials  10  such as particulate or aggregate material. Alternatively, the cap  24  or filler materials  10  may be fastened using glue, adhesive, epoxy, double-sided tape, or other means of fastening. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the light system  200  of  FIG. 4  but with the cap  24  removed. The recessed central region  4  of the lens  2  is filled with the filler material  10  to completely obstruct the illuminated recessed central region  4  of the lens  2  and to match the surrounding mounting surface  16  around the light system  100 . The halo  8  is illuminated and a light source is activated to illuminate the halo  8 . The visible portion  20  of the flange  6  is comprised of a material and color to match or compliment the tones of the surrounding mounting surface  16 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a light system  300 . The light system  300  is identical to the light system  200  of  FIGS. 4-5 , but for the differences described herein. The lens  2  of the light system  300  is about 6.0 inches in diameter, preferably between 5.0 and 7.0 inches in diameter, while the lens  2  of the spa light system  200  is about 10.0 to 11.0 inches in diameter, preferably between 9.0 and 13.0 inches in diameter. Either system  200  or  300  are capable of universally replacing other third-party lights made by competitors, whether with or without an adapter. For example, the decorative flange  6  portion preferably is sized to extend and cover the niche or existing wall fitting. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the light system  300  of  FIG. 6  but with the cap  24  removed and a filler material  10  inserted into the recess  4 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a light system  400 . The light system  400  is identical to the light system  300  of  FIGS. 6-7 , but for the differences described herein. The lens  2  of the light system  400  is about 1.5 to 5.0 inches in diameter, with a common size being 2.25 inches in diameter. A common niche or passage size in about 1.5 inches in diameter, and the housing or body should be sized so as to fit within the niche or passage. The cap  24  is made of stainless-steel material  26  to completely obstruct the illuminated recessed central region  4  of the lens  2 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the light system  400  of  FIG. 8  but with the cap  24  removed and a filler material  10  inserted into the recess  4 . The system  400  is capable of universally fitting into proprietary or third-party standard wall fittings or pipes. 
       FIGS. 10-19  provide additional detail for the embodiments of the flanged embodiments of the invention in, and described in connection with,  FIGS. 1-9 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective side view of the light system  1  of  FIG. 1  for use in a standard inground pool niche. The light system  1  comprises a connector  31 , preferably a waterproof quick connect/disconnect connector for connecting the light system to an electrical system for the pool or spa and a cable  32  to the lighting array and internal electronics. The connector  31  connects to a mating connector on a longer (e.g., 50-100 foot) cable (not shown) in the conduit or passage. The longer cable connects to the electrical system for powering the pool or spa, including the light system  1 . The connector  31  allows for the light system  1  to be replaced without having to pull the longer 50-100 foot cable out of the conduit or passage and fishing in a new 50-100 foot cable with the new replacement light system  1 . Replacing the longer cable can be difficult and the present invention helps in avoiding such a need for replacing the longer cable. 
     A light housing  33  is constructed comprising a cup-like structure for containing the lighting array and the internal electronics. A lens  38  is sealed onto the light housing  33  using known devices, such as gaskets or seals  34  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ). The light housing  33  comprises a light flange  35  extending radially outwards from the cup-like structure as previously described, with the light flange  35  comprising a recess  14  for containing an aesthetic surface material  37  such as material  10 . The lens  38  also comprises a recess  4  for containing an aesthetic surface material  37 . If desired, the aesthetic surface material may match the surface material of the spa wall. One or more mounting screw holes  36  can be provided for mounting the light flange  35  to the spa wall. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective side sectional view of the light system  1  of  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 11 , both a preferred embodiment of the contour of the light flange  35  and the lens  38  and of the lighting array and the internal electronics  82  of the device  1  can be seen. The light flange  35  has a generally U-shape contour with a bottom and side walls providing a recess  14  structure for holding the aesthetic surface material  37 . Similarly, the lens  38  comprises a central recess  4 , circular in this embodiment, for holding the aesthetic surface material  37  or some other aesthetic device, such as a cap  24  or covering. The cap  24  or covering can be a different material, such as stainless steel, colored plastic, vinyl, acrylic, fiberglass, etc. The lens  38  comprises an unobstructed portion  2  for allowing light to pass through and be seen. 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the lighting array and internal electronics  82  comprise at least one LED array  39  mounted on at least one printed circuit board  40  and various known electronic components  41  for providing electrical current to and operating the LED array  39 . The LED array  39  and the printed circuit board  40  are arranged within the light housing  33  such that light emitted from at least a portion of the LED array  39  is emitted through and/or can be seen through the lens  38  when the LED array  39  is energized. The LED array  39  may be arranged to be hidden behind the obscured center recess  4 , which can provide a more muted lighting effect for accent lighting. Alternatively, the LED array may have directional optics to direct light out around the obscured center recess  4  for a brighter effect. Cable  32  extends through a hole  84  in the base of the light housing  33  and is held in place by a known device such as a strain relief fitting  42 . Various electronics  82  components can include, for example, heat sinks, transformers, additional printed circuit boards, timers, switches, etc. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective side view of the light system  1  of  FIG. 10  without the aesthetic surface material  37  and showing optional features to mechanically hold the aesthetic surface material  37 . Such optional features are shown in the form of tabs  43  to which the aesthetic surface material  37  can secure as the aesthetic surface material  37  dries during installation. The tabs  43  can be located both within the recess of the light flange  35  and within the recess in the lens  38 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective side view of the light system  1  of  FIG. 10  without the aesthetic surface material  37  and showing optional features in the form of tabs  43  within the recess  14  and a lip  44  (see  FIG. 19  for detail) on the upper edges of the recess  14  wall to mechanically hold the aesthetic surface material  37  within the recess  14 . The upper lip  44  can curve inwardly towards the center of the recess such that the aesthetic surface material  37  dries underneath the upper lip  44  during the installation process. Other features for retaining the aesthetic surface material  37  within the recesses  4 ,  14  also are suitable. 
       FIG. 14  is a side sectional view of the light system  1  of  FIG. 10 . Similar to  FIG. 11 , in  FIG. 14 , both a preferred embodiment of the contour of the light flange  35  and the lens  38  and of the lighting array and the internal electronics  82  of the device  1  can be seen in more detail. The light flange  35  has a generally U-shape contour with a bottom and side walls providing a structure for holding the aesthetic surface material  37  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ). Similarly, the lens  38  comprises a central recess  4  for holding the aesthetic surface material  37  or some other aesthetic device, such as a cap  24  or covering. The lens  38  comprises an unobstructed portion  2  for allowing light to pass through and be seen. As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 14 , the lighting array and internal electronics  82  comprise at least one LED array  39  mounted on a printed circuit board  40  and various known electronic components  41  for providing electrical current to and operating the LED array  39 . The LED array  39  and the printed circuit board  40  are arranged within the light housing  33  such that at least a portion of the LED array  39  can be seen through the lens  38  when the LED array  39  is energized, and can be considered generally on a parallel plane to the lens  38 . Cable  32  extends through a hole  84  in the base of the light housing  33  and is held in place by a known device such as a strain relief fitting  42 . 
       FIG. 14  also shows a retainer tab  46  that can engage with a corresponding slot in the niche, the niche wall, or the pool or spa wall to attach and lock the light housing  33  or the light flange  35  (or the lens  38  with a light flange  35  combination as discussed in connection with  FIG. 15 ) to the wall. For example, as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 23A-D , the light flange  35  portion can be installed on the pool or spa by holding the light system  1  at an angle to the niche or niche box  90 , engaging the retainer tab  46  into the slot  92  of the niche, pivoting the light system  1  into the niche, and then installing a mounting screw through the mounting screw hole  36  into the pool or spa wall. 
       FIG. 15  is a side sectional view of a light system  1  similar to that of  FIG. 10 , but with a single-component lens  38  and flange  35  embodiment. In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , the light flange  35  and the lens  38  are separate components, with the lens  38  being mountable within a central opening of the light flange  35 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the light flange  35  and the lens  38  can be a single component, made out of transparent or translucent lens material, that is secured onto an open top portion  12  of the light housing  33 . In such a single component embodiment, which can be considered a lens  38  with a lens flange  35 , the lens  38  is essentially divided into three portions, a central recess portion  4 , a middle lens  2  portion and an outer flange  35  portion, all made of lens material. The three portions can be separated by raised walls  45  so that the aesthetic surface material  37  within the central recess portion  4  and the outer flange  35  portion will not migrate into the middle lens  2  portion. The lens  38  with a lens flange  35  combination can then be attached to the light housing  33  with threads, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, bayonet locks, adhesives, or other known methods of attachment, such as attachment foot  96  extending axially from the back of the lens  38 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective side view of a nicheless light system  101  suitable for use in the present invention. This nicheless light system  101  typically is for mounting directly in a gunite or concrete wall of a pool or spa, and not in a niche. More specifically, when the pool or spa is manufactured, the light housing  33  is attached to rebar and the wet or unhardened gunite or concrete is applied around the light housing  33 , which remains as a permanent feature when the gunite or concrete sets and hardens. The nicheless light system  101  comprises similar or analogous components as the light system  1  shown in  FIG. 10 , such as a connector  31 , a cable  32 , lighting LED array  39  and internal electronics  82 , a light housing  33 , and a lens  38  with a light flange  35  and/or at least one recess  4 ,  14  for containing an aesthetic surface material  37 . The light housing  33  further comprises a water stop  154  extending radially outwardly from a generally central location on the light housing  33 . The water stop  154  both helps retain the light housing  33  in the gunite or concrete and also provides a barrier or stop helping to prevent water seeping between the gunite or concrete and the outer surface of the light housing  33  from seeping or leaking out of the pool or spa. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective side sectional view of the nicheless light system  101  of  FIG. 16 . Generally, the internal arrangement of components for the nicheless light system  101  also is similar or analogous to the internal arrangement of components for the light system  1  of  FIG. 10 . However, an exemplary embodiment of the nicheless light system  101  can comprise three primary components: light housing  33  component, lens  38  and lens mounting component  52 , and tubular light structure  54 . Tubular light structure  54  contains the light array and electronic components, such as the LEDs  39  and printed circuit board(s)  40  at one end and the cable  32  extending out the opposite end. At the light array end, tubular light structure  54  has a male thread for cooperating with a female thread on the lens  38 . In this manner, tubular light structure  54  can be releasably secured to the lens  38  to create a water-tight or water-proof structure to protect the LEDs  39 , printed circuit board  40 , and the other electronic components located within the tubular lighting structure  54 . As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, the tubular light structure  54  and the threaded region of the lens  38  can be circular in cross-section, with the light housing  33 , flange  35 , and lens  38  itself being different geometrical configurations. In this manner, a common tubular light structure  54  can be used in combination with various different shaped light housings  33 , flanges  35 , and lenses  38 . 
     Light housing  33  is a generally hollow tubular component mounted within the gunite or concrete wall. Light housing  33  has an internal female thread on the pool or spa end of the light housing  33  for cooperating with a male thread on or attached to the lens  38 , or on a lens mounting component  52  (see  FIG. 17  and the description thereof). In this manner, lens  38 , along with tubular light structure  54 , can be releasably secured to the light housing  33  and thus mounted in the pool or spa wall. Thus, tubular light structure  54  is screw-mounted to lens  38 , and the combination lens  38  and tubular light structure  54  can be screw-mounted to light housing  33 , or snapped into the light housing  33  (see  FIG. 17  and the description thereof), or even welded or adhesively affixed to the light housing  33  for a more permanent manner of attachment. The releasable configurations result in the ability to replace the lens  38  should the lens  38  break or if a new, different lens  38  is desired, and to replace the light array and electronic components should either of them fail. Alternatively, any or all of the components can be permanently attached to each other by, for example, adhesives or welding. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective side view of a lens  38  for holding aesthetic surface material  37  suitable for use with the nicheless embodiment of the present invention, such as in combination with the nicheless light of  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment the lens  38  and light flange  35  are part of a single, unitary component constructed of lens material, such as a transparent or translucent material. Lens  38  comprises a component similar to the lens  38  shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 10-15 , namely, a lens  38  with at least one recess for holding aesthetic surface material  37 . Specifically, Lens  38  of  FIG. 18  has a lens disk  56  central recess  4 , a middle lens component  2 , an optional outer annular recess  14 , and a light flange  35  portion. 
     Lens  38  further comprises a mounting cylinder  58  extending perpendicular from a back side of the lens disk  56 , namely the side of the lens disk  56  that does not face into the interior of the pool or spa. Depending on the shape and structure of the pool or spa, or of the lens  38 , mounting cylinder  58  can extend at various angles form the lens disk  56 , but preferably extends at an angle of 45-90 degrees, and more preferably an angle of 60-90 degrees. Mounting cylinder  58  comprises an internal female thread for cooperating with the external male thread of tubular light housing  54  as previously disclosed. 
     Mounting cylinder  58  further comprises a means for mounting the lens  38  onto the light housing  33 . The means for mounting may comprise an external mounting surface  66  for attaching to a lens mounting component  52 , shown in  FIG. 17 . The lens mounting component  52  is a sleeve-like structure that fits over and is preferably secured to the external mounting surface  66  using a bayonet or tab lock device (not shown, but known in the art). For example, the lens mounting component  52  can comprise a male thread on the external surface of the sleeve-like structure and tabs or bayonet features on the internal surface of the sleeve-like structure. In this embodiment, the lens mounting component  52  screws into the light housing  33 , and the lens  38  with the tubular structure  54  attached thereto is snapped into the lens mounting component  52 . In this manner, tubular light structure  54  can be releasably secured to the lens  38  to create a water-tight or water-proof structure to protect the LEDs  39 , printed circuit board  40 , and the other electronic components located within the tubular lighting structure  54 . The external mounting surface  66  of the mounting cylinder  58  is pushed past the tabs or bayonet features, which undergo plastic or elastic deformation, until the external mounting surface  66  passes completely by the tabs or bayonet features, at which point the tabs or bayonet features snap back so as to hold the mounting cylinder  58  within the lens mounting component  52 . 
     Lens mounting component  52  has an external male thread for cooperating with the internal female thread of light housing  33  for releasably securing lens  38  and lens  38  and tubular light structure  54  to light housing  33 . Alternatively, instead of external mounting surface  66 , mounting cylinder  58  can comprise an external male thread directly on the outer surface of mounting cylinder  58  for cooperating directly with the internal female thread of light housing  33 . The lens mounting component  52  can be a part of the flange  35  or faceplate whereby a flange  35  or faceplate can be used that comprises the lens mounting component  52  as a back part, extending normal or at an angle from the flange  35  or faceplate, so that the flange  35  or faceplate, as a separate part from the lens  38 , can screw into the light housing  33 , and the lens  38  can tab- or bayonet-mount into the flange  35  or faceplate. In this manner, the flange  35  or faceplate can cover and hide preexisting spaces, components, or features. 
     The lens disk  56  optionally may comprise openings  60 , typically through the outer annular recess  14  regions. These openings  60  can be used for anchoring a removal tool for removing the lens  38  or the lens  38  and tubular light structure  54  from the light housing  33 . Additionally, these openings  60  can allow water to pass through lens  38  into the fitting or the passageway through the gunite or concrete for cooling the light system  101 . The use of an external mounting surface  66 , which separates the lens mounting component  52  from the outer surface of the mounting cylinder  58 , allows for a volume between the mounting cylinder  58  and the lens mounting component  52  in which the cooling water can access through the openings  60 . 
       FIG. 19  is a side sectional view of the lens of  FIG. 18  with an enlarged view of the central recess for holding aesthetic surface material  37 . Optional lip  62  extending inwardly at the outer surface of the lens  38  disk surrounding the central recess provides for an additional means for retaining aesthetic surface material  37  within the central recess. The lip  62  may be continuous or discontinuous. 
       FIG. 20  is a side sectional view of a niche in a pool or spa wall for holding a niche version of the light system  1  of the present invention. Niche  70  is pre-formed in the wall  72  during the original installation of the pool or spa, or can be formed afterwards. Niche  70  can be any size and shape, and often is of a standard size and shape for holding light features or other features. Niche  70  often has a passageway  74  at the rear of the niche  70  and extending out of the pool or spa structure for allowing electrical wiring  76  to pass into the niche  70 . The spa light system  1  can be inserted into and secured within the niche  70  as disclosed previously, with cable  32  connected to wiring  76  via connector  31 . Thus, spa light system  1  can be removably and replaceably inserted into niche  70 . 
       FIG. 21  is a side sectional view of a nicheless, through-wall mounting for a through-wall version of the light system  101  of the present invention. Passageway  80  is pre-formed in the wall  72  during the original installation of the pool or spa, or can be formed afterwards. Passageway  80  can be any size and shape, and often is of a standard diameter for holding light features or other features. Passageway  80  extends out of the pool or spa structure for allowing electrical wiring  76  to pass through passageway  80 . The light system  101  can be inserted into and secured within the passageway  80  as disclosed previously, with cable  32  connected to wiring  76  via connector  31 . Thus, light system  1  can be removably and replaceably inserted into passageway  80 . 
     In either of the installation manners shown in  FIGS. 20-21 , the lens  38  preferably is mounted flush to the pool or spa wall surface. However, due to the structure of the lens  38 , the lens  38  often will protrude somewhat or slightly into the pool or spa interior. After the light system  1 ,  101  is mounted in the pool or spa wall and the lens  38  is attached to or located at the desired place, the lens  38  will contain aesthetic surface material  37  identical to or complimentary with the pool or spa wall and therefore the lens  38  will blend in with the pool or spa wall, creating a pleasing aesthetic look. When the light system  1 ,  101  is energized, light will be emitted from the lens  38  in the areas not covered by the aesthetic surface material  37  and create an aesthetically pleasing light display. Also, the aesthetic surface material  37  may at least in part be translucent to create a glowing light effect. 
       FIG. 22  is a side sectional view of through-shell mounting for a shell or liner mounted version of the light system  1  of the present invention similar to that shown in  FIG. 10 . The light system  1  comprises a connector  31 , preferably a waterproof quick connect/disconnect connector for connecting the light system  1  to an electrical system for the pool or spa (an example of which is disclosed previously) and a cable  32  to the lighting array with LEDs on a printed circuit board and other internal electronics. A light housing  33  is constructed comprising a cup-like structure for containing the lighting array and the internal electronics. A lens  38  is sealed onto the light housing  33  using known devices, such as gaskets or seals  34 . The light housing  33  comprises a light flange  35  extending radially outwards from the cup-like structure as previously described, with the light flange  35  comprising a recess  14  for containing an aesthetic surface material  37 . The lens  38  also comprises a recess  4  for containing an aesthetic surface material  37  or a cap  24  or covering. The housing  33  in this embodiment is in part cylindrical for fitting through a round hole in a shell wall. A male thread is formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing  33  wall to cooperate with the inner surface of a cooperating securing nut. The housing  33  is inserted through the hole  122  in the shell wall  120  and the nut  124  is tightened via the cooperating threads such that the shell wall  120  is sandwiched between the nut  124  and the flange  35 , thus securing the housing  33  onto the shell wall  120 . Another gasket  126  or seal can be placed between the flange  35  and the shell wall  120  for further waterproofing. This embodiment does not require a tubular structure  54  separate from the housing  33 . 
       FIGS. 23A-D  are schematic side perspective views of a manner for installing an embodiment of the invention in a niche box  90 , with  FIG. 23A  being a view of a niche box  90 ,  FIG. 23B  being a view of the light system  1  and cable  32  ready for placement in the niche box  90 ,  FIG. 23C  being a view of the light system  1  being attached to the niche box  90  using a tab  46  and then rotated upwards for securing, and  FIG. 23D  being a view of the light system  1  secured to the niche box  90  with a screw. The niche box  90  is mounted in the solid wall of a pool or spa, often by attachment to the rebar structure of the pool or spa wall during the construction phase of the pool or spa, and sometimes into a hole or passageway drilled into the pool or spa wall after construction. As can be seen in  FIG. 23A , the niche box is a cup-like structure having a hollow interior, an upper connecting means and a lower connecting means. The upper connecting means can be a screw hole  36  and the lower connecting means can be a slot  92  for accepting a tab  46 . The bottom of the cup-like niche box  90  has a port (not shown) for allowing electrical and/or other utility cabling to pass through. In  FIG. 23B , an electrical cable  32  extends from the bottom of the niche box  90  for connecting with the light system  1  to supply power to the light system  1 . 
       FIG. 23C  illustrates a method for attaching the light system  1  to the niche box  90 . Holding the light system  1  at an angle, a tab  46  or tongue on the flange  35  of the light system  1  is inserted into the lower connecting means slot  92  of the niche box  90 . Once the tab  46  or tongue is inserted in to the slot  92 , the light system  1  is rotated towards the open end of the niche box  90  so as to cover the opening as shown in  FIG. 23D . Once in place covering the opening of the niche box  90 , a screw can be inserted through the screw hole  36  in the flange  33  and into the upper connecting means screw hole  36  of the niche box  90 , thus securing the light system  1  to the niche box  90 . This same manner of attachment can be used to attach the light system  1  directly to a pool or spa wall that has a niche or passage formed therein, without the use of a separate niche box  90 . For this, the niche or passageway itself would comprise a slot  46  and a screw hole  36  at the appropriate locations. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective side view of the light system  1  of  FIG. 1  having a square flange and a round lens. The LED array  39 , printed circuit board  40 , and internal components for these embodiments remain the same, as this figure is to illustrate that different shapes can be applied to the visible components. However, the LED array  39  and printed circuit board  40  can be made to match any shape of the flange  35  and lens  38 . 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective side view of the light system of  FIG. 1  having a square flange and a square lens. This figure also illustrates that different shapes of the LED array  39  and printed circuit board  40  also can be used. The mechanical fastening features to hold in the aesthetic surface material, the aesthetic surface material itself, or the caps in these embodiments can be structured to fit the now square recesses. 
     Flangeless Embodiments 
     The flangeless embodiments of the present invention are generally similar in structure to the flanged embodiments described above, but without the outer decorative flange and appurtenant structures necessary for the flange. As such, the following description of the flangeless embodiments have many similarities to the previous description of the flanged embodiments and will generally track the previous description of the flanged embodiments with the differences highlighted. Also, preferred embodiments of the flangeless light systems can be provided with grooves around the outside of the light and/or lens structure and can be installed in a housing or a niche with the bayonet-style twist-lock structure and system such as shown in  FIGS. 18-19 . 
       FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flangeless light system according to the present invention for use without a separate niche, and preferably installed in a housing, such as a wall-mounted housing in the side or floor of a spa or pool. The light system  201  comprises a base component  212  having a tubular body  214  for mounting within a housing  233  (see  FIGS. 34 and 35 ), which housing  233  is mounted through or within a surrounding mounting surface of a pool or spa shell, floor, liner, or wall, for example (see, e.g.,  FIG. 22  for a representative housing  33 ,  233  mounting set up on a spa shell  120 ), a generally flattened lens  102  at a first end  112  of the body  214 , mounting means  216  for assisting in securing the base component  212  within the mounting housing  233  for securing the base component to surrounding mounting surface  16 , and a light source(s) (not shown, but contained within base component  212 ). 
     This embodiment of the base component  212  is a one-piece component. The base component  212  has the lens  102  attached normal to a first end  112  of the tubular body  214 . The first end  112  of the tubular body  214  preferably is initially open, allowing access to the hollow interior of the base component  212 , for containing and accessing the light source(s). The lens  102  is formed out of a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent material capable of transmitting light, and defines at least a central region  104  configured for receiving a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material  110  and a visible region  108  that allows light to pass through the lens  102  and be seen. The lens  102 , which is illuminated by the light source(s) effectively forms a translucent ring/halo/band around the central region  104 . 
     The lens  102 , in this embodiment, can be a translucent, disk-shaped, Fresnel lens defining a circular shape with a recessed central region  104 . The translucent visible region  108  is a concentric band around the recessed central region  104  of the lens  102 . The recessed central region  104  may be filled with an aesthetic material to match or compliment the surrounding mounting surface  16  around the light system  201  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9  for representative mounting situations). The halo-shape of the translucent visible region  108  defines a first concentric band around the central region  104  bull&#39;s-eye. Although the term “bull&#39;s-eye” is used herein, the light system  201  does not need to be circular, and other shaped “bull&#39;s-eyes” are contemplated, such as concentric triangles, rectangles, and other geometric figures. 
       FIG. 26  also shows a bayonet-style twist lock structure and system. For example, as taught in more detail in connection with  FIGS. 34-36 , bayonet or mounting surface  66  can cooperate with a separate groove  270 , indentation, or cooperating projection on the inner surface of housing  233  whereby light system  201  can be inserted into housing  233  a certain distance and then twisted such that mounting surface  66  cooperates with and/or is twisted out of groove  270 , indentation, or cooperating projection to hold light system  201  within housing  233  in a known bayonet-style twist lock system. Alternatively, the cooperation between the mounting assist means  216  can involve simple friction fittings. For example, tubular body  214  may comprise mounting assist means  216  in the form of grooves  218  lengthwise down the side of tubular body  214 . Grooves  218  can cooperate with projections (not shown) in housing  233  whereby grooves  218  and projections align light system  201  within niche and can help secure light system  201  within housing  233  by additional friction fit. 
       FIG. 27  is a front perspective layered view of the flangeless light system of  FIG. 26  illustrating additional internal threading attachment details.  FIG. 27  can be thought of as an “x-ray view” or a view in which the base component  212  and other structural components of the light system  201  are made from a transparent or translucent material such that the internals of the light system  201  can be seen. As disclosed in additional detail in connection with  FIG. 33 , at the light array end, tubular light structure  254  has a male thread  260  for cooperating with a female thread  262  on the lens  102  holding component, whereas the component comprising the lens  102  can be screwed onto the tubular light structure  254 . 
       FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flangeless light system  301  according to the present invention for use with a separate niche, such as in the niche box  90  shown in  FIGS. 23A-D . The light system  301  is similar to the light system  201  of  FIG. 26 , but for the differences described herein. The light system  301  comprises a disk-shaped lens  102  mechanically retained by a pool niche  90  (see  FIGS. 23A-D ). The light system  301  is embedded into the wall/surrounding mounting surface  16 , as is understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The light system  301  has the halo  108  illuminated, and a light source is activated to illuminate the halo  108 . The recessed central region  104  of the lens  102  can be filled with an aesthetic material  110  to match the surrounding mounting surface  16  around the light system  301 . 
     The light system  301  also comprises a base component  312  having a tubular body  314  for mounting within a niche box  90  (see  FIGS. 23A-D  and  28 - 29 ), which niche box  90  is mounted through or within a surrounding mounting surface of a pool or spa shell, floor, liner, or wall, for example (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 20-21  for a representative niche box  90  mounted within a spa wall  72 ), a generally flattened lens  102  at a first end  112  of the body  314 , mounting means  316  for assisting in securing the base component within the niche box  90 , and a light source(s) (not shown, but contained within base component  312 ). As previously disclosed, the mounting means  316  and system can comprise a bayonet-style twist lock structure and system. For example, bayonet or mounting surface  66  can cooperate with a separate groove (not separately numbered, but similar in placement, structure and function to groove  270 ), indentation, or cooperating projection on the inner surface of niche box  90  whereby light system  301  can be inserted into niche box  90  a certain distance and then twisted such that mounting surface  66  cooperates with and/or is twisted out of this groove, indentation, or cooperating projection to hold light system  301  within niche box  90  in a known bayonet-style twist lock system. The lower end of this groove can have an exit slot or locking area (not separately numbered, but similar in placement, structure and function to area  272 ) normal to the direction of this groove to allow bayonet mounting surface  66  to rotate out of this groove and be locked or otherwise secured within this locking area. Alternatively, the cooperation between the mounting assist means  316  can involve simple friction fittings. 
     The base component  312  has the lens  102  attached normal to a first end  112  of the tubular body  314 . The first end  112  of the tubular body  314  preferably is initially open, allowing access to the hollow interior of the base component  312 , for containing and accessing the light source(s). The lens  102  is formed out of a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent material capable of transmitting light, and defines at least a central region  104  configured for receiving a “masking”, “hiding”, filler, or bonding material  110  and a visible region  108  that allows light to pass through the lens  102  and be seen. The lens  102 , which is illuminated by the light source(s) effectively forms a translucent ring/halo/band around the central region  104 . 
       FIG. 29  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 29  installed within a niche box  90 . Niche box  90  is a cup-like structure having a hollow interior and retaining bars  318  for cooperating with mounting means  316 . The bottom of the cup-like niche box  90  has a port (not shown) for allowing electrical and/or other utility cabling to pass through. An electrical cable  32  typically extends from a second end  112 A of the light system  301  for allowing electrical and/or other utility cabling to cooperate with the light system  301 . For example, the electrical cable  32  can extend from the light system  301  for connecting the light system  301  to a power supply. In this way the light system  301  can be efficiently and effectively inserted, embedded, installed, or inserted into, or through, the side wall(s) or floor of a spa defining the mounting surface  16 , and controlled and/or powered. The lens  102  portion preferably is structured so as to be of a reduced profile, that is, flat, shallow domed, etc., so as to reduce contact with a user or pool equipment. 
       FIG. 30  is a side sectional view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 30  installed within a niche box  90  with filler material  110  within the lens recess  104 . In this figure, a preferred embodiment of the contour of the lens  102  and of the lighting array and the internal electronics  182  of the light system  301  can be seen in more detail. The lens  102  comprises a central recess  104  for holding the aesthetic surface material  110  or some other aesthetic device, such as a cap (not shown) or other covering. The lens  102  comprises an unobstructed portion  108  for allowing light to pass through and be seen. The lighting array and internal electronics  182  may comprise at least one LED array  139  mounted on a printed circuit board  140  and various known electronic components  141  for providing electrical current to and operating the LED array  139 . The LED array  139  and the printed circuit board  140  are arranged within the tubular body  314  such that at least a portion of the LED array  139  can be seen through the lens  102  when the LED array  139  is energized, and can be considered generally on a parallel plane to the lens  102 . The LED array  139  may be arranged to be hidden behind the obscured center recess  104 , which can provide a more muted lighting effect for accent lighting. Alternatively, the LED array may have directional optics to direct light out around the obscured center recess  104  for a brighter effect. Cable  32  extends through a hole  184  in the base of the tubular housing  312  and is held in place by a known device such as a strain relief fitting  142 . Various electronics  182  components can include, for example, heat sinks, transformers, additional printed circuit boards, timers, switches, etc. 
     In both the nicheless version of the light system  201  and the niche version of the light system  301 , the lens  102  preferably is attached normal to the first end  112  of the tubular body  214 ,  314  of the base component  212 ,  312 . The lens  102  defines a recessed central region  104  formed into, but not through, the material of lens  102 , and taking the shape of a bulls-eye from a front-facing perspective. When the recessed central region  104  is filled with the filler material  110 , the filler material  110  obfuscates or completely obstructs the illuminated recessed central region  104  of the lens  102 . Alternatively, the filler material  110  may be at least in part translucent or patterned to provide for a glowing effect in the central region  104 . For example, the filler material  110  also can comprise a mixture of different materials, or include holes, to produce a patterned effect. The filler material  110  may be fashioned to be concave, flat, or convex. A separate decorative cap  24  (see  FIG. 4 ) also may be installed to obfuscate or completely obstruct the illuminated recessed central region  104  of the lens  102 , or to allow the light to be redirected. The decorative cap  24  may have a decorative design thereon. The decorative cap  24  also can have holes or a punched design therethrough to allow for light to show through in a desired design or lighting effect. The lens  102  can be of a size typical in the industry, or any appropriate size, as would be known and determined by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In both the nicheless version of the light system  201  and the niche version of the light system  301 , and as shown and disclosed in connection with the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 30 , the lighting array and internal electronics  182  can be similar and can comprise at least one LED array  139  mounted on at least one printed circuit board  140  and various known electronic components  141  for providing electrical current to and operating the LED array  139 . The LED array  139  and the printed circuit board  140  are arranged within the light system  201 ,  301  such that light emitted from at least a portion of the LED array  139  is emitted through and/or can be seen through the lens  102  when the LED array  139  is energized. The LED array  139  may be arranged to be hidden behind the obscured center recess  104 , which can provide a more muted lighting effect for accent lighting. Alternatively, the LED array may have directional optics to direct light out around the obscured center recess  104  for a brighter effect. Various electronics  182  components can include, for example, heat sinks, transformers, additional printed circuit boards, timers, switches, etc. 
     Also, both the light systems  201 ,  301  also can comprise a connector  31 , preferably a waterproof quick connect/disconnect connector for connecting the light system  201 ,  301  to an electrical system for the pool or spa and a cable  32  to the lighting array and internal electronics, as disclosed above in connection with  FIGS. 10 and 20  regarding connector  31  and cable  32 . The connector  31  connects to a mating connector on a longer (e.g., 50-100 foot) cable in the conduit or passage. The longer cable connects to the electrical system for powering the pool or spa, including the light system  201 ,  301 . The connector  31  allows for the light system  201 ,  301  to be replaced without having to pull the longer 50-100 foot cable out of the conduit or passage and fishing in a new 50-100 foot cable with the new replacement light system  201 ,  301 . Replacing the longer cable can be difficult and the present invention helps in avoiding such a need for replacing the longer cable. 
       FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 28  installed within a niche box  90  without any filler material  110  in the lens recess  104 .  FIG. 31  illustrates the lens  102  of the light system  301  of  FIG. 28  without the aesthetic surface material  137  and showing optional features to mechanically hold the aesthetic surface material  137 . Such optional features are shown in the form of tabs  143  to which the aesthetic surface material  137  can secure as the aesthetic surface material  137  dries during installation. The structure of lens  102  for light system  201  can be similar to that shown in  FIG. 31 , namely with tabs  143  to hold aesthetic surface material  137  within lens recess  104 . 
       FIG. 31  also shows the cooperation between the mounting means  316 , in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 29 . In one embodiment, the mounting means  316  can be a bayonet-style twist lock structure and system as disclosed above. For example, as taught herein, bayonet or mounting surface  66  can cooperate with a separate groove, indentation, or cooperating projection on the inner surface of niche box  90  whereby light system  301  can be inserted into niche box  90  a certain distance and then twisted such that mounting surface  66  cooperates with groove, indentation, or cooperating projection to hold light system  301  within niche box  90  in a known bayonet-style twist lock system. The lower end of groove can have an exit slot or locking area normal to the direction of groove to allow bayonet mounting surface  66  to rotate out of groove and be locked or otherwise secured within a locking area. In another embodiment, the cooperation between the mounting assist means  316  can involve simple friction fittings. For example, tubular body  314  may comprise mounting assist means  316  in the form of grooves  318  and projections (not shown), with grooves  318  extending lengthwise down the side of tubular body  314 . Grooves  318  can cooperate with projections in niche box  90  whereby grooves  318  and projections align light system  301  within niche box  90  and can help secure light system  301  within niche box  90  by additional friction fit. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the niche version of the light system  301 , the flangeless light system  301  shown in  FIGS. 28-31  can be mounted in a niche box  90  in a manner similar to that shown in connection with  FIGS. 23A-D , which are schematic side perspective views of a manner for installing an embodiment of the invention in a niche box  90 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 28-31 , however, the tubular body  314  can have mounting means  316  comprising mounting surfaces  66  (bayonets) and/or grooves  318  and/or projections for assisting in securing the base component within the niche box  90 , with niche box  90  optionally having retaining bars  318  for cooperating with mounting means  316  on tubular body  314 , or vice versa, rather than a screw mounting/retaining system. The niche box  90  is mounted in the solid wall of a pool or spa, often by attachment to the rebar structure of the pool or spa wall during the construction phase of the pool or spa, and sometimes into a hole or passageway drilled into the pool or spa wall after construction. 
     Thus, in the alternative embodiments taught immediately above, the niche box  90  still is a cup-like structure having a hollow interior; however, the light system  301  is retained within niche box  90  via cooperation between mounting surfaces  66  and/or grooves and/or retaining bars  318 . As disclosed herein, mounting means  316  can be one or more simple groove along the outer surface of tubular body  314  extending lengthwise from or proximal to first end  112  to or proximal to second end  112 A of tubular body  314 . Similarly, retaining bars  318  can be one or more simple protrusions along the inner surface of niche box  90  structured to cooperate with mounting means  316  so as to provide a friction fit. Cooperating bumps, ridges, indentions, slots, or other securing means (not shown) can be included on either or both of mounting means  316 , namely, retaining bars  318  and grooves, which securing means may assist in retaining light system  301  within niche box  90 . The bottom of the cup-like niche box  90  still may have a port (not shown) for allowing electrical and/or other utility cabling to pass through. For example, an electrical cable  32  can extend from the bottom of the niche box  90  for connecting the light system  301  to supply power to the light system  301 . 
     The niche version of the light system  301  also can be mounted in a niche in a pool or spa wall for holding a niche version of the light system  301  of the present invention, in a manner similar to that disclosed in connection with  FIGS. 20-21 . Niche  70  is pre-formed in the wall  72  during the original installation of the pool or spa, or can be formed afterwards. Niche  70  can be any size and shape, and often is of a standard size and shape for holding light features or other features. Niche  70  often has a passageway  74  at the rear of the niche  70  and extending out of the pool or spa structure for allowing electrical wiring  76  to pass into the niche  70 . The spa light system  301  can be inserted into and secured within the niche  70  as disclosed previously, with cable  32  connected to wiring  76  via connector  31 . Thus, spa light system  201  can be removably and replaceably inserted into niche  70 . Alternatively, a niche box  90  also can be inserted into niche  70  if desirable. 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective side view of a nicheless light system  201  suitable for use in the present invention. This nicheless light system  201  typically is for mounting directly in a gunite or concrete wall of a pool or spa, and not in a niche. More specifically, when the pool or spa is manufactured, a light housing  233  similar in structure and function to the light housing  33  shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , is attached to rebar and the wet or unhardened gunite or concrete is applied around the light housing  233 , which remains as a permanent feature when the gunite or concrete sets and hardens. The nicheless light system  201  comprises similar or analogous components as the light system  1  shown in  FIG. 10 , such as connector  31 , cable  32 , lighting LED array  139  and internal electronics  182 , a light housing  233 , and a lens  102  with at least one recess  104  for containing an aesthetic surface material  110 . The light housing  233  further comprises a water stop  154  extending radially outwardly from a generally central location on the light housing  233 . The water stop  154  both helps retain the light housing  233  in the gunite or concrete and also provides a barrier or stop helping to prevent water seeping between the gunite or concrete and the outer surface of the light housing  233  from seeping or leaking out of the pool or spa. 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective side sectional view of the nicheless light system  201  of  FIG. 32 . Generally, the internal arrangement of components for the nicheless light system  201  also is similar or analogous to the internal arrangement of components for the light system  1  of  FIG. 10 . However, an exemplary embodiment of the nicheless light system  201  can comprise three primary components: light housing  233  component, lens  102  and lens mounting component  252 , and tubular light structure  254 . Tubular light structure  254  contains the light array and electronic components, such as the LEDs  139  and printed circuit board(s)  140  at one end and the cable  32  extending out the opposite end. At the light array end, tubular light structure  254  has a male thread  260  for cooperating with a female thread  262  on the lens  102 . In this manner, tubular light structure  254  can be releasably secured to the lens  102  to create a water-tight or water-proof structure to protect the LEDs  39 , printed circuit board  140 , and the other electronic components located within the tubular lighting structure  254 . As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, the tubular light structure  254  and the threaded region of the lens  102  can be circular in cross-section, with the light housing  233  and lens  102  itself being different geometrical configurations. In this manner, a common tubular light structure  254  can be used in combination with various different shaped light housings  233  and lenses  102 . 
       FIG. 33  also illustrates an embodiment in which the mounting means  316  can be a bayonet-style twist lock structure and system as disclosed above. For example, bayonet or mounting surface  66  can cooperate with a separate groove  270 , indentation, or cooperating projection on the inner surface of housing  233  whereby light system  201  can be inserted into housing  233  a certain distance and then twisted such that mounting surface  66  cooperates with groove  270 , indentation, or cooperating projection to hold light system  201  within housing  233  in a known bayonet-style twist lock system. The lower end of groove  270  can have an exit slot or area  272  normal to the direction of groove  270  to allow bayonet mounting surface  66  to rotate out of groove  270  and be locked or otherwise secured within area  272 . Two or more bayonet mounting surfaces  66  and cooperating grooves  270  are preferred, with the embodiments shown herein having four of each of bayonet mounting surfaces  66  and cooperating grooves  270 . 
     Similar to as disclosed in connection with  FIGS. 16-17 , light housing  233  shown in  FIGS. 32-33  is a generally hollow tubular component mounted within the gunite or concrete wall. Light housing  233  may have an internal female thread on the pool or spa end of the light housing  233  for cooperating with a male thread on or attached to the lens  102 , or on a lens mounting component  252  (cf.  FIG. 17  and the description thereof). In this manner, lens  102 , along with tubular light structure  254 , can be releasably secured to the light housing  233  and thus mounted in the pool or spa wall. Thus, tubular light structure  254  can be screw-mounted to lens  102 , and the combination lens  102  and tubular light structure  254  can be screw-mounted to light housing  233 , or snapped into the light housing  233  (cf.  FIG. 17  and the description thereof), or even welded or adhesively affixed to the light housing  233  for a more permanent manner of attachment. The releasable configurations result in the ability to replace the lens  102  should the lens  102  break or if a new, different lens  102  is desired, and to replace the light array and electronic components should either of them fail. Alternatively, any or all of the components can be permanently attached to each other by, for example, adhesives or welding. 
     Also similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , lens  102  further comprises a mounting cylinder  258  extending perpendicular from a back side of the lens disk  256 , namely the side of the lens disk  256  that does not face into the interior of the pool or spa. Depending on the shape and structure of the pool or spa, or of the lens  102 , mounting cylinder  258  can extend at various angles form the lens disk  256 , but preferably extends at an angle of 45-90 degrees, and more preferably an angle of 60-90 degrees. Mounting cylinder  258  comprises an internal female thread for cooperating with the external male thread of tubular light housing  254  as previously disclosed. 
     Also in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 32-33 , mounting cylinder  258  further may comprise a means for mounting the lens  102  onto the light housing  233 , which means for mounting comprises external mounting surface  66  for attaching to a lens mounting component  252 , also shown in  FIG. 26 . The lens mounting component  252  is a sleeve-like structure that fits within housing  233  and comprises groove  270  and area  272  for cooperating with mounting surface  66 , such as using a bayonet or tab lock device, as is known in the art. Lens mounting component  252  can comprise a male thread on the external surface of the sleeve-like structure for attachment to the inner surface of housing  233 , and groove  270  and area  272  features on the internal surface of the sleeve-like structure for cooperating with mounting surface  66 . In this embodiment, the lens mounting component  252  screws into the light housing  233 , and the lens  102  with the tubular structure  254  attached thereto is snapped into the lens mounting component  252 . In this manner, tubular light structure  254  can be releasably secured to the lens  102  to create a water-tight or water-proof structure to protect the LEDs  139 , printed circuit board  140 , and the other electronic components located within the tubular lighting structure  254 . The external mounting surface  66  of the mounting cylinder  258  is pushed down into groove  270  and twisted so that mounting surface  66  cooperates with area  272  to secure light system  201  within housing. 
     Alternatively, groove  270  can have tabs or bayonet features, which undergo plastic or elastic deformation, such that mounting surface  66  may be pressed or pushed into groove and pass completely by the tabs or bayonet features, at which point the tabs or bayonet features snap back and cooperate with mounting surface  66  so as to hold the mounting cylinder  258  within the lens mounting component  252 . In this manner, area  272  is not necessary as light system  201  does not need to be rotated. Using such tabs or bayonet features to cooperate with mounting surface  66  can result in a more permanent mount for light system  201  as it may be more difficult to pull (remove) light system  201  from within lens mounting component  252 . 
     Lens mounting component  252  may have an external male thread for cooperating with the internal female thread of light housing  233  for releasably securing lens  102  and tubular light structure  254  to light housing  233 . Alternatively, instead of external mounting surface  66 , mounting cylinder  258  can comprise an external male thread directly on the outer surface of mounting cylinder  258  for cooperating directly with the internal female thread of light housing  233 . The lens mounting component  252  can be a part of a faceplate whereby a faceplate can be used that comprises the lens mounting component  252  as a back part, extending normal or at an angle from the faceplate, so that the faceplate, as a separate part from the lens  102 , can screw into the light housing  233 , and the lens  102  can tab- or bayonet-mount into the faceplate. In this manner, the faceplate can cover and hide preexisting spaces, components, or features. 
     After the light system  201 ,  301  is mounted in the pool or spa wall and the lens  102  is attached to or located at the desired place, the lens  102  will contain aesthetic surface material  110 ,  137  identical to or complimentary with the pool or spa wall and therefore the lens  102  will blend in with the pool or spa wall, creating a pleasing aesthetic look. When the light system  201 ,  301  is energized, light will be emitted from the lens  102  in the areas not covered by the aesthetic surface material  110 ,  137  and create an aesthetically pleasing light display. Also, the aesthetic surface material  110 ,  137  may at least in part be translucent to create a glowing light effect. 
       FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  201  of  FIG. 32  with additional detail showing a tool  264  for inserting and removing the light system  201  from a housing  233 , with tool  264  ready for insertion into mounting assist means  216 , which in this embodiment are tool insertion slots  266 . Tool  264  can be a device having a handle portion  266  and prongs  268  extending normal to handle portion  266 . Tool  264  also may comprise additional raised and/or recessed features to attach a socket wrench, screw driver, or other device to assist with the rotation of tool  264  and light system  201 . 
       FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  201  of  FIG. 32  with additional detail showing tool  264  for inserting and removing the light system  201  from a housing  233 , with tool  264  inserted. Prongs  268  are inserted into grooves  270  whereby prongs  268  can engage with the sides of grooves  270  such that when tool  264  is rotated, light system  201  is rotated within housing  233 . In this manner, bayonet mounting surface  66  can engage with or disengage with groove  270  and/or area  272 , as can be seen in  FIG. 33 , for locking and/or unlocking light system  201  within housing  233 . 
       FIG. 36  is a front view of the flangeless light system  201  of  FIG. 32  with additional detail showing tool  264  inserted for locking and/or unlocking and/or removing light system  201  from housing  233 . Tool  264  can be any size or shape, so long as tool  264  comprises at least one prong  268  for insertion into at least one groove  270 . 
       FIG. 37  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 28  with additional detail showing bayonet projections as mounting surfaces  66 . This embodiment of light system  301  is suitable for mounting within a niche box  90 . 
       FIG. 38  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 37  with additional detail showing a tool  364  for inserting and removing the light system  301  from a niche box  90 , with tool  364  ready for insertion into mounting assist means  316 , which in this embodiment are grooves  318 . Tool  364  can be a device having a handle portion  366  and prongs  368  extending normal to handle portion  366 . 
       FIG. 39  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 37  with additional detail showing tool  364  for inserting and removing the light system  301  from a niche box  90 , with tool  364  inserted. Prongs  368  are inserted into grooves  318  whereby prongs  368  can engage with the sides of grooves  318  such that when tool  364  is rotated, light system  301  is rotated within niche box  90 . In this manner, bayonet mounting surface  66  can engage with or disengage with groove  318  and/or a locking area, in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 33 , for locking and/or unlocking light system  301  within niche box  90 . 
       FIG. 40  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 37  with additional detail showing tool  364  for inserting and removing the light system  301  from a niche box  90 , with tool  364  inserted and the light system  301  in a niche box  90 . Prongs  368  are inserted into grooves  318  whereby prongs  368  can engage with the sides of grooves  318  such that when tool  364  is rotated, light system  301  is rotated within niche box  90 . In this manner, bayonet mounting surface  66  can engage with or disengage with groove  318  and/or a locking area, in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 33 , for locking and/or unlocking light system  301  within niche box  90 . 
       FIG. 41  is a front perspective view of the flangeless light system  301  of  FIG. 28  with additional detail showing an alternative embodiment for holding the light system  301  within a niche box  90 , similar to  FIGS. 23A-D , which are schematic side perspective views of a manner for installing an embodiment of the invention in a niche box  90 . In this embodiment, niche box is a cup-like structure having a hollow interior, an upper connecting means and a lower connecting means. The upper connecting means can be a screw hole  36  and the lower connecting means can be a slot  92  for accepting a tab  46 . The light system  301  can be attached to the niche box  90  by holding the light system  301  at an angle, a tab  46  or tongue on the light system  301  is inserted into the lower connecting means slot  92  of the niche box  90 . Once the tab  46  or tongue is inserted in to the slot  92 , the light system  301  is rotated towards the open end of the niche box  90  so as to cover the opening in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 23D . Once in place covering the opening of the niche box  90 , a screw can be inserted through the screw hole  36  in the flange  33  and into the upper connecting means screw hole  36  of the niche box  90 , thus securing the light system  301  to the niche box  90 . 
     General Embodiments 
     The light systems described herein may be used on almost any artificial water body. While the light system is described in connection with a pool and spa, it is understood that the light system may be used on spas, swimming pools, tubs, jacuzzis, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art can modify the light system without undue experimentation so that it can be placed on almost any artificial water body. Thus, the invention may be installed on pool or spa walls or shells to provide for the addition of aesthetically pleasing, decorative, architectural, and/or safety light to a pool or spa or the area surrounding a pool or spa. 
     The various components of the invention can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials. Appropriate components are molded or formed from a plastic material that will not corrode or be adversely affected from the exposure to water, particularly chlorinated water, and other chemicals present in a spa setting. Other appropriate components are formed from materials such as steel, aluminum, other metals, rock, acrylic, fiberglass, etc. as aesthetically or structurally needed or desired. Such materials are known in the art. 
     The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     While detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein, as well as the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner.