Inground Pool Lighting

Inground pool lighting will bring your pool to life, provide increased safety, enhance the look of your pool and provide aesthetics that only lights can do. There are almost limitless options due to the many colors, color sequences and light shows whether it's illuminating the pool water or a water feature. You can find just about anything you're looking for to increase the enjoyment of your pool and create the perfect ambiance for a special occasion. 

Just about any inground pool can benefit from one of the many lighting options available and that includes any budget. The latest LED and wireless technology will allow any pool owner to create a stunning color changing display or a subtle white light to extend pool usage into the evening hours. With so many options you'll be able to create your dream pool lighting on a budget and if you choose solar lighting  you won't break the bank in energy costs. 


Types of Pool Lighting

There are countless options when considering inground pool lighting for your salt water pool. In most cases you can get as creative as you want and will be able to suit almost any backyard pool set up. If you have an existing pool you will need to take into account your current electrical capabilities and limitations to ensure compatibility with the replacement light or lighting system. An electrician or pool expert should be consulted before making any major changes to a complex electrical system. 

  1. LED Pool Lights
  2. Solar Pool Lights
  3. Replacement Pool Light Bulbs
  4. Fiber Optics Pool Lighting
  5. Pool Light Covers

1. LED Pool Lights

LED pool lights are the most popular choice for all types of inground pool lighting for many reasons. The advantages of LED lighting are numerous and begin with their energy efficiency compared to other types of lighting that require more electricity to operate. The lifespan of an LED lightbulb is exceptionally long, often lasting tens of thousands of hours, which means they require less frequent bulb replacements, reduced maintenance costs and less hassle of changing bulbs frequently. 

Their versatility has resulted in an array of lighting options that range from floating ball lights to color changing submersible lights that attach to almost any material pool wall including vinyl and metal. A magnetic, nicheless LED pool light will emit enough light to illuminate your pool in almost any color or array of colors you could want. The latest in wireless technology even allows you to control wide range of options from the palm of your hand with a remote control or from a handheld smartphone or tablet.  

Cost
Illumination
Energy Efficiency
Longevity
Customization
Installation
Advantages
Disadvantages

$50 - $250
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent up to 40,000 hours
Easy to customize
Very easy
Bright, color changing, energy efficient
Compatibility with some systems

2. Solar Pool Lights

Solar pool lights that utilize LED lighting are very popular with pool owners. The small size of LED lights and the advancements in solar panels has allowed for a variety of solar lighting options. A floating solar pool light will convert and store solar energy during the day and illuminate automatically at night. This allows for the ultimate in hands-off, low maintenance lighting that costs absolutely nothing to operate because it uses free solar energy day after day. 

Solar lighting for pools will save you money versus electrical lighting and are often very easy to install by simply placing in an area that will receive direct sunlight including on the pool water surface. They are an environmentally friendly option that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimal carbon footprint. The utilize ver low voltage and are generally very safe to use around pools whether on the water or a poolside deck. 

Cost
Illumination
Energy Efficiency
Longevity
Customization
Installation
Advantages
Disadvantages

$50 - $150
Moderate, dependant on sunlight
Excellent, free solar energy
Good
Average
Very easy
Free to operate, easy to set up
Dependant on amount of sunlight

3. Replacement Pool Light Bulbs

A replacement pool light bulb is a great way to save money by simply replacing the bulb, versus the entire system. Bulbs are available in a variety of sizes, wattages and with that comes a need to determine compatibility with the existing system. The major pool light brands; Hayward ColorLogic and Pentair IntelliBrite or Pentair GloBrite are not cross-compatible but there are light bulb options that work with both and will often be labeled as Universal which describes their compatibility. 

Changing and replacing a bulb is a great way to get your inground pool lighting operating at full capacity. It often requires assessing your current systems requirements and you may have to refer to the original manufacturer's instructions or recommendations. Intex pool light bulbs are available to replace broken or malfunctioning lights. If you are in the market for above ground pool lights or want to replace the system with a separate submersible or floating light be sure to consider all the available options. 

Cost
Illumination
Energy Efficiency
Longevity
Customization
Installation
Advantages
Disadvantages

$50 - $300
Excellent
Good
Above average
Limited by system
Can be difficult
Save money versus replacing system
Compatibility can be difficult

4. Fiber Optics Pool Lighting

A fiber optics pool lighting system offers several advantages that it a unique and appealing choice for some pool owners. They allow for some mesmerizing effects including distinct water effects and transitioning colors that other types of lighting can't create. The individual fiber optic strands carry light from a remote light source, resulting in a soft and gentle illumination that resembles stars or twinkling lights. They can add an enchanting ambiance to any pool area that will create a visually stunning experience. 

Fiber optic pool lighting offers flexibility in creating various lighting effects and designs. Pool owners can use different types of fiber optic cables, color filters, or end fittings to achieve specific lighting arrangements. Fiber optic cables have a long lifespan, requiring minimal maintenance and replacement. The absence of a light bulb within the pool area eliminates the need for regular bulb changes or maintenance near the water. This longevity contributes to cost savings and hassle-free operation.

Cost
Illumination
Energy Efficiency
Longevity
Customization
Installation
Advantages
Disadvantages

$100 - $1,000
Excellent
Good, with LED
Good
Many options including features
Often complex
Many lighting options
Complex system and installation

5. Pool Light Covers

Pool light covers will transform your white incandescent light into an assortment of colors and are a low cost solution for some pool owners that want to add some color. They are also referred to as light lenses or globes as they provide added protection to the light bulb, increasing the longevity of the light. The lens can be snapped on to transform your pool into a water paradise with a soothing blue or vibrant red in an often watertight seal.


Inground Pool Lighting FAQs

How to install inground pool lights?

Installation involves connecting the lights to the electric system, running the wiring underground and securing the lights in the pool walls or floor. 

How to change inground pool light bulbs?

To change inground pool light bulbs, you usually need to turn off the power, remove the old bulb by unscrewing it or disconnecting it, and the installing the new bulb following the manufacturer's instructions. 

What are the best inground pool lighting options?

LED lights are widely considered as one of the best options for pool lighting due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, vibrant colors, and versatility in creating different lighting effects. 

How to troubleshoot inground pool lights?

If you're experiencing issues with your inground pool lights, common troubleshooting steps include checking the power supply, inspecting the wiring and connections, and ensuring the light bulb or LED module is functioning properly. 

How to maintain inground pool lighting?

Regular maintenance of inground pool lighting involves cleaning the light fixtures and lenses to remove debris and ensure optimal illumination, inspecting for any damage or signs of wear, and replacing bulbs or LED modules as needed.







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