Lighting technology has come a long way over the last half a century, and one of the most widely used lighting technology today is LED. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode (LED), a lighting technology that has proven to be energy-efficient and long-lasting. Today, LED is used in almost every sphere of human life. Swimming pools are also not left out as we see LED massively deployed as a standard pool lighting system.

1. What is LED Pool Light Lumens?
2. Types of LED Pool lights
3. LED Pool Light Color
4. LED Pool Lights Vs. Incandescent Pool lights
5. LED Pool Light vs. Halogen Light
6. How to install LED Pool Lights?
7. How to test LED Pool Light?
8. LED Pool Light not bright enough
9. How to replace a LED pool light?
10. Frequently Asked Questions

In this article, we will review LED Pool lights, the different types of pool lights, and how much light your swimming pool requires to be perfectly illuminated. Below, you will get all the major and minor information you require as far as LED pool lights are concerned.

 

What is LED Pool Light Lumens?

Lumens refer to the quality of brightness displayed by LED bulbs. While incandescent bulbs and other types of lighting systems are measured in watts, LED bulbs are measured in Lumens. Typical LED bulbs used in swimming pools can produce between 1400-1750 lumens. But as for incandescent bulbs, when measured in Lumens, the highest most of them can generate is 500 Lumens.

To gain a perfect understanding of the Lumens to Watt ratio, a 100 Watt bulb can produce between 1400-1750 lumens while a much smaller bulb of, let’s say, 40 watts will only generate lumens of 450. So when considering LED bulbs for your swimming pool, you may go for a 1400-1750 lumens bulb or even a bulb as high as 5400 lumens.

 

Types of LED Pool lights

There are different types of LED pool lights used today in pools of all sizes. Having a luxury of options opens up even more opportunities to choose bulbs that will suit your pool. Let us take a look at some of the common LED pool lights used today.

Above Ground Pool lights

As the name suggests, an above-ground pool light is installed at a level slightly above the water. These types of lights may have water-resistant features, but they are mainly used as beautification objects just a much as they are used for illumination purposes. Above ground, lights are installed at strategic points and in regular order.

Inground Pool Lights

Inground lights are installed on the swimming pool floors. These lights are water-resistant, and they are designed to beautify pools too. When switched on at night, they illuminate the pool.

Floating LED Pool Lights

A floating pool light is not fixed to the pool walls or the ground surface of the pool. Floating lights are wired together and connected to a central power system.  Just like the others, floating pool lights floating on the water surface due to their lightweight feature. There are also floating lights that are battery-powered and do not need to be connected to a central power system. These types use rechargeable batteries to generate light.

Underwater LED Pool Light

An underwater pool light is similar to an Inground pool light with a slight difference based on the light model and design structure. Underwater pool lights are waterproof and, in some cases, are used as heating systems to warm up the water in the pool when the temperature falls below the level of comfort. However, do bear in mind that not all underwater pool lights are used as heating systems but a few. As we stated in the previous chapter, underwater lights come in different model variations, and some may serve other purposes beyond the lighting of pools.

 

LED Pool Light Color

Pool lights come in a variety of colors. We have

Multicolor pool lights – These lights project different changing colors when they are on. They cast different color glows that illuminate the water.

White pool lights – White pool lights are by far the most common pool light colors used by many. They are very bright and cover a wider region compared to other colors.

Aqua pool lights – This type of pool light color is mainly used in pools inhabited by aquatic life. Especially fishes.

Blue LED pool light – The color blue is another popular color option for both private and public pools.

 

LED Pool Lights Vs. Incandescent Pool lights

Before the invention and introduction of LED, incandescent bulbs used to be the gold standard. This bulb had its advantages as well as its flaws. LED became a necessary technology to improve the areas that incandescent bulbs fell short. What are several advantages LED has over incandescent bulbs?  We discuss a few of them below.

Color

LED is a much cooler color than incandescent bulbs because, to the human eye, they appear whiter and crisper. As you know, the whiter the light, the better for your pool. This makes LED an ideal system for pools compared to Incandescent bulbs.

Efficiency

In terms of efficiency, LEDs come out on top because they consume less energy. For instance, a typical incandescent bulb of 300 watts will produce the same level of brightness as a 45 Watt LED bulb will. It is being proven that LED bulbs work at 80% energy efficiency at the minimum, which is far beyond that of incandescent bulbs.

Longevity

LED is not only efficient, but it also lasts longer than other lighting options. Many experts argue that LED has a life expectancy that is 10 times higher than that of traditional bulbs. Fewer changes over a period of time help you save money.

Installation options

LED bulbs are smaller in size, so they offer you more options when installing them in your pool. Since they take up less room, you can install them above water, underwater, and on the swimming pool walls.

Themes and Automation

Their microprocessors allow them to project varieties of colors at the same time. Some advanced systems even display an attractive color combination in a sequential manner with the aid of automation. Something that can not be done using incandescent bulbs.

 

LED Pool Light vs. Halogen Light

Now let us look at halogen lights and how they measure up to LED pool lights.

Halogen pool lights

Benefits

• A cheaper alternative to LED lights
• Comes in white and a few other colors
• May burn brighter when working at full capacity

Drawbacks

• A limited lifespan of 1500-5000 lighting hours
• It Burns very hot and can scald the skin
• Consumes a lot of energy to function

Now let us look at the benefits of LED and see how they compare with Halogen lights.

Benefits

• Has a lifespan of over 30,000 hours
• Low energy consumption
• Tons of color varieties to choose from
• Very durable
• Cost more in the short term, but longevity means you don’t get to replace them for a very long time.

 

How to install LED Pool Lights?

Installing a LED pool light is easy if you have the tools required. The basic tools you will need are:

• A head screwdriver
• Pliers or knife
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Silicon if your pool is made of fiberglass

Step 1 – Make sure the power is completely disconnected

Step 2 – Remove the old pool light from the wall if you had installed one before. To do this, you will need to remove the screws holding it in place. Screws are located t the too of the light. It is advisable to drain the pool of water if the light is an underwater or inground light.

Step 3 – Remove the retro bracket from the light you wish to install. Anchored to the niche is a long cord. Bring the light above water level, then lay it on a towel at the side of the pool. Observe how the cord is tucked in because you will have to maintain the same position when fixing the bulb.

Step 4 – Now, disconnect the electric cable at the back of the light. To do so, cut the cable as close to the light fixture as possible to e sure that you have maximum cable length.

Step 5 – Remove the bracket of the previous light and feed the cable through the retro bracket. When you are done, fix the bracket in its normal position using your screwdriver.

Step 6 – Now is the time to prepare the cable by stripping it according to the length specified in the installation manual. Connect the cable to the head of the LED light bulb using the screwdriver and other fittings provided for the same purpose.

Step 7 – Place the LED light back to its position inside the pool by returning the cord backward. Once in place, push the bulb back against the pool wall. Now, replaced the screws and screw tightly.

Step 8 – With your new LED light in place, switch on the power for a final test. If the connection has been made properly, the bulb should come on.

 

How to test LED Pool Light?

To test your LED pool light, you need to wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. Shake the ring slightly to see if it is in place. If there is a slight shake, try to tighten it with a screwdriver. If this does not work, examine the light fixture to see if water has gained entry. Leaks are bad for electrical systems

Water entry is caused by a faulty lens gasket, which tends to wear out over time. To fix a faulty gasket, you will need to drain the pool completely. If after you must have fixed the gasket, the light still doesn’t come on, then you might have a read bulb on your hands.

Remove the bulb from the socket and shake it close to your ears. If you hear the filament swinging from side to side, this is an indication that the bulb is bad, so get a new one.

 

LED Pool Light not bright enough

There are several reasons why your pool light may not burn as brightly as it should. Some of the common causes of dimly lit LED bulbs are:

A Loose Fixture

If the sockets serving the bulb with electricity is not properly fitted, the level of voltage supply to the bulb will be affected. A loose or tripped scree can also cause this problem. Check the Oring as well on top of the bulb to see if it is in place. If not, use your screwdriver to tighten it properly. Tighten all screws and fixtures properly and check to see if the bulb is lighting properly now.

A Leaky House

House leaks may also affect the light quality of your LED bulb. There is a gasket covered with a thick rubber that keeps water and moisture away from the bulb lens. If this gasket is weak, pool water and chemicals may contaminate the lens, thereby rendering it non-functional or functioning at low capacity. Water entry can even cause the GCFI to trip. If you notice that a lot more damage has been done besides the breakage of the gasket, we recommend that you call an electrician.

Bulb burnout

This is an easy fix if this is the case. If your bulb is approaching the end of its lifecycle, this may lead to poor light output. However, if your bulb is new but produced dim light, check the filament by shaking the bulb close to your ears. If you hear a clunky sound, it means the filament is broken, and the bulb should be returned to the seller for a replacement.

If the filament appears to be in place, then you should check the wires and fixtures as we outlined in previous paragraphs. If nothing works, you need the professional expertise of an electrician.

An overloaded circuit breaker

Overloaded circuit breakers tend to interrupt power flows. A problem with your circuit breaker is one that you should not seek to repair if you are not a trained electrician.

GCFI-Shock Hazard

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is a device that is placed if there is a possibility of an electric shock. If there is an alert of a potential shock, this device will be triggered and will shut down the power. This problem requires a professional to fix it.

Continuity Disruptor

Degraded power lines and wires are further compromised when there is a power surge. This is another problem that only a trained electrician should fix.

 

How to replace a LED pool light?

These are the DIY tools you will need for the job

• Replacement LED bulb
• Replacement gasket and lens (if necessary)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Dry towels

First step – Disconnect the power

As you already know, electricity and water don’t mix. To prevent electric shock and potential death, disconnect the power completely, and remove the wires from the socket. We will even advise that you switch off the circuit breaker on your home to avoid current leaks. Once you have done this, check and recheck as many times as you can just to be sure that there is no current flowing through.

The second step – Remove the Top Screw

There is often only one screw holding the LED light to the wall of the pool called a screw-lock. Use your screwdriver to loosen thus scree to take it off.

The third step – Remove the light fixture

After removing the screw, use the same screwdriver to pry the light fixture off the box. If your light has a tab, use the screwdriver to loosen it. Do the same to any other fixture holding the light in place. While doing that, be mindful of the wires are the back of the light. Set the light down on the side of the pool. Place it on one of the towels you have to protect the lens.

If you have a hard time unwrapping the cords, grace and draw the part of the cord closer to the wall. Do so gently, then unwrap them as much as necessary.

The fourth step – Test the wiring

How is the time to test the wiring? Before touching the wires, use your multimeter to test for current and make sure that no current is flowing through. If your multimeter registers electric flow, then something is wrong. It means your power has not been properly turned off. Double-check all electrical installations and make sure the power is truly dead before you proceed.

The fifth step – Open the Fixture

If your multimeter registers no power flow, you can now proceed. Spread a towel on the floor and place the light in it. Now, carefully take the light apart from the ring to the gasket. Account for every piece taken out and make sure nothing drops into the pool. Use another spare towel to clean the lens of any residue.

The sixth step – Remove old residue

At this stage, install the new bulb into the fixture. Before doing that, use a dry towel to carry and hold the old bulb very carefully. Remove it from the fixture by unscrewing it anti-clockwise. Take it out and set it apart.

The seventh step – Fix the new LED bulb

Now use the towel to hold the new bulb. Affix it to the fixture and screw clockwise. Continue screwing until it is right enough and can go no further. Now replace the fixture to its previous position. While doing that, be mindful of the wires. Make sure they are properly wrapped and placed in the wiring compartment.  When everything is in place, use your screwdriver to tighten the screw. With this final act, restore all power connections and switch the LED pool light power switch to turn it on.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LED Pool Light flickering?

Your Pool light may likely flicker due to power fluctuations. LEDs are designed to project dim illumination at a relatively high speed depending on the level of voltage.

Why is my LED Pool Light not working?

Many factors may cause this. Either the wires are not properly fitted, the power is disconnected, or the bulb has gone bad. If you change the bulb, but it still doesn’t come in, check and make sure the GCFI button is not exposed. Also, make sure that all switches are in their proper positions as well as the wires.

How Long does LED Pool Light last?

The average LED bulb has a lifespan of between 30,000-50,000 hours compared to incandescent bulbs that last for nothing more than 5,000 hours.

Why is my LED Pool Light, not changing color?

This may be down to motor failure, which allows the bulb to still function even if the colors will not change. The bulb will maintain a particular color despite a motor failure depending on the position of the lens at the time of the failure.

How to change LED Pool Light Color

To switch colors, simply flip the switch on or off. Each time you flip the switch, the color of the LED bulb will change.

How many pool lights do I need?

The number of pool bulbs you need will depend on the size of your swimming pool. Pools with. 15×30 dimensions require just one bulb. Pools with 20×40 dimensions require two bulbs, and pools with 20×40 dimensions require three or more bulbs.

What is the best-LED Pool light?

There are several brands that offer users quality. Although they may command a higher price, be rest assured that the product you buy from them is of the highest quality. Some of the best brands include

• Hayward
• Pentair
• Jandy
• Philips

Where to buy LED Pool Lights

Looking for a place to buy tested and trusted pool lights, loom no further than these online stores

• Amazon
• eBay
• Home Depot

Or you can even order directly from the manufacturer.