Guide to Pool Lights

Dec 05, 2025

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Would you like to increase the safety of your backyard pool? Do you enjoy swimming late into the night or taking a bath before dawn? Have you been trying to find a simple method to elevate your pool parties?

It appears that you are in the market for pool lighting if you selected "yes" on any of these questions.

Are you unsure about what you want? Don't worry. We'll walk you through several important choices and factors on this page, and we'll go into great detail about some of the most well-liked swimming pool lighting alternatives out there right now.

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Key Considerations and Decisions


The good news is that there are many excellent alternatives available when it comes to swimming pool lighting. Naturally, this also means that determining which pool lights are perfect for you might be challenging. Would you rather continue with a traditional white light or do you desire a colorful light show? Do you want simple lighting or are you searching for "smart" lighting that is high tech?

When you begin your search for the ideal swimming pool lighting, keep the following points in mind:


Color (or not)


If visibility and safety are your main concerns, white light is a fantastic option. If you're searching for a subtle technique to highlight the style of your swimming pool, it's also straightforward and timeless. Color-changing pool lights can be the best option if you're looking for something with more of a "wow factor." Every hue of the rainbow is available for swimming pool lighting, along with entertaining, pre-programmed "light shows."

 

Pool Finish


It may surprise you to learn that the color of your pool finish affects how your lights seem. Darker finishes absorb light, whereas light-to-medium-colored interior surfaces reflect it. Therefore, you can use colored or white lights if your interior surface is light to medium in color. However, a white light is the ideal option if your pool has a darker finish. If not, you run the danger of your finish absorbing the colored light and producing a hazy appearance.

Pool Dimensions


You may be thinking how many lights I need for my pool. The size of your swimming pool determines how many lights you require. One light is all that is needed for 15' x 30' pools. Two lights are needed for 20' x 40' pools. Pools larger than 20 by 42 feet need three or more lights.

Technology


Modern swimming pool lights come with a number of entertaining and practical features, such as dimmer switches and smartphone connectivity. Additionally, a lot of color LED pool lights may be set up to perform vibrant, exciting "light shows" that enhance any outdoor get-together.

Color-changing pool lights are only one of several high-tech improvements available to you: You may use a phone app or your home automation system to manage "smart" pool lighting, as well as remote-controlled pool lights.

 

Cost and energy consumption


You can't go wrong with solar-powered pool lighting or energy-efficient LED lights if you're searching for a "green." Halogen lighting is the best option if you want the lowest possible purchase price, even if its operating costs will eventually increase.

Inground vs. above ground


Whether you have an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool will primarily determine your lighting requirements and options:

Magnetic lighting systems, wall-mounted kits, and kits that let you install lights via your pool's vented return line are some of your options if you require above-ground pool lights.

You'll probably be considering built-in, wall-mounted choices if your pool is inground. In addition to your primary pool lighting, you may want to add custom made accent lighting if your in-ground pool has features like steps, ledges, or tanning shelves.

 

What Types of Swimming Pool Lights are Available?


There are three primary varieties of pool lights available, and each has certain advantages of its own:

LED lighting for swimming pools


LED lighting is an excellent choice if you're searching for an unrivaled blend of lifespan and energy economy. Compared to other swimming pool lighting options, LED lighting is somewhat more expensive up front, but you'll save money on running expenses over time because the bulbs endure for years. Additionally, you won't be let down if you're looking for a pool lighting system with a little extra flair. When you browse for LEDs, you'll discover a variety of color-changing pool lights, and many configurations come with pre-programmed lightshows that are ideal for pool parties. Battery-operated LED lighting or even floating LED lights are available if you want to make things easier (and less expensive).

Before making the switch to LED lighting, keep in mind that they are not as bright as halogen lights. You might need to buy extra LEDs to get the desired lighting effect if your pool is really big or if you want a lot of light.

 

Halogen pool lights


Halogen pool lights may be the best option if you're searching for the brightest illumination value. If you want a lot of light at a reasonable budget, halogen swimming pool lights are a wonderful option because they are brighter than LED lights and also less expensive up front.

Halogen was the preferred option for landscape and pool lighting prior to LEDs taking control. They are still difficult to top in terms of brightness, and they are more efficient than a typical "regular" indoor bulb.

Nevertheless, there are a few valid reasons why halogen lighting has declined in popularity in recent years, particularly when contrasted with LEDs, which are more energy-efficient and last longer. Furthermore, some pool owners have observed that halogen lights frequently run hot, which might be a startling surprise for swimmers who aren't expecting it.

 

Solar pool lights


Adding a colorful splash of color to your next pool party is simple and enjoyable with floating solar lights. Solar swimming pool lights are a fantastic choice if you're simply looking for a little bit extra, but they aren't designed to light up the entire pool like their LED and halogen counterparts.

Solar lights won't increase your energy use or raise your electricity bill because they are powered by the sun. They come in a broad range of colors and designs, from sleek and contemporary, color-changing discs to floating, rainbow-hued globes and fanciful lotus flowers, and they are priced quite differently. Furthermore, floating solar lights-the majority of which, though not all, have rechargeable batteries-operate at night, in case you were wondering.

It should go without saying that if you want a whole-pool lighting solution that is permanent, floating solar pool lights are not the ideal option. However, they offer affordable, vibrant enjoyment to your swimming pool when combined with, example, your current LED or halogen pool lights.

 

FAQ

 

Are pool light bulbs special? Can I use any "regular" light bulb in my swimming pool?

 

We don't recommend using "regular" incandescent light bulbs in your swimming pool. Swimming pool light bulbs are designed for use underwater, which makes them the safest, most reliable choice if you need to replace a bulb. Our advice? Check with your local swimming pool retailer for information about purchasing replacement bulbs for your pool's lighting system.

 

How do you change a pool light bulb?

 

Very carefully. Electrical work – especially electrical work that involves water -- is serious business. If you feel comfortable changing a burned-out swimming pool light bulb, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions. Another option? Call a professional to do the job for you.

 

How many lights do I need in my swimming pool?

 

That depends on several factors, including the size of your pool, the depth of your pool, and your reasons for installing lights in the first place. Your local pool professional can work with you to determine exactly how many lights you need to make your swimming pool lighting dream a reality.

 

 

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