Learn How to Change a Pool Light Bulb in Easy Steps

It’s summer and the sun is bright. My family waits eagerly to dive deep into the pool and enjoy refreshing drinks by the poolside. Since I had done pool lighting some years ago, I have been wondering for a while about how to replace a pool light bulb to give my family a better ambiance

It is important to maintain the pool as it can be one of the most expensive setups of your house. It can be made to look more magnificent and inviting by adding LEDs since they are more energy-efficient than the regular halogen and incandescent bulbs but all of it can end up being a costly affair.

There is more than one reason for LEDs to be considered best as pool lights. They are 20 times more durable than regular incandescent bulbs. Also, they use 75 % less energy. The amount of heat energy emitted is also lesser, as a result. This keeps the pool water relatively cooler.

Now enough of advocacy about why to go for LEDs as a pool light option. Let’s get straight to the point of how to replace them.

How to Replace a Pool Light Bulb

How to Replace a Pool Light Bulb

I have meticulously designed this article for you to disperse your questions about how to change a pool light bulb. Check out the steps mentioned below to change a pool light bulb from start till the end. I have also attached a YouTube video for your reference to keep it easy. 

What you will need to change pool light bulb

  1. Pool light fixture/ pool light replacement bulb
  2. Philips Screwdriver
  3. Pool Ladder  ( depend on the type of your pool)
  4. Safety gloves
  5. Extension Cord 
  6. Electricity Tester: In case you’re replacing entire fixture, you’ll need this to confirm the disconnection of power)
  7. Skimmer Net/ Pool Vacuum Cleaner 

How to change light bulb in pool

1. Make sure the lights in the pool are turned off. ( Double-check this step) 

2. To remove the pilot screw from top of the light’s housing, use Philips Screwdriver or a flathead.

Philips Screwdriver or a flathead.

3. Be very careful while you remove the light from the fixture. There will be extra wires attached to help you keep the light on the deck.

remove the light from the fixture

4. Click a picture of the light fixture before you dissemble it. You will need this to put the light correctly back in its place.

light fixture

5. Take the screws and the clumps away from the light fixture. Now, remove the lens, the gasket and then, the face ring.

6. Wipe out the parts clean using a dry cloth and replace the parts which are worn out.

7. Take out the old bulb and clean the fixture’s socket.

8. Replace with a new bulb. Now, it’s time to reassemble the fixture.

reassemble the fixture

9. After you have reassembled it, place it back in the pool.

10. Last step is to test the light to ensure it’s working.

It’s pretty simple, isn’t it ! You won’t need to knock on any door to learn how to replace inground pool light bulbs anymore. 

Now, let’s explore the variety of pool lighting options available to adorn our pool with uber-cool hues.

What sort of bulbs are generally used in swimming pools ? 

It is very important for your swimming pool to be well-lit to ensure that it is safe and looks more attractive. Amazing lights by your poolside add a dramatic dimension to it and also to the surrounding area. It lights up the pool and a beautiful glow running inside the water  looks so inviting and aesthetically pleasing. 

We are in an era of advanced technology. There are endless options available today in terms of pool bulbs and lights which make it only more difficult to choose the best among them. If you are planning to set up your pool, I have brought the best pool lighting options for you which are practical and easy on your pocket. 

Broadly, you can choose from the three main categories of pool bulbs :

What sort of bulbs are generally used in swimming pools ? 
  1. Incandescent
  2. Halogen
  3. LED

The most popular ones among pool owners are  LEDs and Optical Fibre Lights. They use less energy, are pocket- friendly thus, turn out to be most efficient. 

Both options are very conscious of the energy consumed and are cost-effective. The advantage Optical Fibre Lights have over LEDs is that they offer a wider variety to colours to choose from and it is less riskier to use them near water, without worrying about the damage. 

Speaking of Incandescent bulbs, they are very inefficient. They emit a lot of heat thus raising the temperature of the pool.  Also, their lamp life is very short. They are least preferred when it comes to selecting pool bulbs. 

Halogen bulbs are no different. I will not at all recommend them as a pool bulb option. They produce so much heat that they dissipate all the heat energy in the water. You just can’t turn them on underwater unless you wish to enjoy a hot water bath. 

Best Pool Lighting Options

BEST POOL LIGHTING OPTIONS

1. LED Flood Lights

LED Flood Lights can be a good option for brightening up the poolside. They make the entire poolside area very well lit, magnifying almost every corner of it. They can be a bit expensive, though. I recommend these waterproof LED Flood Lights with adjustable heads. They are worth splurging every penny. 

2. Surface Mounted Underwater LED Lights

They can be mounted very easily and require low maintenance. They are mounted under water which makes them resistant to water and rust. Here is one option for you.

Can You Replace a Pool Light Underwater?

Can you replace a pool light underwater?

Most of the time, the pool owners struggle with this issue – Can you change a pool light underwater? 

Nope, I won’t advise that. It is risky for you and the light to replace it underwater. Extra wires are attached to the pool light using which it can be taken out of the pool and onto the deck. Then, you should disassemble it, remove the corroded bulb and replace it with a new one. 

After the replacement is done, you can place it back in its place underwater.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Pool Light Bulb?

In general, maintenance of a pool at home can be quite expensive. The pool water requires a regular check on its chemical balance. Then, replacing the pool lights whenever required, can be costly. 

The price range for underwater pool lights can vary from $30 – $ 800. This does not include replacing the worn-out parts of the light. That will be additional to the cost.

In case you are not planning to do it on your own and want to hire licensed labour, it’s going to cost you another $100- $200. 

How Long Do Pool Light Bulbs Last?

The lifespan of every pool light bulb is different. LED bulbs last fantastically  for about 18,000 – 50,000 hours before they need to be replaced. They are a great option to cut down the cost of frequent replacement of bulbs.

Another option can be Incandescent bulbs. People may prefer them fewer times for the reason that they are less expensive than the LEDs but let me tell you, they do not last for a long time. They can burn out after usage of 1000- 1300 hours.

The upfront cost of installing LED bulbs can be more  but it will save you a lot of money in the long run by cutting down significantly on the electricity bills. 

For more cost-efficient and long-life Smart Bulb Lighting options, do check the Philips Range here.

Precautions to be Taken While Changing the Pool Light Bulb

  1. A very easy thing to do but, very important one! Turn off the electricity connection  at the pool. It will save you from electrical shock.
  2. Make sure you are well- equipped before you begin replacing the pool light bulb. Leaving the fixtures open for long without attending them can corrode more parts of the light.
  3. Wait for at least 10-15 minutes before you connect the pool electrical connection again. 
  4. This is basic but easily forgotten ! Please do not switch on/off the electrical connection if you are all drenched. Dry yourself out first, then touch the switch.
  5. After all the explaining, In case you are still afraid to attempt it, feel free to call the electrician or a pool fixing specialist . You should never be playing with electricity and fire if you are not confident yet.

FAQs

Q1. What should you not do with the bulb when changing it in the pool?

Answer – Do not be very harsh with the bulb. It will either smash it or cut yourself with it. If it doesn’t turn left easily, just firmly press it into the socket to see if it retracts. If it does, then push it gently all the way in and then, rotate left. It will come out easily. 

Q2. What happens if water gets into the pool light? 

Answer – It means the lamp gasket has failed which has led water into the lens. It can easily be seen on the lens of the bulb. 

Conclusion

I hope this article has equipped you well enough to change the pool light bulbs on your own. It is very easy and hassle free if you follow the procedure step-by-step. You can now look forward to spending cool breezy nights by the magnificent poolside and sip your favorite Gin! 🙂 

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