Imagine getting ready to host a pool party on a warm summer night, only to learn that the pool lights are no longer working. Your once shimmering pool is now clouded in darkness, ruining what was sure to be the perfect vibe. Unfortunately, this isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a situation that can pose serious safety risks. Now, your unlit pool is hazardous for anyone who dares to enter for a swim.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to replace an inground pool light. Whether you’re dealing with a faulty incandescent bulb or want to know how to replace your pool light with an energy-efficient, color LED light, you’ll know what it takes to return your pool to its illuminated splendor, ensuring your safety and that of your family and guests.
First Things First
Before you start, we’ve got to establish safety. Water and electricity are a potentially lethal combination, so you should first drain the pool of water and disconnect the pool lights from their power source to prevent electric shock. It’s safer and easier to replace your inground pool lights when things are dry and accessible.
Next, you’ll also need to ensure that your replacement light is compatible with your pool’s existing fixture. Check the specifications of your broken light and look for replacement bulbs with the appropriate wattage, voltage, and mounting type.
For a successful inground pool light replacement, you’ll need these items:
- Replacement pool light (LED or incandescent)
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Electrical tape
- Silicone caulk
- Waterproof lubricant
- Ladder (to reach the light niche in a drained pool)
For best results, you should complete the replacement during the day when there is ample light to see what you’re doing.
Diving In: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Put Safety First
- Turn off power: Find the circuit breaker that controls the pool's electrical system and turn it off.
- Drain pool: For safety’s sake, drain the water from where you’ll be working, if not the entire pool. This reduces the risk of accidents while making it easier to replace your inground pool lights.
Step 2: Access the Light Niche
- Locate niche: Find the broken pool light. It's usually in the shallow end or along the pool's edge.
- Remove obstructions: Clear away surrounding tiles, decking, or landscaping blocking access.
Step 3: Remove the Old Light
- Unscrew mounting screws: Using your screwdriver, carefully remove the screws that secure the broken light to the niche.
- Disconnect wires: Carefully disconnect the electrical wires and gently remove the light.
Step 5: Clean the Niche
- Remove debris: Clear away any dirt or debris from the niche.
- Inspect for damage: Check for damage to the niche itself and make necessary repairs.
Step 6: Prepare the New Light
- Open new light: Remove the new light from its package. Confirm that the new light will fit the niche or housing, especially if replacing the old pool light with an LED bulb.
- Apply lubricant: Apply a waterproof lubricant to the O-ring or gasket on the new light (if applicable).
Step 7: Connect the New Light
- Attach wires: Connect the electrical wires from the new bulb to the corresponding wires in the niche, ensuring correct polarity.
- Secure connections: Use electrical tape to secure the connections.
Step 8: Mount the New Light
- Place light: Carefully place the new inground pool light into the niche.
- Secure light: Fasten the mounting screws to secure the new bulb.
Step 9: Check the New Light
- Turn on power: Switch on the circuit breaker, restoring electricity to the pool lights.
- Test lighting: Verify that the new light is functioning properly. If you replaced the pool light with an LED with colors and other features, check to see if the new bulb is fully functional.
Step 10: Seal the Niche
- Apply caulk: After confirming that the replacement inground pool light works, apply silicone caulk around the edges of the niche to create a waterproof seal.
- Replace any obstructions: Restore removed tiles, decking, or landscaping as needed.
If replacing multiple inground pool lights, complete steps 3 to 8 for each broken light before proceeding to steps 9 and 10.
Recapturing Your Pool’s Glow
