Most new in-ground pool lights are LEDs, and the number you need and where they go depend on your pool's size, shape, and finish. In South Florida, a lot of your best pool time happens after the sun goes down. Evening swims, backyard dinners, the kids begging for "five more minutes" at 9 p.m. Good lighting makes all of that better, and it's much easier to get right while your pool is still being designed.
What type of inground pool light should you choose?
Go with LED. It's the standard for new pools today.
LED pool lights
An LED pool light is a sealed underwater fixture that uses light-emitting diodes instead of an old-style filament bulb. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and last 25 times longer. When your pool lights are on most nights of the year, you'll notice that on your power bill. You'll also go a long time between replacements.
Incandescent and halogen lights
If your pool is older, there's a good chance it still has one of these. They give off a nice warm glow, but they burn out much faster and use more electricity. Replacing one with an LED is a small project that makes a big difference, and it's an easy add-on if you're already planning a renovation.
Should you choose white or color-changing lights?
If all you want is to see the bottom of the pool clearly at night, white works fine. Color-changing lights give you more options, though, because they can do plain white too. You get the practical option on a regular Tuesday and a purple-and-blue party pool when friends come over on Saturday.
Your finish and tile play a part here, too. Lighter plaster reflects more light, so colors look brighter. A darker finish absorbs more of it, and the water takes on a deeper, richer glow. Glass tile along the waterline really lights up at night, so it helps to pick your tile and lights together.
How many lights does your pool need?
A single light usually covers a pool up to about 30 feet long. Past that, most pools need at least two. Treat that as a rough starting point, since your pool's layout will change the count.
Plan on extra lights for:
- Freeform shapes, where curves and corners can hide from a single light
- Darker finishes, which absorb more light
- A spa, which normally gets a light of its own
- A tanning ledge is a shallow shelf where you can lounge in a few inches of water
- Water features you want to show off after dark, like sheer descents or bubblers
Where should lights go in your pool?
Put the first lights near the steps and entry points so nobody has to feel around for them in the dark. After that, it's about highlighting the parts of the pool you love. Tanning ledges, benches, and spa spillovers all look amazing lit from below.
Direction matters more than you'd think. Lights are usually aimed away from the house and your main seating area, so you see the water glowing instead of getting a beam in your eyes every time you look up from dinner. A custom pool design sorts out those details on paper, long before any concrete is poured.
Can you add lights to an existing inground pool?
Yes, you can add lights to an existing gunite pool, but expect more work than if they'd gone in during construction. Each new fixture needs wiring from your equipment to the pool wall, which may require cutting into the shell and running conduit under the deck.
If you're just replacing an old fixture with an LED in the same spot, it's a much simpler job. Retrofitting LED lights into an existing pool typically costs $700 to $2,000, depending on how many fixtures you want and how much wiring is involved. Fountain Blue's pool and spa repair team takes care of lighting, pumps, automation, and the rest of your equipment for homeowners across Palm Beach and Martin County.
Are inground pool lights safe?
Yes, as long as they're installed and maintained to code. Electricity and water don't mix, which is exactly why those codes exist. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has counted 33 electrocution deaths in swimming pools and spas since 2002.
The Florida Building Commission put out a pool electrical safety fact sheet based on the National Electrical Code. Here's what it requires:
- A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on circuits feeding underwater lights above the low-voltage limit. A GFCI cuts the power the instant it detects a current leak where it shouldn't.
- Underwater fixtures are bonded and locked securely to the pool shell.
- GFCI protection on regular outlets within 20 feet of the pool wall.
Got an older pool? Have someone look at the lights. This isn't a weekend DIY project. Call a licensed pro.
Can you control pool lights from your phone?
Yes. With pool automation, you can turn the lights on, switch colors, and set them on a schedule right from your phone. Fountain Blue installs Pentair lighting, and automation systems like Jandy iAquaLink put your lights, heater, and filtration in one app. So if you're stuck on I-95 and guests are already pulling into the driveway, you can have the pool glowing before you get home.
Frequently asked questions
How long do LED pool lights last?
LED pool lights last years longer than older bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy says LEDs last about 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. How long yours actually lasts depends on the fixture, how much you use it, and how well you maintain it.
Should you choose 12-volt or 120-volt pool lights?
Either one is fine for a home pool when it's installed to code. A 12-volt light uses a transformer to step the power down. A 120-volt light runs on standard household voltage and has GFCI protection. The Florida Building Commission notes that only public pools are currently required to use low-voltage lighting.
Can you replace a pool light yourself?
No, pool light replacement should be done by a licensed professional. You're dealing with underwater fixtures, bonding, and GFCI-protected circuits, and one mistake can create a shock hazard. A pro can also check the wiring and seals while they're at it.
Light up your nights with Fountain Blue
It's 9 p.m., the pool's glowing, the grill's cooling off, and somebody's kid is lining up one last cannonball. That kind of night starts with a lighting plan. Fountain Blue has been building custom gunite pools across Palm Beach and Martin County for more than 30 years, and our 3D designs let you see your lighting plan before we break ground.
Already have a pool that could use a little more glow? We can upgrade your lighting, too. Book a free consultation, and let's get your backyard ready for summer nights.
