Pool lighting not only adds to the aesthetic value, illuminating the pool area with a glow, but it also ensures safety for swimmers during the night. The trend has recently shifted towards more efficient and durable lighting options, transitioning from traditional halogen to modern LED pool lights.
The Living Water Pool Company can help repair lighting issues and convert halogen lighting to more efficient LED lights.
When your pool lights cease to operate, it can be a significant inconvenience, particularly if you anticipate a nighttime swim. These issues are not random; it’s essential to identify the root cause when they occur.
An experienced pool service professional can provide invaluable assistance in diagnosing and remedying the problem.
The following are four prevalent reasons behind pool light malfunctions:
When dealing with electricity and water, engaging a professional is crucial to ensure safety and proper handling.
When your pool light stops working, it can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if you like to swim at night. The first step in repairing a pool light is diagnosing the problem.
Start by checking if the light bulb needs to be replaced. Turn off the power to the pool and remove the light fixture from the wall or niche. Then, unscrew the light bulb and inspect it for any signs of damage or discoloration.
If the bulb looks worn out, purchase a replacement bulb that matches the wattage and voltage of the original. However, if the bulb appears in good condition, the issue may lie with the GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) circuit or the transformer. Test these components using a multimeter or consult a professional electrician for further assistance.
By systematically diagnosing the problem, you can identify the issue and proceed with the necessary repairs to get your pool light working again.
When it comes to pool light repair, there is often a dilemma of whether to tackle the job as a DIY project or call in the professionals. While some minor issues can be fixed by someone with basic electrical knowledge and handyman skills, there are certain situations where it is best to leave it to the experts.
If you notice that the pool light is not working at all, or if there is any sign of water leakage, it is critical to call in a professional, as these issues require specialized knowledge and equipment.
Additionally, if the light fixture is damaged or needs to be replaced, having a professional handle the job is safer and more cost-effective to ensure proper installation.
Professional pool light specialists have the experience and expertise to diagnose and fix complex issues, ensuring the safety of swimmers and preventing further damage to the pool and electrical system. In summary, it is always better to call in the experts for major repairs or when safety is a concern.
The number of lights required for a pool largely depends on the type of light and the pool’s size. Generally, at least one light is suggested for adequately illuminating a pool up to thirty feet long. A minimum of two lights will be necessary for pools extending beyond thirty feet. However, bear in mind that this is a baseline estimate. Many pool owners opt for two lights, while larger pools may require three or more lights. As of this writing, full-sized LED pool lights, standard in vinyl-lined or concrete pools, usually range from $1,000 to $1,500, including installation.
Smaller LED lights fall within the price bracket of $700 and $900 installed. Fiber optic pool lighting costs between $1,300 to $1,700 with installation. Full-sized incandescent pool lighting usually ranges from $450 to $650.
LED, or Light Emitting Diode, pool lights operate on a simple yet efficient mechanism. These lights consist of a tiny microchip that transforms energy into brilliant, pure illumination. In more technical terms, this emission of light particles, or photons, is governed by the process known as electroluminescence. While the terminology might sound intimidating, the concept is straightforward: when an electric current passes through the diode, it generates light.
Contrarily, halogen pool lights are a nod to the past, reminiscent of traditional torches. Their operation is driven by passing an electric current through a tungsten filament, causing the filament tips to evaporate and release particles. The vaporized tungsten then reacts with the halogen gas within the bulb, creating a tungsten-halogen molecule that emits a high-intensity, warm light. While uncomplicated and devoid of complex microchips and diodes, this procedure is less efficient. A significant portion of the energy is wasted as heat, which is highly inefficient, especially considering the rising electricity costs!
LED pool lights provide a significantly more energy-conscious choice over traditional halogen lighting. LED lights boast energy savings of approximately 80% compared to their halogen counterparts – a substantial decrease that swimming pool owners will noticeably appreciate when they view their lowered energy bills. While halogen pool lights are still used, their popularity has declined due to superior LED technology. If used daily, halogen lights can incur a running cost of roughly a dollar per day, and they can’t compete with LED lights in terms of brightness or visual impact.
Additionally, halogen lights are notorious for their relatively short service life. This can be attributed to the degradation of the rubber O-ring that encircles the light, which often needs replacement. If water manages to seep into the light enclosure, the resulting short-circuit can blow the fuse, a repair which could cost around $80 for parts alone.
Contrastingly, LED pool lights offer many color options that can be conveniently adjusted with a simple switch flip, a remote control button, or through preset configurations. They’re three to five times more energy-efficient than traditional halogen lights and generate approximately 90% less heat. Furthermore, they have a long lifespan, estimated at 50,000 hours, greatly outperforming the approximately 5,000-hour lifespan of dated halogen models.
The principal maintenance task for any pool light involves changing the bulb. No matter the light type, you should not have to decrease the pool’s water level to replace the bulb.
Often, the replacement process entails loosening a single screw, extracting the bulb housing from the water, and fitting in a new bulb. This usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes. Some light types, however, demand the entire housing to be replaced, which takes a bit more time but is not excessively challenging, considering that the average bulb lasts several years.
Changing fiber optic bulbs is notably straightforward, involving the removal of the box cover, usually situated near the patio, and inserting a new bulb.
As of this writing, bulb replacement costs are as follows:
Moreover, recognizing the increasing popularity and numerous advantages of LED pool lights, we offer dedicated services for converting your existing halogen pool lights to LED. This transition enhances your pool’s ambiance with its wide range of color options and significantly reduces energy usage and maintenance costs. Our team ensures a smooth conversion process, from choosing the right LED light that fits your pool’s size and design to professional installation and subsequent maintenance. At Living Water Pool Company, we’re committed to providing top-tier services that align with your pool’s needs and energy-saving goals.
Moreover, recognizing the increasing popularity and numerous advantages of LED pool lights, we offer dedicated services for converting your existing halogen pool lights to LED. This transition enhances your pool’s ambiance with its wide range of color options and significantly reduces energy usage and maintenance costs. Our team ensures a smooth conversion process, from choosing the right LED light that fits your pool’s size and design to professional installation and subsequent maintenance. At Living Water Pool Company, we’re committed to providing top-tier services that align with your pool’s needs and energy-saving goals.