Swimming Pool Light Bulbs and Replacement

Swimming pool light bulbs come in many shapes and sizes. A simple Spa Flood Light might cost between ten and thirty dollars, where LED Galaxy Replacement Lamp cost $150 and up, and Color Splash 3D LED Lamps and Pure While LED Pool Lightbulbs cost several hundred dollars and this is only a small sample of the various different types of swimming pool light bulb varieties.

With a wide variety of swimming pool light bulbs offered, you’ll be able to save a great deal of money knowing how to shop for and replace pool lighbulbs yourself. Often when the pool light goes out the owner either goes without lights in their pool for a while, or calls an electrician or other serviceman to inquire about replacement. What most fail to realize is despite water being involved, changing a swimming pool light is not an overly difficult process, and in fact what is most difficult is actually locating the replacement bulb.

On this page we’ll give some tips and instructions for replacing a bulb yourself, but first we’ll cover how to find a replacement.

When purchasing a swimming pool light bulb the most important factor is to only use bulbs specifically sold for underwater use. While this is most important also important is to find one that matches the required size and voltage of your swimming pools light fixture. These are either 12V or 120V. 12V bulbs are usually 300 watts, while 120V bulbs are available in either 300 or 500 watts.

Important note: In addition to purchasing a swimming pool light bulb, a new lens gasket must also be purchased.

In order to find the bulb your best bet is to refer to the documentation that came with either the swimming pool or with the light installation. This paperwork should have information on which bulbs are suitable for replacement. If you have this info you can save money by shopping online for the best discount on swimming pool light bulbs. If you are not able to locate the bulb the next best step is likely to take the bulb out, head to a retailer and purchase the bulb there. Be extra careful removing the bulb (power must be off first), follow the instructions posted here, watch videos read tutorials and take all necessary precautions.

Replacing Swimming Pool Light Bulbs

For starters, the obvious is prior to taking out or even closely inspecting any swimming pool light bulbs be absolutely sure that all electricity is turned off. Water and electricity obvious do not mix so extra precaution should be taken. Once the power is shut off, most swimming pool lights will have a steel screw at the top of the light. Remove this screw and then use a flathead screwdriver to pry the pool light fixture out of its niche, this might require wiggling in the direction of the tab.

Once the fixture is removed, you’ll be able to determine what bolts are required to remove the insides of the fixture. Older models used eight screws where new models have simple clamp bands with a single bolt/nut. Find matching quality tools, as to not damage the fixture, and then remove each screw or nut to free the glass lens.

Once the lens is removed, remove the pool lightbulb. Be careful when removing to force nothing, as some pool light bulbs need to be pushed in and then twisted and sometimes quirky designs can be found such as light bulbs that screw in the opposite direction. A careful inspection and then a little care in handling should lead to simple removal.

Once the pool lightbulb is removed thread in the new bulb. Remember use must use the bulb specifically designed for this fixture and NEVER use anything other than a bulb specifically sold as an underwater light bulb.

Now prior to reassembling the fixture turn the power on very briefly (no longer than a few seconds) to check the bulb is working. Turn back off the power and begin reassembly, using a NEW lens gasket. Reassembling the light will work the same as having just taken it apart.

If you’re in doubt about how to replace you pool lightbulb there are numerous videos available on youtube.com and other social video websites.