When the days get longer and the nights get warmer, there’s nothing quite like taking a dip in your pool. But what happens when your pool light goes out? Don’t worry, changing out a pool light is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to change out a pool light, so you can get back to enjoying your pool in no time.
Before you start, it’s important to gather all of the necessary materials. You’ll need a new pool light, a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a wire stripper. Once you have all of your materials, you can begin the process of changing out the pool light. First, you’ll need to turn off the power to the pool. Next, you’ll need to remove the old pool light. To do this, simply unscrew the screws that are holding the light in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the light out of the pool. Now, you’re ready to install the new pool light.
To install the new pool light, simply reverse the steps that you used to remove the old light. First, insert the new light into the pool. Next, screw in the screws that are holding the light in place. Finally, turn on the power to the pool and test the new light. If the light is working properly, then you’re all set! You can now enjoy your pool again with a new, working pool light.
Tools and Materials Required
Safety Gear
Before attempting any pool light replacement, ensure your safety by donning the following protective gear:
- Non-slip shoes or sandals for secure footing around the pool area
- Gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or electrical components
- Safety glasses to safeguard your eyes from splashing water or debris
Tools
Gather the necessary tools for the job, including:
- Phillips head screwdriver: Used to remove the light fixture’s screws
- Flat head screwdriver: For disconnecting electrical wires
- Electrical tape: To insulate and secure electrical connections
- Wire cutters: To trim excess wire if necessary
- Pool light removal tool (optional): Specially designed to assist in removing the light fixture from the housing
Materials
Acquire the following materials:
- New pool light: Ensure it is compatible with your pool’s size and voltage
- Gasket or O-ring: Creates a watertight seal between the light fixture and the housing
- Pool light sealant: Waterproof adhesive for securing the light fixture in place
Locate the Underwater Light
The first step in changing out a pool light is to locate it underwater. To do this, simply walk around the edge of your pool and look for a small, round or square plate on the side of the pool.
Once you have found the plate, remove it by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place.
Behind the plate, you will see the pool light. It will be connected to the pool’s electrical system by a wire.
Identifying the Type of Pool Light
There are two main types of pool lights: incandescent and LED.
Incandescent pool lights use a traditional incandescent bulb to produce light. They are less energy-efficient than LED lights, but they are also less expensive.
LED pool lights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce light. They are more energy-efficient than incandescent lights, but they are also more expensive.
To determine the type of pool light you have, simply look at the bulb. If it is a traditional incandescent bulb, then you have an incandescent pool light. If it is an LED bulb, then you have an LED pool light.
| Pool Light Type | Bulb Type |
|---|---|
| Incandescent | Traditional incandescent bulb |
| LED | LED bulb |
Install the New Bulb
1. Turn off the power at the breaker box. This is an important safety precaution to take before beginning any electrical work.
2. Remove the old bulb. To do this, you will need to unscrew the retaining ring that holds the bulb in place.
3. Inspect the socket. Make sure that the socket is clean and free of any corrosion. If there is any corrosion, you can clean it with a wire brush or sandpaper.
4. Insert the new bulb. Be careful not to touch the glass of the bulb with your bare hands, as this can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.
5. Screw on the retaining ring. Tighten the ring until it is snug, but do not overtighten it.
6. Turn on the power at the breaker box. Make sure that the light is working properly before you get back in the pool.
7. Troubleshooting tips.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The light does not turn on. | – Make sure that the power is turned on at the breaker box. – Check the bulb to make sure that it is not burned out. – Inspect the socket to make sure that it is clean and free of any corrosion. |
| The light flickers. | – Tighten the retaining ring. – Check the bulb to make sure that it is not loose. – Inspect the socket to make sure that it is clean and free of any corrosion. |
| The light is dim. | – Clean the bulb and the socket. – Check the voltage at the breaker box to make sure that it is within the recommended range. – Replace the bulb with a brighter one. |
Test the Light
Before removing your pool light, unplug the light from the power source. If the old light is still connected to the electrical system, it should now be completely dark and no longer illuminating the pool. If the light still comes on, contact a professional electrician before proceeding.
Turn off all power to the pool at your home’s electrical panel by shutting off the circuit breaker that powers the pool equipment. The specific circuit breaker for the pool may be labeled “pool pump” or “pool equipment.” If you are unsure which circuit breaker to turn off, consult with an electrician.
Remove the light lens from the housing. Some lights have a quarter-turn lock, while others may have a screw that needs to be removed to take the housing off.
After removing the lens, you will see the light bulb. Inspect the bulb for any signs of damage, such as cracks or loose filaments. If the bulb is damaged, it must be replaced before reassembling the light.
If the bulb appears to be in good condition, it is still a good idea to test it with a multimeter to ensure it is working properly. To do this, set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the two terminals on the bulb. If the multimeter reads “0” or “OL,” the bulb is blown and needs to be replaced. If the multimeter reads a resistance value, the bulb is working properly.
Once you have confirmed that the bulb is working properly, reassemble the light in the reverse order of disassembly.
How to Change Out a Pool Light
Your pool light is an important part of your pool, providing both safety and illumination. If your pool light is not working, it is important to change it out as soon as possible. Here are the steps on how to change out a pool light:
- Turn off the power to the pool light at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the screws that hold the light fixture in place.
- Carefully pull the light fixture out of the pool.
- Disconnect the wires from the light fixture.
- Connect the wires to the new light fixture.
- Slide the new light fixture into the pool.
- Secure the light fixture in place with the screws.
- Turn on the power to the pool light at the circuit breaker.
Once you have changed out the pool light, test it to make sure it is working properly. If the light is not working, there may be a problem with the wiring. In this case, you should call an electrician.
People Also Ask About How to Change Out a Pool Light
Why is my pool light not working?
There are a few reasons why your pool light may not be working. The most common reason is that the bulb has burned out. Other possible reasons include a problem with the wiring, the switch, or the timer. If you are not sure why your pool light is not working, it is best to call an electrician.
How do I remove the screws that hold the light fixture in place?
The screws that hold the light fixture in place are usually located on the back of the light fixture. You will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws. If the screws are rusted or corroded, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen them.
How do I connect the wires to the new light fixture?
The wires to the new light fixture are usually color-coded. The black wire is the hot wire, the white wire is the neutral wire, and the green or bare wire is the ground wire. Connect the black wire to the black wire on the light fixture, the white wire to the white wire on the light fixture, and the green or bare wire to the green or bare wire on the light fixture.
How do I test the new pool light?
Once you have installed the new pool light, turn on the power to the light at the circuit breaker. If the light is working properly, it will turn on. If the light is not working, there may be a problem with the wiring. In this case, you should call an electrician.
