Change a Pool Light

Typically, backyard swimming pools are equipped with underwater lighting. Just like any light, the bulb can burn out and need to be replaced. There is no need to lower the water level in your pool to replace it. Here are steps you can follow to change a pool light.

Steps

1. Shut off all power to the pool lighting.
   • This will be done at your electrical box. Some swimming pools have been equipped with their own breaker boxes.
2. Check to make sure power is off by trying to turn on the pool lights.
   • Not sure about this step...If light is burned out, it will not turn on anyway.
   • Make sure pump will not turn on if you only have one pool light.
3. Remove the single screw at the top of the fixture.
   • This could be a slotted screw, but more than likely it is going to be a Phillips-head screw, so you will need a Phillips screw-driver.
4. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the light fixture out of the light niche box.
   • Normally the fixture is going to have a tab at the bottom of it. Work this loose with the flat-head screwdriver.
5. Pull the pool lighting fixture up onto the pool decking.
   • There should be plenty of cord coiled up in the niche box to allow you to lift out the fixture and move it to the deck.
6. Unscrew or pry the lens off of the fixture.
   • Older pool models will have screws that need to be removed to remove the lens. Newer pool lights will most likely have tabs that need to be pried loose.
7. Replace the old bulb with a new one by screwing it in place.
8. Turn the power on temporarily so you can test the light to make sure that it works.
   • Turn the light on just long enough to make sure the pool light works. No more than 1 or 2 seconds is adequate.
9. Turn the power off.
10. Replace the lens and reassemble the fixture.
11. Replace all screws and lock in all tabs.
12. Test for leaks in the fixture by submerging it for a few minutes before reattaching it to the light niche box.
13. Place the fixture back into light niche and screw in the top screw.
14. Re-establish electricity to pool light and turn the light on to make sure it is working correctly.

Tips

• Lay some towels down in the area where you are working to put the lens on so it will not crack or become damaged.
• It's helpful to have another person to help with the process.

Warnings

• After you have replaced the bulb, make sure you don't bump or drop it. The filament in the bulb is fragile and might break.
• Do not attempt to change the light until you are absolutely sure the pool lighting circuit is disconnected.
• Do not reattach the lens when you test the replacement bulb. Leaving the lens off will allow heat to dissipate so as not to crack the lens.
• If your lens is equipped with tabs, take care not to damage the waterproof gasket when prying up the lens.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement bulb
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Towels for protecting lens

Sources and Citations

• http://www.swimmingpoolparts.net/underwater_pool_lighting_repair.htm
• http://www.poolandspa.com/page816.htm

See also

• Install in Ground Swimming Pool Liners
• Enjoy a Spa or Hot Tub
• Use a Whirlpool Jacuzzi or Hot Tub Safely
• Build a Swimming Pool
• Build a Concrete Pool
• Fill in an Inground Pool
• Close Your Swimming Pool for the Winter
• Find a Leak in Your Swimming Pool
• Calculate Swimming Pool Volume in Gallons
• Open a Swimming Pool

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