How to Change a Pool Light

Underwater lights never fail to bathe backyard pools with a surreal charm. You must be able to vouch for this if you have your own. Yet, there are two sides to a coin, and so is the case with pool lights. Similar to any other lights, they are bound to burn out and demand replacement.

The prospect of replacing a pool light all by yourself can be unnerving. You can drop your worries, though- this handy guide will help you prevail over the job! Let’s dive right in!

Steps to Change a Pool Light

Did you know that you do not have to lower the level of water in the pool when changing a light? It is possible and quite feasible to perform the chore via the light housing from the fringe of the swimming pool. You can pull up the fixture onto the edge and replace the bulb right there.

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How to Remove the Fixture of the Pool Light

The first step towards a brand-new pool light is to remove the light fixture. To ensure your safety, you need to turn off all power and electricity running the lights.

Typically, you can achieve this through the central circuit breaker box of your home after locating the breaker governing the pool. Often, swimming pools also have individual circuit breaker boxes.

Once you cut off the power supply to the pool, you must reaffirm yourself by testing the lights. Try to turn the lights on and off, making sure they do not come alive. You should avoid even the slimmest chances of risking electrocution!

In case of a single light in your pool, you can use the pump for testing.

The third step is to unscrew the “screw-lock” of the fixture. Generally, it is a single screw that attaches the unit to the wall. You will require an appropriate screwdriver to undertake this part of your project.

When you have the necessary tool, all you need to do is submerge your arm beneath the water and undo the screw-lock. Remove the fixture and safely put the screw-lock away.

For the following step, you need to use a flathead screwdriver. Pull out your obsolete fixture from the alcove or box. Several light fixtures offer a tab towards the base, enabling you to conveniently remove it from the surface. In many cases, you will need to coax the appliance out of its socket by loosening it from different places.

After pulling out the pool light fixture onto the deck, you can begin working to replace the bulb. The niche box will most certainly have an adequate length of coiled-up cord for this purpose.

Method of Changing the Pool Light Bulb

Now that you have your redundant pool light before you, it is time to begin the second phase of replacement.

Start by dismantling the cover and the lens of the light, along with the rubber gasket. It will be sandwiched between the metal part and the lens. The way you will have to do this relies upon the type of light your pool has. Older variants will most probably contain screws, while new types will possess tabs.

You must remain alert and active to guarantee that no water splashes into the light fixture. When you dismantle the lens and gasket, the pool light bulb will be fully exposed for you to touch.

When you move onto replacing the bulb, you need to be confident that the replacement you have bought is identical to the original.

Seek Help

The best way to avoid error is to consult the user manual or handbook of the original light fixture. The obsolete bulb and the new bulb should sport twin sizes, serial numbers, and brands for optimum efficiency.

Here comes the tricky part- switching the old bulb with the new one. Unscrew the lost bulb by rotating it in a counter-clockwise direction. Use a towel to grasp the fresh bulb and twist it into position in a clockwise manner.

Before you reattach the fixture, test the new bulb. For this, you will have to enable the power for a temporary period. Keep an eye out for any malfunctioning aspects of the new bulb because it will be a hefty hassle to redo the entire task once you return the fixture to its niche!

Remember, pool lights generally use halogen bulbs, and keeping them on for long without a cover and surrounding water may cause it to burn out.

While you test the bulb, do not keep it running for more than two or three seconds at most.

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Reinstalling the Light Fixture of Your Pool

You have tackled the serious part of your task- now all you need to do is retrace your steps back towards the beginning! First, put the lens and the gasket back into their respective spots. While you perform this job, watch out for any droplets of water that may have found their way into the pool light fixture. Use a towel to dry them off.

Arm yourself with the necessary screwdriver and tools, replacing the screws. If your fixture has a tab, engage the locking mechanism to double-check to be sure.

You should tighten your screws or tab in such a manner that the gasket stays firmly pressed in-between the lens and the covering of the fixture. The bottom line is that your pool light fixture should be as secure as possible.

After you have closely and firmly sealed the fixture, coil the cord back into its niche within the pool wall. For convenience, you can wrap the cord around the base of the light unit and insert it into the alcove.

If you choose to do it differently, you should be holding the head of the fixture safely during this. It will prevent the appliance from dragging across the deck or crashing into the pool water.

Find the screw-lock and install it back into its orifice, finally locking the light fixture at the top. Use your screwdriver to tighten it and seal the foundation.

Make your way back towards the circuit breaker box and enable the power supply to the pool. With the electricity back in the flow, you can turn on the pool light to see if it functions ideally. That is how simple it is to change a pool light bulb!

Essential Factors and Precautions

Here are some points you must keep in mind when changing a pool light:

  • Wear rubber gloves and shoes or slippers while changing your pool light
  • Screw-locks are unique; hence you must make sure yours does not roll away when you remove it.
  • Never splash water into the fixture of your pool light.
  • Remember to secure the gasket to prevent leakage and potential short circuits.
  • Do not touch the light bulb directly, as body oils can damage the halogen bulb, causing it to grow into redundancy.
  • Make sure you dispose of the old bulb appropriately and safely.

Endnotes

Swimming pools are a blessing that serves you with whatever you desire- a rejuvenating exercise session or a soothing laze. Pool lights uplift the spirit of the area after sundown, but they are susceptible to damage or faults like any other lights. You can easily change a pool light with this guide.

If your light fails to function optimally even after this procedure, you may be facing a more severe electrical issue. It is pertinent to contact a certified professional to help you tackle the problem and get your pool lights up and running in no time!

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