How To Convert Pool Lights To LED?

Posted 2024-05-08 09:18:59

Are you looking to update your old pool lights to a more modern option that lasts longer and uses less energy? If you're still using older incandescent or halogen lights, there are plenty of good reasons to switch to LED lights.

Switching to LED lights can sometimes be a quick task and other times it may require a bit more effort, but it's not too difficult if you know how. The best way to upgrade to LEDs is to use the existing wire for the old light as a conduit. Attach the new cable to the old one and pull it through from the transformer or main power source.

Let's take a detailed look at the steps involved in converting incandescent pool lights to LEDs:

How to Convert Incandescent or Halogen Pool Lights to LEDs

Converting incandescent or halogen pool lights to LEDs can be done in one of two ways, depending on the type of lights you have. If your lights have a fixture with a bulb inside, you can still replace the bulb with an E26 LED bulb that screws into the existing fixture. Most LED pool lights, however, are self-contained units designed to replace the entire fixture. This may be a larger task, but it's not too difficult.

The good news is that you don't have to drain your pool for either option. Here is a step-by-step guide for both types of light replacement:

Turn off the power. This may seem obvious, especially in a pool, but it's worth mentioning.
Unscrew the light fixture from the pool wall. It's usually held in place by three screws. If the screws are not easily visible, use safety goggles and do it with your head under the water.
Pull the fixture away from the wall. It should have enough cable slack, installed according to the NEC code, to remove it from the pool and place it on a towel on the pool's edge.
Remove the cover for the light. It will be held in place by a gasket, which you may need to detach, and usually has a screw that needs to be unscrewed.
Unscrew the old bulb and set it aside. Screw the new LED bulb in its place.
Replace the cover, ensuring that the seal is completely tight. It's a good practice to replace the gasket every time you replace the bulb.
Place the fixture under the water and check for any bubbles.
Install the light by tightening only the main screw at the top for now.
Test if the light is working by turning the power back on.
If it works, screw in the remaining two screws.

If you're replacing the entire fixture, your new LED light will come with the cable attached to it, which keeps the seal watertight. You'll need to thread the new cable through your existing conduit, which is relatively easy. Follow steps one to three from the previous guide, as they are the same for both types.

With the power still off and the old fixture on the side of the pool, cut the cable from the old light near the light.
Your new light will have fittings to attach it to the wall. Find the one that fits your hole and thread the new cable through the middle of this fitting. Don't forget this step!
Securely attach this cable to the new cable for your pool light. Wrap both cables in waterproof electrical tape to ensure that the bare wires are not exposed. Make sure the cables are very tight, as you'll be pulling them through a bit of tension.
Go to the location where the cable is connected to the power source – either the transformer or the circuit breaker if the lights were previously certified for mains voltage. Disconnect the wires.
Grab the old cable at the power source end that is now disconnected and pull. You'll be pulling the old cable out from the power source end, and since it's stuck to the new cable, you'll be pulling the new cable through the conduit and up to the power source. Before pulling the wires, ensure that the new fixture is long enough to reach your transformer.
Once you've pulled the cable through and have the new cable at the power source, remove the tape and remove the old cable.
If necessary, strip the new cable to expose the wires inside. Connect these to the power source – live to live, neutral to neutral, and ground to ground.
Install the fitting for the light in the notch. This is why you wanted the cable to have already passed through.
Then attach the light to the fitting by only using one screw for now, until you test the light.
Screw in the remaining screws if the light works.

Now that we've covered all the steps, let me share some tips:

When removing the old fixture, take note of how the excess cable is stored in the notch – you'll want to mirror that when installing the new light.
Make sure the old cable from the old light and the new cable are securely attached to each other. If they come apart while pulling them through, you won't be able to pull the new cable through. In this case, use an electrical wire and feed it through the conduit from the power source.
With a little effort, you should be able to bend it along the pipe until it comes out in the pool, where you can remove it, attach it to the new light cable, and try again.
It's best to replace lights with the help of a second person – one holding the new light at the edge of the pool while the other pulls.
If you're doing it alone, secure your new light properly – you don't want it accidentally jostled or damaged while pulling on the cord.
Always test new lights when they are submerged in water. Pool lights are not designed to be turned on when not surrounded by water, as they will overheat.
Lastly, if you're replacing the bulb, it's a good idea to replace the gasket with the bulb.
After replacing the gasket, test it by holding the light underwater for a few seconds after resealing it tightly.
If any bubbles escape around the gasket, it indicates a weakness that will cause water leakage. You'll need to reseal the fixture.

Key Considerations When Switching to Low-Voltage LEDs

When replacing incandescent or halogen lights with LED bulbs, you need to choose bulbs that fit your specific fixture. While most pool lights likely use E26 bulbs, this may not always be the case. It's best to remove the old bulb and check before buying a new one.

The other thing to consider is the wattage – they are not equivalent. LEDs are much brighter for equivalent wattages, and a 40W LED bulb will be approximately as bright as a 300W halogen or incandescent bulb.

Whether you're replacing a bulb or swapping out the entire fixture, the only other consideration is the voltage and whether you need a transformer.

Do LED Pool Lights Require a Transformer?

Most LED pool lights are low-voltage lights and, therefore, should only be powered by a transformer that steps down the voltage from the main supply. However, look at the lights you purchase, as some are mains voltage certified and don't require a transformer.

With light replacements, your old incandescent or halogen lights may already be low voltage. You may already have a transformer in place. If you do, make sure to buy 12V LED lights.

If you don't have a transformer, you can choose between using LED lights designed for mains voltage or installing a transformer and using low-voltage LEDs. It may be more work, but 12V lights are significantly safer than mains voltage lights.

If there is a fault and it electrifies you, 12 volts are unlikely to kill you. Mains voltage lights are much more likely to be fatal if they electrocute you.

Do I Need to Drain the Pool When Switching to LEDs?

The good news is that you don't have to drain your pool when switching your pool lights to LEDs. As long as the power is off, everything can be done while the pool is full.

You don't want water to get into your light's wiring, but the cables are sealed within the light. Make sure to use waterproof tape when sealing the other end of the cable to the old cable to pull it through the conduit to the power source.

Final Thoughts

Replacing old pool light bulbs with LED bulbs is straightforward, but they may not be very common, and most people prefer to replace the entire fixture. It's relatively easy to follow the steps outlined in this guide as you can use the old cable to pull the new one through.

With solid waterproof tape, there should be no uncomfortable tugging of cables. Have you made the decision to replace your pool lights with LEDs? Or have you encountered any difficulties when attempting to do it yourself?

FAQs

1. Can I install LEDs in my existing pool light fixtures?

Yes, it is possible to install LEDs in your existing pool light fixtures. You can use E26 LED bulbs that screw into the fixtures, or you can replace the entire fixture with a new LED fixture.

2. Do I need to hire a professional electrician to switch my pool lights to LEDs?

It is not always necessary to hire a professional electrician, but if you're not familiar with electrical wiring, it may be the safest option. If you decide to do it yourself, always remember to turn off the power before working on the lights.

3. What are the benefits of LED pool lights?

LED pool lights offer several benefits, including:

Lower energy consumption
Longer lifespan
Higher brightness
Improved color rendition
Reduced heat production

4. What types of bulbs are commonly used in pool lights?

Traditionally, incandescent and halogen bulbs are the most common types of bulbs used in pool lights. However, LED lights are becoming increasingly popular as a more energy-efficient and sustainable option.

Follow for more: Dawn Russell

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