Best Tips for Getting the Most Value from Above Ground Pool Lights

You want your above ground pools to look bright at night. But you might worry about tripping or lights that look boring. Above ground pool lights help you when you think about safety, nice lighting, and saving energy. Pick remote-controlled access for the best use. Then you can enjoy a pool that feels safe, fun, and welcoming.

Key Takeaways

• Pick LED lights because they save energy and last long. They use less electricity and can work for 50,000 hours.
• Check and clean your pool lights often to keep them safe and bright. Look at them at least once every season.
• Think about using solar lights since they cost nothing to run and are easy to set up. They get power from the sun during the day and need little care.

Safety Tips

Electrical Safety

You want your pool lights to shine bright, but you also want to stay safe. Electrical hazards can sneak up if you do not pay attention. Here are some common risks you should watch out for:

Tip: Always use a GFCI outlet for your pool lights. It can cut off power fast if something goes wrong.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing keeps your lights working and your pool safe. You should look for these features when picking pool lights:

Secure Mounting

Loose lights can fall into the pool or break. You want to check your lights often to make sure they stay put. Here’s how often experts recommend you inspect your pool lights:

• Check your pool lights at least once every season.
• Inspect them at the start of swimming season.
• Get a professional to check them once a year.

Note: Regular checks help you spot problems before they become big safety risks.

Choosing Above Ground Pool Lights

Picking the right lights for above ground pools can feel confusing. You want something that looks good, saves money, and lasts a long time. Let’s break down your main choices so you can find what works best for your pool.

LED vs. Halogen

You might wonder if you should pick LED pool lights or halogen bulbs. Both can light up your pool, but they work very differently.

• LED pool lights use less power and last much longer than halogen bulbs. They also come in many colors and styles.
• Halogen lights shine bright, but they use more energy and burn out faster.

Check out this table to see how much energy each type uses:

You can see that LED pool lights use much less energy. This means you save money on your electric bill. Now, look at how long each type lasts:

LEDs last for years, while halogen bulbs need replacing often. If you want energy efficiency and less hassle, LEDs are the way to go for above ground pool lights.

Solar Options

Solar pool lights are a favorite for many people with above ground pools. These lights use the sun’s energy, so you don’t need to worry about wires or electric bills. You just place them where the sun can reach, and they charge during the day.

Here’s a quick look at how solar pool lights compare to other types:

• Solar pool lights have zero operating costs and need almost no maintenance.
• You don’t need to run wires or worry about electric shocks.
• Solar lighting works best in sunny spots and can last all night after a good charge.

If you want to save money and help the planet, solar pool lights are a smart choice for above ground pools.

Floating Lights

Floating lights can make your pool look magical. You just drop them in, and they drift around, shining in different colors or patterns. These lights are easy to use and don’t need any installation.

Here’s why floating lights work well for above ground pools:

• You can move them anywhere in the pool for fun effects.
• No wires or tools needed — just turn them on and let them float.
• They make the pool look warm and welcoming, perfect for parties.
• Floating lights help you see better at night, making swimming safer.
• Keep in mind, floating lights may not be bright enough for very large pools.

If you want a simple way to add color and safety, floating solar pool lights are a great pick.

String Lights

String lights can look pretty around above ground pools, but you need to be careful. They hang above the pool and can create a cozy vibe, but they come with some risks.

• There is a real danger of electrocution if string lights fall into the water, especially if you don’t use a GFCI outlet.
• String lights can fall during play, which can cause accidents.
• They might get in the way when you want to play with pool toys.
• Cleaning the pool can be harder with string lights hanging overhead.

Tip: The National Electric Code says you need at least 10 feet of clearance above the water for string lights. Most manufacturers do not recommend using string lights directly over pools.

If you want to use string lights, hang them far from the water and always follow safety rules.

Choosing the right above ground pool lights depends on what matters most to you. Do you want energy efficiency, easy setup, or a certain look? Solar pool lights and floating lights work well for most above ground pools. LED pool lights give you the best mix of long life and low energy use. Think about your needs, and you’ll find the perfect lights for your pool.

Placement Ideas

Feature Highlighting

You want your pool to stand out at night. Placing lights to highlight features makes above ground pools look bigger and more inviting. Try putting solar pool lights near steps, ladders, or water features. This draws attention to the best parts of your pool. Underwater lights can show off the pool’s shape and make the water sparkle. If you use solar pool lights, you can move them around to spotlight different areas. You get a beautiful effect without much effort.

Tip: Good lighting helps you see swimmers from the deck or house. This gives you peace of mind and keeps everyone safe.

Avoiding Glare

Glare can ruin the mood and make it hard to see. You want to enjoy your pool, not squint at bright lights. Place solar pool lights so they shine downward or away from seating areas. Use more low-wattage lights instead of a few bright ones. This spreads light evenly and keeps the pool comfortable for your eyes. In above ground pools, avoid putting lights where people enter or exit. You want clear paths without harsh light.

• Position lights at different depths for the best look.
• Avoid direct glare from the house or main viewing spots.

Deck Lighting

Deck lighting adds safety and style to above ground pools. You can use solar pool lights along the deck’s edge to mark the perimeter. This helps guests see where to walk and keeps the area safe. Solar lighting works well because you don’t need wires. Place lights near entry points and pathways to prevent trips and falls. Deck lights also create a cozy mood for evening gatherings. You get more time to enjoy your pool with friends and family.

Number of Lights

Pool Size

You want your pool to look bright and inviting, but you might wonder how many lights you need. The size of your pool makes a big difference. If you have a small pool, one light can do the job. Bigger above ground pools need more lights to cover every corner. Take a look at this table to see what works best:

Note: Pools with darker finishes may need extra lights to keep things bright.

If you want your above ground pools to shine, match the number of lights to your pool’s size. You get better coverage and a safer swim.

Ambiance vs. Function

You might want your pool to feel cozy, but you also need enough light to see clearly. The right number of lights helps you balance mood and safety. Here’s how you can get both:

• Place lights near steps and ladders for safety.
• Use several smaller lights for even coverage.
• Pick LED or color-changing lights to set the mood and save energy.

Tip: Above ground pool lights can make your pool look magical and keep everyone safe at the same time.

When you use the right amount of lighting, your above ground pools become the perfect spot for fun and relaxation. You get a pool that looks great and feels safe every night.

Installing Above Ground Pool Lights

Mounting Tips

You want your pool lights to stay put and work well all season. Start by reading the instructions that come with your lights. Most above ground pool lights have simple clips or brackets. Make sure you attach them tightly to the pool wall or rail. If you use solar pool lights, place them where they get the most sun during the day. This helps them charge and shine bright at night.

Check the seals on your lights before you put them in the water. A good seal keeps water out and stops damage. Look for rubber gaskets or O-rings. If you see cracks or wear, replace them right away. For extra safety, use waterproof tape around the connections. This step helps your solar pool lights last longer.

Tip: Test your lights outside the pool first. You can spot problems before they get wet.

Tethering Floating Lights

Floating lights add fun and color to your pool. Sometimes, they drift to one side or get stuck. You can fix this by tethering them. Use a thin, clear fishing line or a small weight. Tie the line to the light and anchor it to the pool ladder or rail. This keeps your solar pool lights in place and spreads light evenly.

If you want to move your solar pool lights, just untie the line and let them float free. Tethering works best for windy nights or busy pool parties. You get steady light and a safer swim.

Upgrading Lights

When to Upgrade

You might wonder when it’s time to swap out your old pool lights for something better. Sometimes, the signs are easy to spot. Look for these clues:

• The light looks dim and doesn’t shine as bright as before.
• You see the light flicker or blink on and off.
• If you have color-changing lights, some colors might not work, or the light gets stuck on one color.
• You notice water or moisture inside the light housing. This is a big warning sign and means you should replace the light right away.

If you spot any of these problems, upgrading your lights can make your pool safer and more fun.

Today’s above ground pool lights come with cool new features. Check out what’s new:

Adding Accent Lights

Accent lights can turn your pool area into a real showstopper. Here’s what they do for you:

• They create cool focal points and add depth to your pool space.
• Accent lights highlight special spots like water features or seating areas.
• You get better safety because the pool edges and walkways are easier to see.

Try adding accent lights to make your pool look amazing and keep everyone safe at night.

Creative Uses

Color-Changing LEDs

You can make your pool look like a light show with color-changing LED lights. These lights let you pick colors for any mood or event. If you want a calm swim, choose soft blue or aqua. If you plan a party, pick bold colors like purple or red. You can control the lights with a remote or your phone. Some lights, like SHONE Solar Pool Lights, let you make bright displays from remote control. Color Burst Pool Return LED Lights give you 16 colors and four cool shows, so you always find the right vibe.

Tip: Try matching your lights to music for extra fun at parties.

Party Themes

You can match your pool lights to any party theme. Floating pool lights move and add color, making your pool stand out. Color-changing lights let you change the look for birthdays, holidays, or summer parties. Underwater LED lights make swimming bright, while string lights give a cozy feel for sitting outside.

Mood Lighting

You can change the mood of your pool area with just a few clicks. Color-changing LEDs help you make a relaxing spot or a fun party place. Soft colors like pink and aqua help you relax after a long day. Bright colors make the space lively for parties. You get to pick the mood every night.

• Pick bright colors for parties.
• Use soft colors for quiet nights.
• Match the lights to your favorite theme.

Note: Custom lights make your pool feel special for every event.

Maintenance

Cleaning

You want your pool lights to shine bright every night. Dirt, algae, and debris can make them look dull and cause problems. Regular cleaning helps your solar pool lights last longer and keeps your pool looking great. Here’s what you should do:

• Wipe the light covers with a soft cloth to remove grime.
• Brush away algae that builds up around the fixtures.
• Rinse off any leaves or bugs that get stuck on your solar pool lights.
• Check your pool’s water chemistry so it doesn’t damage the lights.

Tip: Clean your solar pool lights once a month for the best results.

Damage Checks

You can spot trouble early if you know what to look for. Damaged pool lights can cause safety risks and cost you money. Watch for these warning signs:

• Flickering or dim lights
• Lights that won’t turn on
• Discolored or faded lighting
• Water inside the light fixture
• Cracked or broken covers
• Burning smells or signs of overheating
• Lights turning off by themselves
• Higher power bills than usual

If you see any of these problems with your solar pool lights, fix them right away. Early repairs keep your pool safe and save you money.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes your pool lights stop working, and you need to figure out why. Try these steps to get your solar pool lights working again:

1. Check the power source and make sure the GFCI outlet works.
2. Look at the bulb and replace it if it’s burned out.
3. Examine the fixture for water or damage.
4. Reset or swap out the circuit breaker.

Note: If your solar pool lights still don’t work, call a professional for help.

You can get the most from above ground pool lights by following a few smart tips:

• Use remote controls and automation for easy lighting changes.
• Clean and check your lights often for safety and brightness.
• Try a new upgrade to boost your pool’s look and fun. Enjoy a safer, brighter pool every night!

FAQ

How long do above ground pool lights usually last?

Most LED pool lights last 25,000 to 50,000 hours. Halogen bulbs burn out faster. Solar lights can last several seasons if you clean and store them well.

Can you leave pool lights on all night?

You can, but it is better to use a timer. This saves energy and helps your lights last longer. Timers also make your pool safer at night.

What should you do if a pool light stops working?

First, check the power source. Replace the bulb if needed. If the light still does not work, call a professional for help.