How to choose the best solar pool lights for inground pools?

When picking solar pool lights for inground pools, look at waterproof rating, brightness, and how easy they are to install. You can pick floating lanterns, Wall mount lights, or underwater fixtures. The size and shape of your pool decide how many lights you need and where to put them. Solar powered lights get energy from the sun, so you save money on electricity and help the planet. If you place the lights well, you get more light time and a safer pool area.

Key Takeaways

• Pick solar pool lights with an IP68 waterproof rating. This keeps them safe underwater and helps them last longer.
• Choose the right light type for your pool. Floating lights are for decoration. Wall mount lights give medium brightness. Underwater lights are best for strong safety lighting.
• Use LED or COB LED lights for bright light. These lights save energy. You can pick colors to match your mood or event.
• You can install solar pool lights without wires or tools. Floating and magnetic Wall mount lights are easy to set up.
• Put the lights where they get the most sun. This helps them charge fully and shine longer at night.
• Buy high quality lights for better brightness and longer life. Good lights may have remote controls and strong warranties.
• Keep your pool safe by picking non-toxic materials. Make sure lights are secure so kids and pets stay safe.
• Clean the lights and solar panels often. This stops algae from growing and keeps charging and brightness strong.

What are the different types of solar pool lights for inground pools?

When you look for solar pool lights for inground pools, you will see three main kinds. These are floating, Wall mount, and underwater lights. Each kind has its own good points. They fit different pool needs. The way they look, how you put them in, and how bright they are can change. You should pick the light that matches your pool’s size and how you use your pool.

Floating

Floating solar pool lights stay on top of the water. You can put them anywhere in the pool. They are great for parties or relaxing nights.

Decorative Effects

Floating lights come in many shapes. Some look like balls or lotus flowers. You can pick ones with color changing LED or soft white light. These lights make your pool look nice at night. Many floating lights have different lighting modes. You can change colors or patterns to fit your mood.

Tip: Floating lights are best for small pools or as extra lights. They look pretty but do not give strong light for swimming safety.

Easy Repositioning

You can move floating lights easily. You do not need tools or wires. Just put them on the water. They work after charging in the sun. If you want to change how your pool looks or move the lights for a party, you can do it fast.

Advantages of Floating Solar Pool Lights:

• Put anywhere on the pool surface
• No tools or wires needed
• Easy to carry and use in ponds or hot tubs
• Make the pool look nice with cool designs
• Use LED technology to save energy
• Good for the planet and save money

Disadvantages:

• Not very bright, especially in big or deep pools
• Battery needs checking often
• Do not work well on cloudy days
• Some models break easily

Floating solar pool lights for inground pools usually shine for 6–8 hours after a sunny day. They are made for looks, not for lighting up the whole pool. For safety or swimming, you might need brighter fixed lights too.

Wall mount

Wall mount solar pool lights stick to the pool wall. You can use them to light up pool edges or steps.

Magnetic Attachment

Some Wall mount lights use magnets to stay in place. You can put them on steel pool walls without making holes. This makes it easy to install. You can also take them off to clean or store.

Steel-Wall Compatibility

Wall mount lights work well with steel-walled pools. You do not need to cut the pool wall. These lights fit new and old pools. You can add them after building the pool. This saves time and money.

Wall mount solar pool lights for inground pools give medium brightness. They help you see the pool edge and steps better. This makes swimming at night safer.

Underwater

Underwater pool lights go under the water. Most are electric, but some solar ones are out there.

Submersible Safety

Underwater lights give strong light. You can see the pool bottom and swim safely at night. These lights are put in when building the pool. They need cutting into the pool wall.

Note: Solar powered underwater lights are not common. Most underwater lights use electric power for more brightness and longer life.

Bright Illumination

Underwater lights are brighter than floating or Wall mount ones. For example, electric LED lights can be as bright as 5400 lumens. Solar ones are less bright and do not last as long. Electric underwater lights help you see better and stay safe. Solar ones are easier to put in and take care of.

Pick underwater lights if you want the brightest and safest pool. If you want easy setup and cool looks, floating or Wall mount lights may be better for you.

What are the key features to choose solar pool lights for inground pools?

Waterproof Rating

IPX7, IP65 Standards

When picking solar pool lights for inground pools, waterproof rating is very important. You need lights that can go underwater and stay safe. The best rating for this is IP68. This means the light can be underwater for a long time and still work well. Companies use strong seals and waterproof covers to keep water out. They also use stainless steel and ABS plastic to stop rust from pool chemicals and bad weather. If you pick lights with an IP68 rating, you will avoid electric problems and your lights will last longer.

Tip: Always look for the IP68 rating on the label before buying. Lower ratings like IP65 or IPX7 are okay for splashes or above ground pools, but only IP68 is safe for underwater use.

Key Points:

• IP68 rating = safe for underwater use
• Stops water damage and electric problems
• Strong materials fight pool chemicals

Brightness & Modes

LED, COB Technology

Brightness helps you see your pool at night. Most new solar pool lights for inground pools use LED bulbs. LED are brighter and use less power than old bulbs. Some lights use COB LED, which are even brighter in a small space. Floating solar lights give soft, pretty light. Wall mount LED lights can be as bright as a 270-300 watt old bulb, so they are good for swimming and safety.

Color Options

You can pick from many colors and light modes. Some lights have steady white or blue for seeing clearly. Others can change colors for parties or relaxing. Many let you switch colors or patterns with a remote. This lets you match the lights to your mood or event.

Note: Blue and white LED are best for seeing. Red and green are fun but do not light up the pool as much.

Battery & Charging

Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency tells how well your lights charge in the sun. New solar panels are much better now. Some can reach up to 22% efficiency, so your lights can charge even on cloudy days. This means you get good lighting with less sun, making solar pool lights for inground pools a smart choice.

Dusk to Dawn RunTime

Battery life and charging time are important for using lights at night. Most solar pool lights need 6-8 hours of sun to fully charge. When charged, you can get 8 to 16 hours of light, depending on the battery and model. Some lights last all night, but others may get dim after a few hours. Bigger batteries last longer but take more time to charge. Sunlight and solar panel quality also change how well the lights work.

Quick Facts:

• 6-8 hours of sun = full charge
• 8-16 hours of light per charge
• Bigger batteries = longer light, longer charge time
• Good panels work better in low light

Tip: Put your solar pool lights where they get the most sun for best results.

Installation

Picking how to install your pool lights can make things easier. Many people like solar pool lights for inground pools. You do not need an electrician. You do not have to change your pool forever. Some models let you set them up without tools or wires.

Tool-Free Setup

You want lights that are quick to put in. Most solar pool lights for inground pools are easy to set up. You just put floating lights on the water. Wall mount lights use magnets or suction cups. No drilling or special tools are needed. You can add or take away lights anytime.

Tip: Tool-free lights are great if you want to change your pool for parties or different seasons.

Here is a table that shows how some installation methods compare:

Floating and portable LED lights are the easiest to install. You just put them in the pool. They work after charging in the sun.

No Wiring Needed

Wires near water can be dangerous. Solar pool lights for inground pools have solar panels and batteries inside. You do not need wires by your pool. You do not have to dig or run cables in your yard.

No wires means:

• Safer for kids and pets
• No chance of electric shock
• No need to pay for help
• Easy to move or swap lights

Note: Always make sure your lights have strong seals and waterproof ratings. This keeps the battery and parts safe from water.

With no wires and easy setup, your pool can be bright and pretty in minutes. You get safety, easy use, and peace of mind with these new lights.

What's the true cost of inground pool solar lights?

Price Range

Entry-Level

Entry-level solar pool lights for inground pools cost about $20 to $40 each. These lights use simple LED bulbs and basic solar panels. They work best for small pools or as extra lights. Most entry-level lights float or stick to the wall. You do not need tools or wires to set them up. These lights usually last one or two seasons before you need a new battery or a new light.

Premium

Premium solar pool lights for inground pools cost $60 to $150 each. These lights have better solar panels and stronger LED or COB bulbs. They shine brighter, last longer, and have more color choices. Many premium lights come with remotes, different light modes, and strong waterproof ratings like IP68. Some brands sell solar pool lights for above ground pools at this price too. Premium lights can last for years if you take care of them.

Tip: Buying premium lights can save money later. You do not have to replace them as often, and they work better.

Warranty

Guarantees

Most solar pool lights for inground pools come with a warranty. Entry-level lights may have a 6-month or 1-year guarantee. Premium brands often give a 2-year or 3-year warranty. A good warranty helps if your light breaks early. Always read the warranty before you buy.

Support

Good customer support helps if you have problems with your solar pool lights. The best brands have easy-to-reach help and clear instructions. Some companies have online videos or guides to help you fix problems. Pick a brand like SHONE with good reviews and strong support.

Energy Savings

Green Benefits

Solar pool lights for inground pools help save energy and protect nature. LED pool lights use up to 85% less energy than old lights. They last much longer, so you throw away fewer lights. LED do not have bad stuff like mercury. Solar pool lights use sunlight to power the LED, so you use less electricity from power plants. This helps lower your carbon footprint and helps the earth.

• LED pool lights use up to 80% less energy than old lights.
• LED turn most energy into light, not heat, so they are efficient.
• Solar pool lights for above ground and inground pools last longer, so you make less trash.
• Using solar energy means you use less fossil fuel.

Long-Term Costs

You pay less for electricity with solar pool lights. The first cost may seem high, but you save money over time. You do not pay for wires or hiring someone to install them. You also do not get big electric bills. LED last longer, so you buy fewer new lights. Over a few years, solar pool lights for inground pools can pay for themselves with energy savings and less upkeep.

Note: Picking solar pool lights is smart for your pool and the planet. You get bright, safe lights and help cut down on waste and energy use.

How to read inground pool solar lights reviews?

Interpreting Feedback

Genuine vs. Fake

When you look at reviews for solar pool lights for inground pools, you need to tell which ones are real. Real reviews talk about how the lights work every day. They give details about how bright the lights are, how long the battery lasts, and if water gets inside. People who really use the lights say if floating or Wall mount lights are easy to put in. They might show pictures or videos of their pool at night.

Fake reviews often sound too good to be true or repeat the same words. You may see lots of five-star reviews posted all at once. Some reviews do not talk about any real features or problems. If a review only says good things but gives no details, you should watch out.

Tip: Pick reviews that talk about both good and bad things. Honest reviews help you choose the best lights for your pool.

Common Issues

Many reviews for solar pool lights for inground pools and solar pool lights for above ground pools talk about the same problems. People say the battery does not last long, the lights are not very bright, or water leaks inside. Some say the lights do not charge well when it is cloudy. Others say the color changing lights stop working after a while.

You should notice if many people talk about the same problem. If lots of people have the same issue, you might have it too. Always check if the company answers and helps fix problems.

When you read reviews and check brands, you can pick the best lights for your pool. You will have brighter nights and a safer pool with the right solar pool lights.

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Solar Inground Pool Lights

Child & Pet Safety

Non-Toxic Materials

It is important to keep kids and pets safe near your pool. Solar pool lights for inground pools are made with safe materials like ABS plastic and stainless steel. These materials do not rust from pool chemicals. They also do not put bad stuff in the water. Always look at the label for safety marks. Stay away from lights that have lead or mercury. Using non-toxic lights keeps your family safe and your pool water clean.

Tip: Pick solar pool lights for above ground pools and inground pools that follow safety rules for materials. This helps keep everyone healthy when they swim or play by the pool.

Secure Placement

Putting solar pool lights for inground pools in the right spot stops accidents. Make sure floating lights do not float into places where kids or pets play. Wall mount lights need strong magnets or suction cups to stay put. Underwater lights should fit tight in their spots. If lights are loose, people can trip or pets might chew on them.

• Keep lights away from the pool edge to stop trips and falls.
• Use the right fixtures for underwater lights to avoid electric danger.
• Light up stairs and pool edges so you can see better at night.

Cleaning Tips

Preventing Algae

Algae can grow on solar pool lights for inground pools if you do not clean them often. Wipe the lights with a soft cloth every week. Use mild soap and water to get rid of dirt and algae. Do not use strong cleaners because they can hurt the waterproof seals. Clean the solar panels a lot so they charge well. Dirty panels make the battery and light weaker.

Note: Cleaning your solar pool lights for above ground pools and inground pools often makes them last longer and look nicer.

Battery Care

Taking care of the battery helps your solar pool lights for inground pools last longer. Check the batteries every month for leaks or rust. Change bad batteries right away. Put the lights inside during winter so the batteries do not freeze. Most solar pool lights use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries last longer if you do not overcharge or let them run out all the way.

• Check the lights and change burnt-out bulbs fast.
• Use low voltage lights to lower the risk of electric shock.
• Place lights so they do not shine in your eyes and you can see better.

If you follow these tips, your pool area will be safe and bright. Taking care of your solar pool lights for inground pools and solar pool lights for above ground pools helps them work better and last longer. 

Picking solar pool lights for inground pools takes some thought. You need to check if the lights are waterproof and bright enough. Think about how you will put them in and if they are worth the money. Use this checklist to help you choose:

1. Look at your pool lights now to see if they are safe and work well.
2. Think about how you want your pool to look at night.
3. Pick the kind of light that fits your pool’s shape and size.
4. Figure out how many lights you need so the pool is lit evenly.
5. Choose LED lights that save energy and are safe to use.

Tip: Try to pick lights that keep your pool safe, fun, and not too expensive. This way, your pool will look nice and be safe for everyone.

FAQ

How long do solar pool lights for inground pools last on a full charge?

Most solar pool lights for inground pools shine for 8 to 16 hours after a sunny day. Battery quality and sunlight affect run time. You get the best results when you place the lights where they receive direct sun.

Can you use solar pool lights for above ground pools in an inground pool?

Yes, you can use many solar pool lights for above ground pools in inground pools. Always check the waterproof rating and installation method. Some models work better for floating or Wall mount use in both pool types.

Do solar pool lights need special maintenance?

You should clean the lights and solar panels every week. Check for algae and dirt. Inspect the battery monthly. Store the lights indoors during winter. Regular care helps your solar pool lights for inground pools last longer.

Are solar pool lights safe for children and pets?

Manufacturers use non-toxic materials for most solar pool lights for inground pools. Secure the lights to prevent tripping or chewing. Always check for safety certifications and keep floating lights away from play areas.

What is the best waterproof rating for pool lights?

Look for an IP68 waterproof rating for solar pool lights for inground pools. This rating means the lights can stay underwater safely. Lower ratings like IP65 or IPX7 work for splashes but not for full submersion.

Can you control solar pool lights with a remote?

Many premium solar pool lights for inground pools come with remote controls. You can change colors, brightness, and modes easily. Always check the product details to see if a remote is included.

Do solar pool lights work on cloudy days?

Solar pool lights for inground pools still charge on cloudy days, but they may not shine as long or as bright. High-efficiency solar panels help improve performance in low light.

How many solar pool lights do you need for a large pool?

You need more solar pool lights for inground pools if your pool is large or deep. Place lights evenly around the pool for the best coverage. Most people use 4 to 8 lights for a standard-size pool.