Top 5 Best Pool Lights for Inground Pool in 2026

SHONE

Top 5 Best Pool Lights for Inground Pool in 2026Looking for the best pool lights for inground pools in 2026? Here are the top 5 choices: SHONE Solar Pool Light, Pentair EC602128 Amerilite, Blufree Bluetooth Speaker Pool Light, Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb, and GalaxyBrite LED Pool Light. You should look at installation type, brightness, color choices, energy use, strength, and smart features. Experts say you should also check safety rules, LED chip quality, and warranty. The pool lighting market is growing quickly because more people want energy-saving, smart, and cool lights for their pools.

  • The swimming pool lighting market is growing with LED and smart lights.
  • Homeowners want lights that last long and can be changed for better outdoor fun.
  • Lights that do many things and make pools safer and nicer are very popular.

Think about your pool’s size and how you want to use your lights before you pick one.

Key Takeaways

  • Pick LED lights because they use less energy and last longer. This helps you save money on bills and new lights.
  • Think about how bright the lights are and what colors they have. Make sure they fit your pool size and the mood you want.
  • Check if the lights have smart features. These let you use your phone to control them, which is easier.
  • Make safety important by making sure the lights cover every part of the pool.
  • Change your pool lights to see better, stay safe, and make your outdoor area look nicer.

Why Choose the Best Pool Lights for Inground Pool?

Top Picks for Best Inground Pool Lights in 2026

Selection Criteria

When you pick the best pool lights for inground pool, you want more than just a bright bulb. You want something that makes your pool safe, fun, and easy to use. Pool industry professionals say you should look for energy efficiency, durability, safety, and how well the light works for your needs. LED lights stand out because they use less power and last much longer than old halogen bulbs. You can save money on your energy bill and spend less time changing bulbs.

You also want to think about how bright the light is and if you can control it. Some lights let you change the color or brightness with a remote or even your phone. That means you can set the mood for a party or a quiet swim. Safety matters too. Good inground pool lighting helps you see every corner of your pool, so you can spot any problems fast.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose:

  • Energy efficiency: LED lights and solar lights use less power.
  • Durability: Look for lights that last up to 50,000 hours.
  • Safety: Make sure the lighting layout covers all areas.
  • Functionality: Check for color options and smart controls.
  • Light quality: Softer glow is easier on your eyes.

Benefits of Upgrading Inground Pool Lighting

Upgrading your pool lights brings a lot of benefits. You get better visibility, which means you and your family stay safer, especially at night. High-quality lights, like 12V 300-watt models, shine brighter and make your pool area look amazing. You can swim longer, even after the sun goes down, and enjoy the pool in the early morning.

  • Extended swim time lets you use your pool more.
  • Safety improves for kids, pets, and guests.
  • Aesthetic appeal grows with decorative pool lights and ambient lighting.
  • LED lights and solar lights cut down on electricity use and last longer.
  • Your pool becomes a fun, inviting place for everyone.

Many homeowners find that while standard lights cost less at first, they end up paying more for repairs and energy. High-quality pool lights need less maintenance and meet safety standards. If you want your pool to look great and work well, upgrading your inground pool lighting is a smart move.

SHONE Inground Pool Light Review

How Much do Pool Lights Cost to Install?

Features Overview

You want a pool light that stands out for both performance and style. The SHONE gives you just that. This model fits pool deck and brings a modern look to your pool. You get a powerful 3000-lumen output, which means your pool shines bright at night. The light runs on sunlight, so you don't pay for electricity.

Here’s a quick look at the main specs:

Specification

Details

Model Name

SHONE Solar Pool Light

Dimensions

8.1" L x 2.9" W x 0.27" H

Power Source

Solar Powered

Waterproof Rating

IP67

Illumination

3000lm

Color Change Modes

12 different Modes

You get 12 color-changing modes, so you can set the mood for any occasion. The light comes ready to install with included hardware. It only takes a few simple steps. The light lasts longer than most incandescent bulbs, usually 3 to 5 years. You also get a solid warranty—2 years for the light.

Pros & Cons

Let’s break down what you’ll love and what you might not:

Advantages

Disadvantages

Offers a wide range of colors with RGBW

Price may be relatively high

Durable stainless steel construction

 

Dual waterproofing design for longevity

 

Easy installation with included hardware

 

You get a durable stainless steel build and dual waterproofing. That means your light will last through many pool seasons. The included hardware makes setup easier.

Ideal Use Cases

This light works best for large inground pools where you want strong, colorful lighting. If you host pool parties or want to impress guests, you’ll love the 12 color modes. The SHONE Solar Pool Light is also a great pick if you want to upgrade from old halogen bulbs to led pool lights. You get energy savings and a longer lifespan. If you want a reliable, feature-rich light for your pool, this model checks all the boxes for modern led pool lights.

Pentair EC602128 Amerilite Spa Light Review

Features Overview

If you want a classic pool light that delivers strong performance, you should check out the Pentair EC602128 Amerilite Spa Light. This model stands out for its high wattage and tough build. You get a bright, wide beam that lights up your pool evenly. The prismatic tempered glass lens spreads the light softly, so you don’t get harsh glare in your eyes. You can also add snap-on lens covers in blue, red, or green to change the mood whenever you want.

Here’s what makes this light special:

  • High wattage gives you enhanced brightness for large pools
  • Durable construction means it lasts for years
  • Heat-sensing cutoff keeps the light safe if water levels drop
  • Prismatic tempered glass lens creates a soft, even glow
  • Snap-on lens covers let you switch up the color for parties or relaxing nights

You get a 50-foot cord, so you have flexibility during installation. The stainless steel faceplate adds a sleek look and resists rust.

Pros & Cons

Let’s see how the Pentair Amerilite stacks up:

Feature

Description

Power

500 Watts

Voltage

120 Volts

Cord Length

50-foot cord

Material

Stainless steel faceplate

Lens

Prismatic tempered glass for wide light dispersion

Lighting Type

Primarily white lighting

Pros:

  • Super bright light covers large pools with ease
  • Long-lasting materials stand up to pool chemicals and weather
  • Safety feature protects the light from overheating
  • Easy to add color with snap-on covers

Cons:

  • Mostly white light unless you buy extra lens covers
  • Higher wattage means more energy use than LED models
  • Not as many smart features as newer pool lights

Ideal Use Cases

You’ll love the Pentair EC602128 Amerilite if you want a reliable, powerful light for a big inground pool or spa. It works great for homeowners who want classic white lighting and a sturdy design. If you host pool parties, you can pop on a colored lens for a fun vibe. This light also fits well if you want something simple to use and easy to maintain. If you care more about brightness and durability than smart controls, this is a solid pick.

Blufree Bluetooth Speaker Pool Light Review

Features Overview

You want your pool parties to stand out. The Blufree Bluetooth Speaker Pool Light helps you do just that. This light is not just a pool light—it’s also a floating Bluetooth speaker. You can play your favorite songs while the light changes colors in the water. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 8 hours, so you can enjoy music and lights all night.

Here’s what you get with the Blufree:

  • Floating design: The light floats on the water, so you don’t need to install anything.
  • Bluetooth speaker: Connect your phone and play music wirelessly.
  • Color-changing LEDs: Choose from 7 different colors and light modes.
  • Rechargeable battery: Charge it with a USB cable and use it again and again.
  • Waterproof rating: IPX7 means you don’t have to worry about splashes or rain.

Tip: You can use this light in your pool, hot tub, or even at the beach.

Pros & Cons

Let’s break down what you’ll love and what you might not:

Pros

Cons

Easy to use—just drop it in the pool

Not as bright as built-in pool lights

Plays music and lights up the water

Sound quality is good, not amazing

Fun for parties and kids

Needs charging after long use

No installation required

Floats, so it may drift around

Ideal Use Cases

You’ll love the Blufree Bluetooth Speaker Pool Light if you want to add fun to your pool without any hard work. It’s perfect for pool parties, family gatherings, or relaxing swims. Kids enjoy the changing colors and music. You can also use it for hot tubs, ponds, or even camping trips. If you want a light that does more than just shine, this one brings music and color to your pool time. Just charge it, drop it in, and let the fun begin!

Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb Review

Features Overview

You want a pool light that makes your pool look amazing and saves you money. The Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb does both. This bulb fits most standard pool light fixtures, so you can swap it in without much trouble. You get a bright LED light that uses less power than old bulbs. That means you pay less for electricity each month.

You can pick from many colors and lighting modes. Want a calm blue for a relaxing swim? You got it. Need a rainbow show for a party? Just press a button on the remote. The bulb lasts a long time—up to 50,000 hours. You won’t have to climb in and change it every year.

Here’s a quick look at what you get:

  • Fits most standard pool fixtures
  • Uses only 40 watts for high brightness
  • Offers 16 color options and 7 light shows
  • Remote control for easy changes
  • Lasts up to 50,000 hours

Tip: You can match the light color to your mood or event. It’s a fun way to show your style.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Saves energy and lowers your bills

Remote may not work well underwater

Many colors and modes for any occasion

Not as bright as some high-wattage LEDs

Long lifespan means less maintenance

May need a new gasket for old fixtures

Easy to install in most pools

 

Ideal Use Cases

You’ll love this bulb if you want to save money and add color to your pool. It works great for:

  • Homeowners who want lower power bills
  • People who like to change the pool’s look for parties or relaxing nights
  • Anyone tired of replacing bulbs every year
  • Pools where you want to show off your creativity with different colors

You get a wide variety of styles and designs. The color-changing feature lets you express your personality. If you want a pool light that’s easy to use, fun, and saves you money, the Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb is a smart choice.

GalaxyBrite LED Pool Light Review

Features Overview

If you want a pool light with smart features and bright colors, you should look at the GalaxyBrite LED Pool Light. This light is special because it has advanced technology. It makes your pool look cool and is easy to use. You can control the light with your smartphone. You do not need extra remotes or adapters. The NFC technology helps you find and manage the light fast. This is helpful if you ever need to change or upgrade it.

Here are some things that make GalaxyBrite stand out:

Feature/Innovation

Description

Simplified SKU Management

NFC tech for fast identification and easy inventory

Multi-Programming Capability

Program with your phone—no extra adapters needed

Customizable Lighting Options

Choose Blue Only, RGBW, or custom white lighting

Durable and Weather-Resistant Design

Built tough for long-lasting performance

Simple and Flexible Installation

Easy to install in new or old pools, saves you time and money

Rugged Construction

Sealed, strong housing for reliability

Flexible Retrofit Plug Kits

Upgrade old lights without changing the whole fixture

Multiple Niche Port Options

Side or rear conduit access for easy setup

You can use this light for up to 50,000 hours. That means you do not have to change bulbs a lot. The plug-and-play design lets you set it up fast, even if you are not an expert. You also get many color choices. This is great for making your pool look fun or relaxing.

Pros & Cons

Let’s look at what is good and what is not so good:

Pros

Cons

Simple installation

May need a pro for best results

Energy efficient

Costs more upfront than old-school lights

Super durable

Needs a transformer to work

Works with many control systems

Some parts can’t be serviced

Safe and reliable

Small chance of leaks

Lots of color choices

 

Tip: If you want a light that lasts a long time and saves energy, GalaxyBrite is a smart choice. The price is higher at first, but it is worth it.

Ideal Use Cases

You will like the GalaxyBrite LED Pool Light if:

  • You have a black bottom pool and want bright, colorful lights to see better.
  • You want easy setup in a new or old pool.
  • You like lights that save energy and need little care.
  • You want to change your pool’s look with different colors and moods.
  • You need a strong, weather-resistant light for tough weather.

GalaxyBrite makes your pool look awesome and is simple to use. If you want a modern and reliable pool light, this one is a great pick.

Inground Pool Lighting Buying Guide

Brightness & Color Options

You want your pool to shine just right, not too bright and not too dim. The best inground pool lighting gives you choices for both brightness and color. If you have a small pool, a soft glow works well. For bigger pools or if you love pool parties, you might want super-bright or color-changing lights. Many led lights let you pick from a rainbow of colors or even set special effects. Here’s a quick look at some popular options:

Product Name

Brightness Level

Color Options

SHONE Solar Pool Light

Super-bright

12 color options

Hayward ColorLogic 4.0

High intensity

Multiple colors

Pentair IntelliBrite 5G

Color-changing

Various combinations of colors

NiteLighter 100 Watt

Super-bright

Multi-colored

Jet Light

Super-bright

Special effects

You can use decorative pool lights for a fun look or ambient lighting for a relaxing vibe. Always match the brightness and color to your pool size and how you plan to use it.

Installation Types

You have a few choices when it comes to installing inground pool lighting. Screw-in led lights are easy to swap out if you already have a fixture. Battery-operated lights, like floating models, need no wiring and work well for renters or quick upgrades. Smart pool lights connect to your phone or home system, so you can change colors or brightness with a tap. Solar lights are great if you want to save energy and skip wiring. Pick the type that fits your pool and your DIY skills.

Tip: If you want a simple upgrade, try a screw-in led light. For the latest tech, go for smart or solar lights.

Energy Efficiency & LED Lights

You want to save money and help the planet. Led lights use up to 80% less energy than old incandescent bulbs. They cost just pennies a day to run, while traditional lights can cost about a dollar a day. Led lights last much longer—up to 50,000 hours—so you won’t need to replace them often. Solar lights use sunlight to power up, so you pay nothing for electricity. Both options give you big savings over time.

  • Led lights use less energy and last longer.
  • Solar lights cost nothing to run.
  • You get lower bills and less hassle with replacements.

Durability & Maintenance

You want your inground pool lighting to last for years. Led lights handle frequent use better than old bulbs. Good water chemistry keeps your lights from corroding. Make sure you install your lights well to stop leaks. Clean your lights often to keep them bright and cool. Check for damage every season so you can fix small problems before they get big. Here’s what matters most:

Factor

Description

Usage Frequency

Led lights last longer, even with lots of use.

Water Chemistry

Balanced water keeps fixtures from corroding.

Installation Quality

Good installation stops leaks and failures.

Regular Cleaning

Cleaning keeps lights bright and prevents overheating.

Routine Inspections

Checking for damage helps you avoid bigger repairs.

If you want less work, choose led lights or solar lights. They need less maintenance and last longer. Decorative pool lights also add style without much extra care.


You now know the best pool lights for inground pool. Each one shines in its own way. If you want a permanent setup, go for SHONE Solar Pool Light or Pentair Amerilite. For smart features, GalaxyBrite stands out. Life-Bulb LED saves energy. Blufree brings a pool party atmosphere to your backyard. Use the buying guide to match your needs. The best pool lights for inground pool can turn your space into something special. Check the FAQs for more tips before you buy.

FAQ

How do you choose the right pool light for your inground pool?

You should look at brightness, color options, installation type, and energy efficiency. Think about your pool size and how you want to use the lights. If you want more aesthetic appeal, pick color-changing models.

Can you use floating pool lights in an inground pool?

Yes, you can use floating pool lights in any pool. They work well for parties or temporary lighting. You just drop them in and enjoy the glow. No installation needed.

Are LED pool lights safe for swimming?

LED pool lights are safe if you install them correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the wiring stays dry and secure. You can swim with the lights on.

How long do pool lights usually last?

Most LED pool lights last up to 50,000 hours. You get years of use before needing a replacement. Regular cleaning and good water chemistry help them last longer.

Can you control pool lights with your phone?

Many modern pool lights offer smart features. You can use your phone to change colors, brightness, or turn them on and off. This makes it easy to set the mood for any occasion.

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About SHONE

Founded in 1995, SHONE brings over 30 years of lighting expertise directly to your home. We specialize in high-quality, durable solar paver lights and outdoor lighting, designed to effortlessly enhance your garden and yard with innovative, waterproof solutions.

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