Lighting can play many roles in your swimming pool – from ambiance and entertainment to safety and extending the swimming day. However, there are a variety of choices when it comes to making your decision about which direction to go. Recently introduced LED lights are making a huge splash, but there are still many incandescent options available.
Above-ground Pool Lighting
“Permanent” lights – Darkbuster and AquaLuminator are popular names – are pretty quickly installed via a pool’s existing return fitting. There are also above-ground pool light options that require no contact with the pool’s return fitting, and are even easier to install. Typically, these lights go over the pool wall and under any railing – no draining or drilling required. The Nitelighter is a well-known version that contains a long-lasting halogen bulb.
Both varieties are very functional, and many come with detachable colored lenses allowing you to vary with the atmosphere of your pool-side deck. Pricing on most above-ground pool lights ranges from around $110 to $250, depending on the source. The pricier choices may include features such as a remote, timer, very long-lasting bulb, or built-in color changing.
In-ground Pool Lighting
Most in-ground pool lights are installed in a niche that is built in to the pool wall. Pricing can range significantly–from as low as $100 to $600 and more–depending on the type of light (LED, fiber optic, etc.), wattage, size and other factors.
Other in-ground options are available and require no drilling or draining. Some may be attached to the pool wall with a special adhesive, while others are clamped onto the frame.
Other Pool Lighting Options
Solar Lights
These lights are essentially at zero operational cost to you, and can typically run about 10 hours when maximally charged. Keep in mind, though, that solar lights often are not as bright as non-solar ones; they emit more of an ambient lighting.
Floating Lights
Pool lighting doesn’t get much easier than floating lights. These lights – some are battery operated, while others are solar – do exactly what the name suggests: float. No installation required, floating lights simply need to be turned on and placed in the pool.
Landscape Lights
If you don’t want to mess with the pool, try integrating light fixtures into your landscape. Yard lights are easy to find and are relatively inexpensive. Also, many of them are solar. Torches are a more fun, festive option, and can keep bugs away depending on the oils used!
If you’re unsure of your electric skills, have an expert help you install your new pool lights. Also, remember to take into account the size of your pool, as it will determine
