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A swimming pool area is not just a space for you to just dive into the water for a quick refreshment; far from that, it is a great area for family get-togethers, even a cool romantic dinner spot and a fun party venue also.
Pool owners know that these pools can be quite multi-functional, and to make them more viable for the multi-functionality, many make use of swimming pool lighting to illuminate, beautify as well as protect the pool area and its users.
Swimming pool lights can be used for various reasons hence the reason why there is a wide array available to choose from.
Pool owners want to get the swimming pool lights with the gnawing, though; what are the best pool lights? Here is a little something to guide them on the best pool lighting and how to go about it.
Top 3 Recommendations
- Best Overall – Chakev Submersible Led Pool Lights
- Runner Up – LOFTEK LED Large Floating Pool Light
- Best Longstanding – Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb for in ground Pool
Top 10 Best Pool Lighting Reviews
1. Chakev Submersible Led Pool Lights – Best LED Pool Light
Our top contender is the best of the best for so many reasons, and we are here to find out just why Chakev Submersible LED Lights take the top rank.
Designed and encased in IP68 waterproof and durable weatherproof material, your number one LED pool light is safe and long-lasting. The 7.91 x 7.4 x 3.98 inches discs use a large built-in magnet alongside 4pcs suction cups to easily attach to the surfaces placed on.
Each set consists of 10 premium LED bulbs encased in a non-slip surface with 16 colors with 5 levels of adjustment with 4 color-changing modes and 2 timer functions, all of which are controlled easily by an upgraded RF remote control.
The lights are powered by 3 x AA batteries that make them useful for various in and outside pool decorations. Plus the discs are easy to install and can be used also in hot tubs, bathtubs, aquariums, gardens and so on.
Pros
- Waterproof and weatherproof material
- Great non-slip enclosure
- Designed for optimum security
- Offers 16 static colors
- Remote controlled
- Easy installation and servicing
Cons
- The remote control could be improved
2. LOFTEK LED Large Floating Pool Light – Best Floating Pool Light
LOFTEK floating pool lights are cordless lights-up balls that feature 18 static RGB colors, 5 brightness adjustments and 4 dynamic LED pool lighting modes with 2 control methods, all floating colorfully above the water surface to make your swimming pool colorful.
The 16 x 16 x 16 inches ball spheres are made of high-quality polyethylene with thickened sealing ring fully and are completely at the IP65 waterproof level.
Powered by a built-in 4400 MAh lithium battery, the balls can last as long as 10-12 hours. The rechargeable battery and the LED bulb are built as separate integrations for easy replacement of the ball sphere if need be.
The entire light brightness and all the functionalities are remote-controlled within a 16-26 feet range with the remote, and the manufacturer offers a replacement for the base. The ball spheres are easy to clean and maintain and are also non-slippery.
Pros
- Floating ball spheres
- Perfect mood lighting
- Waterproof with durable material
- Lightweight
- Lasts for up to 12 hours
Cons
- Batteries are constantly drawing power
3. Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb for In Ground Pool – Best Inground Pool Light
Life-Bulb LED Light Bulb for Inground pool is the perfect choice to brighten up your pool, especially for occasions like pool parties.
Life-Bulb offers 120v LED ground pool lights that provide super bright 7 colors with 12 color modes and 9 light shows for you to choose from.
This inground pool light is a low voltage and energy-saving that by far surpasses the likes of incandescent lights, and it’s easily operable with the help of a switch control or a remote control allowing users to choose whichever suits them better.
Designed as a replacement to older Hayward and Pentair fixtures, they work great as underwater fixtures. The manufacturer offers a lifetime replacement guarantee to make the entire product better.
Pros
- Best for in ground pools
- Flexible dual control
- Color changing
- Perfect for underwater fixtures
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t work on 12V systems
- Can only be used for inground pool
4. Iledlight 40W Color Changing LED Pool Light Bulb – Best for Medium-sized Swimming Pool
For medium-sized pool owners that wish to have a pool light that will make their pool party worth the while, as well as make night swimming a better activity altogether, the Iledlight 40W Color Changing bulb is for you.
The 7 x 6.9 x 6.9 inches bulb is a high-brightness LED bulb with an Aluminum fin and with silicone heat dissipation to aid the lifeline of the bulbs. Energy saving it can easily replace up to 300-500W incandescent bulbs without stress.
Iledlight 40W features 7 static modes, 8 animation modes including a color transition, color fade, color changing and color jumping and tops, all with a memory function, all controlled by a battery-powered remote control or switch control. The higher up in this line would be the 50W LED pool light.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Memory function
- Durable and safe
- Perfect for pool table
Cons
- Remote control falters when light is deeper than 3 feet underwater
- Not waterproof
5. Intex Magnetic Pool Wall Light – Best Above Ground Pool Light
In need of a pool wall light with full coverage of light support for your above ground pool without stress, then this magnetic wonder will do the job just right.
The Intex magnetic pool wall light is a magnetic mounting system light that illuminates index pools with up to 24 feet total size providing white light or 4 color variations depending on the individual need.
The design is a unique dual magnetic LED pool light, a high feature amongst LED pool light models. It offers a wirelessly powered light with a 12 volt capacity for safety purposes.
Functions with direct electricity that is derived with the use of a 26 feet long cord, and it offers even pool illumination for a pool of about 24 x 52 feet. Plus, it’s one of the very easy to install pool lights.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
- Even illumination
- Lights up both sides of the pool
- Offers color variations
Cons
- No remote control
- Requires constant power supply
6. ZUCKEO Low Voltage Landscape Lights LED Landscape Lighting – Best Landscape Pool Lights
The ZUCKEO Low Voltage Landscape Lights is the perfect choice for those that require a bit more full-on coverage around the area of the pool for maximum security and visibility.
The model includes 8 pieces of 5W COB LED light with 500 lumens offering warm white colored bulbs running on a 12-14V perfect for low voltage landscape lighting kits.
The bulb casings are durable with a thick aluminum body and glass lens with a triple IP65 waterproof design and can withstand snow and resist heat. Asides from assured longevity, the bulbs offer a 90° beam angle with 270° adjustable heads making it easy to situate the pool lights along the pool walkway, garden edges and so on.
Pros
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- Strong and durable make
- Installation is easy
- Offer full coverage
Cons
- Requires special connectors
7. LOFTEK Magnet Submersible LED Light with Suction Cups – Best Submersible Pool Lights
If LOFTEK lights are on your list of favorite pool lights, then you should check out the LOFTEK Magnetic submersible lights with suction cups.
As the best submersible lights available, they are waterproof with strong magnets and suction cups that secure them to any surface.
The discs include 13 premium beads that are powered by 3 x AA batteries, thereby lasting up to 20 hours.
They are remote controlled with multi-options and modes, dimmable functions and much more. Plus, the remote control range is about 200ft/61m in the air and 16ft/5m in water.
Pros
- Powerful suction cups
- Waterproof
- Long distance remote control range
Cons
- The suctions can wear out over time
8. S.R.Smith FLED-C-TR-50 TREO LED Pool Light – Best Multi-Pool Surface Lights
The S.R Smith FLED pool light is a flush-mounted pool light designed to fully illuminate multiple surfaces like the steps, shelves and other surfaces like unite, vinyl liner and fiberglass pools that are often hard to light.
The bulb is a 5W color LED light ideal to replace fiber optic pool light easily. It comes with 6 colors, and 2 colors show all displayed in even brightness, with wide beam spread and controlled via a 12 VAC control.
S.R Smith is an electric power source with a 50 feet cord length for reachability and is one of the best LED pool lights worth having.
Pros
- Multi surface illumination
- Great replacement for fiber optic pool lighting
- Affordable and easy to use
Cons
- Not so bright
9. FlashingBlinky Floating Lights for Pool – Best Aesthetic Pool Light
Floating lights often make the pool more beautiful and are always more aesthetically appealing, and the FlashingBlinky floating lights do just that.
Includes 12 round floating balls of 3 inches diameter of the hard shell that is waterproof and CPSIA compliant.
Replaceable batteries power the balls, and the balls can alternate colors between 7 different choices alongside a slow color change feature controlled by a button.
Pros
- Replaceable batteries
- Includes 12 different light-up orbs
- Offers color changing features
Cons
- Not controlled by a remote
10. Pentair 78458100 Amerlite Underwater Incandescent Pool Light – Best Durable Case Pool Light
Designed with a stainless steel face ring and using a uni tension clamp, the Pentair Amerlite underwater pool light is a powerful material composition light with superior light diffusion through a prismatic tempered lens powered by 500W at 120 volts.
To power the model, there is a 50 feet cord length with a low water cutoff. Available in 4 different colors and provides assured safety with little power consumption.
Pros
- Tough and high-quality construction
- Easy installation
- No heat emission
Cons
- No remote or switch control
FAQs
How does a pool light work?
Pool lights are designed with electric light fixtures that are tightly sealed to prevent water entry and to minimize the risk of electrocution. These tightly sealed fixtures often have a ground fault circuit that reinforces the protection to ensure safety.
Using a variety of bulb types, with very few electrical fixtures, the pool lights illuminate the pool. Keep in mind that pool lights come in various ways, so each one’s specific functionality modes and designs accentuate their function.
Are pool lights safe?
Yes! Swimming pool lights can be very safe for all pool users, both adults and children alike.
The guarantee of this safety lies in having the best pool light available in your pool and ensuring that the pool light is installed with the correct voltage and high-quality protective equipment.
Plus, always ensure safe handling of the lights at all times and follow the safety tips provided by the manufacturer.
Are pool lights required?
In the case of public swimming pools, many states require their operators to have adequate lighting on the pool deck and walkways as well as within the pool to ensure visibility.
While in the part of private pool owners, pool lights are required for general safety; also, they allow for better visibility in and around the pool.
Buying Guide: What Are The Best Pool Lights?
Types of pool lights
For optimum selection and personal preferences, pool lights come in a variety of types, and there is no better way to know the best pool lights than to find out the type that suits you best.
Incandescent pool lights
Incandescent lighting is actually the older traditional one we know. The incandescent light bulbs are electricity-powered and also inexpensive to purchase, although they have a shorter life span and their light always appears harsh to the eyes. Plus, incandescent bulbs are not energy-efficient.
Floating pool lights
Floating pool lights are the pool lights without the need for installation, wiring and other big preps for them to function as they are basically self-sufficient units powered by both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, or solar-powered and of course, they float.
The floating lights are often more inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. They are attractive to look at, and some even feature BlueTooth speakers to add to the fun.
LED pool lights
The LED lights are often warmer, brighter, and more energy-saving pool lights. They are better options for eco-friendly users, and they emit their light in a single direction.
LED lights also come in different colors; they often last longer with up to 50,000 hours of functionality and can be controlled with switches, remotes, and auto-programmed controls. You can get battery-operated LED swimming pool lights as well as floating LED lights.
Fiber optic pool lights
Fiber optic lights are easily accessible and have a very eye-catching design and appearance. They are not so bright, and their bulbs burn out faster than most. They are not so expensive to purchase, but their installation and maintenance are.
Halogen pool lights
Halogen bulbs have their filament encased in a quartz envelope and filled with halogen gas which allows them to produce more lights that are brighter and cleaner with less power.
Although these are expensive compared to others but not as much as LED lights, halogen lights have a long-lasting utility span. But they need replacements often as they burn at higher temperatures.
Magnetic pool lights
Magnetic lights are easy to install cheap and affordable lights that run with batteries. Although they cost less, they are not so bright and require more than one to fully illuminate the pool, and the batteries often need frequent changes.
Solar pool lights
Solar lights are easy solar-powered lights that are colorful and fun to use. These lights are cheap and energy-saving as their power source is from the sun. They come in a variety of colors, but are not exceptionally bright choices, most especially at night.
Pool type and size
The pool type and size play a determining role in the type of pool light to acquire. For above ground pools, the likes of LED magnetic light or LED floating pool lights are advisable. For an inground swimming pool, the wall-mounted LED pool light is a great choice alongside the floating pool lights.
Considering the size of the swimming pool, pools that are about 15 x 30 inches long require only one pool light, while the bigger ones of 20 x 40 or 20 x 42 inches require two or more lights to illuminate the area fully.
Mounting options
Your pool lights could either be surface-mounted underwater lights or flush-mounted lights. The surface-mounted lights are the ones that protrude from the pool wall and often cast a broader light range, but they also look a bit uncool.
The flush mount lights are housed in models and are in-built in the swimming pool walls. Unlike the surface mount, these models cast a narrower spread of light as they are enclosed.
The technology functionality
For ease of functionality and operations, many pool lights feature convenient designs that use smartphone integration to vary the brightness and functionality of the lights, and others can be programmed like the LED lights can put on a colorful light show.
There are dimmer switches or on switches that facilitate their operations, and each of these can be controlled through the smartphone.
Colors
When it comes to pool colors, their range is endless. We always have the white light color option, which is the safest for visibility and gives your pool a classic and simple appearance.
The more colorful ones are more suited for pools that want that wow, striking and playful look. Depending on the purpose of the pool lights, you can always choose the one that best suits you.
Final Thoughts
Swimming pool lights serve the purpose of being safeguards for pool users as they provide illumination around and within the pool. Considering that they can also serve as means of beautifying the pool area, getting one of these is a plus on every angle.
With the above-listed best pool lighting and the immense knowledge you have gathered about the best swimming pool lights available, getting the perfect one for your own pool should be quite easy.
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