Best Pool Lights in 2022 – Reviewed
Everyone wants to enjoy their pool when the sun goes down, and there are few things more relaxing than the feeling of the cool water, and some mood lighting to go with it. There is now a range of products that can add to the ambiance of a hot summer night, and with different types available, it can be hard to tell which is best.
This is why we have created the following list of the best pool lights. Each one has something different to offer, with a range of prices to please different budgets. Some have a remote to control them whilst others are simpler in their design, but one thing they all have in common is that they help to create a pleasing mood when the sun goes down.
Quick Summary of Best Pool Lights
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Pentair 78428100 Amerlite Underwater Incandescent Pool Light
Featuring a stainless steel face ring, this is the best pool light in terms of quality and can illuminate a larger pool than most. With a 50 ft cord, it can stretch to most outlets and offers superior light diffusion than a lot of the competition. It is made of an Amerlite light which has a worldwide reputation for high standards of underwater lighting.It is possible to change the mood with snap-off covers that provide a different ambiance so choose from red, blue, and green, although these are sold separately. This is not a temporary solution for pool lighting, Pentair has made a product that pool owners can enjoy long term. Fix it into the pool niches should your pool have them and an 18,000-gallon pool will find a 300-watt bulb more than enough.
- 50 ft cord
- Long term solution
- Reputable brands
- Can buy changeable prism lens covers
Best For Above Ground Pools: Intex Magnetic Pool Wall Light, 110-120V
Attaching to the wall via a magnet, this pool light is simple to install and easy to use. It can be used to illuminate pools of up to 24 ft and is powerful enough to light the inside and outside of the pool area. This adds to the ambiance, but also the safety of those walking around the area. The 26 ft cord is plenty big enough to reach most wall outlets and there is a color-changing mode.Attach the unit to the outside of an above ground pool and the bulb to the inside where it will transmit power through the magnets. This is a great solution for temporary pools so when the season is done and the pool is being packed away, the light can be stored until next time as well.
- 26 ft cord
- Illuminates inside and outside of the pool
- Color changing mode
- Works on pools of up to 24 ft
- Not for in-ground pools
Best Floating LED: LOFTEK LED Dimmable Large Floating Pool Lights Ball
Described as an orb light, these floating pool lights are fun but also provide a great source of light in multiple colors. Each one can be changed via a remote to tailor the ambiance of those warm summer nights at the pool and they are both waterproof and rechargeable. A full charge provides between 10 – 12 hours of use so there is plenty of time to switch between the 16 RGB colors.The outer is made from quality polyethylene so they are built to last and we like that they can be used in both in-ground and above ground swimming pools. Switch between the fade, strobe, flash, and smooth mode for different types of fun, knowing that evening swims will never be the same without them.
- 10-12 hours on a full charge
- 16 RGB colors
- 4 different modes
- Waterproof and rechargeable
- Different sizes available
- Can be expensive when buying more
Best Multipack: LOFTEK Floating Pool Lights 10 Packs with Timer
For a bit of fun after the sun, this 10 pack of floating pool lights come with a timer and plenty of color-changing options. There is a lot to like about these lights, not only are they waterproof and have replaceable batteries, but each one lasts between 30 – 70 hours. LOFTEK includes 6 spare batteries as well so the 3-inch spherical shapes can be put to good use.Use them in and above ground, or in-ground swimming pool and swim safely in the knowledge that they are free from lead, IR, mercury as well as UV. A fun option that is also safe to use and will provide a pleasant atmosphere for midnight swims.
- 10 in a pack
- Batteries last up to 70 hours and are replaceable
- Timer function
- Waterproof and drop-proof
- Balls are on the small side
Best With Bluetooth Speaker: Blufree Bluetooth Speakers with Colorful Lights
Ever fancied floating in the pool at night, listening to your favorite tunes without having to crank the volume up to neighbor annoying levels? This pool light with Bluetooth speaker makes that possible. It has a wireless range of 50 ft so a phone can be kept out of sight and a long 8-hour battery.In terms of the lighting, it has 7 different colors and different modes to choose from including different speeds of flashing and is chargeable via a USB cable. The device can spend up to 30 minutes submerged up to 3 ft so it is safe to say that floating on top of the pool is not going to cause it to break.
- 7 different colors
- Bluetooth speaker and connectivity up to 50 ft
- Chargeable via USB
- 8-hour battery life
- Speaker works better out of water
Best Wall Mounted: Roleadro Led Pool Lights
A good value pool light that offers the chance to change colors with the fun of multiple modes to choose from when looking to switch the mood. This is a wall-mounted design so there is an element of installation required but once it is done, there is a 16 ft power cord and a stainless steel outer to protect the device.The multiple modes are controlled remotely and the bulb has a lifespan of around 35,000 hours so it is going to last for many late-night swims. To ensure it works at its best, the pool light needs to be mounted at 50 cm under the water level and it will require a transformer that is sold secretly.
- 16 ft power cord
- Wall-mounted design
- 35,000-hour lifespan
- Does not include transformer 12V AC
Pool Lights Guide
One of the best parts about owning your own pool is being able to enjoy it at night. Having a leisurely dip or having a full-blown party can be made more special and fun when you buy quality pool lights. With so many to choose from and tonnes of options of more than just color, it is difficult to find a reliable product that will last.
To make sure those summer nights are memorable for the right reasons, we have created the following pool lights guide.
What To Look For In Pool Lights
Safety
Above all else, you need to be sure the product you buy has a reputation for safety. Reliability is one thing as you need a constant light source around the pool to stay safe, but you also need to know that if the bulb does blow for any reason, it won’t cause a hazard.
When it comes to the likes of LED lights, they generally come with additional safety features.
Easy Installation
The type of pool lights you buy will determine how easy they are to install and as with any permanent lighting you are going to have to hook them up to a power source.
This will naturally be more challenging than those that are either ball lights or other options that might run on batteries which require little to no installing.
Bulb Lifespan
Most pool lights come with bulbs that last a long time as durability is key around water. Look for something that has an LED bulb as these are the most efficient. The lifespan of these bulbs runs into the 10,000’s in terms of hours.
There are other options such as incandescent lights which will still last a long time, just not anywhere near as long as LED. The longer, the better because there is next to no maintenance involved.
Brightness
Some energy-efficient bulbs are not able to offer enough illumination compared to others which is why you need to be careful when it comes to your safety around the pool.
If you want to illuminate the entire pool area then you need permanent pool lights that are plugged into your mains. For this, consider a product that is installed directly into the pool.
Otherwise, some good options can illuminate the top of the pool by floating called ball bulbs.
Color Options
If you want to inject a bit of fun into a party then you can buy pool lights with bulbs that change color. This can create a pleasant glow in the water and the surrounding area.
Some even have different settings to change between the colors faster with different modes to try.
Suitability
Because a large pool has a bigger area to cover, you need to be sure that if you are looking for floating pool lights, you get enough of them and if you are buying a flush-mounted pool light, it has the power to illuminate the entire pool.
Benefits of Pool Lights
Not only is there a level of fun that can come with owning quality pool lights, but it makes the surrounding area a lot safer. Illumination is the key to being a responsible pool owner. Someone is less likely to fall in if they can see where they are stepping and if a child falls in, you are more likely to spot them with adequate lighting.
Another benefit is the appearance of your pool area. Whether you are entertaining or not, it is going to enhance the area and make it one you always enjoy spending time in.
Pool lights can help to set the mood and give a certain ambiance to an evening.
Different Types of Pool Lights
LED
One of the most common types of pool lights, LED bulbs tend to last the longest and are among the cheaper options. In terms of brightness, they are some of the brightest and there are plenty of options out there with different styles and color options.
Halogen
Arguably the brightest option to give you the most visibility these traditional bulbs are good for permanent fixtures. They aren’t as long-lasting but most products are pretty affordable.
Fiber Optic
These might cost you more but in terms of performance, they are up there with LED lights. Some of the brightest pool lights are fiber optic although they are not as long-lasting or energy efficient.
Underwater Vs Outer Pool Lights
Depending on the type of mood you want to set, but can offer their benefits. if you have an above ground pool, the underwater variety might not be as useful as connecting them could be challenging.
A universal option that can work with any pool is the floating ball lights. These require virtually zero maintenance, are cheap to run, and can offer a good amount of light when you purchase a quality product.
A flush-mounted pool light needs to be installed inside the pool but once it is up and running it does give an excellent glow to the entire pool. A lot will depend on your budget as well as permanent pool lights are generally more expensive.
Fiber Optic Vs LED Pool Lights
Although fiber optic lights are not as common, they are still available for a reason. Sure, LED pool lights are the most popular going but a fiber optic doesn’t use up a lot of energy and remains cool when illuminated.
LED lights are cheaper to run and both offer a good amount of brightness. LED lights also last longer with most people getting between 12 – 20 years out of a single bulb.
Are Pool Lights Easy To Install?
This depends on the type you are looking for. Floating pool light is pretty much good to go so you only need to place them in the pool for them to work. On the other hand, permanent pool lights are a different story.
Because they need to be hooked up to the mains, it is best to hire an electrician to do it for you.
