A backyard swimming pool usually has one or more underwater lights. It can also burn out just like the other bulb and will require a replacement—no need to lower the water level in your pool to replace the burned-out bulb. You can simply remove the light housing from the side of the pool, then remove the fixture on the poolside, and change the busted light bulb.
Of course, before you could replace a pool light fixture, you need to remove it and how you will do it?
Steps on Removing Pool Light Fixture
Here are steps on how to remove the pool light fixture.
Step#1 Turn Off the Power
Shut down the pool’s circuit breaker box. Some swimming pools are equipped to have their own breaker. If you do not see the pool breaker in your main box, check around. Maybe there is a second box for your pool.
Step#2 Remove the Screw at the Top of the Fixture
The screw-lock is the one that holds the light fixture to the pool wall. In almost all instances, this will be as large as the Phillips-head screw. Thus you need a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew it. Keep the screw in a safe place so it will not get lost.
Step#3 Pry the Light Fixture
With the use of a flat-head screwdriver, force the light fixture out. The majority of the light fixtures have a tab at the bottom so you can pull the fixture away from the wall. Loosen the fixture using a flat-head screwdriver.
Step#4 Pull the Lighting Fixture into the Pool Decking
You will find a lot of cord coiled up in the box. This will enable you to lift out the fixture and move it to the deck. Carefully draw the fixture and the cable into the pool deck and position it on the concrete surface.
How to Replace a Pool Light Fixture
Step#1 Remove the Lens and Cover
This step will vary depending on how old your pool is. Some tools will require you to move the screws to pull out the lens. This is common to the older pool. The newer pool, on the other hand, will have tabs that you need to pry loose. Take out the lens and make sure to put it in a safe place. Between the lens and the metal fixture, you will find the rubber gasket, remove it as well.
Note: Avoid splashing the water on the fixture when on the process of removing the gasket and lens.
Step#2 Remove the Old Bulb and Position the New One
After removing the gasket, you can reach in and get hold of the bulb. Loosen the bulb and unscrew it. When placing the new bulb, make sure you use a towel. Position the bulb at the center of the fixture and then twist it clockwise.
Warning: Do not touch the bulb directly. The oils you might have in your fingers can damage the halogen bulb, and it might burn out easily.
Note: Dispose of the old bulb properly.
Step#3 Turn On the Power and Test the New Bulb
Switch on the circuit breaker or the electrical pool box. Check if the light turns on. If it does turn the switch off right away. If you leave the pool light for around 5 seconds, it can burn the bulb out. This type of bulb used in pool lights is very hot. If you turn it on without water around it, it can easily get hot and overheat.
Step#4 Reinstall the Light Fixture
Now that you are done replacing the lens, it is time to reinstall the pool light fixture. Put the lens and gasket back to cover the bulb. As you put the light fixture back in place, use the edge of the towel to wipe any water that might drip into the fixture.
Step#5 Return All the Screws and Lock All the Tabs
Reverse the steps on the disassembling process to re-assemble the light fixture. Screw back all the screws that you have removed. Tighten them well, to press the gasket flat between the fixture cover and the lens.
Read more guide about replace pool light niche
Step#6 Place the Fixture Back
Return the fixture back into the niche that you have taken earlier. Insert again the screw using the Phillips head screwdriver make sure to tighten it well.
Step#7 Turn On the Power
Connect the circuits again and turn the light on to ensure that it is working correctly. If in case the light is not working, then you might be having a serious electrical problem. Then, you need to contact the pool’s manufacturer to get the right service.
Check out now the best pool light for an above ground pool.
Conclusion
Replacing a pool light fixture is not as easy as replacing a light bulb in your kitchen. The task requires careful handling of the light for replacement. If you don’t have any idea on how to do it properly, it is best to hire an expert to do it. Keep in mind all the safety precautions to prevent any problem in the future.