Lighting up your pool does not have to be a hard task. You can purchase them online. But, because of the many products available on the market, you might have a hard time deciding which is the right product for you.
If you know what to look for, it would not be that hard at all. To help you find the best lights for above ground pool, we have listed and reviewed six products that you can consider buying. In this review, we have included the essential features you need to focus on, and the pros and cons of each product.
How to find the best above-ground lights for my pool?
Look for lights that do not require draining or drilling. Also, it is best to consider the manner of diffusing the light. Choose the one that disperses light evenly in your entire pool with simple installations. Many will even install fast by utilizing the pool’s existing return fitting. Many homeowners can have their lights placed in 15 minutes or less without interfering with the flow of their water lines.
Led lights are usually the best choice in this category because they last longer and use less energy. Halogen lights are often less expensive upfront, but their operational expenses can be up to 80% greater than their led equivalents.
For the most outstanding results, look for ul/ca-rated lights and feature a weather-tight sealed transformer.
3 Best Lights for Above Ground Pool Comparison
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7 Best Above Ground Pool Light in 2022
1. SEURON LED Pool Light
This LED pool light is suitable for above-ground pools of almost any form or size. This is because they are magnetically attached to the pool’s side. If the magnet separates from the light, the unit has a built-in flotation device, so you don’t have to worry about walking on the light by accident.
Magnetic Technology
The illumination is bright, and you won’t have to worry about batteries being exposed to your pool water because you won’t be using them. This is without a doubt one of the most basic lighting solutions available today.
Generates Safe Low Voltage Current
Low voltage current is safely generated and directed through the pool’s sidewall to a bright LED light inside the pool.
Dusk to Dawn Photocell Sensor
With a built-in dusk-to-dawn photocell sensor, the light will turn on at night and switch off during the day. You’ll save time, effort, and money.
Pros
- Easy to install
- With multiple color options
- Magnetic attachment, you can position it anywhere
- Waterproof IP68
- Can illuminate up to 28 ft
Cons
- It does not work on a metal pool, so make sure to check your pool before ordering.
2. Pentair 98600000 2010 Aboveground Light
The Pentair 98600000 2010 above ground pool light is considered the best model in the industry today. The good thing with this unit is that it perfectly fits into the regular-sized hole, which most above-ground pools are using. By doing this, you will not void the warranty by utilizing this light. This makes installing the light very easy.
If you are looking for a pool light that can be attached with ease to your vented return, the pool light uses a halogen bulb that can last up to 3,000 hours. If you want to enhance the look of your pool, you can use the standard white light, or you can choose the one with colored lenses.
It will only take you less than 20 minutes to complete the installation. For pool owners who are not very handy, this is a good choice. This model is available in blue and green light-changing discs, so you can illuminate the pool with those colors if you want to.
The lights work off on a 12-voltage current and included in the package is a pre-wired transformer to make it run efficiently. Also included is a 25-foot power cord, and the whole package conforms to all the safety requirements. Because of the ability of the light to brighten even a large pool, the model is recommended for those who want their light for aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- Standard in size and fits perfectly into the water return hole
- Also available in light-colored discs
- Easy to install and enhance the aesthetics of any pool
Cons
- A bit expensive
3. NiteLighter NL100 LED
The above-ground swimming pool offers several hours of daytime fun, but at night, will the enjoyment stop? With NiteLighter NL 100 LED, you can continue the fun as it can illuminate the water at night so you can keep the fun even when the sunset is down.
This above-ground pool light led is easy to install within a few minutes. It does not require drilling because it has a mounting bracket and thumbwheel that can secure the light easily under the top ledge of steel wall pools. Also, it has 28 inches cord to enable you to place the light exactly where it should be.
It is designed to work underwater. The best thing about this light is that it uses halogen technology not just to illuminate the pool but to enhance it as well. So you don’t have to buy a lot of them just to light up the pool area.
Everything you need goes along with this light. Aside from the long cord, the package also includes a 12-volt transformer, as well as the instruction manual to help you install the light appropriately. The good thing about this is that it will not affect your water filtration system.
The unit complies with all ETL and UL standards, so you are assured that it is safe to use. It is easy to replace the bulb. The light only needs two small two-prong halogen bulbs. You can buy the product at any hardware store.
Pros
- Complete package with everything needed for installation
- Halogen technology
- Complies with all the standards for pool use
Cons
- Has plastic construction material
4. S.R.Smith FLED-C-TR-30 RGB 5-Watt Pool Light
The S.R. Smith Fled is best for spas and pools, not just to illuminate them but to enhance them as well. The Treo LED light is 12 VAC, with a 5-watt LED for underwater lighting for the vinyl liner, fiberglass pools, and gunite. It features a well-integrated housing with a replaceable lamp design. The low-profile LED fits a 1.5 inches wall fitting.
This Treo LED pool light provides impressive illumination qualities, with equal light distribution. Its beam can reach a wider spread, eliminates the end shadow effect that is common with other pool lights. Treo has a 50,000-hour lamp life, with six lockable colors and two color change modes.
The color synchronizes with the light stream’s series of water features to make it a great value in the group of 12VAC products produced by S.R. Smith.
The lights are energy-efficient, so you don’t have to worry about your energy bills. It comes with a cord with lengths that vary from 30, 50, 80, and 150 inches. It has 49 color variations with four dimming control settings with a wireless remote. Also included is standard thread 1.5 inches diameter wall fittings.
Pros
- Uses energy-efficient LED lights
- It comes with extension cord 30 inches
- Easy to install with well-integrated housing
Cons
- Not bright enough as expected
5. S.R.Smith FLED-TM-C-30 TREO Micro LED 2-Watt
Just like the earlier product from S.R.Smith, this LED light can illuminate your pool and, at the same time, enhance the entire look of the pool area. This S.R. Smith micro-LED accent is a 12 VAC, 2-watt underwater light best for shelves, water features, and steps in gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools. It features a fully-integrated housing as well as lamp design. The product can fit a standard 1.5 inches wall fitting.
This long-life LED accent light is ideal for submersible features like spas, water features, and sun-shelves. It provides six bold colors with two-color shows. It is designed for use with 0.75 inches diameter conduit and has a fitting wall adapter. When it comes to color functions, the S.R. Smith has advanced color functionality having poolLUX Premier with 49 color variations as well as dimming control.
Pros
- Easy to install
- It can fit the standard wall fitting
- Illuminate the pool well and enhances the entire area
Cons
- May not be as durable as others
6. BlueWave NA408 Aqua Luminator Light Bulbs
The BlueWave NA408 replacement bulb for your Aqua Luminator will continue to brighten your pool and provide the illumination you need at night. It is designed to last for 3,000 hours to make sure it can provide the lighting that you need longer. As compared to other pool lights, this replacement bulb will help you experience the advanced hydro-optic technology up to 200% brighter.
This replacement aqua laminator light bulb is easy to use. It is compatible with standard wall fitting. The BlueWave NA408 can effectively illuminate the pool area and, at the same time, enhance the look of the pool at night. This is an essential accessory for your above-ground pool. It provides the required reliability and confidence that there will be no accidents while using it. Thus it will give you peace of mind when swimming at night above ground swimming pool lights.
You don’t have to worry about batteries as the lights run with the help of a transformer. These lights are safe to use and will not affect the pool filtration system. Attaching the light to the areas around the above-ground pool is easy. So you can continue using the pool at night.
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Illuminate the area well
- Handy replacement bulb
Cons
- The light is not as durable as others
Also read: How do you replace pool light niche
7. LEDMY Waterproof Super Bright LED Light
With Ledmy you don’t have to deal with individual lights. You can easily light up the pool area using a strip of lights that is 196 inches long. Ledmy waterproof lights have broader coverage and great construction. It can also provide up to 50,000 hours of light.
You will not have any problems with installation. The lights come with all you need to position them appropriately. Everything you need is included in the package like the glue, clips, and tape, so if you are a do-it-yourself handyman, you can easily install them.
The brand is very versatile, which makes them an attractive addition in your pool. You can use the light strip underwater or above the pool. Lighting up the entire area for safety and enhancement is easy. The company offers a 3-year warranty, so you get a worry-free purchase.
If you are looking for consistent lighting, having one light bulb is not enough for some pools. Rather than getting stuck in the dark areas in your pool at night or shedding out hundreds of dollars to buy multiple lights is not a good idea. Installing the Ledmy LED strip is more appropriate. You can clip, glued, or taped it in your pool and use it for hours.
Pros
- Very versatile and flexible that you can use it anywhere you want to
- It is composed of 50,000 hours of light
- The company offers a 3-year warranty
Cons
- You need to purchase the power supply separately
Things to Consider Before Buying The Pool Lights for Above Ground Pool
Some of the factors that you need to consider when purchasing your pool light are as follows:
Ease of Installation
The pool lights for the above-ground pool are easy to install. You just need to follow what is written in the installation manual. The manual is easy to understand as it is self-explanatory. However, a poorly manufactured model is quite a challenge to install. Fortunately, you can always choose the one that is easy to install.
Take note that not all LED lights can fit the fittings. It is an issue that you need to be careful about when purchasing to make sure that the lights will fit in your pool. Other units have a magnet that usually sticks on the wall while others just float around on the pool.
Brightness
LED lights have one primary function – to illuminate the swimming pool so you can see clearly at night. It does not matter how strong the unit is. You should not purchase it unless it is bright enough to illuminate the entire pool. Some pool lights can light the whole backyard. It is best to choose the one that will also work on our pathways.
On the other side, you should not get the excessively bright one.
More Features
The pool light’s primary function is not only to illuminate. There are other features that these lights offer. One of the most popular features is its ability to provide different colors. It is not a must for all, but a swimming pool used by children should have a different color. It makes swimming at night more fun and exciting, which children usually love.
The dimming ability is also a useful feature that you need to look at. This is not possible with other lights, but having this ability can make a difference between an ordinary one and a classic pool.
Efficient
The pool light requires you to spend some money, and you need to make sure that you get what you pay for when it comes to efficiency. The unit is quite affordable and will save you a lot of money when it starts to function, as it is energy efficient. It will provide some environmental benefits as a bonus.
Getting a bulb that heats up easily is not a good choice as it will end up losing brightness easily.
Benefits of above-ground pool lights
Above-ground pool lights are easy to install. They do not require complicated tools, draining, or drilling.
The lights will keep you safe when swimming at night and keep the swimmers visible while in the pool.
The pool light will provide a range of entertainment benefits, mainly if you are using lights that change colors and dance to the beat of the music.
It can illuminate the swimming area during a night swimming party.
Above-ground pool lights are more affordable and easier to maintain compared to underwater lighting.
Above-ground pool lighting provides a lot of options for lighting around your pool and patio.
Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQ)
a) How to Install Hayward Above Ground Pool Light?
In installing a Hayward above-ground pool light, you have to take precautionary measures as you will be dealing with electricity. Here are the steps on installing.
• Locate the existing light’s junction box or connection point.
• Disconnect the present light at the transformer or the junction box. Take the light out of the nook.
• Cut the light cord and place the light on the pool deck.
• Tape the cable ends after completely drying them.
• Snake Cord through Conduit
• Install lighting in the majority of niches
• Install a light fixture in the Pentair niche.
• Cut any excess cord and connect it to the junction box or transformer in the same way you did with the old light.
• Place the Trim Ring in place.
b) How to Remove Above Ground Pool Light?
• Turn off all of the lights in the pool and the circuit breaker.
• Turn on the pool lights to ensure the electricity is turned off.
• Remove the single screw-lock from the fixture’s top. It holds the light fixture to the pool wall.
• With a flat-head screwdriver, pry the light fixture out of the niche box.
• Place the pool lighting fixture on the pool decking and pull it up.
c) How to choose suitable above-ground pool lights?
When choosing the above ground pool lights, you need to consider several factors:
1. Types of Pool Lights
The three popular types of pool lights are the following:
Incandescent lights – it is the oldest type of pool light. As compared to others, it consumes more electric power than others. It can only provide white light.
Halogen lights – Compared to incandescent lights, halogen lights are more energy-efficient. It only offers white light.
LED lights – Energy-efficient, cheaper, and last long. This type of pool light is programmable and provides a white palette of colors.
2. Types of Fixtures
Pool lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the following being the most common:
• Fiber optic lights
• Floating lights
• Flush-mounted underwater lights
• Magnetic lights
• Surface-mounted underwater lights
3. Brightness Level
Pool lights come in a variety of brightness levels. Others may spray the pool area with bright white light, while others will do little more than inject mood.
4. Purpose
What you intend to use the lights for is the most crucial aspect of your purchase.
Are you looking for lighting to improve the safety of your pool? If this is the case, strategically placed lights are an excellent alternative, whether flush-mounted or surface-mounted. In comparison to fiber optics or incandescent, halogens and LEDs are the best bet.
Maybe you want lights to set a vibe. If that’s the case, you’ll probably find that floating lights are the most effective approach.
5. Pool Size
If you are installing the pool lights permanently, you need to check the dimensions and ensure enough space to accommodate them. For floating pool lights, size plays a vital role when choosing. For a larger pool, make sure the lights will not dominate your pool or get lost if they are pretty small.
6. Type of Pool
The best option for an above-ground pool is either the magnetic lights or the floating lights. You cannot install flush-mount lights in this kind of pool. In-ground pools can use magnetic lights.
7. Waterproofing
This should go without saying, yet companies are still selling outdoor lights that aren’t waterproof or submersible. Take it slowly and carefully.
8. Durability
Durable lights are not always expensive ones. Some are cheaper but can last for many years. The usual lifespan of LED lights is 50,000 hours.
9. Ease of Use
If you do not have any DIY experience, buying a surface-mounted light is not a good idea. Floating lights are installed using plug-and-play pool lighting. Just make sure you have enough batteries. Lights using a remote control are much easier to use.
d) Are Pool Lights Safe To Install?
Swimming pool lights, in general, can be highly safe to install and can provide an enjoyable environment for swimmers. However, ensuring that they are safe for all parties involved necessitates considerable consideration and planning. Before installing your new above-ground pool, ensure you use the proper voltage and high-quality equipment and keep these safety guidelines in mind
e) How Many Lights Should I Buy For My Pool?
Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted guideline for how many lights a pool should have. Below is the usual number of lights based on the pool size.
• Most pool contractors used to recommend a single pool light for small pools.
• For one light, a 15 x 30 pool is the maximum size we propose. If only one light is to be used for the entire pool, place it near the deep end in a narrow beam (if possible).
• Two lights might suffice for a 20 x 40 pool.
• A 20 x 42 pool will most likely require three lights. We recommend positioning the lights 5 feet from either end of the pool and evenly spaced between them for pools with three lights.
f) What Is the Best Type Of Pool Light For Above Ground Pools?
• Underwater pool lights are preferred if you need an underwater brightening system such as LED or bulb.
• Light color-changing pool lights are perfect if you want a colorful swimming experience.
• Pool wall light resembles the traditional swimming pool. However, this type can be hard to install.
• Floating pool lights are perfect if you are looking for a low-cost lighting system to illuminate your pool.
Conclusion
A light system for the above-ground pool is an excellent way to make sure your summer fun will continue even after the sun goes down. The type of light you will purchase will depend on other things, though it will depend on your discretion. The safety and fun of your pool can be increased by adding the best above-ground pool light.
Our top pick based on the above review is the Pentair 98600000 2010 Aboveground Light. It possesses all the qualities you will be looking for in a pool light. If you have something to share, feel free to comment below.