What is LED Pool Lighting?

Light-emitting diode (LED) is a type of lighting technology that uses light-emitting diodes as the source of illumination. LEDs are semiconductor devices that emit light when an electric current flows through them. This differs from incandescent lights which use an electrical current to heat a metal strip until it glows or, CFLs that pass electricity through a gas and use an ultraviolet coating to produce visible light our eyes can see. 

Why Choose LED Lights for Your Swimming Pool?

LED lighting has changed pool illumination, they are brighter, more energy efficient and come in many colours and shades. enhanced brightness, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you have a fibreglass pool or are considering upgrading your pool lighting, using LED lights is a game-changer. LED lights don’t just look great; they’re cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and safer for your swimming pool with LED lights, providing long-lasting benefits that traditional lighting can’t match.

 

Types of Pool LED Lights for Fibreglass Pools

LED lighting offers versatility and style to pool illumination. From inground lights that provide sleek visibility to floating and landscape lights that add flair to your backyard, there’s an LED solution to fit every aesthetic and functional need. Whether you’re aiming for practical illumination or a splash of creative ambience, LED lights can transform your swimming pool with LED lights into a stunning focal point.

• Inground Pool Lighting
  For fibreglass pools, inground LED lights enhance visibility and create a sleek, modern look. These lights can be installed on walls or steps for a clean, flush-mounted finish.
• Floodlighting
  Floodlights provide wide-area illumination around your pool, perfect for pool owners looking to brighten their entire pool area at night.
• Floating Pool Lights
  Floating LED lights add a touch of creativity, powered by solar or batteries, making them great for a unique look.
• Landscape Pool Lighting
  Complete the look of your fibreglass pool with landscape LED lighting, which can be used to illuminate walkways, plants, and decking.

 

8 Benefits of Using LED Pool Lights for Fibreglass Pools

1. Brighter Lighting

LED lights offer superior brightness compared to halogen bulbs, ensuring your swimming pool is fully visible, even on the darkest nights. Their broader, clearer beam spreads light more evenly across your pool, eliminating the dim, yellowish cast that halogens often produce. Additionally, LEDs turn on instantly at full brightness, providing immediate illumination with no warm-up period. Their durability and resistance to wear ensure that your pool stays well-lit with less maintenance and more reliable performance.

 

2. Energy-Efficient and Environmentally Friendly

Unlike halogen bulbs that waste energy by producing excessive heat, LED pool lights operate efficiently, using only a fraction of the power. This means lower electricity bills and less impact on the environment. With LED lights in your swimming pool, you reduce carbon emissions while enjoying bright, long-lasting illumination. Plus, their durability leads to fewer replacements, cutting down on waste and landfill over time, making them an eco-friendly lighting choice for fibreglass pools.

 

3. Cost-Effective

While the initial cost of LED lights may be higher than traditional bulbs, the long-term savings make them a smart investment. LED pool lights consume significantly less energy and have a much longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and lower electricity bills. By switching from halogen to LED lights, pool owners can save hundreds annually.

 

4. Longer Lifespan

LED lights significantly outlast traditional lighting options, including halogen, incandescent, and CFL bulbs, making them the ideal choice for swimming pools. LEDs typically have a lifespan between 20,000 and 50,000 hours, translating to roughly 17 years of use when operating for 8 hours a day.

This far exceeds the lifespan of incandescent bulbs, which last around 1,000 to 2,000 hours, and CFLs, which range between 10,000 and 25,000 hours. Unlike incandescent bulbs that fail suddenly when the filament breaks, LEDs gradually dim over time, maintaining at least 70% of their original brightness (known as L70) by the end of their lifespan. This gradual fading provides a reliable lighting experience and fewer unexpected outages.

Several factors influence the longevity of LED lights but heat sensitivity is a key consideration, as LEDs are more susceptible to damage from overheating than traditional bulbs. LEDs require proper cooling to avoid heat buildup so they perform best in cooler environments like when they are installed in the ground and surrounded by 10,000 litres of water in your pool! 

 

 

5. Visually Appealing

With vibrant colours and customizable settings, you can create stunning visual effects, perfect for setting the mood for any occasion. LEDs also have a higher colour rendering index (CRI), higher CRI values produce brighter, truer colours. So, if you’re going for a specific look to match your home decor lights with high CRI values LEDs are the better option over halogen bulbs for example. Plus, advanced RGBW technology allows for deep, rich tones and crisp whites, transforming your fibreglass pool into a visually captivating feature, whether for a party or a peaceful swim.

 

6. Low Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of LED lights is their low maintenance requirements. Their long lifespan means less frequent replacements, which is especially useful for underwater or hard-to-reach pool lights. Many LED models are designed with one-piece mouldings that prevent water damage, further extending their life. Depending on usage, you might only need to replace your pool’s LED lights every 8 to 10 years, saving you time, effort, and the hassle of constant upkeep.

 

7. Easy to Automate

LED pool lighting systems offer seamless automation, making it easy to control the lights with timers, dedicated controllers, or mobile apps. Whether you’re adjusting the brightness, changing colours, or scheduling the lights to turn on and off, automation provides convenience and energy efficiency. With the touch of a button, you can create the perfect ambience for pool parties or quiet evenings, all while reducing energy costs by ensuring the lights are never left on unnecessarily.

 

8. Safe to Use

LED lights are a much safer option for your swimming pool, as they operate on low voltage, significantly reducing the risk of fire hazards. Their cool-to-the-touch design prevents burns and helps protect fittings from heat damage. Additionally, with low UV emissions, LED lights help preserve your pool’s shell, equipment, and fittings, ensuring that your fibreglass pool stays in top condition for years to come.

 

How to Maintain LED Pool Lights

At the start of each swimming season, check all lights to ensure they’re functioning properly. If you notice flickering or unresponsive lights, it’s time to replace them. If the light cover appears hazy, it may be due to a buildup of scale, algae, or debris. Clean the cover gently to restore brightness. However, if the haze persists, dirt may have accumulated between the lens and cover, which could indicate a need for deeper cleaning.

If you suspect dirt between the lens and cover, carefully unscrew the fitting and use a microfiber cloth to clean the lens. Be cautious—if debris is present in this area, it might indicate a leak, which requires a pool professional’s inspection to determine if the fitting needs repair or replacement. Prompt attention can prevent long-term damage.

Another essential maintenance tip is to keep your pool water well-balanced. Proper water chemistry prevents the buildup of scale or other contaminants that could damage your LED lights and reduce their lifespan. Make sure the water level is above the casing of the LED lights to prevent discolouration or cracking caused by exposure to air and sunlight.

For any floating LED lights, remember to remove them from the pool when not in use. Extended exposure to water and sunlight can lead to wear, cracking, or even permanent damage. After each use, dry them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place to preserve their functionality.

Finally, avoid attempting electrical repairs yourself. Incorrect installations or repairs can pose safety risks to both swimmers and your pool’s system. Always consult a professional for complex electrical work to ensure proper installation and long-term performance.

 

LED Lighting OptionsFor Your Pool

Different colour lighting temperatures of LEDs can drastically change the atmosphere around your fibreglass swimming pool.

Lights come in various colours and temperatures and each one will affect how your pool and pool area feels. Generally, though, light is divided into 3 categories based on its colour. Yellow to red light is considered warm like the sun these colours fall on the kelvin spectrum from 1000 to 5,000 kelvins. Cool colours range from blue to purple and fall between about 6,000 and 10,000 kelvins. in the middle is your netral light which shows best at 5,500 kelvins. The colour of light you choose will affect the atmosphere of your pool. 

Warm White (3000K): A warm white light provides a softer, more natural glow compared to bright white, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It’s perfect for evening relaxation, giving your pool gentle, ambient lighting that highlights the water’s surface without being too harsh. Warm white lighting is ideal for those looking to create a serene and elegant nighttime pool setting.

As mentioned above – warm white lighting (2700K-3000K) emits a soft, amber glow, creating a cozy and inviting environment. On the other hand, cool white lighting (4000K-6500K) creates a bright and crisp look, adding energy and vibrancy to the pool. The cool light enhances water clarity and visibility, which is ideal for pools used for exercise or recreational activities although it may be a little harsh and sterile for your pool area.

Neutral white lighting (3500K-4100K) strikes a balance between the warmth of soft lighting and the brightness of cool lighting. This colour temperature provides good visibility without being too harsh.

Blue: Blue is the go-to colour for pools because it looks best in the water. Water naturally absorbs other wavelengths of light, making blue more vibrant and visually appealing. It gives the pool a calm and tranquil feel, perfect for evening swims. Blue lighting also provides excellent visibility, in water helping swimmers feel secure at night while really bringing out the look of the fibreglass pool.

Green: Green lighting creates a refreshing and unique look, particularly suited for pools with natural features like waterfalls or landscaping. It blends well with plant life, offering a natural, earthy vibe. Green is also effective in highlighting certain parts of the pool or surrounding areas, giving a distinctive, vibrant appearance while still maintaining visibility underwater.

RGB Options: RGB lighting offers versatility. With the ability to change between red, green, and blue (and often other colours), RGB lights allow you to customize the lighting to fit any occasion, from a tranquil evening to a lively pool party. You can set dynamic colour-changing patterns or static shades that match the mood or theme of the moment. 

When selecting LED colours, it’s important to match the mood and functionality of your pool area. Warm whites, blues, and greens are optimal for everyday use, while RGB systems provide flexibility for various events. Kids parties or BBQs can be a great time to use the full RGB effect and create a pool disco atmosphere.