Q&A for How to Change a Pool Light

Not necessarily. If you can reach the screw holding the light assembly in place from outside the pool, you don't have to get into the pool to change the light.

You do not have to drain the pool if you can remove the light assembly.

Yes. Follow the steps on how to remove the light, and be sure to turn off the breaker first. If the globe surrounding your LED is sealed, and there are no tabs or screws holding the piece together, place the light in a 2% bleach concentrate for 24 hours. Follow that by letting the light sit in the sun, not submersed in water, for several days or until the condensation is gone. If there are no screws or tabs, use RTV sealant (caulk) at the seam, and allow to dry prior to re-installing. If it is a two piece, substitute the RTV caulk step by replacing the O-ring and re-tighten the bolts or screws.

They make a wedge just for that. Any pool store should have it or be able to order it for you if it's not in stock.

You have the right size; there is a break in the wiring between the breaker and the light/switch used to turn the light off/on, or a leak in one of your lights. In order to stop the breaker from tripping, you'll need to determine the source of the power "going to ground" (an electrician can help diagnose this problem). Putting a bigger breaker in place of the old one ensures only one of two things -- more damage to the electrical components or severe injury to you or anyone who comes in contact with the water.

Use brass. Stainless steel screws will corrode rather quickly when submerged underwater, while brass screws will not corrode.

This could be caused by various issues. Open up the fixture and make sure there isn't any water inside behind the lens. Dry the lens if it is wet. The dimming bulb may also need to be replaced.

You may need to use a pair of pliers to unscrew or pull out the screw and tabs. When you reinstall the light fixture, be sure to use brass screws (not stainless steel). You may need to replace the entire fixture, depending on how bad the corrosion is.

We have those temporary brown stains every fall from dropping acorns. It dissolves on its own in a few days.

I would imagine that that would be possible as long as they are the right size.

Anywhere from $500-$1000, depending on the size, quality and features, like colored light shows.

You should always replace the gasket when replacing the bulb. It’s probably leaking because of the gasket. It’s a cheap way to ensure no water gets in. Most people replace their bulbs every 10 yrs or so, so the gasket is usually worn from the chemicals.

No, but PLEASE make sure all power is turned off to the light! Open the junction box (or transformer box), disconnect, and tie a strong string to the light wire. Squirt an ample amount of dish detergent down the hole into the conduit. Wash it down with a quick squirt of water. This will lubricate the wire and help it slide out of the conduit. From inside the pool, remove the securing screw from the top of the light, tilt the light out and remove it from the wall niche. With one person at the junction box and one at the pool, begin sawing the wire back and forth to loosen it in the conduit. Eventually, pull the wire all the way out. Use the string to pull the new wire back in and reconnect.

You will need to remove the fixture from the pool wall and set it on the deck. Open the fixture and dry and inspect it. If all looks good, allow it to completely dry and replace the seal with the correct gasket, preferably silicone. Do NOT use any sealers or lubricants! Just make sure all surfaces are clean and dry. Sealants will "cook off" and make for a loose fit, creating a leak.

It doesn't reach the location you need it to go. If it is too long you will have extra, it is a good way to gauge, the cable will decide for you.

You shouldn't see any air bubbles, since there should not be any water inside of the fixture (behind the lens) itself. Pull the fixture back out and dry everything out with a towel. Before reinstalling the fixture, you'll probably need to purchase a new gasket if the old one was leaking.

Most pool lights are set at a fixed angle, so you won't be able to change the angle. Some types of LED lights can be adjusted between wide and narrow angles. If this is what you're dealing with, you can adjust the angle by twisting the lens/gasket on top of the fixture. There should be an arrow that points to "W" or "N."

Yes. LED lights draw less power, so no problem there. Just get an LED bulb that is the same size as the one you are replacing.

Take the housing completely out of the water and place on deck first before removing the lens covering the bulb. Yes, it is possible for rust to allow moisture inside. Replace the ring and allow any condensation to dry before replacing the lens.

If your pool fixture doesn't have screws, it is most likely hold in tabs that you must push with a flat head screwdriver to detach the fixture.