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Best Pool Lights 2023 Reviews (LED, fixtures, floating, underwater and more…)

3. 5. 2020 last updated

Below you’ll find the selection of best pool lights available for online purchase. We’ve chosen pool lights of several different types: flush-mounted, surface-mounted, underwater and floating lights.

Classic, stylish look

Pricy, high-quality light from tried and tested manufacturer

Magnetic

Magnetic light for soft-sided above-ground pools

Stylish, brass look

Stylisth looking, brass underwater corded lamp

Choosing the right lights for your pool can be hard with all the options on the market these days. You want something that will keep everyone safe, but you also want to make the pool area attractive looking, especially if you entertain a lot. With all the options out there, you’ll have no problem finding enough lights to choose from.  You will however need to do some research to find out which ones will work best for your pool.

Flush-Mounted Underwater Pool Lights

Flush Mounted Underwater LED lights are mounted on the pool walls, and, since they do not stick out farther than the wall, they don’t break as easily. These are a popular option among new pools with LED lights more preferred than the regular halogen lights.

Flush mounted lights can be expensive to install unless you have enough room that was left during your pool’s construction. Halogen flush mounted lights require more maintenance and use more power than LED lights, but they do cost less.

Classic, stylish look

Pricy, high-quality light from tried and tested manufacturer

Plastic or metal

More affordable light with multiple face rim options

Modest and good

Affordable after-market, smaller-diameter option

Pentair 601301 IntelliBrite 5G White Underwater LED Pool Light

Pentair 601301 IntelliBrite 5G White Underwater LED Pool Light

Pentair 601301 IntelliBrite 5G White Underwater LED Pool Light

Features:

  • Comes with: LED light
  • Dimensions: 11 × 11 × 9 inches
  • Item Weight: 11.25 pounds

With a wider beam and more even light distribution, the Pentair IntelliBrite is an underwater LED pool and spa light that features superb lens geometry and a unique reflector design that is combined to make a wide beam with a more consistent light. It is also very versatile providing both wide and narrow beam patterns with a simple rotation of the lens.

Our tip

Pentair is one of established manufacturers of pool equipment including for example pumps, filters and heaters.

The IntelliBrite works with Pentair plastic and stainless steel niches and is available in 120-volt versions. This energy efficient light uses up to 85 percent less energy than what is used by comparable incandescent lights.

Buyer rating

The IntelliBrite received good reviews with the main complain that it has to be installed by a Pentair Representative to keep the warranty active. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Easy installation
  • Great color
  • Light is really bright
  • Light is pretty soft for an LED
Cons
  • Need to have Pentair rep install product to keep the warranty active

Hayward SP0583L50 AstroLite Pool Light

Hayward SP0583L50 AstroLite Pool Light

Hayward SP0583L50 AstroLite Pool Light

Features:

  • Comes with: LED light
  • Style: Stainless Steel / Thermoplastic
  • Dimensions: 11.3 × 11.3 × 9.8 inches
  • Item Weight: 4 ounces

If you like a lot of choices, the Hayward SP0583L50 AstroLite provides several attractive face rims to choose from including a sleek, machine-polished stainless steel to a patterned design that is injection-molded constructed of polypropylene that is durable and noncorrosive glass-filled polypropylene.

The Hayward AstroLite’s also come with a wide choice of wattages, voltages, and cord lengths to fit any installation circumstances, plus the E-Z Lock clamp and reflector assembly allow easy revamping. The Hayward AstroLite provides a great value for a quality pool lighting system.

Buyer rating

Most users were happy with the product with the only complaint coming from a buyer who received the light with a plastic face ring, rather than a stainless steeel one. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Well-designed
  • Easy installation
  • Looks good
  • Very bright
  • Good quality
  • Great performance
Cons
  • One user reported receiving a plastic face rim, not a stainless steel one

CNBRIGHTER LED Underwater Pool Light

Features:

  • Voltage: 12v-24 volt rated
  • Waterproof
  • Performance: 280 lumens, 30,000 hours

This is a waterproof light that comes with a 2 year warranty that is for use in swimming above ground or in ground swimming pools. This product requires DC 12v-24v or 12v AC. This is a cool white light (6000K).

Buyer rating

The product is currently rated at 4 of 5 stars on Amazon. Reviews note that the product is a great value but also that you may need a transformer to connect electrically, and that the cord with the light is short so there may be the need for an extension cord. The light is plenty bright and works well for most users. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Surface-Mounted Underwater Lights

Surface Mounted Underwater Lights are less difficult to install and can be retrofitted easily so you can upgrade the lights for your pool. They do stick out a little ways from the wall since they are not flush mounted making them easier to break.

Surface mounted lights are the standard in underwater pool lighting as they give ample lighting, and they are more inexpensive than other pool lighting choices. Again, halogen lights do use up more energy than LED lights use, although they are cheaper to buy.

Magnetic

Magnetic light for soft-sided above-ground pools

With screws

Screws onto walls of in-ground pools

Intex LED Pool Wall Light

Intex LED Pool Wall Light

Intex LED Pool Wall Light

Features:

  • Comes with: LED light
  • Dimensions: 5.9 × 10 × 7.9 inches
  • Item Weight: 2.9 pounds

Easy installation is always a great feature when you are talking about lighting. The Intex LED Pool Wall Light has a great option for above ground pools with soft sides. Using magnetic technology, this LED pool light generates more brightness than you will get with a 50-watt halogen pool light with a low voltage current that travels through your pool’s sidewall. It is easy to place along the side wall of your pool and features a standard 120-volt plug and 23-foot power cord.

Using the convenience of magnets, this very bright LED light will float if it is dislodged from its base. The Intex LED Pool Wall Light is used in above ground pools only (such as Intex Pools) and uses low amounts of electricity, but gives you long lasting illumination.

Buyer rating

Most users were happy with the product with the biggest complaint coming from the lack of a switch on the product. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • It is really bright for such a little light
  • Super strong magnet
  • Does not leak
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • There isn’t an on and off switch, you have to unplug it to turn it off

Roleadro Led Pool Light

Features:

  • Waterproof
  • Multicolor
  • Remote Control
  • LED
  • Easy to Install

This is a waterproof light for above-ground or in-ground pools that comes with easy to read instructions that make installation a breeze. It has an above average lifespan of 35,000 hours, and comes with a remote control and a mounting bracket for easy installation. This light is a 12V AC and will not operate off of 110 or 220 power.

Buyer rating

This product is currently rated with 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers praise the remote and variety of colors and modes of light, as well as it’s ease of install. One reviewer who had initial issues with the product praised the customer service team for sending her a new unit (no issues) quickly and without issue. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Underwater Lights

Are you having a pool party? Then you may want to consider one of the underwater feature lights below.

Stylish, brass look

Stylisth looking, brass underwater corded lamp

Set of 4

Set of 4 corded lights with suction cups

Set of 2

Simple, cheap lights that sink to the bottom

Single piece

One multi-colored battery-powered light with a suction cup

Our tip

Since we’re talking parties, even wished you had your own swimming pool slide?

MIK Solutions Underwater Brass Light

Features:

  • Energy Rate: Runs on 12 Volts.
  • Metal Housing: Sanded Brass.
  • Replaceable Bulb: Includes a 7W MR16 LED bulb.
  • Power Cable Length: 26 feet.
  • Requires: A low-voltage (12V) transformer.

This underwater LED (light emitting diode) lamp is made with a solid, corrosion-resistant brass housing. It is a sturdy unit ideal for illuminating garden ponds, fountains, and water-features in pools.

The LED bulb chamber is water-tight using a silicone gasket and 4 Phillips-head screws. It includes a 7 Watt MR16 2700 warm white LED bulb which can be replaced with any other fitted MR16 LED’s should the customer wish for a different color or intensity.

This unit requires a low voltage 12V transformer to guarantee safe function and must be fully submerged to prevent overheating when in use. This makes it ill-suited for garden illumination despite it being water-tight.

Buyer rating

This submersible LED lamp has 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 21 reviews. People who have purchased it seem very pleased with its performance and praise its sturdy construction stating it is well-sealed and provides adequate illumination. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros

  • Brass body.
  • Low voltage means it’s very safe.
  • Replaceable bulb.
Cons
  • Requires a low voltage transformer.
  • A bit expensive.

Bottom Line

Fancy underwater LED lamp that provides a safe, low-voltage light source for illuminating a variety of water-related home and garden features.

MUCH Underwater Light, Multi-Color Spot Light (Set of 4)

MUCH Underwater Light, Waterproof IP 68 Submersible Spotlight

MUCH Underwater Light, Waterproof IP 68 Submersible Spotlight

Features:

  • Made from high grade material
  • Size: 8” (L) x 2.8” (W) x 3.8” (H)
  • Weight: 6 lbs.
  • Waterproof
  • 36 LED lights with 7 patterns and auto-cycling feature
  • Stands at 180° angle to rotate at all directions
  • Up to 10 hours of continuous lighting
  • Environmentally friendly. Does not produce UV or IR radiation
  • 22 feet long cable

Colorful lighting adds life to a party. The Much underwater lights can be placed in swimming pools or under waterfalls to light up an occasion or can be used as décor in gardens, aquarium or a fountain. They’re great for at-home events or parties and can boost up the mood.

The 36 LED lights reflect 7 different patterns that change every 2 seconds. 

They are relatively small than ones at disco clubs or bars but emit noticeable lighting.

Buyer rating

Buyers are quite impressed by how bright and colorful the lighting is and how they can be set up in different areas for decoration. Some people have complained about the suction cups not being able to hold onto a surface while a few were not happy with the light shift pattern. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Bright lighting
  • Light weight
  • Easy to set up
  • Durable
Cons
  • Suction cups not as strong

Qoolife Submersible LED Lights

Qoolife Submersible LED Lights

Qoolife Submersible LED Lights

Features:

  • Comes with: 2 lights
  • Dimensions:7” (H) x 2.7” (L) x 1.1” (W)
  • Power: 3 AAA Batteries
  • Battery Life: 10-12 hours
  • Color: 16 different variations
  • Wattage:4 watts
  • Control: Remote powered

These waterproof LED lights provide a simple way to light up your pool or spa for fun parties and events. They come equipped with 16 different color variations and three different color modes (static, strobe, and glow). Each light features ten bright LED chips and has a range of 24-30 ft.

The lights twist on and off so you can open them to replace the batteries. They have a durable plastic shell with a waterproof ring (seal) to prevent water from getting inside and ruining the electronics.

Qoolife includes a remote control so you can change and adjust the lighting while the units are submerged. There is no manufacturer information on the range of the remote, but some reviewers complain that it’s difficult to control the lights when they’re in the water.

The lights also do not come with any form of mounting or suction, so it’s recommended that you throw them in the water and remove them when the party’s over.

Buyer rating

The product has received 3.5 stars out of 5 with most users being satisfied by the brightness and color variations of the lights. Reviewers say that the lights are a big hit at parties and have helped transform their entire backyard. The most common complaints focus on issues with water getting inside the lights and lack of range on the remote control. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Bright LED bulbs
  • Fun colors
  • Affordable
  • Comes with 2
Cons
  • Short range remote
  • Reliability issues

 

GlowTub Underwater Remote Controlled LED Light

Features:

  • Battery Powered: 3x AAA batteries.
  • Water-tight: Double-sealed with an interior and exterior silicone gasket.
  • Settings: 16 different static RGB colors with several effects including fade, strobe, and color cycling.
  • Remote: Splash-proof remote controls colors and effects.

This submersible LED (light emitting diode) from GlowTub is an affordable unit intended for smaller bodies of water like bathtubs, spas, or fountains. It can also be used in pools, though there are probably more powerful options that would be better suited to illuminating larger bodies of water effectively.

This unit provides sixteen different colors and several illumination effects. It includes a suction cup which allows it to be adhered to smooth surfaces. It is sealed with an interior silicone gasket as well as an outer plastic gasket making it very water-tight. The remote is only splash-proof however, so care should be taken when in use.

It is powered by three AAA batteries which can be accessed and replaced as needed, but unfortunately are not included with the unit. The remote uses a button battery, and though it’s model and size are not specified, the manufacturer says it can also be replaced when needed.

The remote’s range is short when the light is submerged, but this is considered normal as water is very effective at interrupting most wireless signals.

Buyer rating

This underwater LED unit has 3.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 289 reviews. Customers have stated that while they are happy with the price, the unit can be finicky with its remote functions, and has a tendency to fail after being left submerged for long periods of time. It’s probably a best practice to remove from the water source when it’s not in use. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Double-sealed and water-tight.
  • Batteries can be replaced.
Cons
  • Remote range is low, when the unit is submerged.
  • Batteries not included in the unit, but are included in the remote.

Bottom Line

Affordable underwater LED unit that has multiple color and effect settings but seems to be intended for temporary submersion versus as a permanent fixture in a water-feature or pool.

Floating Pool Lights

If you are throwing a party, getting a few floating or submersible lights will create a great party atmosphere. Not only do they give you a great effect, the lights themselves come in all kinds of colors, sizes, and shapes for a fun-filled addition to your next barbecue.

image title price summary button
Ocean Blue AquaLight Floating Pool Light Ocean Blue AquaLight Floating Pool Light Dollar coin iconDollar coin icon Battery-powered, providing warm white light in all directions underwater CHECK PRICE NOW
AosKe Floating Ball Light AosKe Floating Ball Light Dollar coin icon Battery-powered with remote control to change colors CHECK PRICE NOW
Blibly Solar LED Lights Inflatable Blibly Solar Powered Floating Light Dollar coin icon Affordable floating solar-powered LED lamp CHECK PRICE NOW
LOFTEK LED Dimmable Floating Pool Lights Ball LOFTEK Floating Color Changing LED Dollar coin icon Floating RGB LED balls CHECK PRICE NOW
 Intex Floating LED Pool Light, Solar Powered with Auto-On at Night Intex Floating Solar Charged Light Dollar coin icon Solar-powered by popular brand Intex CHECK PRICE NOW

Ocean Blue AquaLight Floating Pool Light

Ocean Blue AquaLight Floating Pool Light

Ocean Blue AquaLight Floating Pool Light

For an easy option to light up your pool, the Ocean Blue AquaLight is a handy and convenient light that is rechargeable and will light up your pool for about eight hours. It floats on your pool’s surface and lights up an area of about 20 x 40 feet. It is easy to use, just turn it on and drop it in and you will get 360 degrees of warm light for up to twelve hours on a single charge.

The Ocean Blue Lights are perfect for any pool or pond. This is a convenient option that allows you to light up your pool without the cost and hassle of a lighting system. It is constructed with a strong outer casing that can withstand being dropped.

These lights will also not fade in direct sunlight, and its rechargeable battery will give you 10,000 hours of light. The Ocean Blue Lights come equipped with rechargeable batteries and a charger and has an 11-inch diameter.

Buyer rating

Most people enjoyed this product. Some negatives included users that were disappointed with the small area that the lights were able to light up. Others had problems with the switches failing. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Gives you a nice glow
  • Lights up a pretty decent sized area
  • Easy to use and will stay lit for hours
  • Simple to charge, just like charging your phone
Cons
  • A little on the expensive side for some people
  • Some people were not happy with the small area the product lit up
  • Some people had problems with switches that failed

AosKe Floating Ball Light

AosKe Floating Ball Light

AosKe Floating Ball Light

The perfect floating ball light that can be used indoors or outdoors, the AosKE Floating Ball Light is waterproof, rechargeable, wireless, and energy efficient. Great for creating a romantic atmosphere or a fun party ambiance for barbecues, the AosKe Floating Ball Light work well in bad weather, are portable, and easy to move around.

Featuring blue, green, and red color, the AosKe also features a dynamic mode that changes automatically, and it can also create a yellow flickering candle effect. Constructed of LED mood light, the AosKe floating LED lights are waterproof and have an indestructible diffuser.

Buyer rating

The reviews left for this product were in most cases either a full 5 stars, or only 1 star. Several users were not happy that you only get one ball for the price which they felt was pretty expensive for what you get. Others were disappointed with the quality of the product. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Great accent for parties
  • Work in the water with no problem
  • Convenient remote control for changing colors
Cons
  • A little on the expensive side

Blibly Solar Powered Floating Swimming Pool Light

Features:

  • Solar Powered: Charges the lithium-ion battery during the day.
  • IP68 Water-proof.
  • Settings: 16 different static RGB colors with four effect modes.
  • Remote: Splash-proof remote controls colors and effects.

This floating LED (light emitting diode) from Blibly is a fairly affordable unit intended for outdoor use in a pool or spa. It is available in two sizes, and is completely solar-powered, charging its lithium-ion battery during the day, and shining with the collected energy at night.

This lamp has sixteen different RGB colors and four illumination effects. It is controlled by a battery-powered remote both for activation as well as settings. One remote can control several units simultaneously and has an effective range of up to 13 feet.

The lamp is completely controlled by the remote and there are no buttons on the actual device. This has frustrated some customers that received defective remotes, though it makes sense from a manufacturing perspective to guarantee the product as water-tight.

Buyer rating

This floating LED lamp has 3.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 127 reviews. Customers seem split about the quality of this product. Those happy with their purchase state that the lamp works well and shines for the entire evening after a day of changing in the sun. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros

  • Solar-powered.
  • Remote can control several units.
Cons
  • Remote is the only way to use the device.
  • Some users reported DOA (dead on arrival) units.

Bottom Line

Affordable floating solar-powered LED lamp that has multiple color and effect settings that can be controlled via remote.

LOFTEK Floating Color Changing LED Balls

Features:

  • Battery Powered
  • Water-tight: IP65 rating with gasket for battery compartment.
  • Settings: sixteen static RGB colors, five brightness settings, and four lighting modes.
  • Four Sizes: 3”, 8”, 16” and 24” available.

These multi-color floating LED balls made by LOFTEK produce sixteen different RGB colors and have four effects settings: fade, smooth, flash, and strobe. Using the included remote, or a button on the bottom of each orb allows the user to change the color and settings.

They are made with high-quality vinyl and have an IP65 water-proof rating which makes them ideal lights for pools, spas, or other bodies of water during social occasions that include use of those facilities.

Each ball has a removable base which includes the battery and bulb. This part can be replaced in event of failure outside of warranty.

Buyer rating

These floating LED orbs have 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 389 ratings. Customers are generally pleased with the product stating it was well built and had a good lifespan. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros
  • Available in various sizes.
  • Child-safe design.
Cons
  • Larger models are expensive.

Bottom Line

Floating RGB LED balls that create mood-lighting for social gatherings centered around pools, spas, and other water oriented occasions.

Intex Floating Solar Charged LED Pool Light

Features:

  • Solar Powered: Lithium-ion battery charges while in sunlight.
  • Settings: Static white and shifting colors.
  • Automatically turns on at night and off at sunrise.

This floating LED (light emitting diode) from popular brand Intex is solar-powered. Panels on top of the unit charge a lithium-ion battery during the day that is sealed inside. When activated, it shines light underneath it illuminating the body of water it is placed in.

The unit has two light settings: One is a static white light that shines brightly, the second is a shifting palate of colors that is a bit more muted. Activation of the unit as well as light settings are controlled from a button on top of the device.

This floating lamp also includes an Automatic on-and-off function. When activated, the lamp will turn on and off as it senses light. Once the sun sets in the evening, the lamp will activate and start using power from the charge accumulated that day; and when it detects light in the morning, will shut itself off and resume charging.

Buyer rating

Intex’s floating pool lamp has 3 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 355 ratings. Customers that were pleased with their purchase state that the lamp works well and shines long into the evening. However, some customers stated that their unit was poorly sealed and failed because of water damage. Click here to see the customer reviews for yourself

Pros

  • Solar-powered.
  • Bright.
  • Automatic.
Cons
  • Internal components sealed inside and cannot be repaired.

Bottom Line

Perfect pool lighting solution for above-ground pools that don’t have access to other forms of illumination.

Buying Guide

What to Consider

Light types

There are three major pool light types: LED, Halogen, and Incandescent. The older incandescent bulbs are like the standard bulbs you use in your home which only provide a white light. The Halogen lights are more compact and use less power than standard lights, but they will only produce a white light.

The LED bulbs are the newest lights on the market, and they come with many advantages. They are cheaper to use since they use less energy, although they are more expensive to purchase at the beginning. Some LED bulbs also feature up to five colors of light in different programs.

Voltage: 12V vs. 120V

Either 12V or 120V will be used to operate the lights for your pool. Depending on where you live, you may have a local code that requires the lower voltage of 12V light while other areas allow the 120V light to be used, so it is important to find out what your local code says.

Power

Measured by watts, power has the general rule of thumb that it costs more to run a light that has a higher wattage. LED lights tend to run between 30W and 90W while incandescent lights run between 100W to 500W. This means that LED lights are more efficient, and they reduce your electricity costs in the long run.

Brightness

The brightness of a bulb does not vary from of a 12V and 120V. Lumens is usually the way brightness is measured, but it is published inconsistently. Basically, the higher the wattage for incandescent lights, the brighter the light will be. It is harder to figure out the brightness of LED lights, but generally, they will be brighter for a higher wattage.

Face Ring

There are generally two face ring options, either plastic or stainless steel. Plastic rings are generally white, but can also be found in black and gray.

Cord Length

Some lights will come with a power cord that is permanently attached. They will come in varying lengths from 15’ to 150’, and the 30’, 50’, 100, and 150’ are the most common. Make sure when you purchase a pool light that the cord is long enough to get from the power source to your pool plus about 10 feet.

Compatibility

Niches are installed when the pool is built and the contractor places permanent fixtures into the pool’s sides to hold light fixtures. There are some lights that are compatible with any niches, but in most cases, lights aren’t going to be compatible unless you use the original manufacturer lights the niche was created for.

Bulb Replacement

You can easily replace most halogen and incandescent light fixtures. If you want to put in a color-changing light bulb, you will find that you can only convert a couple of incandescent light fixtures, but the rest of them will need a complete light fixture change, although there is a color light bulb conversion for halogen lights.

Remote Control

Like lights that can be switched on and off with a wall switch or control box, LED lights have color changing features and light programs. If you want to sync multiple LED lights so that they can be controlled together, it is possible to connect them together through one switch and a common junction box. There are also newer LED lights that come with a remote control, so that you can select the programs or colors easily.

Types of Pool Light Bulbs

There are positives and negatives to each type of pool bulb. Some bulbs that are cheaper might be a good deal now, but down the road when you have to make multiple replacements, it probably isn’t such a good deal.

Halogen – Halogen bulbs have been very popular bulbs for spas and pools that were a great way to upgrade the intensity of your lighting and lower the power you used. They are still used a lot today and are the most popular replacement bulbs.

Compact Florescent – Compact fluorescent light bulbs use less energy than regular incandescent bulbs and last six times longer. Unfortunately, they are sensitive to being switched on and off making them more likely to fail. They also tend to have lower illumination levels and poor lighting ability around pools.

LED – LED’s use about a quarter of the energy that is used by a standard bulb, and they last 40 times longer. They emit deep rich colors that are eco-friendly, but they do cost more than a standard bulb at their initial purchase. If you factor in the savings over time, they become a more cost effective option than other light bulbs.

Conclusion

When you start shopping for new lights for your pool, you will see that there are a lot of choices when it comes to lighting your pool and the surrounding landscape. With all the options, this can be a tough choice, but if you do your research you should be able to find the best pool lights on the market for your needs.

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Article author

Peter Lloyd
Peter Lloyd

Author and editor with LeisureRate.com since 2017.

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