Are you tired of dealing with pool lighting that just won't work? While it may not be a serious problem, it can certainly be an irritating one if you don't know the cause or how to fix it. Before you panic, let's start with the basics (the old "is it plugged in?" solution).
Check Your GFCI Connection
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a fast-acting circuit breaker that shuts off electrical power if a ground fault occurs. You can find GFCI connections in areas of your home that have water sources, such as kitchens and bathrooms, as well as near pools. GFCI tripping caused by water intrusion is the most common cause of pool lighting failure, and fortunately, it's also the easiest to fix.
Simply press the RESET button on the GFCI connection to restore it to working order. If this doesn't solve the problem, you may need to replace the GFCI connection, but make sure to follow the next steps before resorting to this solution.
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Check Your Switch
If your pool lighting is connected to a switch, you should check the switch to see if a breaker has been tripped. If that's the case, it's likely the source of your problem. Simply flip it back, and you're good to go! Even if the switch doesn't appear to be tripped, it's still a good idea to try it as your first step. If everything looks normal and the lights still refuse to illuminate, you likely have an issue with the pool lighting itself. An electrician or pool specialist may need to measure the GFCI connection and switch capacity before considering light replacements.
Inspect Your Pool Lighting
If none of the previous options have worked, it's time to examine the light itself. Look for signs of water or "burned" marks inside the bulb. You can check for these signs without getting into the pool. No goggles required! If you see water inside the fixture, it means you have a leak. Leaks occur when the lens gasket (the seal between the bulb and the housing) breaks or if the light itself is cracked. If water gets inside the bulb, it will cause a short circuit.
While you can replace the entire light, it's much more cost-effective to replace just the bulb and gasket. If you're unsure how to do this, consult the PoolStar Command app for assistance. If it doesn't appear that a leak has damaged your light, you may simply have a faulty or overheated bulb. Replace it!
Read more: How to Install LED Strip Lights
Common Issues with Pool Lighting
When it comes to pool lighting, water intrusion is inevitable. Seals break over time, and plastic and glass components can crack. At some point, you'll likely need to replace one or more of your pool lights.
Unfortunately, completely avoiding water intrusion is difficult because, well... it's pool lighting. It's underwater. The water in your pool also serves as a coolant, preventing overheating.
Most pool lighting is incandescent, but newer LED pool lighting (especially the 1½" and 2" nicheless lights) is more prone to burnout due to lower profiles and waterproof channels, which significantly reduce the water cooling surface area.
If you have LED lighting, be prepared to replace the bulbs more frequently than if you have incandescent bulbs. Pool lighting burnout is an ongoing issue, but the pool industry is continuously working on product improvements to create an effective solution.
We believe that all pool lighting should transition to low-voltage LEDs to alleviate the strain on our overloaded electrical grid. States like California and Florida, for example, have mandated that people replace damaged high-voltage bulbs with low-voltage bulbs.
Advancements in low-voltage LED lighting systems have begun to deliver significantly lower failure rates and approach a three-year lifespan before issues arise. Fluidra's Jandy pool lighting is one of the best in the industry and leads the pack in operational longevity. Switching to low-voltage LED pool lighting can significantly reduce the number of problems you have to deal with each year.
Read more: What is the safety when installing LED strip lights
Download the PoolStar Command App!
Owning an in-ground pool is part of the American dream, but unfortunately, this aspect of the American dream comes with plenty of maintenance and upkeep, along with costs associated with that maintenance and upkeep.
Pools can be expensive (and frustrating), but the PoolStar Command app can help you stay ahead and keep your pool in top shape. Download the PoolStar Command app to access a variety of resources, tips, tricks, and guides related to pools, and compare your home's value with other homes with pools. PoolStar Command is a valuable resource that all pool owners should have at their disposal.
Additional Questions
How can I tell if my GFCI connection is in working order?
If your pool lighting isn't working, you can first check your GFCI connection. If the RESET button is off, it means the GFCI connection is not in working order. Simply press the RESET button to restore it to working order.
What should I do if I see a leak in my pool lighting?
If you see a leak in your pool lighting, you should replace the bulb and gasket. The leak can cause the light to short circuit and create the problem.
Why do I need to regularly replace bulbs in my pool lighting?
Bulbs in pool lighting need to be replaced regularly, especially if you have LED lighting. LED lighting has a shorter lifespan than incandescent bulbs and therefore needs to be replaced more frequently.
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