Changing your old pool light bulb all by yourself can be tempting – considering the labor costs it can save you. But, there’s a lot of risk involved. Especially, if you don’t have any prior experience dealing with pool equipment – one loose nut, misplaced wire, or wrong connection could lead to serious issues like electrifying your pool water, making it unsafe for swimming.

So, while it’s doable, we recommend calling in an experienced technician to handle it for you. 

Changing a pool light bulb can be a bit of a challenge – definitely not as straightforward as swapping out a bulb in your living room. 

The main issue is the environment: you’re dealing with water, which introduces a whole set of safety concerns. First off, water and electricity don’t mix well; even a small slip can lead to accidents.

Secondly, working underwater or near the pool’s edge can limit your visibility and make it tricky to handle tools. Plus, you often have to work in awkward positions while maintaining precision (which isn’t easy to do). If the light fixture is deep in the pool, you may even need a snorkel or a diving mask to get a clear view of what you’re doing.

Changing a pool light bulb without draining your pool is possible but also a smart decision for several reasons. 

• Saves Time: Draining a pool is time-consuming, taking hours or days to empty and refill, followed by rebalancing the pool’s chemistry. By changing the bulb while the pool is still full, you can save considerable time and effort.
• Saves Money: Keeping your pool filled while changing the bulb helps you avoid the high water bill and the costs of chemicals to rebalance the water all over again. This includes not just chlorine but also stabilizers, algaecides, and other necessary treatments.
• Prevents Water Wastage: Draining thousands of gallons of water just to change a bulb is not environment-friendly. As a responsible pool owner, it is important to consider that.

That being said, changing pool lights on your own without draining water is not for FIRST-TIME DIYers. A better idea would be to let a professional handle it the first time your pool bulb burns out, observe how it’s done, and try it the second time a replacement is needed. 

Here are 7 steps to follow to replace your pool light bulb safely without professional help:

Step 1: Get Your Tools and Supplies

Having these tools on hand means you won’t need to pause and search for something mid-job. 

• Paper towels or soft cloths (for drying the fixture)
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (for different screw types)
• Mounting hardware (like screws if needed)
• Multimeter (to check if the power is off)
• New gasket (to ensure watertight sealing)
• Replacement pool light bulb

Step 2: Cut off the Pool’s Power

Safety first – Find your pool’s circuit breaker and turn off the power. 

This breaker should be labeled “pool” or something similar. If your pool has a separate breaker box near the pool, check there. To make sure the power is completely off, try turning on the pool light or pump – nothing should turn on if the power is truly off.

Using a multimeter to double-check for any remaining electrical current can add an extra layer of safety. This is crucial to avoid any risk of electrocution.

Step 3: Unscrew the fixture to access the bulb 

Now, locate the pilot screw holding your pool light fixture in place. It’s typically at the top. You can use either a Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on the type of screw) to loosen it. After the screw is removed, pull the fixture out from its niche in the pool wall. It usually has enough cord length to be easily placed on the pool deck. 

Once it’s out of water, dry it thoroughly with a towel to prevent it from slipping out of your hands.

Depending on your fixture, there will likely be a compression ring holding the lens and bulb in place. To remove it:

• Use a wrench, pliers, or a screwdriver to loosen the nuts and bolts on the ring.
• You don’t need to completely remove the nuts – just loosen them enough for the compression ring to spring open.
• Once loosened, carefully remove the ring from the hooks holding it in place.

After the ring is off, you can now access the lens, which is usually sealed with a gasket. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pop off the lens.

Step 4: Ensure your new bulb is compatible with the existing housing 

Before installing the new bulb, double-check that it’s compatible with your current fixture. If you’re simply replacing the same type of bulb, you’re in the clear. But if you’re upgrading to a bulb with a higher wattage or voltage, you need to ensure your housing can handle it.

Look for a label on the housing that will indicate the voltage and wattage limits.  Installing a higher-powered bulb without the proper housing can lead to electrical issues like short circuits or overheating, potentially damaging the new bulb.

Step 5: Place the new bulb and gasket

Now, screw in the new pool light bulb. If it’s a halogen bulb, be sure to handle it with a paper towel or soft cloth – finger oils can cause it to burn out prematurely.

While you’re at it, replace the gasket. A worn-out gasket won’t seal properly and may allow water to leak into the fixture, which is a major safety hazard. We also recommend lubricating the new gasket with a silicone-based lubricant to help create a better seal. 

Finally, slide the gasket into place around the lens, making sure everything fits snugly.

Step 6: Reassemble the fixture and test for buoyancy

With the new bulb and gasket in place, reassemble the fixture. First, put the lens back on and secure it with the compression ring by tightening the nuts and bolts just enough for a secure fit.

Before reinstalling the fixture back into the pool niche, place it in the water and see if it floats. If the fixture floats, the seal is watertight, meaning it’s safe to reinstall. If it sinks, the gasket isn’t sealing properly, and water might leak in – so double-check the gasket.

Once you’re confident that everything is sealed, wind any extra cord around the fixture and fit it back into the pool wall. At last, secure it with the pilot screw.

Step 7: Restore power to your pool lights

Finally, turn the pool’s circuit breaker back on and test the new light. If it turns on without any issues, congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your pool light.

The cost to replace a pool light bulb can vary based on several factors – whether you’re only swapping out the bulb, replacing the entire fixture, or if you’re handling it yourself, or hiring a professional.

Bulb Types and Their Costs

The price of a replacement pool light bulb can vary significantly based on the type of bulb you choose. Whether you’re replacing a standard incandescent bulb, upgrading to an energy-efficient LED, or opting for a halogen, each comes with its own price range. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs for different types of pool light bulbs:

• Halogen Bulbs: $25 – $35
• LED Bulbs: $200 – $350
• Incandescent Bulbs: $20 – $70

Potential Wiring Modifications

In some cases, wiring modifications might be necessary, which usually requires a professional’s assistance, costing around $50 to $100 per hour. Common reasons for modifications include:

1. Switching Voltage: For example, if you’re replacing a 120V halogen bulb with a 12V LED bulb, a transformer needs to be installed to step down the voltage. This could require adjustments to the wiring.
2. Upgrading Fixture Types: Installing a new type of fixture often means adapting the wiring to match its specifications, like adding new components or junction boxes.
3. Repairing Damaged Wiring: If existing wiring is corroded or damaged, it might need to be replaced before installing a new bulb. This could involve running new wiring through conduits or reconnecting at junction boxes.
4. Meeting Electrical Codes: Local electrical codes may require updated wiring practices, especially if you’re upgrading to LED lights. This could involve rewiring to meet safety standards.

Supplies You’ll Need

If it’s your first time replacing a pool light bulb on your own, expect to spend between $100 – $150 on essential supplies like:

• Gasket or Seal: $25 – $30
• Mounting Hardware: $5 – $20
• Electrical Tape: Around $5 per roll
• Tools: $20 – $100 (including screwdrivers, pliers, and a multimeter for checking voltage)

Labor Costs (if hiring a professional)

When there’s a need to upgrade/replace the fixture, you should call for a professional.

Hiring one typically costs $50 to $100 per hour, with most jobs completed in under an hour. However, if additional repairs are needed – like fixing damaged wires – the process might take longer, adding to the overall expense.

Total Expected Costs

Depending on the scope of work, replacing a pool light bulb can cost between $250 – $650. If your project doesn’t involve wiring modifications, you can usually get it done for under $300. But if more extensive changes are needed, the cost could climb higher.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to ensure you get the most out of your pool lights:

• Turn Off When Not in Use: It might seem obvious, but the less time your pool lights are on, the longer they’ll last. Whenever the pool isn’t being used, turn off the lights to prevent unnecessary wear.
• Ensure Correct Voltage: Double-check that your power supply matches the voltage requirements of your pool light. Using the wrong voltage can not only reduce the bulb’s lifespan but can also result in dim or flickering lights.
• Avoid Overheating: Make sure your fixtures are designed to dissipate heat efficiently to avoid shortening the bulb’s life. Additionally, avoid running your lights for extended periods in extremely high temperatures.
• Clean the Fixtures: Dirt, algae, and mineral deposits can accumulate on the light fixtures, dimming their brightness and affecting performance. Periodically clean them with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner safe for underwater use. Always ensure the lights are off and have cooled down before starting any cleaning to avoid damage.
• Monitor Water Chemistry: Keep an eye on your pool’s water chemistry. Unbalanced water can corrode your pool lights and other equipment, leading to costly damage.

Following these simple guidelines, you can safely replace your bulb without the hassle of draining the pool. From gathering your tools to ensuring proper installation and maintenance, each step helps you create a well-lit, inviting pool area.

In addition, by practicing habits like turning off the lights when not in use and maintaining proper voltage levels, you can prevent premature burnout and costly replacements.