LED Pool Lights vs. Incandescent Lighting

What was a new idea over 20 years ago has come of age — LED pool lights are burning brighter than ever. Manufacturers now design ultra-efficient LEDs to light swimming pools while consuming less energy!

Why LED Lights Are the Better Choice

LED pool lights have numerous advantages over incandescent flood lamp-type pool lights, such as:

• Lower costs: 500-watt incandescent bulbs cost about a dollar a day to run, and if used often, this cost can add up to hundreds in electrical expenses each year. LED lamps consume much less energy. For instance, the Color Splash light only uses 33 watts and costs 4 cents per day, or under $10 per year.
• More color options: LED pool lights provide amazing, brilliantly rich colors. The light shows are fun for parties, or you can lock on a single color to set the mood for the night or season. The light output or reach of the light is nearly the same as incandescent but without glare or bright spots.
• Improved durability: LED pool lamps use durable diodes rather than flimsy filaments in a glass vacuum. An LED bulb can last 20 times longer than an incandescent bulb. That’s 20 fewer bulb changes. Incandescent R-40 bulbs last about 2,000 hours, whereas the Color Splash pool light rating is 50,000 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About LED Pool Lights

You can find a few popular questions about LED pool lights below.

Can You Replace an Incandescent Pool Light With an LED Bulb?

To make the switch, consider whether your pool can accommodate LED lights. Hiring a professional is best, as your pool may require additional wiring or an upgrade to support LED bulbs. When choosing LED pool lighting, consider your preferred brightness and color temperature since they can significantly impact the pool’s ambience. Ensure you get pool-compatible LED bulbs.

Do You Have to Drain a Pool to Replace the LED Light?

No. You can change LED lights without draining the pool and avoid putting it out of commission and interfering with the water chemistry. Because the sealed cable and housing prevent water from getting into the electrical cord, you can complete this task safely. That said, you must turn off the breaker first before starting the replacement. Consider hiring pool experts to complete the job safely and efficiently.

How Long Do Pool LED Lights Last?

Most LED pool lights can typically operate for at least 20,000 hours, with high-quality options lasting 50,000 hours or 10 years, even when used every night for eight hours. The life span of these bulbs depends on usage and maintenance. Superior quality bulbs can work for over 10 years if you maintain them well through regular cleaning and light fixture inspections.

Can You Leave LED Pool Lights on All Night?

Yes, you can. LED lights generate minimal heat, so leaving them on all night is safe. Their energy efficiency and durability allow you to leave them on and still enjoy many years of service. Also, keeping pool lights on at night promotes safety for anyone near the pool in the dark and improves a property’s ambience. To save energy costs, use a smart device to schedule when the lights turn on and off. 

Schedule a Service Call With Lotus Pools

Choose the experts at Lotus Pools to efficiently and safely change your pool lighting from incandescent to LED. We have provided great lighting solutions for many happy customers in the Chicagoland area and are confident we can help you achieve the ambience you want. 

Contact us online to schedule a lighting replacement.