Swimming pool owners can easily replace a pool light in their own pool light fixture, as long as they have a basic set of skills that includes using hand tools (screwdriver) and taking all necessary safety precautions before starting the project (such as ensuring the power is off).

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Another Method

We have another method for performing this task. Feel free to watch the video below. The complete instructions follow the video box.

Safety First

As with any project involving electricity, you must ensure that the power to the circuit you are working on is turned off. Identify the circuit that powers the pool light and turn off the switch and shut off the panel if possible.

The circuit for the pool light will be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) switch or will be supplied from the load side of a GFCI outlet. For more tips on electrical safety, click here: Electrical Safety Fundamentals.

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Remove the Fixture from the Housing

The light fixture is held in the housing with a single brass screw located at the top of the mounting/decorative ring.

To do this from the pool deck, find something comfortable to lie on as you will need to lie on your stomach and reach far enough into the pool to access the screw. It is a good idea to wear swim goggles or a diving mask so that you can partially submerge your face in the water to see what you are doing. It can be done by feel, but a visual look can expedite the process. The screw is more than 1 inch long, so hopefully, once it is loose, you can finish it with just your fingers.

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After the screw is removed, the niche should slide forward out of the housing and have enough cord on it to bring the fixture completely out of the water and onto the pool deck.

Take note of how the fully assembled fixture looks before removing the screw that holds the mounting clamp together and separating the components of the fixture so you have a good idea of how to put it back together. Loosen the clamp screw enough for the clamp ring to come apart. The inside of the fixture should be completely watertight. If not, then you have a problem that needs attention: either a defective watertight seal gasket or a cracked, corroded, or warped fixture preventing a watertight seal.

If everything inside is dry, we can proceed. Remove the burnt-out lamp and inspect the socket to make sure it is clean and free from any obvious damage or corrosion.

While inspecting the fixture, I noticed some hard water scales, which I cleaned with fine sandpaper to create a smooth seal for the rubber gasket. My gasket looked good, with no deterioration, still soft and pliable, and without any cracks or dents, so I decided that replacing the gasket was not necessary. If there is any doubt about the condition of the rubber gasket, replace it.

If you haven't already done so, get a replacement lamp with the same specifications as the one you removed. Remember that you cannot exceed the maximum wattage of the fixture rating, but it is permissible to use a lamp with lower wattage. New LED replacement lamps are also available (quite expensive), and switching to LED or reducing the wattage will save energy and likely last longer due to less heat generated by the lamp. I previously replaced my 300W lamp with a 150W halogen lamp, and that light output is more than sufficient for a pool of this size.

Be careful not to touch the glass envelope of the new lamp with your bare fingers, as it can cause premature degradation of the lamp. Use a soft cloth or a tissue to install the lamp into the socket.

At this stage, it is a good idea to restore power to the circuit and briefly turn the light on and off to ensure you have a good connection. Do not leave it on for too long as the lamp gets very hot. Just make sure it works and doesn't shut off after a few seconds of operation. Then turn off the power again before proceeding.

Clean and dry all parts of the fixture assembly and lubricate the rubber gasket with an approved O-ring or rubber gasket lubricant. When reassembling the fixture, note that the niche will have something indicating the top portion of the fixture (this one has an arrow), and the lens will also indicate where the top portion should align. The gasket is marked to indicate which side should face the water.

When connecting the clamp, ensure that the clamp screw is on one side or the other, but not at the top or bottom point of the niche, as it will interfere with the mounting tab (bottom) and the mounting screw (top).

Wrap the excess cord around the light fixture and work on pushing the niche back into the housing. It may be difficult, but with patience, it can be done. Make sure the mounting tab at the bottom is in place and then align the mounting screw at the top and start tightening the mounting screw with your fingers to hold it in place until you can get the screwdriver and complete the screw.

Restore power to the circuit and test your work!

Now I have shown both methods for replacing the lamp in your pool light fixture, and you can decide which one is the right way for you. Personally, I prefer to jump right into the pool to get the job done, especially now that we have installed our Heliocol Solar Heating System. With the warm spring weather here, our pool is as warm as we want it (90+F), and we have been using it for several weeks while the neighbors patiently wait for the day they can jump in again, probably around May.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to replace the lamp in my pool light fixture myself?

Yes, it is safe if you follow the necessary safety precautions, such as turning off the power and using the proper tools. If you have any doubts, it is recommended to consult a professional pool maintenance or repair person.

2. Can I use any lamp in my pool light fixture?

No, you must use a lamp that meets the specifications of the fixture. Do not exceed the maximum wattage allowed by the fixture rating.

3. Is it a good idea to switch to LED replacement lamps?

It can be a good idea as LED lamps offer energy savings and may last longer due to less heat generated by the lamp. However, they can be more expensive than traditional lamps.

4. How do I know if the rubber gasket of my fixture needs to be replaced?

If you see any signs of deterioration, cracks, or dents on the rubber gasket, it should be replaced. The gasket needs to be in good condition to ensure a watertight seal.