In short
A pool light that has stopped working usually has a failed globe or LED, water in the fitting, a failed transformer or a tripped safety switch. Resetting a tripped safety switch once is a safe check; if it trips again, leave the light off and have a licensed electrician find the fault, because pool lights are licensed electrical work. Most older pool lights are halogen, and an LED replacement uses less power and lasts far longer.
If you would rather have it checked, Ambient Electrical offers pool light replacement in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Pool light not working: troubleshooting
The usual causes are a failed globe or LED, water getting into the fitting, a failed transformer, or a tripped safety switch. At the switchboard, reset a tripped safety switch once. If the safety switch keeps tripping, or the pool light flickers or trips the switch whenever it is turned on, leave it off. A pool light sits under water on an extra-low-voltage transformer, and finding the fault is licensed electrical work for an electrician.
LED or halogen
LED pool lights have largely replaced halogen for good reasons. They are brighter for the power they use, give a more even light pattern, and can light a pool well with fewer fittings. In Peter's experience, LEDs can last up to ten times longer than halogen, and the lower running cost makes up for the higher upfront price within a couple of years.
Colour and control
Colour-changing LEDs let you set the mood from a remote or a wireless controller, and change the colour scheme whenever you like. Pool lighting also works with garden, step and water-feature lighting, so the whole outdoor area can be designed together.
The transformer and safety
Pool lights run at extra-low voltage through a transformer, because water and mains voltage do not mix. When a halogen light is swapped for an LED, the transformer may need to be replaced or checked to suit it. All of this is licensed electrical work.
Choosing a pool light
Manufacturers such as Aquaquip and Aquastar make lights to suit most types of pool. The right one depends on the pool's size, finish and existing niche, and whether you want a single colour or colour change.
Whether the pool has to be drained depends on the fitting and the niche it sits in; Peter confirms it when he quotes the pool light installation.
We have no problem sharing our expertise and knowledge with our clients to guide them in this complex matter. We understand that looking into all of the different options available can be challenging and discouraging, but we will make an effort to lay out the best alternatives as clearly as possible.
Sources
Ambient Electrical is an electrician in Vaucluse, Rose Bay and Coogee, and works across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
