How To Change A Pool Light Bulb
Pool Light Replacement
Welcome to another edition of Maintenance Monday from ePoolSupply. Each week we like to share helpful tips and tricks regarding the pool industry. This week we will cover pool lights and how to change a pool light bulb safely. Owning a pool can be quite a confusing adventure but it helps to have someone there by your side guiding you through each step of the process. Let's dive in!
Why Change A Pool Light Bulb?
We've seen it all: burned out light bulbs, shattered glass, and lens stains that would give you nightmares. Over time, age and use plays a huge role in the performance of your pool lights. Whether you're replacing a broken pool light bulb or upgrading to an energy efficient LED Color Change Light Bulb, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.
*PLEASE READ EACH STEP THOROUGHLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE BULB. ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO HELP IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BULB IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED WITH ELECTRICITY OR A MULTIMETER.*
Recommended/Required Tools:
- New Bulb
- Lens Gasket (Always replace the gasket with the bulb)
- Medium-Large Phillips & Flat-Head Screwdrivers
- Socket Set (Optional for difficult Lens Clamps)
- Dry Towels/Rags
- Multimeter Electrical Tester
Steps:
- Turn off the power to the light fixture. Test the wiring with a multimeter to ensure NO incoming power is active in the line. After testing, test the line again and flick the switch on and off to further ensure the power is off.
- From outside the pool, remove the pilot screw. Most lights use a Phillips head screw, we recommend using a longer/larger driver to bite and grab older worn out screws.
- Wiggle the light out of the wall fixture. Some debris will fall out from behind the light, do not be alarmed. Most installers will leave slack in the light cord so you can bring the light up to the pool deck. Place one of your towels down so you don't scratch the lens.
- Drain the pool slightly if the light cord does not reach up to the pool deck to make it easier to work on the light without being completely submerged in water.
- Test the wires if applicable to further guarantee there is no power coming through the line.
- Disassemble the light fixture. Most lights will use a clamp spring to hold the lens on. Pay close attention to how it comes apart so you can easily reassemble the fixture.
- Remove the old light bulb carefully. Towels come in handy if the bulb is shattered or broken in any way.
- Clean & Dry the inside of the fixture to the best of your abilities.
- Install the new bulb slowly and gently. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE BULB!
- Test the light on the deck. Briefly turn on the power and visually check that the new bulb operates correctly. Do not leave the bulb on too long out of water. It will overheat. TURN OFF THE POWER AGAIN AFTER YOU TEST THE LIGHT!
- Reassemble the light fixture and spring clamp assembly to ensure a tight seal.
- Check for leaks by submerging the light in the pool. Look for any air bubbles escaping from around the lens and gasket area. If you see any air leaks, disassemble the fixture and restart from step 8 with cleaning and drying the fixture.
- Once you've determined the fixture is sealed, wrap the cord gently around the fixture and install it into the wall.
- Secure the light with the pilot screw or light wedge.
- Turn the power on and test the light one final time!
*ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE READ EACH STEP THOROUGHLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE BULB. ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO HELP IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BULB IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED WITH ELECTRICITY OR A MULTIMETER.*
Replacing a pool light bulb can be an intimidating task, but with the right tools and the proper awareness you will be able to tackle the job. If you have any questions regarding the information found in this blog feel free to reach out to us directly. Our team of Pool Professionals is here to help you through every step of the process. Otherwise, just keep swimming!
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