Underwater pool lights are increasingly commonplace in new swimming pools. More than that, LED lights are increasingly prevalent in pool and landscape installation as people look to save energy and boost their pool’s entertainment value. Moreover, LED light bulbs last a terrifically longer time than old incandescent and halogen lights.
Their longevity is excellent news for pool owners who get nervous at the thought of interfering with electric components in water, and they only have to psych themselves up once every ten years or so. As opposed to every two years for pool owners with incandescent bulbs.
How Long Do LED Pool Lights Work?
According to manufacturers’ claims, an LED pool light bulb lasts at least 20,000 hours. That’s a fair chunk longer than incandescent bulbs, which last for about 1000 hours, and halogen lights, which last about 1,500 hours.
A source provides this example that underlines the impressive difference between LED, incandescent, and halogen bulbs. Based on an estimated daily use of five hours, incandescent bulbs last 200 days, halogen bulbs last 300 days, and LED pool bulbs last 4000 days or 11 years!
Obviously, you’re not going to have your pool light on for five hours every night of the year. Consider that you only use your inground pool for half the year; bulb replacement for incandescent or halogen bulbs is every two years, but you’ll only change your LED light once every 20 years!
When 20 Years Isn’t 20 Years
While LED bulbs might last 20 years, the fixtures and fittings may need to be replaced or repaired more often than that. Years of exposure to pool-cleaning chemicals weaken the light’s fixture and corrode the screws that hold it in place.
All of this means that you may have to interfere with underwater electric systems a couple of times over the course of 20 years.
Of course, you have another option; you can hire pool installation professionals to take care of the whole process for you. It might cost a bit more, but the relief of not having to mess with the pool light fixture yourself makes it worth the price.
The Advantages of LED Pool Lights
LED bulbs last forever, but they have more benefits than longevity and making them the low-maintenance choice.
Energy-Efficient
LED lights cost more upfront than the other two bulbs, but they use very little energy in comparison. For example, an incandescent bulb varies from 300 watts to 500 watts. An LED bulb uses around 42 watts.
Let’s say you run your pool light for five hours a night, the savings you get from LED lights is enormous.
Visual Impact
LED lights are far more exciting than the other two types because they deliver high-tech features like the ability to change color. LED lights can glow brighter than the other types, and they can change color through a remote or app on your phone.
This is a great feature when you host a cocktail or dinner party, and all your guests are enjoying the outdoors. You can set a timer for the colors to change or do it yourself when you feel a change is necessary.
However, a timer is far more convenient as you can enjoy the party yourself and not worry about whether the light has been blue too long.
Automation
A timer is convenient for everyday use and not just for parties. For example, you can set the light to go on at 6 pm, which is when you sit outside with a sundowner and your children have one last splash in the water.
You could, in theory, set it to stay on all night as an extra security measure.
Settings are very easy to change through a smartphone app, and you can even change the settings while you’re waiting at an airport or when a meeting looks like it’s going to last a lot longer than expected.
The Disadvantages of LED Pool Lights
LED lights aren’t faultless. There are a few disadvantages you should take into consideration before you commit to an LED system.
Cost
It’s not just the bulbs that are expensive. Setting up the entire system is more expensive than the other two bulbs. This is because it needs very specific equipment, including transformers and converters.
The complexity of the installation means it’s also not a good idea to do it yourself. You should hire expert pool and landscape installers who are familiar with the process and can do it in a fraction of the time it would take you.
Leaks
This is a disadvantage that LED light fittings share with halogen fittings. The system is susceptible to leaking, or it was until advancements led to resin-filled LED light fittings. Resin-filled systems are far less prone to leaking than earlier LED pool lighting models.
Trust Landscape Installation Pros to Install Your Pool Lights Quickly and Easily
Pool lights are designed in a way that makes them relatively easy for DIY enthusiasts to change. However, it’s also easy to make a mistake, like burning the light for more than two seconds out of water.
Landscape installation professionals are far too experienced and skilled to make mistakes, which saves you money in the long run.
To book an appointment with an expert in landscape design and swimming pool installation service, call us at 714-519- 5009 at West Hills Masonry today!
