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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Pool Lights

Night swimming is magical with proper lighting. We compared lights from floating solar to permanent LED, finding what illuminates safely.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Amerlite Pool Light - Color LED

Pentair

Amerlite Pool Light - Color LED

4.6 (4,567 reviews)

Resort-quality lighting for your backyard. This Pentair LED drops into existing light niches and transforms your pool after dark. Five colors let you match the mood—or just run white for that luxury hotel glow.

Watts

40W

Colors

5 + white

Diameter

10"

Voltage

12V

Pros

  • 5 fixed colors + white
  • Energy efficient LED
  • Fits existing niches

Cons

  • Professional installation
  • Higher cost
  • Fixed colors only

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Amerlite Pool Light - Color LED
Amerlite Pool Light - Color LED Best
Pentair
4.6
$549 View
ColorLogic Color LED Pool Light
ColorLogic Color LED Pool Light
Hayward
4.7
$699 View
Floating LED Pool Light - 2 Pack
Floating LED Pool Light - 2 Pack
Game
4.2
$24 View
Magnetic Pool Wall Light
Magnetic Pool Wall Light Value
Intex
4.3
$39 View
Submersible LED Lights - 4 Pack
Submersible LED Lights - 4 Pack
RORPOIR
4.4
$29 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Amerlite Pool Light - Color LED

Pentair

Amerlite Pool Light - Color LED

4.6 (4,567 reviews)

Resort-quality lighting for your backyard. This Pentair LED drops into existing light niches and transforms your pool after dark. Five colors let you match the mood—or just run white for that luxury hotel glow.

Watts

40W

Colors

5 + white

Diameter

10"

Voltage

12V

Pros

  • 5 fixed colors + white
  • Energy efficient LED
  • Fits existing niches

Cons

  • Professional installation
  • Higher cost
  • Fixed colors only
Premium Pick
ColorLogic Color LED Pool Light

Hayward

ColorLogic Color LED Pool Light

4.7 (3,456 reviews)

The light show your pool deserves. ColorLogic cycles through colors, runs choreographed shows, and produces enough lumens to light larger pools with single fixtures. When ambiance matters, this delivers.

Watts

80W equivalent

Colors

10 + 7 shows

Lumens

2400+

Control

Optional smart

Pros

  • 10 fixed colors
  • 7 color shows
  • Smartphone control option

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Needs transformer
  • Installation complexity
Budget Pick
Floating LED Pool Light - 2 Pack

Game

Floating LED Pool Light - 2 Pack

4.2 (23,456 reviews)

Instant pool ambiance for $24. Drop them in, turn them on, enjoy the color show. No electrician, no installation, no commitment. Perfect for parties, testing the vibe, or above-ground pools.

Size

3.5" diameter

Colors

Cycling LED

Power

Battery

Quantity

2

Pros

  • No installation
  • Color-changing
  • Batteries included

Cons

  • Batteries drain fast
  • Less bright
  • Float around randomly
Best Value
Magnetic Pool Wall Light

Intex

Magnetic Pool Wall Light

4.3 (12,345 reviews)

Underwater light for above-ground pools without drilling. The magnetic mount sticks to steel frame walls—inside light, outside controller. Finally, night swimming for Intex pools.

Mount

Magnetic

Colors

Cycling

Power

Rechargeable

Pool Type

Metal frame

Pros

  • Magnetic mount—no holes
  • Works on metal pools
  • Color changing

Cons

  • Metal pools only
  • Limited brightness
  • Battery life varies
Submersible LED Lights - 4 Pack

RORPOIR

Submersible LED Lights - 4 Pack

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Four lights, sixteen colors, one remote control. Stick them on pool walls, in fountains, under floats—anywhere you want underwater glow. At $7 per light, experiment freely.

Quantity

4

Colors

16

Power

Battery

Mount

Suction cup

Pros

  • Remote control
  • Suction cup mount
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Short battery life
  • Suction cups can detach
  • Not super bright

Buying Guide: How to Choose Pool Lights


How to Choose Pool Lights

Pool lighting transforms your backyard after dark. Without it, the pool is a black hole. With it, your outdoor space becomes an evening destination. Options range from $20 floating gimmicks to $800 professional installations.

Light Types

In-Niche (In-Ground)
Lights installed in dedicated niches in the pool wall during construction. The brightest, most permanent option. Replacements require draining or hiring divers.

Surface Mount
Attached to pool walls above waterline or just below. Easier access than niche lights. Common in retrofits or fiberglass pools.

Floating
Battery-powered lights that float on the surface. No installation, minimal brightness, full portability. Good for parties and experimentation.

Magnetic/Stick-On
For above-ground metal pools. No drilling, easy install, moderate brightness. Work best on flat surfaces.

### LED vs. Incandescent

LED: Standard now. Use 75-80% less energy, last 10x longer, and generate minimal heat. Color options available. Higher upfront cost but dramatically lower operating cost.

Incandescent: Old technology. Cheap bulbs, expensive to run. Still found in older pools. Most replacements are LED retrofits.

### Color or White

White light creates the classic "lit pool" look—elegant and timeless. Color lights add party vibes and variety. Many LED options do both: white for regular nights, color for special occasions.

### Installation Realities

Floating/Magnetic: DIY, minutes
Surface Mount: DIY possible, requires sealing
Niche Lights: Electrician required, involves low-voltage transformers and bonding codes

Pool electrical work requires proper grounding and bonding. Water + electricity demands respect. Don't DIY unless you're qualified.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Lights

How bright should pool lights be?

General guideline: 300-500 lumens per 5,000 gallons for night swimming visibility. Ambiance only needs less—200-300 lumens can set the mood. Multiple dimmer lights often look better than single bright sources. Most LED pool lights produce 1,500-3,000 lumens.

Can I install pool lights myself?

Floating and magnetic lights: absolutely. Surface or niche lights: probably not safely. Pool electrical systems require proper bonding to prevent electrocution. Low-voltage transformers, GFCI protection, and bonding codes exist for life safety. Hire a licensed electrician.

Why do pool lights burn out quickly?

In incandescent lights: water intrusion (check seal), voltage surges, or normal lifespan (incandescent doesn't last). In LED: often it's the driver/transformer, not the LED itself. LEDs should last 30,000-50,000 hours. Frequent failures indicate electrical issues worth investigating.

How much do pool lights cost to operate?

LED pool lights use 15-40 watts typically. Running 4 hours nightly: roughly $2-5/month. Incandescent equivalents use 300-500 watts—potentially $30-50/month for the same hours. The LED conversion pays for itself quickly in electricity savings.

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