The best reason for learning all about the investment you made in your backyard is that over the course of a decade or two, the cost savings can be enough to pay for it many times over because the price of the pool service always goes up. Learn to do it yourself. How much does it cost to change a pool light?
To replace a pool light yourself, you’ll spend about $100 to $500 for the replacement light and bulb, or about $20 to $100 for just the light bulbs. If you’re not sure about doing some minor electrical work then, Pool light replacements may cost around $450 to $1,700, depending on the light type.
The housing of the pool light is designed so that you don’t need to touch or disconnect any wiring to have it removed from the pool. You can simply change the light bulb after pulling the fixture up onto the poolside.
How Much Does it Cost to Change a Pool Light
The total cost to replace pool lights, a national average of $625 per light, depends on a few different factors, including how many pool lights you’ll need, the type of pool lights, and labor costs if you choose to hire a local swimming pool repair company to handle the job.
- Pool light replacements may cost around $450 to $1,700, depending on the light type.
- Energy-saving LED pool lights cost around $700 to $900 for smaller models or $1,000 to $1,500 for larger units, but they’ll need to be replaced less often than other pool light types.
- Incandescent bulbs are the least expensive option, costing around $450 to $650 per bulb, but they only last about 1,000 hours before they need replacing.
- Fiber optic pool lights cost around $1,300 to $1,700. While they can offer cool color-changing technology, they’ve become less popular compared to LED lights, which also are available in various colors and tend to be brighter.
| Pool Light Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Incandescent | $450–$650 |
| LED | $700–$1,500 |
| Fiber optic | $1,300–$1,700 |
Number of Pool Lights Needed
Pool lights cost about $625 each, and replacements are typically sold individually. Unless your swimming pool is older and all the lights are due for an upgrade, you’ll usually only need to replace one light at a time as each light burns out or becomes damaged.
Existing Wiring
Making changes to the pool wiring costs around $500 to $1,000. You’ll need to hire an electrician to handle the electrical work, which costs around $50 to $100 per hour, and you’ll likely need to file for building permits, about $50 to $350 each, and pay up to $100 for electrical wiring inspections.
Labor
For broken pool lights you should call a professional pool service or an electrician, who will charge about $50 to $100 per hour. You may feel confident in changing a light bulb in your bedroom lamp or kitchen track lighting, but changing a pool light can be riskier for untrained homeowners since you’ll be handling electrical parts and wiring in close contact with water.
What Happens If Water Gets into the Pool Light?
If water gets into the light, it’s dangerous, electricity in underwater lights can cause electrocution. Once the water reaches the socket, it will trip the GFI & which will be the extent of the shock hazard, the leak could be (lens) gasket related or a conduit leak .……………………………………………. Read more
How Much Does it Cost to Change a Pool Light
To swap a pool light by yourself, you’ll spend about $100 to $500 for the replacement light and bulb, or about $20 to $100 for just the light bulbs. But handling electrical components in a pool might be above you’re pay scale if so, this job is best left to a professional.
The average national cost for pool light replacement cost is $625. Pool light repair prices are a lot more budget-friendly at $65 to $150 each. Simply replacing the bulbs is $20 to $100 for each one subject to type and function. Colorful LED bulbs are most costly but last longer than other types of bulbs.
The cost to change a pool light can vary depending on several factors such as the type of light fixture, accessibility, labor costs in your area, and any additional electrical work required. Here’s a list outlining potential expenses:
- Cost of the Light Fixture: This can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the quality, brand, and features of the light.
- Labor Costs: Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 or more for labor, which includes removing the old fixture, installing the new one, and ensuring proper electrical connections.
- Additional Electrical Work: If there are any issues with the wiring or if upgrades are needed to meet current electrical codes, this could incur extra costs. Electricians typically charge by the hour, ranging from $50 to $150 per hour.
- Materials and Equipment: Miscellaneous materials such as wiring, junction boxes, and waterproof sealant may be required, adding to the overall cost. These could range from $20 to $100, depending on what’s needed.
- Professional Inspection or Consultation: Some homeowners may opt to have a professional inspect the pool’s electrical system before or after the light replacement, which could incur an additional fee.
- Taxes and Fees: Depending on local regulations and the contractor’s policies, there may be taxes or additional fees added to the total cost.
- Emergency or After-Hours Service: If the replacement needs to be done urgently or outside of regular business hours, expect to pay a premium for emergency service.
- DIY vs. Professional Installation: While some homeowners may choose to replace the pool light themselves to save on labor costs, hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly, potentially avoiding costly mistakes or damage.
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances and location. It’s always best to obtain quotes from local electricians or pool service professionals for an accurate assessment of the total cost.
If you’re thinking about getting an inground pool, you are most likely going to run into this maintenance chore of installing underwater pool lighting. Numerous times over the years. I can tell you that a swimming pool is an investment that can break you if you don’t learn how to do things for yourself. So Learn how to do things yourself. It’s easier than you think.
It is subject to the type of light, it is suggested that one light, at the minimum, is going to adequately light up a pool up to thirty feet long. Pools longer than thirty feet are going to require two lights.
Beware that this is the smallest amount, most people end up getting two lights installed, and some even require to installation of three lights on larger pools. As of this post, full-sized LED pool lights, like those that are usually installed in vinyl-lined or concrete pools, typically cost between $1,000 and $1,500 to install.
How Do You Replace a Pool Light?
- Turn on the pool light main breaker off to the swimming pool-light-pool light will turn off
- Remove Screw Holding Light Housing
- Remove the Light Housing
- Loosen Other Screws
- Remove Original Bulb
- Install the Replacement Bulb-LED low-voltage pool light
- Replace Pool Light Housing ..……………………………………………………………………………. Read more
These products are all you need for swapping out a light bulb or the whole Inground Pool light fixture all found on Amazon.
Does a Pool Light Need a GFCI Breaker?
Yes- it’s mandatory that GFCI Ground Fault Protection for Swimming Pool Lights: NEC Article 680-20, As described in this electrical question, anyone who enters the pool with this light on is in Danger of Potential Electrical Shock! ..………………………………………………………….Read more
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FAQ’s
- Cost Factors: The cost to change a pool light can vary based on several factors, including the type of light fixture, labor charges, and any additional repairs or upgrades needed.
- Type of Light Fixture: The cost may differ depending on whether you’re replacing an incandescent, LED, or fiber optic pool light. LED lights tend to be more energy-efficient and have longer lifespans but may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional incandescent lights.
- Labor Charges: Labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, accessibility of the pool light, and local labor rates. Hiring a professional electrician for the installation is recommended to ensure safety and proper functioning.
- Additional Repairs or Upgrades: If there are any underlying issues with the electrical wiring, junction boxes, or the pool light housing itself, additional repairs may be necessary, which can increase the overall cost.
- Cost Range: On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for a basic pool light replacement, including the cost of the new fixture and labor. However, this cost can be higher for more intricate installations or if there are underlying issues that need addressing.
- DIY vs. Professional Installation: While some homeowners may attempt to change a pool light themselves to save on labor costs, it’s important to consider the risks involved with working with electricity and water. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures the job is done safely and up to code, reducing the risk of accidents or damage to the pool lighting system.