The right pool lights can turn your backyard into a glowing nighttime escape, making swimming a round-the-clock activity. Pool lighting costs range from budget-friendly options at $30–$60 to high-end built-in models that can exceed $500. The right choice depends on your pool type, lighting needs, and budget.
After researching more than 40 top pool lights and analyzing 300+ customer reviews, we found that the HQUA PN01DC in-ground Pool Light stands out as the best option. It’s pricier at around $300, but we like its 12 color-changing modes and easy remote control to personalize your pool lighting to fit your mood. And with its energy-efficient design, it’s perfect for in-ground pools.
Key Takeaways
- We rank the HQUA PN01DC In-Ground Pool Light as the best pool light because of its 12 color-changing modes, energy-efficient design, and included remote control for easy operation.
- Pool lights can vary in price, with budget-friendly floating options starting around $30 to $60, while high-end built-in models can cost $500+ depending on features and power.
- Power source and installation type are the two most important factors to consider when shopping for pool lights, with options including battery-operated, solar-powered, and hardwired models for different pool configurations.
Best Pool Lights: Our Top 6 Picks
- HQUA PN01DC In-ground Pool Light: Best Overall
- Pentair EC602128 Amerilite Spa Light: Most Powerful
- Blufree Bluetooth Speaker: Best Floating Pool Speaker
- Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb: Best Pool Light Bulb
- VIDOME Rechargeable Pool Lights: Best Suction Lights
- Intex 28690E Solar Powered LED Floating Light: Best Value
Compare Top Pool Lights
| Product | Image | Power Source | Design | Modes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HQUA PN01DC In-ground Pool LightCheck Price | | Power cord | Screw-in | 1 static, 2 dynamic |
Pentair EC602128 Amerilite Spa LightCheck Price | | Power cord | Screw-in | 1 static; colored lens covers available |
Blufree Bluetooth SpeakerCheck Price | | Battery operated | Floating | 7 dynamic |
Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light BulbCheck Price |  | Battery operated | Screw-in | 7 static, 5 dynamic |
VIDOME Rechargeable Pool LightsCheck Price |  | Battery operated | Suction | 6 static, 3 dynamic |
Intex 28690E Solar Powered LED Floating LightCheck Price |  | Solar powered | Floating | 1 static, 1 dynamic |
Best Overall
HQUA PN01DC In-ground Pool Light
Good for: Customers with in-ground pools who are looking for a unique light with numerous color-changing options.
This pool light, which is designed for in-ground pools, has 12 different color-changing options, so you can have a unique lighting experience every day. It comes with a remote control for easy changing as well, so when you get bored with one color, you can switch it up. It has an energy-efficient design and is great for replacing an existing in-ground lighting unit.
Pros and Cons of HQUA PN01DC In-ground Pool Light
- Comes with a 100-foot cord and a transformer
- Has a durable design with a waterproof gel casing that keeps the light protected
- Can adjust the speed and pattern of the lighting with the remote control
- Some customers said it rusted easily
- Must be installed in a wet niche
What People Are Saying About The HQUA PN01DC In-ground Pool Light
Our research showed that customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed with its brightness level and comprehensive setup kit that made installation easy. Others were pleased with the color-changing effects. However, several people had issues with the included screw corroding and rusting quickly, while others said their remote didn’t always work properly.
“These kits are complete with everything you need. Bought three pool lights, two large and one small. They look as good as the big name-brand ones. Lights have a lot of color selections. Remote works from inside the house and has good reach, no issues there. … Five stars for the price and for the quality. Cable is 100-feet long and smaller than the original lights, which made install easy. ” — Francisco Taveras via Amazon
“I got the light a while back and was waiting on a new liner to be installed before putting in. Once we got that, we installed light and it wasn’t too complicated. After about a week, I noticed a big rust spot on the lens of the light, the new steel face ring, and the brand new liner above where the screw is. After about three weeks, the screw had become so corroded, the head crumbled off and the light came out of the socket. I would not recommend using the screw that comes with it, as it is clearly not stainless steel.” — Brady via Amazon
Most Powerful
Pentair EC602128 Amerilite Spa Light
Good for: Pool owners looking for a powerful, durable pool light with customizable settings.
This powerful 500-watt pool light allows you to change up the mood around your pool with snap-on lens covers available in several colors, including blue, red, green, and amber. Additionally, this durable light has prismatic tempered glass lenses that deliver optimum light diffusion.
Pros and Cons of Pentair EC602128 Amerilite Spa Light
- Includes heat-sensing cutoff for low water protection
- Features a stainless steel shell that’s corrosion resistant
- Has easy bulb changes that can be done without lowering the water level
- Has a high price point
- Some customers said it took up too much energy
What People Are Saying About The Pentair EC602128 Amerilite Spa Light
This product earned rave reviews from customers for its powerful illumination, noting that it lit up the entire pool. Others liked its ease of installation, and several customers noted it was a perfect replacement for their previous Pentair lighting fixture. However, several customers felt that this product used too much energy, while others were disappointed by the high cost.
“Expedient shipping and well packaged. Light works great and was easy to install. My old 33-year-old light was 400 watts and I never felt like it lit up the shallow end enough. This one lights it up now perfectly!” — Jules via Amazon
“Received as described. I needed the housing because my previous just rotted out. It comes with a 500-Watt Heat Lamp, which is ridiculous in these days of efficient LED bulbs. I disassembled the unit and replaced the Heat Lamp with a color changing LED bulb that uses less than 10% of the power of the Heat Lamp. After re-assembly and installation it works great. It is absolutely amazing that Pentair is not utilizing LED bulbs yet!” — Gene Jordan via Amazon
Best Floating Pool Speaker
Blufree Bluetooth Speaker
Good for: Homeowners looking to combine pool lights with speakers for parties or gatherings.
This speaker and light hybrid device is portable in case you want to bring it to the beach or your friend’s hot tub. You can use Bluetooth technology to control the device directly through your smartphone to play music and use the flashlight for up to eight hours.
Pros and Cons of Blufree Bluetooth Speaker
- Features combined light and speaker design
- Includes seven dynamic light modes
- Offers a buoyant construction
- Lasts for up to 8 hours on one charge
- Smartphone pairing can be difficult
What People Are Saying About The Blufree Bluetooth Speaker
Of the dozens of reviews we read, we found that happy customers praised this device’s long-lasting battery and superior sound quality. Alternatively, some users didn’t like how dim the light was and some said the water affected the sound quality.
This product earned rave reviews from customers about its color-changing lights, noting that they lit up the entire pool. Others liked its ease of installation, and several customers noted it was a perfect replacement for their previous Pentair lighting fixture. However, several customers felt that this product used too much energy, while others were disappointed by the high cost.
“I was a little hesitant about this device, but I got it today and think it’s perfect. I immediately charged it, and after a few hours, I grabbed it for set up. The instructions were clear, and it connected to my phone on the first attempt with no issues. I hit a playlist, and it started playing and lights going. Walked over and tossed it into the pool where my kid was swimming. She’s 10 and was instantly in love. She was so excited it could go in the pool.” — Melissa S. via Amazon
“This speaker worked great and sounded really good when we first got it. Now when we use it, the speakers crackle, and you hear static. It’s definitely not completely waterproof. Appears to be condensation also on the inside of the light. We used it apron 10 times in the spa/pool. A bummer because the light was bright and the sounds was good. Unusable now.” — Tim Gillis via Amazon
Best Pool Light Bulb
Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb
Good for: Customers seeking a customizable pool light that’s easy to transport.
This pool bulb features seven colors, 12 modes to choose from, and is available in either 120 or 12 volts. It also comes with a remote control for easy operation and a waterproof bag for storage. Furthermore, this bulb has a lifetime replacement warranty.
Pros and Cons of Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb
- Includes remote control and waterproof storage bag
- Offers 12 light settings
- Features a universal screw-in design
- Batteries not included
- Remote pairing may be difficult
What People Are Saying About The Life-Bulb LED Color Pool Light Bulb
We learned that customers who liked this pool light liked how easy it was to install, its energy-efficient design, and how bright the bulbs were. However, our team also found that a few customers had issues getting the remote to work properly, while others were disappointed it did not come with batteries.
“… It has several combinations to choose from and is able to switch between colors and the speed in which they change colors by using the remote that’s included. It switches from the colors I want, which is smooth and easy. If I just want one color it will stay on that color. The brightness can be adjusted and, to be honest, makes my pool look so much better at night. Oh, and the remote comes with a handy waterproof protective cover just in case it falls into the pool. Thanks for providing a great product.” — virgil kent via Amazon
“First and foremost, the bulb does not come with any hardware needed to install ex gasket, or batteries; you will have to purchase aside to get the job done correctly. Now on the remote. It uses an odd battery size not common in a household, and the instructions clearly say to purchase from a hardware store…an inconvenience as most households store regular AA or AAA. I wouldn’t have a problem with this issue, but the remote does not work unless submerged underwater literally in front of the light, which makes me believe why the company provides a water seal bag for the remote.” — Carlos Hernandez via Amazon
Best Suction Lights
VIDOME Rechargeable Pool Lights
Good for: Customers in the market for a pool light set that can be easily charged between uses.
These four rechargeable lights suction to your walls to give you light on one or all sides of your pool. They use a USB cable to charge in five hours and provide lighting for 50–130 hours. The battery life is determined by which of the lights’ more than 20 different settings you select.
Pros and Cons of VIDOME Rechargeable Pool Lights
- Includes four lights and a remote control
- Lasts up to 130 hours per charge
- Offers 20 settings
- Dynamic settings can significantly reduce battery life
- Suction cup quality lacking
What People Are Saying About The VIDOME Rechargeable Pool Lights
According to our team’s verified buyer research, positive reviews mentioned customers using this multipack for their large pools. Users also liked the lights’ sturdy construction. However, we found that a few of the most common complaints in negative customer reviews revolved around their short battery life and poor suction, while others said they rusted easily.
“It’s a great value when you compare having something similar electronically installed. They look fantastic going around the palm trees in my backyard & pool. My pool tiles are not smooth and they don’t go deep enough to use around the pool. However, they do suction on the pool light that is installed over the light cover…so it looks great and stays attached. They have been excellent with backing their product & that’s why I gave them an overall five-star review.” — JKM64 via Amazon
“I bought the two packs of lights, and they worked great, and my daughter loved how our above-ground pool looked at night. I recently took them out of the box to charge for a upcoming party and noticed one of the lights case is puffy and a rust spot on the one inside corner where the light has separated from its case. The light will not charge, when I put the plow the prongs the light just blinks and I had it charging for over 12 hours and the red led light will not light nor charge.” — Mike Homan via Amazon
Best Value
Intex 28690E Solar Powered LED Floating Light
Good for: Homeowners seeking a straightforward solar-powered pool light that comes at an affordable price.
This solar-powered pool light does not require an extension cord to plug in outside as it gains its energy from the sun during the day. This budget-friendly light works on both in-ground and above-ground pools and includes both white lighting and color-changing lighting depending on your preference.
Pros and Cons of Intex 28690E Solar Powered LED Floating Light
- Turns on and off automatically
- Has white, blue, red, green, and purple lighting options
- Comes at an affordable price
- Lasts for only around five hours per charge
- Some customers felt it lacked brightness
What People Are Saying About The Intex 28690E Solar Powered LED Floating Light
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review of this light were impressed by its excellent value and ease of use, noting that it required no maintenance. However, some felt this light lacked brightness, particularly with the colored lights, and others said they were frustrated by the automatic shutoff function.
“Puts out a super amount of light for my in-ground pool. Our light was broken and I purchased this to use in the meantime until electrician could fix our light. Was so surprised at how much light this little floater gives out! Perfect for night swimming and highly recommend!!” — Jeanne via Amazon
“I guess it’s not doing anything wrong, but I just expected more. The LED turns on when it gets dark, but I can’t tell you that I’ve ever really seen this working as I look out my windows. Instructions say it turns on at dark… but it also says that it automatically turns off after two hours ‘to save battery.’ But honestly… why? It says it has enough battery to typically run for about five hours. Not sure why the auto shut off.” — Guy C. via Amazon
Pool Light Buying Guide
Lights add style to your backyard while illuminating your pool for nighttime swims. But before deciding on what pool light is best for you, there are several important factors you should take into consideration.
First, you should decide what color of lights you want. Some lights include several different color modes that allow you to change between white lighting and other colors for a different vibe. After you’ve examined the color options available on a specific light, you can look at factors such as the installation process, the type of light it will emit, the voltage level, and how the lights are controlled.
- When selecting LED pool lights, consider the long-term savings. As demonstrated on Ask This Old House, LED bulbs use only 10 watts compared to 65 watts for incandescent options — that’s 80% less electricity. While LEDs cost more upfront, they can last up to 15 years or more.
Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best pool light for your outdoor space.
What colors do pool lights come in?
Some pool lights are only available in a standard white color. However, others come in colors like red, green, blue, and purple. They may also have color-changing modes.
What is the installation process for pool lights?
Pool lights come with one of two installation methods. Some attach to the walls of your pool and remain there permanently. Others float on the water, allowing you to remove them whenever you want. Only purchase attachable pool lights if you have the proper housing to install them. Otherwise, stick to temporary ones.
What are the different types of pool light bulbs?
There are three types of bulbs that manufacturers use in their pool lights.
- Incandescent: These traditional bulbs are large and produce white light.
- Halogen: These smaller bulbs are more efficient. They also produce white light.
- LED: Today, most pool lights feature LED bulbs because they’re longer-lasting and more energy-efficient than the other two types. They can also produce light in a variety of colors.
What is the standard voltage for a pool light?
Floating lights come in a range of voltages for you to choose from. However, lights that you install on the side of your pool usually only support 12- or 120-volt bulbs. Twelve-volt bulbs produce a low, steady light, while 120-volt bulbs produce a brighter light. Before deciding on a voltage for your permanent lights, check regulations in your area because some towns and neighborhoods require you to use the less powerful 12-volt bulbs in your pool.
How are pool lights controlled?
You usually control temporary pool lights with a button. Depending on the permanent pool lights you choose, you can control them with switches, remotes, buttons, and timers.
How to Best Optimize Your Pool Lights
When choosing the pool lights for your space, there are several ways you can customize them to match your personal style and the ambiance you’re trying to create in your backyard. Our team came up with the following ways you can mix up your pool lighting to best suit your needs.
Explore additional effects: Some pool lights can project patterns or designs onto the pool floor or walls, adding a unique visual element to your pool.
Create different color themes: If your pool lights have color-changing LED capabilities, take advantage of the various color options to create different themes or moods. One example is setting up blue lights for a calming atmosphere or brighter red or yellow lights for a party.
Utilize lighting effects: Many modern swimming pool lights offer different lighting effects, such as pulsating, fading, or strobe effects, to create light shows in your yard. Experiment with these effects to create dynamic and visually appealing lighting displays.
Highlight water features: Use your pool lights to highlight any water features you have in your pool, such as fountains, waterfalls, or jets. Position the lights strategically to enhance the other elements of the pool and add to the ambiance.
Illuminate landscaping: If your pool area is surrounded by landscaping or outdoor elements, use your pool lights to highlight trees, plants, or other features of your yard.
Quick Tip
- For enhanced safety and visual appeal, pool lighting placement matters. As noted in This Old House Magazine, “Lighting can turn a dark hole into a nighttime focal feature. A pool installer or landscape contractor familiar with lighting can add additional lights once the pool is in place.”
Combine lighting with music: If you have an outdoor speaker or poolside sound system, synchronize the pool lights with music to create a unique sensory experience perfect for parties or gatherings. You can also match the lighting effects and colors to the rhythm and mood of the music.
Set a timer: Use the timer in your pool lights or install one of your own to control your pool lights. This allows you to schedule when the lights turn on and off, saving energy and ensuring they are operational when you need them.
Pool Light FAQs
What are the benefits of pool lights?
Pool lights increase your visibility when night swimming, minimizing injuries. They also repel insects that would typically be a nuisance at night.
How long do pool lights last?
Incandescent and halogen pool lights last for about 5,000–6,000 hours. LED pool lights last much longer and boast an average lifespan of 30,000 hours. Maintaining your pool can also help it and its accessories last longer.
Are pool lights safe?
You may have heard that electricity and water don’t mix. However, pool lights are safe because they use low-voltage bulbs covered with thick, non-conductive housings.
How We Selected the Best Pool Lights
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of pool lights with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is critical to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final product selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.