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.
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 | 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.