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How to Replace a Pool Light Bulb

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Has your pool light bulb burnt out? Here are the steps to make the change as easy as possible.



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Steps

Things You'll Need

Replacement Pool Light Bulb

Pool Light Gasket

Video

Step by Step

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Step 1

Caution: Possible Electrical Shock or Electrocution: For your safety please use the necessary precautions before attempting to work with water and electricity. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with how to work with water and electricity, do not attempt the following steps.

Step 2

You will first need to purchase the correct replacement pool light bulb and lens gasket for your light fixture. There is not one standard replacement bulb and gasket for all pool lights. That would be too easy! If you already know the make and model of your pool light, go to our Light Parts page to find the proper bulb and gasket.

Click Here to View Replacement Pool & Spa Light Bulbs

Click Here to View our Pool Light Parts

Step 3

If you don't have any information about your pool light, you will most likely need to follow the steps below to remove the light from the pool wall. The manufacturer name, model number, voltage and wattage of pool lights is typically found on a sticker on the back of the light housing (usually where the cord of the light attaches to the housing).

Step 4

If you find that there is no sticker or it is unreadable, there are a couple things you can try in order to identify the light. Check for a part number on the face ring and on the lens as manufacturers sometimes have part numbers molded into the parts. You can also see if the pool light bulb itself has any specs on it. If it is labeled with wattage, voltage and base type (R40 would be the base for a standard "flood" type bulb), you would have the necessary information needed to replace the bulb. Keep in mind this will not identify the gasket which should be replaced to ensure a proper seal on your pool light. Try measuring the outside diameter and thickness of the gasket and see if it matches the gaskets for the most common pool lights, the Hayward Astrolite or Pentair Amerlite.

Step 5

Gather the following items: Replacement pool light bulb, new lens gasket, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a circuit tester, and a couple of dry towels.

Click Here to View Replacement Pool & Spa Light Bulbs

Click Here to View our Pool Light Parts

Step 6

Locate your circuit breaker box and shut off all electricity to the pool area. Use a circuit tester if you're not positive that all of the electricity is off.

Step 7

Now it's time to remove the pool light from its casing, commonly referred to as the light niche or can. Most pool light fixtures are secured to the niche with a single pilot screw at the top of the light. Locate and remove this screw.

Step 8

Pry the light fixture out of the niche. There should be enough extra cord for you to pull the light up onto the pool deck. If you don't have enough extra cord to reach the pool deck, see our guide on "How To Temporarily Extend a Short Pool Light Cord to Replace Bulb". Note how the excess cord is stored so you can replace it the same way when re-installing the light. Lay the light on one of the towels to protect the lens from scraping or breaking on the deck. Use the other towel to dry the light.

Step 9

To get to the light bulb, you will need to remove the face ring, lens gasket and lens. Corrosion may have occurred so use care and the correct tools. Remove the screws or clamps holding the light fixture together. Gently pry off the face ring and then the gasket and lens. Clean any old gasket residue from the surface on the lens using a damp rag.

Step 10

Using a towel, unscrew the light bulb with great care. Dry the inside of the light fixture and clean any gasket residue from the light housing that comes in contact with the gasket. Do not use anything hard to scrape clean. If you score the surface of the housing, it may not seal properly.

Step 11

Screw the new bulb in securely but do not over-tighten. Here's a tip from one of our readers. "When you install a new bulb, buy some dielectric bulb grease and put it on the bulb Edison base socket. It will make a better connection and the next time you remove the bulb it will come out easy." Install new lens gasket around the lens and reassemble the lamp fixture.

Step 12

Find a friend to watch the light while you briefly turn on the electricity. This is to confirm that the new bulb actually works. These lights are not made to be turned on out of the water, so this has to be a very quick check.

Step 13

Now check for leaks by placing the light underwater. A few bubbles may float up, but air should not be coming from the sealed outer edges.

Click Here to View Replacement Pool & Spa Light Bulbs

Click Here to View our Pool Light Parts 

Step 14

Restore the pool light and the excess cord to their original positions. Make sure the screw holes line up correctly.

Click Here to View Light Wedge Repair Kit

Step 15

Turn your electricity back on and enjoy swimming at night once again.

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(1 to 40 of 72)

 Posted: 3/9/2022 

Lamp housing has corroded. For now have disconnected the power to that fixture. What is process to replace this fixture? Wiring runs under about 6 feet of poured concrete decking. I think we're going to have to saw that concrete and open up a new trench to the back of the light niche (?)
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/11/2022 

In the guide and video called, Poolside Repair: How To Install A Pool Light, we show you how to replace an old fixture.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/22/2020 

Want to install/use LED light bulb in a Pentair #784 series incandescent assembly. But there is a Pentair "Warning" message on the Pentair installation sheet: "Replace lamp with a similar type and wattage. Failure to replace lamp with the same type of lamp will damage the light assembly and may cause an electrical hazard resulting in death or serious injury...." It's pretty ominous sounding but using an LED pool bulb in an incandescent Edison base is apparently commonly done now. Is this all about compatibility? What white LED bulbs would NOT be a safety hazard?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/24/2020 

If you visit the Pentair Amerilite parts listing, the bulbs listed under key 9 are all compatible with the housing. When replacing the bulb, you will also need to replace the lens gasket as well, to ensure a tight water seal when installing the new bulb. The lens gaskets are listed under key 7 on the parts list.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/3/2019 

easy peasy
 Reply

 Posted: 7/12/2019 

This was helpful. The steps were clear. I got the job done.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/2/2018 

Hello Sharon - if you suspect a wiring issue, I suggest taking a look at our article: Tips for Troubleshooting Your Pool Light. It walks you through finding the fault in the pool light's circuit.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/27/2018 

I followed these instructions correctly and to the T.... and everything went back together. Except I think my new gasket was a bit thicker. I got everything tightened down but now my new light doesn't work. I tried my light inside my house before installing it. Its a 12v 60 watt 1000 lumens LED bulb and it worked fine. (it's rated for a 10,000 Gallon pool (mine is) Now, I think my problems is in the many wirings somewhere, Your thoughts on this? And where shall I start?
 Reply

 Posted: 8/7/2018 

Hello Vince - you may plug the niche's cable conduit with a cord stopper or with some epoxy. Cord stopper is my preferred method, as it is easy to install and remove down the line.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/25/2018 

HI, I had to have my concrete pool drained as it had to be cleaned/acid washed. Upon filling it to the point where the light is, I have noticed water coming out of the conduit behind the light. How can I get this repaired and what is the cause??
 Reply

 Posted: 10/19/2017 

some dude - If you are referring to a substance that is in the hole where the power cable exits the niche, it may be an epoxy type substance. Some installer seal this exit port with epoxy to keep water from entering the cable conduit.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/17/2017 

nice video. have you encountered a light that had a sticky blueish substance in the light mostly at the bottom - below the socket ? if so what is its purpose and should I reapply more of whatever it is ? its an old pac fab light similar to hayward.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/20/2017 

Vincent - Please call us at 407-834-2200. One of our service reps will be able to match a bulb to your Hayward SPO 580 light fixture.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/17/2017 

I have a Hayward SPO 580. Can I replace only the bulb and if so which bulb should I use? Thanks!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/21/2017 

Al - Thanks for your tip! I incorporated it into our guide.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/18/2017 

One recommendation I have is that for over 30 years as a electrician. when you install a new bulb buy some dielectric bulb grease and put it on the bulb Edison base socket. It will make a better connection and the next time you remove the bulb it will come out easy. You can find it at your hardware store in a small tube.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/27/2017 

Jennie - Here is a link to the PG2000 Owner's Manual showing you how to replace a bulb. The replacement bulb has been changed to 840211.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/24/2017 

How do you change the lamp in a fiber optic PG2000 setup? It says on the back of the base: 150 Watt, M102 type lamp, PacFab P/N840211, Product P/N 840241 120V, 2A, 60Hz only.
Any help would be appreciated.
Jennie
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/12/2016 

 ANAXARETE - Unfortunately, there is no replacement bulb for the Hayward ColoeLogic light. They have sealed units. You would need to replace the entire light itself
 Reply

 Posted: 12/8/2016 

Can I replace the led bulb in my Hayward colorlogic pool light fixture, or do I have to buy a whole new light fixture?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/25/2016 

Queala - It turns out that you do not have to drain your vinyl liner pool in order to change a light bulb. The vinyl liner is sealed around the niche that you are placing g the light fixture in. So you can remove the light fixture using the same steps as in this procedure.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/20/2016 

Referencing Don's question; I have pool liner also and this is first time we've had to change bulb. How do I know if I need to remove water from pool to change bulb? Is there a way to check? I don't want to remove water unless it's definitely necessary.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/13/2016 

Don - Yes, the principles are the same to make sure the light fixture is sealed properly. You may have to drain your pool down below the light fixture so you don't get water behind the liner when you pull the light fixture.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/11/2016 

All the videos i see are concert walls. Can you do this with a vinyl liner?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/25/2016 

Eads - Appling a light coat of silicone lubricant would provide a better seal. Do not use petroleum jelly. That product will deteriorate the gasket.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/25/2016 

Is there any reason to apply some petroleum jelly or silicone gel to the gasket for a better seal?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/11/2016 

bill - I would guess that you are probably all right. There is a chance that your light fixture has a small leak if it is old but most problems are from the gasket and you replaced that.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/9/2016 

replaced bulb & new gasket in hayward spo580 pool light
exact model gasket & recommended 120v 500w bulb
did water test - submerged light - all good - re-installed light
turned on, was perfect for a few minutes - when it starts to heat up
i get a few tiny bubbles from top of light
does it sound like a leak or does 500 watts create a few small bubbles when heating up ??
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/7/2016 

Randall - You may have the wrong bulbs or a leak in your light ficture. Which Hayward light fixture do you have? Are you set up for 24v or 120 V? What is the part umber on your lights?
 Reply

 Posted: 7/4/2016 

I have a hayward fixture and got two feit 300 w lights to replace bulb, but light burns out immediately when checked to see if it works. regular bulb works when fixture on deck so power is good. please advise problem.

Thanks.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/3/2016 

Have hayward fixture-bought two feit bulbs at Leslie's. replaced bulb.flipped switch to check that they work and both "popped" not broke, just don't work anymore-regular bulb works so circuit is fine. Do I need a particular bulb for the hayward fixture or were the bulbs old or a bad batch.

Thanks.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/6/2016 

Brianna - Getting that screw back in takes a lot of patience. Try weighting yourself down or have someone push you to the wall to keep you from floating off.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/5/2016 

I have an older Hayward fixture. Got it out ok but can't get it back in because it's in the deep end and keeps floating up before I can get it screwed in. Screw hole is set back in the housing. In the water I keep floating away! Help!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/24/2016 

Seabee2nd - That's the way I would do it. Here's a guide on "How To Replace a Pool Light Fixture". It shows how we attached the cord to pull out and replace the whole cable. You will only have to pull out 4-5 feet.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/23/2016 

Removed the light fixture but the cord seems to be too short to reach the surface. Is this possible? Can I replace the light without draining the pool down? Can I disconnect the wires at the switch, tie a string on the wires, pull the light to the surface, then reattach the wires at the switch?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/12/2016 

KingPedroll - The LED "bulbs" look like bulbs but have extra circuitry in them to provide light changing capability. Most LED bulbs run between $200 and $400.
 Reply

 Posted: 1/9/2016 

I am confused. I see references to changing out incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs. I was considering switching to LED but can't find bulbs only. Just the entire unit at $200-$400. What am I missing?
 Reply

 Posted: 7/22/2015 

Your video is soooooooooo helpful. I never dreamt I could take out the bulb casing without draining the water. Thank you so much!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/2/2015 

replacing bulb - The pilot hole may have been striped. For a temporary fix you might force a slightly larger stainless steel screw in the hole. Or for a more permanent solution, use a tap to re thread the hole.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/2/2015 

Replacing the bulb was no problem, but I can't secure the faceplate. After several attempts I finally figured out that the screw hole in the tab at the top of the niche isn't threaded?? What am I missing?
 Reply