Are you looking to upgrade your pool lighting? Consider converting your pool light to color LED pool lighting! Not only are LED pool lights brighter, but they can also save you up to 80% in costs. But that's not all! LED pool lights create deep, rich colors in thousands of combinations and can be synchronized and choreographed for a rock 'n' roll-style pool light show!

Benefits of LED Pool Lights

There are numerous benefits to using LED pool lights:

• LED lamps last up to 20 times longer than R-40 incandescent lamps.
• LED lights are cool to the touch.
• LED lights use up to 80% less electricity.
• They are safer lights that are made entirely of plastic and operate at low voltage.
• The deep colors make your pool truly stand out.

Read more: Efficient Ambiance: Creating Atmosphere with LED Lighting

Choosing the Right LED Pool Light

To convert your pool light to color LED pool lighting, you'll need to find the right LED pool light that fits your niche. The niche is the sideways "hat" that attaches the pool light to the wall. Not all LED pool lights will fit all niches. For example, if you have a Pentair light, you can use the Pentair IntelliBrite LED pool light. If you have a Hayward pool light, you can use the Hayward ColorLogic LED pool light.

Alternatively, you can opt for the Hayward Universal LED pool light. This light fits the pool light niches of various manufacturers, including American, Anthony, Hayward, Pac-Fab, Paragon, Pentair, Purex, Sta-Rite, and Swimquip. It's universal because it fits almost any other pool light niche. Unlike other lights that may void the warranty or remove the UL certification when installed in different light niches, the Hayward Universal LED pool light is UL-listed as safe for use in almost any light niche.

Read more: Do LED Lights Damage Walls?

Hayward Universal ColorLogic Pool Light

The Hayward Universal ColorLogic pool light is a more affordable option compared to the standard ColorLogic LED pool lights, but there may be a small additional cost. Universal ColorLogic lights are only available in 12 volts and do not have a 120V version. This is another reason, in addition to the full plastic construction, why the Universal ColorLogic can be UL-listed.

Twelve-volt lights are just as bright as 120V lights, and in fact, the Universal ColorLogic LEDs are up to two times brighter than current LED pool lights, making them safer to use.

In most parts of the country, you can use either 120V or 12V pool lights. However, some areas require 12V pool lights according to local codes. If you have a 12V light, you will need to have a transformer installed by your timer clock, which looks like the one pictured here. A transformer reduces the voltage from a higher voltage to a lower voltage. Pool light transformers reduce the voltage from 120V to 12 volts to power low-voltage 12V pool lights. If you already have one because your area requires 12V pool lights, then you're ready!

Read more: Do LED Light Strips Damage Paint?

Installing a Pool Light Transformer

If your current pool light is a 120V pool light, an electrician will need to install a transformer between the power source and the junction box. The junction box, or J-box as it is sometimes called, is the point where the pool light wires meet the breaker box wires. The ends of the wires are typically connected with wire nuts. J-boxes are usually located behind the pool deck and about a foot above the ground.

Installing the J-Box Retrofit Kit

Another easier, cheaper, and quicker method is to use the Hayward J-Box Retrofit Kit, which allows you to insert a small transformer directly into the junction box. Purchase the Retrofit Kit that corresponds to the manufacturer of your J-box.

If you are replacing multiple pool lights with Universal ColorLogic lights in your pool, it may be more cost-effective and convenient to have an electrician install one standard pool light transformer behind the circuit breaker box.

Installing the Universal Hayward ColorLogic LED Pool Light

After removing the single screw, you should be able to wiggle the light free from the niche, and unless it's filled with water, it should float to the surface. Place the light on the pool deck and cut the wire behind the pool light. Make sure the power at the switch and breaker is off and use wire cutters to sever the wire.

Locate the light junction box and remove the cover. Loosen the clamp that holds the other end of the pool light cord and start pulling the wire until it all comes out. Then, insert a fish tape into the conduit and push it in until it comes out through the niche.

Wrap the new wire tightly around the end of the fish tape and pull your new wire through. Leave enough wire on the pool side to bring your LED pool light to the pool deck in the future, and trim the excess wire on the other side, about 6 inches above the junction box.

Connect your new Hayward Universal ColorLogic LED light to the J-Box transformer or to wires connected to a transformer located at the pool electrical panel. Then, close your junction box.

The next step is to insert the universal LED light into your existing niche. For some Pentair niches, you may need an adapter, and for some Sta-Rite or Swimquip niches, you may need to remove the lower lip of the Universal ColorLogic light ring. Once the new color LED pool light is securely fastened in the niche, attach the trim ring as indicated above.

Now you're ready to test your new color light! You can choose any of the seven preprogrammed stunning light displays or set it to one of the 10 single color options. If you add Hayward's Pro-Logic controller to your pool system, you'll upgrade to 101 colors and 11 light displays. All are adjustable for speed, motion, and brightness.

LED pool lights are an easy way to reduce your pool's impact on the environment, and you'll also reduce the amount you pay to the electric company each month. LED pool lights are also much cooler and more enjoyable than traditional incandescent lights.

If you have any other questions about converting your pool lights to LED color pool lighting, feel free to check out our pool lighting pages or call one of the lighting experts in our call center for a quick answer.

Related FAQs

1. How long do LED pool lights last?
   LED lamps last up to 20 times longer than R-40 incandescent lamps, meaning they will last much longer before needing replacement.

2. Are LED pool lights safe?
   Yes, LED pool lights are safe because they use low voltage and are made entirely of plastic. They are cool to the touch and reduce the risk of electrical shocks.

3. Can I install LED pool lights in any niche?
   No, not all LED pool lights will fit in all niches. Check the specifications for the pool light you wish to install to ensure it will fit your niche.

4. Can I install LED pool lights myself?
   If you have experience with electrical work, you may be able to install your LED pool lights yourself. However, it's always best to consult a qualified electrician to ensure the installation is done correctly and safely.