What Is Swimming Pool LED Lighting?

Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are one of the most popular fittings for swimming pools. As a greater emphasis has been placed on energy-efficiency, LED technology has become a standard feature slowly replacing incandescent bulbs.

The fittings work by pumping voltage through the semi-conductor which emits light whereas incandescent and halogen lights rely on burning filaments. LED fittings simply work by plugging them directly into the power source.

The Advantages Of LED Pool Lighting

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

LED pool lighting is more expensive upfront than halogen or incandescent lights, they will save you in the long run due to their energy-efficiency. Incandescent lights typically run from 300 to 500 watts, whereas LED bulbs use as little as 42 watts.

By installing LED lights in your swimming pool, you’ll see greater savings in your electricity bills.

GREATER LIFESPAN

LED pool lighting is durable, with well over 20,000 hours of power. Quality LED brand names can last for 10 years or more. This will reduce for those lower-cost products.

LOW MAINTENANCE

With the lamps lasting for longer than other light fittings, LED products typically require fewer replacements as they contain tough diodes. That means, you’ll be spending more time enjoying your well-lit pool and less time maintaining it.

VISUAL EFFECTS

LED lights are available in a variety of colors which gives you the ability to create visual effects to set the mood. Highlighting features of your pool can be achieved through the quality of light and the even, deep glow that LED lamps to permit. Change the light at the touch of a button.

AUTOMATION

Unlike halogen lights, LED lamps can be automated with most models offering an optional remote control. Most will also have integrated smartphone apps for those who prefer a more tech-savvy experience.

Disadvantages Of LED Lighting

One of the main disadvantages of LED lighting over other fittings such as halogen models is that they aren’t able to be serviced. This means if the internal componentry of the LED lights fail, the fitting needs to be replaced. While the light itself can last up to 10-12 years, the other components probably won’t nearly last as long and will degrade over time.

Cost is another drawback of LED fittings. Beyond the higher upfront costs of the lights, LED lighting requires specific transformers and converters to utilize the right voltage that’s between 12-32v. This will require additional electronic equipment which will increase the overall cost. Fortunately, these transformers aren’t too expensive and are generally fairly reliable.

LED lighting is also somewhat susceptible to leaking, just like halogen fittings. Thankfully, the refined resin-filled LED light fittings largely solve this problem. If you do have to replace a broken LED fitting or a pool light that has leaked, you can swap them over for the resin-filled LED version.