Upgrading pool or spa lights can change how the whole backyard feels at night. Before choosing fixtures, it helps to know what kind of lights your pool has now, how they are powered and how they will be controlled. This guide covers those compatibility questions.
Know your current lights
- Niche lights sit inside a housing (the niche) built into the pool wall. Replacement fixtures need to suit that niche.
- Nicheless lights are smaller fixtures designed to install in a standard wall fitting rather than a large niche. Several manufacturers make nicheless LED lights for 1.5-inch fittings, which can suit pools without niches. Check the exact fitting size for any model.
Look for a label or model number on the existing fixture, and note how many lights the pool and spa have.
Voltage and power supply
Pool lights are made for specific voltages. Low-voltage fixtures (commonly 12 V) are powered through a pool and spa safety transformer, and some fixtures run at line voltage (120 V). A new fixture must match the power supply it will be connected to. If you switch to low-voltage lights, the transformer must be suitable for underwater pool lighting and sized for the total wattage of the lights.
Cord length and junction box
Pool lights come with a fixed cord that runs back to a junction box. Many models are sold in several cord lengths, so measure the run from each light to its junction box and choose a length that reaches without splicing.
Color and control
- White or color: decide whether you want white light only or color-changing light shows.
- Matching other lights: some manufacturers sell versions of their lights designed to match another brand's color shows. This helps when new and existing lights need to change color together.
- Automation: if you want to control lights from a pool controller or app, check that the controller supports the fixtures. See our automation compatibility guide.
Installation considerations
Pool lighting is wet-location electrical work that is governed by electrical codes, including requirements for transformers, bonding and circuit protection. It should be installed by qualified professionals, and permits may be required. Replacing a fixture can also involve working on the fixture underwater or lowering the water level, so plan the work with your installer.
Lighting upgrade checklist
- Number of pool and spa lights, and whether they are niche or nicheless
- Model numbers or photos of the current fixtures
- Existing voltage and transformer details
- Distance from each light to its junction box
- White or color, and whether lights must match each other
- Your pool controller or app, if any
Planning other equipment changes at the same time? Our heater and heat pump guide covers the questions to answer before choosing heating equipment.
Get help choosing
For help matching new lights to your pool, send us photos and model numbers of your current fixtures. For professional installation in the Los Angeles area, see Showtime Pools' equipment installation and upgrades service. Installation and local delivery coverage depend on your address, so please confirm availability with our team before you order.