It is the perfect night for an evening swim. The sky is dark and speckled with shining stars, and the temperature couldn't be better. You grab your towel, a bottle of water and turn on the pool light. Nothing. Your lighted pool is not glowing in the dark sky! While it is difficult to change your pool light bulb out in the dark, changing your pool light bulb is something that you can do yourself by the light of day.

Change Your Pool Light Bulb

While an experienced do-it-yourselfer can change a pool light bulb, you will be dealing with water and electricity. If you are not familiar with working with either of those, you should contact a professional.

While changing a pool light isn’t something you will need to frequently deal with it’s important to do so correctly. An improperly installed light fixture will result in a leak, so keep an eye on your pool water level the next few weeks to make sure the pool light was resealed well.

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, read over this list and make sure that you have these materials on hand.

• Replacement bulb
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Soft towels
• An assistant
• Circuit tester

Step 1

Turn off ALL power to your pool. Failing to do so could lead to serious injury or death. Do not take this lightly. Use a circuit tester to confirm there is no power. If you do not feel comfortable working with electrical tools or are unsure of how to turn the power off to your pool. contact a pool repair person to replace your pool light.

Step 2

Identify the type of screw located (most often) at the top of the light and unscrew, being careful not to drop the screw when you remove it.

Step 3

Remove the light from the casing/niche. You may need to use a flat head screwdriver to help pry the light out.  Once you remove it, pull it out of the water and onto one of your dry soft towels. The light should have plenty of cord for you to be able to do this step easily.  Dry the light off.

Step 4

Remove the lens from the light. This will be attached with either screws or tabs. Remove and clean the lens and look over the lens gasket. If it seems like it has corroded, it may be wise to replace that now since you already have the light removed.

Step 5

Using a towel, unscrew the light bulb carefully. Use a clean towel to wipe and dry the inside of the light fixture.

Step 6

Screw in the new light and reassemble the light fixture.

Step 7

Have your assistant/friend turn on the power so you can check that the light works before reinstalling it. This needs to be done quickly as pool lights burn at a very high temperature and are not made to function out of the water. Turn the light on for only a few seconds.

Step 8

Check to make sure there are no leaks by placing the light under the water. Air should not leak from the sealed outer edges.

Step 9

Insert the cord and fixture into the niche and screw into place and enjoy your pool.

If you suspect your pool light seal is broken causing a swimming pool leak it’s time to contact an expert. Call Aquaman Leak Detection located in Florida. Our licensed contractors are often able to locate and repair a pool light leak in one visit.