When purchasing an inground swimming pool, there are some accessories such as heaters, security covers, and automatic vacuums that can be added or changed over time. You do not have that flexibility with an inground pool light. It’s a one-shot deal. Let’s take a moment to compare LED pool lights and fiber optic pool lights, two products on the market today to find which inground pool light could work better for you.
First, we need to identify the similarities and differences of each inground pool light. LED pool lights and fiber optic pool lights both have the same objective: to illuminate the pool and provide a variety of colors to enhance the atmosphere. But that’s about all the two inground pool lights have in common as they use two entirely different methods to illuminate the pool water. LED pool lights are designed so the actual light bulb is submersed in the water and contained in a niche, or housing, which is installed in the pool shell. The light bulb is sealed so water or electricity cannot get in or out and the cord travels from the bulb to a switch where the light is operated. Fiber optic pool lights are designed so the light bulb is located in a dry box located on the top of the pool patio. The light from the bulb travels through fiber optic cable from the box to a special fitting installed in the pool wall where the cable ends. The light is emitted from the end of the cable and illuminates the pool.
Level of difficulty changing the light bulb:
LED pool lights: Many people have the misconception that you need to lower the water level to change the bulb of an inground pool light. Not true! The sealed housing that contains the bulb is removed from the light niche in the pool wall and then brought above water level where the bulb is changed. The entire process is simple and takes 15-30 minutes.
Fiber optic pool lights: Because the bulb of fiber optic is located in a dry box on patio level, the bulb is very easy to access and can be changed in less than 5 minutes.
Initial and lifetime cost:
LED pool lights: Initial cost is typically $400 – $900. The only component of the system that will need periodic replacement will be the bulb which ranges anywhere from $200 – $400 depending on the unit. Bulbs will typically last 7-15 years.
Fiber optic pool lights: The initial cost is typically $900 – $1,500. Because this system is above water level, a fan is needed to cool the bulb. An electric motor is also used to rotate the color wheel that causes the light to change colors. These components do fail over time and will need to be replaced. The bulbs of fiber optic will typically last 3-7 years at a replacement cost of $200 – $300.
Brightness:
LED pool lights: A full size LED pool light will illuminate a large residential pool very well.
Fiber optic pool lights: They work well in principle, but simply don’t illuminate the pool well, even when there are two fiber optic cables because when two cables are used, they both come from the same illuminator to eliminate the need for a second expensive illuminator box.
Size and location of lighting components:
LED pool lights: The components are a standard light switch and transformer located at the pool equipment or more convenient location, and the light is installed at the pool. The transformer is mounted on a post or wall along with the switch and can be as close as 10’ from the pool or as far as 50’-100’ from the pool. Many lights come with limited cord length.
Fiber optic pool lights: The dry box or illuminator, is about 1’x1’ in size and must be located within 10’-12’of the pool unless custom length fiber optic is purchased. This does present a design challenge if the light is wanted on an end of the pool with a significant amount of patio.
Safety:
LED pool lights: Despite what some people may think, modern submerged pool lights are safe. Tens of thousands are installed every year without incident. Many LED pool lights are low voltage.
Fiber optic pool lights: Have literally no electricity in the water. All of the mechanicals are located in the illuminator box at patio level.
Horizon Pool and Patio are the pool care experts. They can help you determine the best lighting solution for your pool. They are family owned and operated. Since 1985, they have been serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Acreage, Loxahatchee and many of the other communities in Palm Beach County.
Horizon Pool and Patio provide both residential and commercial pool and spa service, equipment repairs, retail supplies and equipment, along with full pool renovations and remodeling. For more information on Horizon Pool & Patio, visit them at newhp.wpengine.com or call (561) 790-0665. You can always visit their Wellington store located in the Wellington Plaza next to Ultima Fitness at 12785A W. Forest Hill Boulevard.
