Underwater lighting adds plenty of ambiance to your backyard pool. These lights usually require little in the way of maintenance, with bulbs providing a burn time of 1,000 hours or more before needing replacement. However, like all forms of lighting, these underwater lights will eventually need to be changed. This article will provide the basics of replacing underwater pool lights so you can keep your backyard well illuminated all summer long.

Removing the Bulb

Before you touch any electricity in your pool, shut off all your power circuits. Yes, it is a well-known fact that water and electricity do not mix, but it is important enough to bear repeating once again. The good news is that it usually isn't necessary to lower the level of water in the pool to accommodate the bulb change. Most underwater lights come with a very long, waterproof cord that can be brought up to the pool coping to facilitate the change. Simply remove the screw at the top of the light fixture and remove the fixture from the niche. Bring it up to the pool coping to make the change.

Replacing the Bulb

It is a good idea to place a couple of towels on the pool coping to keep the lens and fixture parts safe while you are changing your light bulb. Take the fixture apart and carefully set the lens aside. Once the lens is removed, you should be able to safely unscrew the bulb from the socket. Use care during this process, since old bulbs can break rather easily.

Before putting in a new bulb, take a soft, clean cloth and carefully wipe out the interior of the light fixture. This is an excellent way to keep your light fixtures in top condition. This is also an ideal time to replace the light lens with a different color if you choose. Once the fixture is clean, place a new bulb in the socket and carefully screw it in until it is secure. Make sure you are using a bulb that is specifically designed for underwater use. Turn it on briefly to make sure the new bulb works before reassembling the light fixture.

Replacing the Fixture

Once the bulb is in place, reassemble the rest of the light fixture, including the lens. Dip the fixture underwater to make sure the new assembly is watertight. You will know if the seal is working when there are no bubbles escaping around the fixture. You can then replace the fixture into the niche in the pool wall, by coiling the cord around the fixture and carefully matching up the tabs that hold the fixture in place. Replace the screw in the top of the fixture and you should be good to go.

Changing your underwater pool lights takes a bit of time, but it is not difficult. By following the steps in the proper order, you can rest assured that your light change will be safe and successful. The good news is that the long burn times on these bulbs usually mean that your bulb changes will be relatively infrequent, so you can spend more time in the pool and less on basic lighting maintenance.