How Often Should You Replace Swimming Pool Lights in Arizona?

Swimming pool lights are important for both safety and aesthetics. Lights enhance the look of pool water and allow safe nighttime swimming. Pool owners who have installed lights help to reduce the risk of accidents, improve ambiance, and make it easier to maintain the pool, as lights improve visibility.

Pool owners living in Arizona face unique challenges regarding pool lights. Intense heat in the summer, dust storms, and hard water all take a toll on pool lighting fixtures. Electrical components in pool lights are especially vulnerable to damage; when this happens, fixing it as soon as possible is imperative.

All pool owners should know how often to replace swimming pool lights, but there are also considerations to keep in mind. E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies can also advise on questions like How often should you replace swimming pool tiles in Arizona?

The Average Lifespan of Swimming Pool Lights

The lifespan of pool lights depends on several factors, including the type of bulb used and the type of fixture. Some lights might only last a few years, while others can last a decade or more.

Here is some information about the average lifespan of common types of pool lights:

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent underwater pool lights can last 1 to 3 years or 1,000 to 5,000 hours. These lights have a warm glow, but they are not very efficient. They tend to burn out rather quickly and generate heat, which can also reduce their lifespan. Since they don't last a long time and use a lot of energy, they aren't as popular as they used to be.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen lights are more efficient than incandescent lights and last longer, but they still produce heat, which can affect their durability and longevity. Typically, the filament of the halogen bulb is the main culprit in the longevity of these bulbs, as once it fails, it can't be repaired. Halogen bulbs last from 2 to 5 years, or 3,000 to 5,000 hours.

LED Pool Lights

LEDs are the most durable pool lighting alternative to incandescent or halogen bulbs. They can last for a decade or more, or 25,000 to 50,000 hours. LEDs use less power but offer brighter illumination. They have a higher upfront cost, but since they last longer, they're a better value and require fewer replacements.

In Arizona, LED lights are the best long-term option. With proper maintenance, they can last for decades.

Signs a Pool Light Needs Replaced

There are signs that a pool light must be replaced, even if it hasn't gone out. Recognizing these signs can help to prevent sudden failures and ensure that a light works as it should.

Flickering or Dim Lights — A light that flickers or dims often indicates a loose connection or a light source beginning to fail. This usually happens when a bulb is getting old or has a voltage issue.

Complete Failure of the Light — If the light completely stops illuminating, it could indicate a burned-out bulb, a blown fuse, or a wiring issue. If several lights fail, it could indicate a problem with the circuit or even the transformer.

Water Leaking Into the Light Fixture — One sign of visible damage is water leaking into the light fixture. These should be watertight, but if they are broken or have improper installation, water can seep in. Corrosion can also cause permanent damage to the bulb housing.

Discoloration of Fading — An old bulb often shows a yellowish glow, and LED lights may also begin to fade.

Corrosion or Mineral Buildup — Arizona has hard water, which can cause calcium to build up on the lights and cause corrosion.

These and other factors affect bulb longevity. If a bulb fails, it is best to replace it with a new light.

Factors that Affect Longevity of Pool Lights

Due to the climate of Arizona, these conditions can impact the durability of the lights. Here are some things that affect this:

Extreme Heat - Temperatures in Arizona soar in the summer, and this can cause rubber seals and gaskets to dry out and crack. This can lead to water leaking into the housing. Heat can also affect the efficiency of the bulbs.

Hard Water - Since Arizona has hard water, it is quite likely that mineral build up will occur. Overtime, this can reduce brightness.

Frequent Dust Storms - Dust and sand from dust storms can settle into light fixtures and cause electrical issues.

Water Chemistry Issues - If a pool owner doesn't keep the chemicals in check, this can also affect the pool lights. High chlorine or imbalanced pH levels can cause corrosion.

Extending the Lifespan of Pool Lights with These Maintenance Tips

To maximize the lifespan of pool lights, owners can do the following:

• Choose high-quality LED pool lights over incandescent or halogen lights

• Inspect light fixtures regularly for moisture, cracks, or corrosion

• Keep the water chemistry in check to prevent the buildup of scale

• Ensure there is a watertight seal around all fixtures to stop leaks

• Use surge protectors to safeguard against fluctuations in electricity

• Clean lenses to remove dust, dirt, and scale

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Pool Lights?

The cost of replacing pool lights varies depending on the type of light and how easy the replacement is. For instance, installing lights in fiberglass pools is much easier than doing it in concrete pools. For more ideas, consider Year-Round Pool Service Tucson for lighting.

Cost Range by The Light Type

In general, incandescent lights cost from $30 to $100 per bulb, halogen bulbs cost $50 to $150 per bulb, and LED lights range from $200 to $600 per fixture. Though they cost more, LED lights use around 80% less energy, which helps to save money on electricity bills.

Installation Costs

DIY bulb replacements might be possible, but special tools are often required. Professional installation, depending on the type of pool and the complexity of the wiring, ranges from $100 to $500.

E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies Can Install and Replace Pool Lights

For several decades, E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies has been working with Tucson pool owners to repair and replace pool accessories. From expert electrical work and the best brands to lights that change colors, E-Konomy can do it all. Call today for a free estimate on installing pool lights.