So, if you’ve got a pool in your backyard and you’re thinking about lighting it up, LED pool lights are definitely worth a look. It’s not just about making it look flash — good pool lighting also helps with safety, plus you can use your pool more in the evenings without tripping over anything.

Here’s what matters when picking the best LED lights for your pool.

Brightness & Colour Options

Let’s cut to the chase — not all lights are created equal. Some are soft white and simple, others can cycle through different colours with a remote or app. If you’re after that resort-style vibe or just want options for a party or quiet evening, go for ones with colour-changing features.

Think of it like buying bulbs for your lounge, except these get installed under water and need to stand up to chlorine or salt.

Check out Mr Pool Man NZ or Spa Electrics — they offer LED pool lights with solid colour and multicolour options. Spa Electrics even do retrofit lights, which are perfect if you’re upgrading from old halogen ones.

Ease of Installation

Okay, here’s the reality — installing pool lights can be a bit of a mission if you’re doing it from scratch. But if your pool already has fittings for lights, swapping them out for new LEDs is way easier. Just make sure the lights are the right shape and size for your pool housing.

Some brands, like PAL Lighting and Aquaquip, do plug-and-play retrofits that work with most existing setups. Places like Bunnings or Swimming Pool Warehouse NZ often have charts on their websites to help you match the right one with your current system.

Energy Efficiency

LED lights are miles ahead of old halogens when it comes to power use. It’s kind of like swapping an old heater for a heat pump — it just makes sense in the long run. LEDs use way less electricity, and they last heaps longer too (we’re talking 10 years or more in ideal conditions).

This means your power bill won’t take a hit just because you want to light the pool on a summer evening. Plus, less maintenance.

Durability & Waterproof Rating

This isn’t something you want to skimp on. Pool lights need to be fully waterproof — no exceptions. Look out for IP68-rated lights. That’s just a fancy way of saying the light can sit fully submerged long-term and still keep ticking. Anything less, and you’re gambling with your investment, especially in a saltwater pool.

Places like Paramount Pools NZ have a range of LED lights made specifically for Kiwi conditions — they know our weather can do wild things, so the gear is built to suit.

Controls (Because Everyone Loves a Bit of Tech)

Now, if you’re into gadgets, some modern LED systems let you adjust things right from your phone. Want a smooth colour fade while you’re chilling with mates outside and the BBQ’s going? Just tap your screen.

PAL LED systems, for example, offer smartphone control and even sync with music. Bit of fun, and surprisingly easy to set up. Just make sure your home Wi-Fi can reach the pool area — we’ve got pretty strong building insulation in NZ, so signals sometimes struggle through walls.

Things to Watch Out For

Alright, quick heads-up about common stuff that trips people up:

• Make sure the transformer is up to spec and rated for the number of lights you want to run.
• If your pool’s in-ground, you might not want to do this as a weekend DIY. Call in a licensed electrician who’s dealt with pool lighting before — safety around water is a biggie.
• Don’t mix different brands of lights unless you’re 100% sure they’ll talk to each other. The colours can look off or the remote might not work properly.

Where to Buy

In New Zealand, you’ve got a few solid retailers:

• Bunnings has a few lower-budget models — fine if you want basic functionality.
• Paramount Pools and Pool Masta carry decent mid-range and premium options.
• Trade Tested sometimes runs good deals, especially around end-of-summer sales.
• For top-end gear, Spa Electrics and PAL Lighting often get recommended by pool installers across NZ.

Oh, and check Trade Me if you don’t mind second-hand or clearance stock — just make sure you’re getting the transformer and user manual too.

Final Thought

It’s kind of like when you get good outdoor lighting on your deck — suddenly, you’re out there every evening, enjoying it so much more. Upgrading to LED pool lights is the same. It adds atmosphere, boosts safety, and cuts down your power use over time.

So, if your old halogens have fizzled out or you’re setting up a new pool, investing in a good LED lighting setup just pays off. Don’t overthink it — get lights that are bright, tough, suit your setup, and you’re away laughing.