So, you’ve got a pool and you’re keen to jazz it up a bit—nothing too over the top, just something that’ll give it a bit of wow factor, especially at night. That’s where changing colour pool lights come in. Whether you’re hosting summer barbies or just want a relaxing vibe in the evening, swapping out your pool lights to colour-changing ones is a solid move.
Here’s what matters…
- What are colour-changing pool lights, anyway?
Think of it like mood lighting for your pool. These lights can switch between different colours—blue, red, green, purple, and sometimes even do a slow fade through all colours. Some even have preset shows you can cycle through with a remote or an app on your phone.
It’s kind of like those smart light bulbs a lot of people have in their living room—same idea but designed to handle being underwater.
- Can you change the lights on your existing pool?
Good news—most of the time, yes. If you’ve already got pool lights installed, it’s usually just a matter of swapping out the old fixture for an LED colour-changing one. If your current setup’s pretty old (say halogen or incandescent), it might need updating to work with newer tech, but it’s doable.
This is what you should do: get the brand and model of your existing light, then check with local retailers like Spa Store New Zealand or Aqua Sport in Auckland for compatible replacements. Or even reach out to a local pool tech who can take a quick look and guide you—it’s faster than guessing and hoping it fits.
- What’s LED and why does everyone keep going on about it?
Alright, so LED lights are more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and way brighter than the old-school halogen type. Think of it like switching from a torch with AA batteries to a USB-rechargeable headlamp—you get more light and better runtime. Plus, LED is the standard when it comes to colour-changing lights. You’re not really going to find any of the old types that do colours.
Also, LED lights can run cooler (less heat), which is better for the life of the fixture underwater.
- Can you install them yourself?
Yeah… sort of. Technically, if it’s a direct replacement and you’re swapping like-for-like, some people do it DIY. But let’s cut to the chase—if there’s any wiring needed or you’re upgrading from halogen to LED, you’ll need a registered electrician. Water and electricity are not mates, so playing it safe here is a no-brainer.
If you’re in New Zealand, check the Electrical Workers Registration Board to make sure whoever you bring in is properly licensed.
- What will it cost roughly?
This is one of those “depends” answers, but to give you a ballpark—basic colour-changing LED pool lights start around $250 to $400 just for the unit. Then there’s installation, which could be $150–$300, more if there’s extra work involved. Higher-end systems with remote controls or app features can push that price up to $1000 or more.
Tip: Check retailers like Pools Plus in Christchurch or Paramount Pools for specials or bundles—they often have deals, especially towards the end of the season.
- How long do they last?
With good quality LED pool lights, you’re looking at a lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours. So unless you’re running a party resort in your backyard, it’s going to last ages. Think of it like changing the lightbulb in your kitchen once every decade or so.
Oh, and make sure you go for a reputable brand—Spa Electrics and Aquaquip are pretty common in New Zealand and are known for being reliable.
- Can you control the colours?
Yep—most colour pool lights come with either an in-built cycle (they change colours on their own), or you can switch between colours with a remote. Some fancy ones even connect via Wi-Fi so you can manage everything on your phone.
It’s like having Philips Hue for your pool—just control the vibe from the deck chair with a cold drink in hand.
Anyway…
If you’ve been thinking about changing up the look and feel of your pool, colour-changing lights are one of the easiest wins. It’s not just about aesthetics either—it’s about making your backyard feel a bit more fun, relaxing, or inviting at night.
Keep it simple: figure out what you’ve got now, decide if you want just a basic colour cycle or full app control, then visit a local pool shop or ring up a pro.
And when you finally flick the switch and see that pool light up in vibrant blues and greens—it’ll feel totally worth it.
Leave a Reply