If you’ve got an inground pool at home here in NZ, you already know how much a good lighting setup can change the whole vibe — especially during those long summer evenings. But hunting down the best LED pool lights with a remote? Yeah, that can be a bit of a mission. So, let’s break it down in plain English.

Here’s what matters with pool lights: they’ve got to be bright, energy-efficient, easy to manage (especially at night when you don’t feel like fiddling with switches), and of course, safe to use in water. Oh, and they need to last — no one wants to jump in the deep end and find a flickering light a week later.

Let’s cut to the chase — if you’re after lights for your inground pool that you can control with a remote (no running around to the pump box every time you want to change the colour), there are solid options out there, even here in NZ.

Start with the type of lights you want

There are basically two main types for inground pools — flush-mounted LEDs (go inside the pool wall, nice and sleek) and surface-mounted LEDs (stick out a bit more, but easier to install or upgrade onto older pools).

For remote control features, go for models that come with Wi-Fi or RF remotes — RF is basically radio frequency, so it works even if there’s a wall between you and the pool. Bluetooth options are around too, but they’re hit-or-miss with distance and signal around water. Think of it like trying to pair your phone to a speaker in the garage from the house — sometimes sweet as, sometimes not.

What features should you care about?

• Brightness and coverage: You want to light up the deep end as well as the shallow, so check lumens (that’s the brightness rating). More lumens = brighter light. Around 1,000 to 2,000 lumens is common for a single fixture.
• Colour options: Most LED lights now come with full RGB settings — you can switch between solid colours or set them to fade between blues, greens, purples. Basically, you get an instant party mode.
• Waterproof rating: Look for IP68-rated lights. That means fully sealed for underwater use.
• Remote control distance: Make sure it matches your home setup. If your pool is a few metres from the house, go for RF or Wi-Fi over Bluetooth.

Where can you get them in NZ?

Here are a few spots worth checking out:

• Bunnings (bunnings.co.nz): They often stock Aquaquip and Hurlcon lights — these are decent brands, and you might even see display models in-store. Some setups even pair with remote transformers.
• Swimming Pool Warehouse (swimmingpoolwarehouse.co.nz): They’ve got multi-colour LED options with remote controllers built-in. Helpful if you’re after a simple retrofit.
• Spa & Pool Factory NZ (spapoolfactory.co.nz): Also good for light kits if you’re building new or want to replace tired fittings.
• Trade Me: Not a store, but heaps of listings from Kiwi-based vendors. Just be sure they’re selling NZ-compliant products with solid warranties.

Tips from a Kiwi backyard

Before I switched out my pool lights, I had an old halogen setup — it was like lighting a candle underwater, barely did anything. I went for a pair of RGB flush-mount LEDs with a remote setup from Spa & Pool Factory; cost wasn’t cheap but way lower than I expected, and they’ve been running cool and bright ever since.

And here’s a hot tip — get a combo pack if you’re doing more than one light. Many remote systems can handle multiple lights at once (some up to 6 or more), and it saves you stuffing around with wiring.

Don’t forget: installation matters

If you’re not 100% confident with electricals — don’t DIY. Pool lights need to be installed following NZ electrical safety standards. It’s not just about flicking the switch — water and power don’t play nice. Get a licensed sparkie to wire them in properly. You can check the Electrical Workers Registration Board (ewrb.govt.nz) to find a local, qualified electrician.

Oh, and if you’re in the Christchurch area, LightForce (lightforce.co.nz) has been getting great feedback locally — they handle installation too for peace of mind.

The wrap-up?

If you want the best LED lights for your pool with remote control, focus on quality over gimmicks. Go for RGB LEDs with proper waterproof ratings, solid remote range, and stick with NZ-based sellers so you can chase up support if needed. Once they’re set up, it’s a total game-changer — night swims, mood lighting, and best of all, you can control it all without leaving your deck chair. Too easy.