Why You Need LED Pool Lights

If you have an inground pool, lighting isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about practicality too. Good lighting makes swimming at night safer, keeps the backyard looking stunning, and even helps highlight features like waterfalls or steps. LED lights are the best option because they last longer, use way less power, and come in a range of colours to set the perfect mood.

What to Look for in LED Pool Lights

Let’s cut to the chase—there are three big things that matter when choosing LED pool lights:

1. Brightness & Coverage – You want lights that evenly illuminate the whole pool, not just small bright spots that leave dark patches. Look for higher lumen ratings for better brightness.
2. Energy Efficiency – LED lights are already better than halogen or incandescent bulbs, but some are more efficient than others. Check the wattage—lower wattage with high lumens is the sweet spot.
3. Colour Options & Features – Some LED lights come with a single bright white setting, while others let you choose from different colours or even cycle through them for special effects.

Fixed vs. Colour-Changing LED Lights

You’ve got two main choices:

• Fixed White LED Lights – These give the classic, bright-white look that makes the water look crisp and inviting—perfect if you like a clean, modern aesthetic.
• Colour-Changing LED Lights – Want to switch between blue, green, red, or even create a slow fading effect? These lights add a bit of fun and are great for entertaining.

Some brands, like Spa Electrics and Waterco, offer remote controls or mobile app connectivity, so you can customise the lighting from your phone. Handy, right?

The Best LED Pool Lights Available in New Zealand

Looking for where to buy? Here are some solid options to check out:

• Waterco – They make LED pool lights that are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and great for inground pools. Check out Waterco New Zealand for options.
• Spa Electrics – Known for high-quality and easy-to-install retro-fit LED pool lights. You can find their products through New Zealand retailers like Bunnings or Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ.
• AstralPool – Another great brand with premium LED lighting options. You can find them at Para Rubber NZ or other pool supply stores.

How Easy Are They to Install?

Good news—if you already have existing pool lights and just want to swap over to LED, retrofitting is usually easy. Most LED units are designed to fit into old light fittings without having to drain the pool. However, if you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an older halogen setup, you might need an electrician to handle the wiring.

Still, the power savings (up to 80% compared to halogen) and longer lifespan (often 50,000+ hours) make it worth the effort.

What About Smart Lights?

If you like the idea of controlling your lights with an app or remote, look for smart LED options. Some let you adjust brightness, set schedules, or even sync with music for parties. Brands like Spa Electrics iRIS or AstralPool Viron LED have smart controls that make life easier.

The Cost Factor

LED pool lights cost more upfront than traditional halogen lights, but they save a ton on power and replacement costs. Expect to pay around $200–$600 per light, depending on the brand and features. If they last 10+ years (which many do), they’ll easily pay for themselves in energy savings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re upgrading or installing pool lighting in New Zealand, LED is the way to go. They’re bright, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and they look amazing. Whether you go for classic white or fun colour-changing models, your pool will look better and be safer to use at night.

For the best deals, check out local retailers like Para Rubber, Mitre 10, or specialised pool stores like Pool & Spa Warehouse. Happy swimming!