If you’ve got a pool in your backyard here in NZ, you already know how much of a treat it is during summer—but come night-time, without decent lighting, it might as well be a black hole.

Let’s cut to the chase—good pool lighting isn’t just about making your pool look pretty (though that’s definitely a bonus), it’s about safety, usability, and setting the right mood for that evening swim or weekend BBQ. So, here’s what matters when picking the best pool lights for your place.

Start with the main choice: LED or halogen?

Go with LED. Simple as that. They last longer, use way less power (so your power bill doesn’t spike), and newer models are super bright. It’s kind of like when you swapped out old-school lightbulbs inside your house for LEDs—same deal. Less heat, better light, and no drama.

Now, colours.

You can stick with classic white if you like a clean look, or go multi-colour if you’re into setting a vibe. A lot of newer LED pool lights come with remote controls or even Bluetooth connection, so you can change colours or brightness straight from your phone. Think of it like putting fairy lights around the garden—except these ones can change to match the mood.

For quality here in New Zealand, head to places like Pools R Us (poolsrus.co.nz) or Paramount Pools (paramountpools.co.nz)—they stock solid options that are made for our conditions. Wattie’s aren’t making pool lights (yet), but if they did, you’d want them to last like a can of beans in your pantry. That’s the level of durability you’re looking for—something that can handle our unpredictable weather and doesn’t need replacing every other year.

Check the IP rating when you’re buying.

Don’t worry, IP just stands for “Ingress Protection”—a fancy term for how waterproof your light is. You want IP68 for pool use. That means it’s built to handle full underwater use, not just splash-resistant. It’s like buying jandals vs. hiking boots—only one’s making it through a rough summer.

Retrofit or new install?

If your pool’s already plumbed up and wired, you don’t always need to rip everything out. You might be able to just switch your old halogen bulb with a new LED insert. Many Kiwi pools are a bit older, so doing a retrofit can save you time and cash. Just make sure the fittings are compatible—Paramount Pools has a decent range of retrofit kits if you want to have a nosy.

Placement is key too.

Mount your lights to highlight steps, shelves, or ledges—especially for safety. It’s kind of like putting night lights down a dark hallway. You’re not just doing it for looks; you’re trying to avoid stubbing your toe (or in this case, faceplanting into pool steps you can’t see).

Thinking full glow-up?

Consider adding surface lighting too, like garden path lights or under-deck lighting around the pool zone. Places like Mitre 10 or Bunnings usually have outdoor-rated LED strips or solar-powered options that do the job nicely. A little ambient lighting goes a long way—you don’t want guests fumbling around with phones as torches.

Smart controls if you’re keen on tech.

Some premium systems hook straight into your smart home setup. You can set timers, change colours, and control your lights with Google or Alexa. It’s like having an extra remote for your pool, right in your pocket.

Last thing—double check the electrician side.

Here in NZ, pool lighting needs to meet certain safety codes, and most of the time you’ll need a qualified sparky to do the install. If you’re unsure, jump on sites like Builderscrack or check with your local council guidelines. It keeps everything above board and safe.

So, if you’re still splashing around in the dark, it might be time to light things up properly. Go LED, aim for IP68, choose your colours, and make sure it’s all wired in safely. Once it’s done, swimming at night feels like stepping into your own private luxury resort. Only, with a chilly bin nearby and no inflated hotel price tag.