If you’ve got a pool or you’re thinking about putting one in, colour pool lights are one of those upgrades that might not seem like a big deal at first… until you see them in action. Trust me, it’s like giving your pool a personality. At night, your whole backyard can go from “just another outdoor space” to something out of a resort. So, let’s get into it.

Here’s what matters…

Basically, pool lights come in either white or colour-changing types. The coloured ones – those are the real game-changer. You can switch up the vibe depending on the mood, weather, or who’s coming over. Hosting mates for a BBQ? Throw on the blue lights. Kids’ pool party? Maybe rainbow settings. Just want a chill soak at night with a glass of wine? Soft purples or greens do the trick.

It’s kind of like when you set the tone with music or candles indoors – light does the same thing outside.

Types of Colour Pool Lights

Okay, there are a couple of types to know about: LED and halogen. LED is the way to go now – hands down. They last way longer, use way less power, and give much brighter and cleaner colours. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but they’ll save you money long-term.

Think of it like choosing an energy-efficient heat pump instead of a dodgy old gas heater – it just makes more sense.

Brands like Spa Electrics and PAL Lighting are two solid options that often get mentioned on New Zealand sites like thepoolplace.co.nz and poolpac.co.nz. They’ve been around for ages and work with Kiwi pool setups, so no weird fitting issues.

Installing Them (Don’t Overcomplicate It)

Here’s the thing – if you’re building a pool from scratch, definitely include the wiring and lighting in your build plan. It’s way easier to do it then. Talk to your pool guys about it early on. If you already have a pool, retrofit lights are an option, but you’ll need an electrician unless you’re super handy.

There are even newer models like magnetic LED pool lights that clip onto your existing fittings – no drilling or draining. Shop around sites like trademe.co.nz, and you’ll see those pop up from time to time.

Oh, and check the IP rating – it should be rated IP68 to be safe underwater.

Options You Should Know About

Some colour pool lights come with remotes, mobile apps, or timers. Others sync with your home automation. You could literally be sitting on your deck chair with a Speight’s and change up the lighting with your phone. Bit of novelty? Maybe. Handy? Absolutely.

This is what you should do…

• Decide how much control you want. If you’re the “set it and forget it” type, a basic multi-colour LED will do. If you like geeky stuff, go for Wi-Fi/app models.
• Make sure it’s LED. Not worth messing with halogen these days.
• Think about pool colour too. Darker pool finishes work better with brighter lights. Light pool finishes work with just about anything.
• Install with a pro. Even if you’re handy, mixing electricity and water isn’t worth cutting corners on.

Retailers and Suppliers to Check Out

If you’re ready to start looking around, here are a few NZ-specific places to check out:

• The Pool Place (thepoolplace.co.nz) – They’ve been around for ages and have lots of lighting options.
• Paramount Pools (paramountpools.co.nz) – Great if you’re doing a custom pool project.
• Trade Me (trademe.co.nz) – Sometimes good for deals, especially if you’re confident doing some of the work yourself.
• Mitre 10 and Bunnings NZ – They’ve got garden/patio lights if you want to carry the lighting theme beyond just the pool.

Last Thing – Get the Mood Right

Look at it this way – lighting isn’t just a “nice to have”. It’s part of turning your whole backyard into a place you enjoy, even when the sun’s long gone. Pool lights are one of those things where a small investment makes your place feel way more special.

Anyway, if you’re on the fence, get a demo or video of them in action. Most retailers will show you. Once you see it, you’ll get why people rave about them.

Good luck setting the mood out there.