You know how when it hits 8pm in summer and it’s still warm enough for a dip, but your pool looks like a black hole? Yeah, that’s where LED pool lights come in.

Here’s what matters: LED lights let you enjoy your pool safely and comfortably after dark. They light up the water, boost the vibe in your backyard, and—bonus—they’re energy-efficient too.

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re in New Zealand and thinking about installing lights in or around your pool, LED is easily the top choice. Here’s why.

They’re super energy-efficient
Unlike those old halogen lights that gobble up power like your heat pump in winter, LED lights sip electricity. Think of it like switching from a regular bulb to one of those long-lasting eco ones in your kitchen. Less power, lower bills, and they last way longer. Some are rated up to 50,000 hours—which is basically several swimming seasons without fussing over replacements.

They’re safe
This is a biggie. You don’t want dodgy wiring or lights that short out when it rains. LED pool lights, when installed properly, run at low voltage which makes them safer around water. Especially important if kids are cannonballing left, right and centre.

Oh, and they’re cooler—literally
Traditional pool lights can get hot over time. LEDs stay cool. So you’re not dealing with blistering plastic lenses or potential overheating issues. It’s kind of like comparing an old-school torch to a new LED one—less heat, better light.

You can get fancy if you want
These lights aren’t just white and boring. Lots of options now come with colour-changing features and remote controls. Set the mood, pick a theme, or change it based on who’s in the pool that night. Romantic reds, party blues… or just the classic white that makes your pool glow like it’s in a magazine. Look at places like Spa & Pool Factory or Eden Pools here in NZ—they stock multicolour options that you can control with your phone or a remote.

They’re easy to install—mostly
If you’re just replacing an old pool light, it can be a pretty straightforward job. But if your pool never had lighting to begin with, you’ll likely need an electrician, maybe even a certified pool tech. Have a yarn with someone local—companies like Pool Mates or Pool FX in Auckland can sort you out with the right help or advice.

So, what should you actually do?
Here’s a quick checklist for choosing LED pool lights:

• Pick energy-efficient LEDs with a long lifespan (20,000 hours+ is a good start)
• Choose a reputable brand—ones from Aquaquip or Spa Electrics are solid bets, and you can find these through NZ retailers like Paramount Pools
• Make sure they’re IP-rated for water (IP68 is what you want—fully submersible)
• Think about colours and controls. Do you want just a switch? Or full-on smartphone control?
• If your pool’s already built, look into retrofit options. Don’t assume you need a major renovation

By the way, you’re not limited to underwater lights. LED strip lights along the edge, deck lights, or even floating solar lights can totally level up your setup. And they’re usually solar-powered, no wiring needed. Nice and easy.

Anyway, whether you’re doing laps at 9pm or just soaking with a drink in hand, LED pool lights make a huge difference. It’s like when you’ve got a good lighting setup in your lounge—it turns a basic space into somewhere you actually want to spend time. Same idea—just wetter.

Got a dark pool corner that always feels a bit sketchy at night? Light it up. Want to host mates for a BBQ and swim? Chuck on a few colours and you’ve got the party sorted.

At the end of the day, LED pool lights aren’t just about ‘seeing’. They’re about making your pool more useable, more welcoming, and way more fun—especially after the sun’s gone down.