Swimming under the stars sounds great, right? But without proper lighting, your pool turns into a black hole after dark—not exactly inviting. That’s where night swimming lights come in. They make late-night swims safer and turn your pool into a bit of a showpiece. Here’s what matters when you’re thinking about adding lights to your pool.

First up—safety

Let’s cut to the chase: when the sun’s gone, visibility drops fast. Even if your pool’s not that deep, slips and trips can happen. A well-lit pool makes it easy to see what’s happening under the surface. You’ll spot someone struggling, or just notice your mate dropped their jandals in the deep end. So the first job of your pool lights? Keep everyone safe.

Types of lights to think about

Right, so not all lights are created equal. Here are the main ones you’ll run into:

• LED Lights – These are the go-to these days. Bright, energy-efficient, and they last for ages. Plus, they come in heaps of colours. Great if you want to have a bit of fun changing light moods at night. You’ll find a decent range from Kiwi suppliers like Spa & Pool Factory or poolandspacentre.co.nz.

• Halogen Lights – These are older and use more power. Look, they still work well, and they’ve got that strong white light, but they’re less common now because LEDs have kind of taken over.

• Floating Lights – These are battery-powered and don’t need wiring. Good if you’re renting or just want something temporary. Think of them like fairy lights for your pool.

Anyway, LEDs are your best bet if you’re after something long-term, cost-effective, and customisable.

Installation—DIY or call a pro?

Here’s the deal: if you’re just popping in some floating lights, that’s dead easy. But if we’re talking about installing hardwired LED lights into the pool wall, yeah nah, that’s a job for a licensed electrician or pool installer.

Now, if you’re in Auckland, companies like Pool Mates or The Pool Man NZ can help with full installs. They’ll sort the wiring, waterproofing, and make sure it meets safety standards—because water and dodgy electrical jobs don’t mix.

Placement matters

Think of it like headlights on a car. You want even coverage across your pool, not just one blinding bright spot. Lights should go at varying depths and sides to avoid shadows. That way, you can actually see what’s going on beneath the surface.

A good rule is one light for every 5 to 6 metres of pool length. But it depends on your pool shape too. Got a lagoon-style or irregular pool? You might need more to avoid dark corners.

Coloured lights are more than just showy

Okay, stay with me here. Coloured lights aren’t just for showing off (although yeah—they do look pretty cool). Warm tones like reds and ambers can make the water feel more relaxing, like a tropical resort at night. Bright blues and greens, on the other hand, can create a cleaner look.

Some LED systems—like the ones from Zodiac or Aquaquip (sold at local outlets like Pioneer Pool & Building or Pool & Spa 2)—come with remote controls or even mobile apps, so you can change the colours and intensity without leaving your deck chair.

Energy use and cost

Here’s something you might not have thought about: running costs. LEDs use a lot less power than halogens—like, up to 80% less. That means you can leave them on longer without your power bill shooting through the roof. Think of it like switching from incandescent to LED bulbs inside your house. Over time, they pay for themselves.

As for upfront cost? Expect anywhere from $150 to $500 per light depending on the brand and features. Installation costs depend on how complex the setup is, but usually start around a few hundred bucks for a standard job.

What about solar?

Solar lights are handy if you don’t want to muck about with wiring. Just keep in mind they won’t be as bright or reliable, especially during those patchy winter weeks when the weather doesn’t play nice. Think of it like those little solar garden lights—nifty, but not exactly stadium-level lighting.

Ongoing maintenance

Good news here—LEDs last ages. Like 20,000 hours or more. So unless one gets damaged or the wiring needs looking at, you’ll hardly need to touch them.

But still, check once in a while for water intrusion or gunk building up on the lenses (especially if your pool gets a lot of leaves). Give the lenses a clean every few months. Simple stuff, but makes a big difference.

Where to buy in NZ

You’ve got local options, which is always good. Here’s a quick list:

• Pool & Spa Centre NZ – loads of LED lighting options and solid advice
• Pool Mates – based in Auckland, offer installation too
• Swimart NZ – stores all over, with lighting gear for existing pools
• Trade Depot – sometimes have deals on pool lighting if you’re watching the budget

Oh, and if you’re doing a new pool build, get your lights sorted early—it’s way easier to install them before the pool’s filled.

Final thought

Night swimming lights aren’t just about making your pool look flash. They’re about safety, energy savings, and getting more out of the space you’ve already got sitting out back. If you’re up for a bit of a revamp or just want to make the most of those summer nights, a decent lighting setup is well worth doing. Just plan it right, go for quality over cheap and cheerful, and you’ll be sorted.