Pool Lights: Types, Wattage and Installation
Underwater lighting makes a pool safe to use after dark and shows the water at its best. Waterstar LED pool lights run at 12 V, have full brass connectors and come in warm white or cool white. This guide covers which type to choose, how to supply it safely and how many lights a pool needs.
Nicheless light or light with niche?
- Nicheless underwater light (LL-18, LL-24, LL-36): mounts on the pool wall without a cast-in niche, so it suits both new pools and renovations. Available in 18, 24 and 36 W.
- Underwater light with niche (UWL-1 for concrete pools, UWL-1-L for liner pools): sits in a niche built into the wall. The LED bulb (LB-18, LB-24, LB-36) can be replaced.
Safety first: only 12 V in the water
IEC 60364-7-702, the international wiring rule for swimming pools, allows only safety extra-low voltage (SELV) of no more than 12 V AC inside the pool, with the source installed outside the pool zones. Waterstar lights are fed through the safety isolating transformer (T-1-300: 220 V in, 12–14 V out, 200 W).
- Keep the total wattage on one transformer at or below 200 W: for example up to 5 × 36 W, 8 × 24 W or 11 × 18 W lights.
- Connect each light through a junction box (JB-1) placed above water level.
- Keep the 12 V cable runs short and size the cable for voltage drop; long, thin cables dim the lights.
- Have the electrical work done by a qualified electrician to the local wiring regulations.
How many lights does a pool need?
As a planning rule, allow one 24–36 W light for every 20–25 m² of water surface; deep pools and dark finishes need the upper end. Place the lights on the wall opposite the main seating area so they shine away from the people looking at the pool, and avoid aiming them at the main windows of the house.
Example: an 8 × 4 m pool has 32 m² of water surface and needs two lights. Our Underwater Lighting Set (2 × LL-24, one T-1-300 transformer and 2 × JB-1 junction boxes) covers it.
Prices
The price of each light, bulb, transformer and junction box is shown on its product page. For projects and larger orders, request a quotation.