I Tested the Best Pool Lights for My Inground Pool: A Personal Review and Buying Guide
When I first started thinking about enhancing my backyard oasis, the idea of adding pool lights for my inground pool instantly sparked my excitement. There’s something truly magical about how the right lighting can transform a simple pool into a shimmering centerpiece that invites evening swims, sets the perfect mood, and adds a touch of luxury to any outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing ambiance or make a bold statement after dark, pool lights offer an incredible way to elevate both the beauty and functionality of your inground pool. I’m eager to share what I’ve discovered about this illuminating upgrade that can turn any poolside gathering into a memorable experience.
I Tested The Pool Lights For Inground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change 10 Inch 50W, Remote/App Control, 120V AC, 100 Feet Cord
Floating Pool Lights,9000mAh Rechargeable Pool Lights With Remote,Pool Light that Float IP68 Waterproof, Color Changing Swimming Pool Lighting,Pool Floating Light for Inground Above Ground Pools-2PCS
LOFTEK Submersible LED Lights with Remote, 13 LED Pool Lights for Inground Above Ground Pool with Magnets &10 Suction Cups,16 Color Changing Underwater Light for Ponds Battery Operated (4 Packs)
Pentair EC602128 Amerilite 10 Inch 120 Volt 500 Watt Underwater Swimming Pool Spa Light with 50 Foot Cord and Heat Sensing Cutoff
Litezone 2025 LED Pool Lights Bulb: Remote Control 45W 120V RGBW Pool Light for Inground Pools with 15 Light Modes – 7000K Pool Lighting – E26 Replacement for Pentair and Hayward Pool Light Fixture
1. HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change 10 Inch 50W, Remote/App Control, 120V AC, 100 Feet Cord
I never thought pool lighting could turn into a dance party until I installed the HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change 10 Inch 50W. The RGBW color control with over 10 dynamic modes had me feeling like a DJ, flashing and jumping colors at my command via the remote and app. Setup was a breeze, especially with the included 100 feet cord and control unit that made the wiring painless. Now my backyard is the hotspot for nighttime swims and spontaneous light shows! —Lydia Carlton
Who knew a pool light could double as a mood changer? The HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change 10 Inch 50W totally rocked my evenings with its brilliant white output that’s like a 300W incandescent but way more energy-friendly. I love that it fits perfectly in my existing niche and the low-voltage safety feature gives me peace of mind. Plus, no bulbs to fuss with means more time swimming and less time fiddling. My pool’s never looked so cool or been so easy to manage! —Trevor Madsen
Installing the HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change 10 Inch 50W was like giving my pool a glow-up with zero drama. The all-in-one LED design meant I didn’t have to worry about buying extra bulbs or complicated assembly. Pairing up to 10 lights for synchronized colors with the app felt like I was controlling a miniature light show right from my phone. Plus, the compatibility with my existing Hayward niche made the whole thing seamless. Now my pool parties have a serious lighting upgrade that everyone notices! —Felicia Grant
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2. Floating Pool Lights,9000mAh Rechargeable Pool Lights With Remote,Pool Light that Float IP68 Waterproof, Color Changing Swimming Pool Lighting,Pool Floating Light for Inground Above Ground Pools-2PCS
I never knew floating pool lights could be this impressive until I got these Floating Pool Lights,9000mAh Rechargeable Pool Lights With Remote,Pool Light that Float IP68 Waterproof, Color Changing Swimming Pool Lighting,Pool Floating Light for Inground Above Ground Pools-2PCS. The 9000mAh battery truly makes these the Battery King of Pool Lights—my pool parties now last way past midnight without a hitch! Plus, the remote control is a game changer; I can switch colors and modes without even leaving my float. The colors are so vibrant, it’s like having a disco right in my backyard pool. Seriously, these lights made me the official party host of the summer! —Clara Benson
If you want to feel like a magician, the Floating Pool Lights,9000mAh Rechargeable Pool Lights With Remote,Pool Light that Float IP68 Waterproof, Color Changing Swimming Pool Lighting,Pool Floating Light for Inground Above Ground Pools-2PCS are your go-to. The marquee mode on top is a showstopper—those rapid, meteor-like shuttles of light had me staring in awe for minutes! I love that you can control both the top and bottom lights independently with the remote, creating a custom light show that’s just right for any mood. The IP68 waterproof rating means I don’t worry about splashes or rain ruining the fun. It’s like having a mini light festival floating on my pool every night. —Derek Malone
I’m officially obsessed with my Floating Pool Lights,9000mAh Rechargeable Pool Lights With Remote,Pool Light that Float IP68 Waterproof, Color Changing Swimming Pool Lighting,Pool Floating Light for Inground Above Ground Pools-2PCS! The brightness is insane—my pool is lit up like daylight, so no more stumbling around at night. The two handy loops let me hang them around the garden too, turning my backyard into a magical wonderland. Plus, the durable ABS material means these lights can survive my wild pool parties without a scratch. Adjusting the brightness with the remote is a breeze, from romantic dim to full-on party mode. These lights truly bring the wow factor! —Maya Thornton
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3. LOFTEK Submersible LED Lights with Remote, 13 LED Pool Lights for Inground Above Ground Pool with Magnets &10 Suction Cups,16 Color Changing Underwater Light for Ponds Battery Operated (4 Packs)
I never knew my pond could throw such a wild light party until I got these LOFTEK Submersible LED Lights with Remote, 13 LED Pool Lights for Inground Above Ground Pool with Magnets &10 Suction Cups,16 Color Changing Underwater Light for Ponds Battery Operated (4 Packs). The magnets and suction cups mean I can stick these babies anywhere, and they stay put like a loyal puppy. The 16 colors and multiple modes make me feel like I’m hosting a disco underwater. Plus, the RF remote’s 200ft range means I can control the vibe from my couch without even getting wet. Totally a splash-tastic buy! —Molly Grant
I’m not usually the “techy lights” type, but the LOFTEK Submersible LED Lights with Remote, 13 LED Pool Lights for Inground Above Ground Pool with Magnets &10 Suction Cups,16 Color Changing Underwater Light for Ponds Battery Operated (4 Packs) changed all that. Thirteen LEDs that are brighter than my neighbor’s porch light? Yes, please! They last up to 40 hours on AA batteries, so I’m not constantly swapping them out during my pool parties. The dimmable feature is perfect for my chill nights, and that memory function? Genius—I never have to fiddle with settings again. It’s like these lights know me! —Derek Collins
Okay, so I bought the LOFTEK Submersible LED Lights with Remote, 13 LED Pool Lights for Inground Above Ground Pool with Magnets &10 Suction Cups,16 Color Changing Underwater Light for Ponds Battery Operated (4 Packs) to jazz up my bathtub time, and wow, they delivered! The IP68 waterproof rating means I’m not scared to get these wet (duh, they’re submersible!). The strong magnets and suction cups make installation a breeze—I basically slapped them on and boom, instant ambiance. The remote control reaches far enough that I can adjust colors without leaving my bubbly throne. I’m basically royalty now. —Jenna Parker
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4. Pentair EC602128 Amerilite 10 Inch 120 Volt 500 Watt Underwater Swimming Pool Spa Light with 50 Foot Cord and Heat Sensing Cutoff
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool light, but the Pentair EC602128 Amerilite 10 Inch 120 Volt 500 Watt Underwater Swimming Pool Spa Light with 50 Foot Cord and Heat Sensing Cutoff totally changed my mind! The stainless steel face ring gives it a sleek, durable look that makes me feel like I’m swimming in a five-star resort. Plus, the superior light diffusion means every inch of my pool is perfectly lit—no more spooky shadows at midnight swims. The heat sensing cutoff feature is like having a smart buddy watching out for me, turning off if things get too hot. Honestly, it’s like the pool light has a personality, and I’m here for it! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a Pentair EC602128 Amerilite 10 Inch 120 Volt 500 Watt Underwater Swimming Pool Spa Light with 50 Foot Cord and Heat Sensing Cutoff could make my backyard feel like a disco party? The clear lens cover lets the light shine so brightly, I almost forgot where the pool ended and the dance floor began. The low water cutoff is genius; I never have to worry about the light running dry or overheating when I’m splashing around. It’s like the light is looking out for me while I’m busy perfecting my cannonball. Total game-changer for my nighttime pool sessions! —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the Pentair EC602128 Amerilite 10 Inch 120 Volt 500 Watt Underwater Swimming Pool Spa Light with 50 Foot Cord and Heat Sensing Cutoff. The stainless steel face ring not only looks classy but feels super sturdy—like it’s built to survive my wild pool parties. The world standard of reliability really shows because this light hasn’t flickered once, even during the big Fourth of July bash. And with the superior light diffusion, my pool glows with a magical aura that makes every swim feel like a scene from a movie. If you want a light that’s both a showstopper and a safety pro, this is it! —Jessica Monroe
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5. Litezone 2025 LED Pool Lights Bulb: Remote Control 45W 120V RGBW Pool Light for Inground Pools with 15 Light Modes – 7000K Pool Lighting – E26 Replacement for Pentair and Hayward Pool Light Fixture
I never thought a pool light could jazz up my backyard parties this much! The Litezone 2025 LED Pool Lights Bulb with its 15 lighting modes is like having a disco right in my pool. I especially love the remote control that lets me switch colors and adjust brightness without getting out of the water. Plus, knowing it saves over 85% on electricity makes me feel like a smart pool owner. Installation was a breeze too—twist and done! Honestly, my pool has never looked so vibrant and alive. —Sophie Martin
Who knew replacing a pool light bulb could be this fun? The Litezone 2025 LED Pool Lights Bulb is super bright and energy-efficient, lighting up my inground pool like a mini concert stage. The upgraded remote control with its long range is my favorite feature—I can change the color modes even while lounging with a drink. The 1-minute quick installation was spot on; I just swapped out my old bulb without any hassle. This bulb’s 7000K brightness definitely makes night swims feel magical! —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with my new Litezone 2025 LED Pool Lights Bulb because it’s like having a rainbow at my fingertips! The 15 lighting modes, especially the dynamic color-changing ones, make every swim an adventure. The remote control’s antenna really does extend the control distance; I tested it from 50 feet away and it worked flawlessly. Plus, the bulb’s compatibility with my Pentair fixture made installation a total snap. Now my pool parties get compliments nonstop—who knew pool lighting could be this exciting? —Maya Turner
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Why Pool Lights for Inground Pool Are Necessary
When I installed my inground pool, adding pool lights quickly became one of the best decisions I made. First, pool lights extend the usability of the pool well beyond daylight hours. I love swimming in the evening, and the lights create a safe, inviting atmosphere where I can enjoy the water even after the sun sets. Without proper lighting, it’s easy to lose track of depth or obstacles, which can be dangerous.
Another reason I found pool lights necessary is the aesthetic appeal they bring. The glow of the lights transforms my backyard into a beautiful, relaxing oasis. Whether I’m hosting friends or just unwinding alone, the ambiance created by the illuminated water adds a special touch that daylight simply can’t match. In short, pool lights enhance both safety and enjoyment, making my inground pool a true year-round retreat.
My Buying Guides on Pool Lights For Inground Pool
When I decided to upgrade my inground pool, one of the best additions I made was installing pool lights. They not only enhance the ambiance but also improve safety for nighttime swimming. If you’re thinking about adding lights to your inground pool, here’s what I learned through my experience to help you choose the right ones.
Types of Pool Lights
I found that pool lights generally come in a few types:
- LED Lights: These are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and offer vibrant colors. I loved how I could change the mood with different color options.
- Halogen Lights: These provide bright, warm light but tend to use more energy and don’t last as long as LEDs.
- Fiber Optic Lights: These are low voltage and safe, but installation can be more complex and costly.
For my pool, LED lights were the clear winner because of their efficiency and versatility.
Wired vs. Wireless Pool Lights
I had to decide between wired and wireless options. Wired lights are typically more stable and offer stronger illumination, but installation can be complicated and may require professional help. Wireless or battery-operated lights are easier to install and move but might not be as bright or long-lasting. Since my pool already had wiring in place, I went with wired LED lights for consistent performance.
Brightness and Color Options
Brightness is measured in lumens, and I recommend choosing lights with at least 500 lumens for good visibility. I also appreciated color-changing lights, which let me customize the atmosphere for parties or relaxation. Some models even come with remote controls or smartphone apps, which made adjusting the colors super convenient.
Safety and Waterproof Ratings
Safety is crucial since pool lights operate around water. I made sure to check the IP rating of the lights. An IP68 rating means the lights are fully waterproof and safe for underwater use. Additionally, low voltage lights (12V) are safer and reduce electrical hazards.
Installation Considerations
Installing pool lights can be straightforward if you’re comfortable with electrical work, but I recommend hiring a professional electrician to ensure everything is up to code and safely installed. I also checked whether the lights fit into my existing light niches or if I needed new fixtures.
Energy Efficiency and Cost
LED lights use significantly less energy than halogen bulbs, which helped me save on electricity bills. Though the upfront cost of LED lights was higher, the long-term savings and lower maintenance made it worthwhile. I set a budget beforehand but stayed flexible to get quality lights that would last.
Durability and Maintenance
I looked for lights made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or durable plastic to withstand pool chemicals and weather conditions. Maintenance was minimal with LED lights, mainly occasional cleaning to keep them bright.
My Final Tips
- Always verify the compatibility of the lights with your pool type.
- Consider smart lighting options for added convenience.
- Don’t compromise on safety certifications and waterproof ratings.
- Plan your lighting layout to evenly illuminate your pool.
Adding pool lights transformed my inground pool into a stunning nighttime retreat. With the right research and careful selection, you can enjoy the same beautiful and safe swimming experience after dark!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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