How do you change the light bulb in a pool filled with water?

Answer 1

First thing is first, check the breaker related to your pool light. For many homes there is a ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) breaker located where your pool equipment breakers are. You should look for a single breaker with a push to reset button on it. Sometimes you may find a GFCI outlet (just like the ones found in bathrooms) near the breaker box. Many times the reason for your light failure is these GFCI's are tripped and need resetting. Push the reset button in and check your light now. If you re-trip the breaker once the power is turned back on you either have moisture in the light, the socket is bad or the cord is damaged in some way.

If the pool light was installed properly, then behind the light is a coil of cable that should allow the light to be removed from the light recess in the pool wall and raised above the water level onto the deck above. Remember to TURN OFF THE POWER before you dismantle any electric device.

There is usually one screw holding the light module in the recess - remove the screw and the light module will come out easily from the recess.

Once out, you will see a mechanism that holds the glass against the rubber seal and light container - it's usually a wire ring that has a nut and bolt in it - as you tighten the nut and bolt, it cinches up the wire loop against clamps that push the light fixture against the rubber seal and the glass.

Remove the wire loop and take off the glass and seal. Replace the bulb AND SEAL with a similar model and reassemble the fixture. The seals are essential in keeping moisture out of your fixture and ruining the whole light. Take your old seal with you to get a visual inspection and a proper match. Before assembling the light test the new bulb with a quick on/off of the light switch. If it works reassemble the fixture. If it doesn't test the socket and new bulb. Once assembled, it is usually a good idea to sink the fixture into the pool for a few hours just to be sure that it does not leak before you screw it back into the recess. If it does leak, you can try to reassemble the fixture again and try the leak test again.

NEVER LEAVE THE LIGHT ON UNLESS IT IS SUBMERGED! These are powerful flood lamps - they produce a lot of heat and can damage the fixture unless the water is there to dissipate the heat!

Check the fixture periodically for leaks - a leaky seal will cause the power to short and may blow the bulb requiring ANOTHER replacement.