Water can be a difficult customer because it frequently results in various issues, and dealing with a swimming pool means dealing with a lot of water. So do pool lights leak water?
Water can cause problems in a few ways, including leaks if you have swimming pool lights.
Pool lights are susceptible to two different types of leaks: either water can leak into the light, damaging it, or it can leak out of the pool through the conduit, significantly lowering the pool level. Both problems can be fixed.
Read more: Best Above Ground Pool Lights
Does Water in Pool Lights Pose a Risk?
Pool lights are sealed to keep water out since they are intended to be installed below the water line.
If those seals fail occasionally, you may notice water in your light fixture.
It could be a small amount, or if the leak has gone unnoticed for a while, it could be filled with a sizable amount of water.
That’s not good, but the type of light will determine how “dangerous” it is.
It’s risky if the pool light is older and powered by mains electricity.
You have a live current of 120 volts and water that could conduct that current inside the fixture, enough to electrocute you.
Theoretically, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) should trip to protect it.
The “danger” to yourself is significantly reduced if your lights are more recent low-voltage lights connected to a transformer.
A shock still has the potential to kill you, but it’s unlikely.
Whether or not the water is a threat to you, you still need to fix the problem before it destroys the light, which involves resealing the light to keep it safe.
How Are Pool Lights Sealed?
You must swap out the gasket to reseal a pool light.
Whether they have sealed LED lights installed in a larger housing or replaceable bulbs, most pool lights have a replaceable gasket.
The gasket, a ring that serves as a seal to keep water from entering the fixture, typically lasts 5 to 10 years.
Ultimately, the chlorine will wear away at the gasket, leading to failure.
You should also replace the gasket when you replace the light bulb in your pool lights.
You should replace the gasket before changing the light with LED lights because the gasket will likely fail before the light does.
The lights must be turned off before being removed from their housing and pulled out of the pool.
If the light was installed properly, there ought to be enough cable behind it to allow you to remove it from the water without unplugging anything.
Drain any water that may have gotten into the light fixture once removed by unscrewing the clip holding the cover.
After that, you should allow it to dry completely.
Before reattaching the light cover and ensuring it is screwed in, remove the old gasket and replace it.
Hold the pool light submerged once that is finished.
If any bubbles are seen coming from the light, the gasket needs to be installed properly. First, remove it, then look for mistakes.
You can safely reinstall the light in the housing without bubbles.
How To Check For Leaks In Pool Lights?
The second pool light leak we might be referring to is when your pool leaks water through the light fixtures, causing the water levels in your pool to fall.
It’s more than just your pool’s levels dropping below what you want.
There are additional problems that this can lead to:
- Because water conducts heat away, pool lights are intended to be submerged at all times. Therefore, your lights might become exposed to the air and stop working if your pool leaks and the water level drops.
- If you don’t drain your pool during the winter, water that leaks through the conduit could freeze and crack, possibly breaking your lights and putting you at risk of electrocution.
You can determine whether the pool leaks through the lights by looking at the pool level.
A conduit leak is probably to blame if it has dipped to any point between the top of the light and the halfway point.
If it falls below where your lights are halfway up, your pool is leaking somewhere else.
You should first locate the other leak source, even though you might still have a conduit leak.
How To Fix A Pool Light Leaking?
If you’ve determined that the conduit for your pool light is dripping water, you have a few options for repairs.
Just like you would seal a bathroom, you can use regular sealant or putty.
To accomplish this, drain the pool to the conduit level before sealing it.
The drawback of sealant is that it can be challenging to work with and harder to remove once it dries.
To break down the sealant and reapply it if you ever need to take the light down, you must first chip away at it.
Butyl tape is another alternative.
The same problem exists with this. Again, you don’t have to drain the pool to use it, but you will need to reapply the tape if you need to remove the cord from the conduit.
Wrap the butyl tape around the cable and insert it into the conduit hole with a tool like a screwdriver to form the seal.
It can be challenging because it is so sticky, but the solution is straightforward.
A cord stopper for pool lights is your final option.
These snug rubber seals serve as conduit plugs and are made to fit your cable precisely.
You can peel them open to fit them around the cable and then firmly push them into the hole because they have a slit.
For the tightest seal, ensure the thinner end is inserted into the hole and that you firmly push it there.
Check your light’s manual to determine which size you need because they are available in two sizes to fit either 34-inch or 1-inch conduit.
If you need more clarification, they’re reasonably priced to support purchasing both; it’s preferable to spend a few dollars now rather than risk breaking your expensive lights later.
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of a pool light gasket, and what should I do if it’s leaking?
The purpose of a pool light gasket is to provide a watertight seal around the pool light fixture. If it’s leaking, you should replace it to maintain the seal’s integrity.
2. What steps should I take if I notice water in my pool light fixture?
If you notice water in your pool light fixture, immediately turn off the power to the light and have a professional inspect and repair it to prevent electrical and safety hazards.
3. Are there any safety concerns or electrical issues associated with a pool light leak?
Yes, there are safety concerns and electrical issues associated with a pool light leak. Water can damage the electrical components and create a risk of electrical shock, making prompt repairs essential for safety.
Final Words
Regardless of whether your pool lights are leaking or your entire pool is leaking through the light conduit, you shouldn’t ignore the issue.
The good news is that a quick, low-cost fix is always available. Either the gasket on the light needs to be replaced, or the conduit can be sealed with cheap materials.
Do you have experience with pools in general or with lights that leak? How did you choose to make it better?
