How to Replace In-ground Pool Lights without Draining the Water 

Table of Contents

• Replacing an In-ground Pool Light Without Draining the Water
  1. Step 1—Disconnect Electricity to the Pool  
  2. Step 2—Remove Screw Supporting the Light Housing  
  3. Step 3—Remove the Light Housing  
  4. Step 4—Loosen Other Screws  
  5. Step 5—Replace All Corroded Screws 
  6. Step 6—Unfasten the Original Bulb  
  7. Step 7—Install the Replacement Bulb  
  8. Step 8—Replace the Pool Light Housing
  9. Step 9—Secure the Light Housing Screw  

Draining water from a pool to change out a light also drains time from your confined schedule. The design of a pool light’s housing allows you to remove it seamlessly without the extra hassle of disconnecting any wires. Forget draining a pool to replace an in-ground light; our step-by-step guide will help you get the job done in a splash.  

Replacing an In-ground Pool Light Without Draining the Water

Word of Warning: Following our safety tips along the way will prevent you from getting electrocuted, but they won’t save you from getting wet if the situation demands it. Regardless, the verdict remains that changing clothes is less of a timewaster than draining and refilling an entire swimming pool. 

Tools You’ll Need 

• Noncontact voltage tester  
• Screwdriver 
• Soft towel, preferably of terrycloth material  
• Replacement screws and gasket (if necessary)  

Step 1—Disconnect Electricity to the Pool  

• Cut the circuit breaker off to the swimming pool light.  
• Place a noncontact voltage tester against the swimming pool light wall switch to ensure no electric current is flowing to the pool. In the event there is even a whiff of active electricity, the tester signals will flash and beep. Turn the switch ON and double check the switch for signs of electricity before switching OFF.  

Step 2—Remove Screw Supporting the Light Housing  

• Locate the single screw along the bottom of the pool light housing bezel (the ring fitted around the front of the light fixture) 
• Enter the pool to access the screw if you’re unable to access the screw from outside the pool.  
• Remove the screw from the housing.  

Step 3—Remove the Light Housing  

• Extract the pool light housing from the side of the pool. The housing contains an attached long, water-resistant cord, making it possible—but not certain—to replace the light from outside the water.  
• Set the light housing on a towel outside the pool.  

Step 4—Loosen Other Screws  

• Check behind the bezel for a single brass screw or a series of brass screws supporting the bezel, light housing gasket, and housing lens.  
• Loosen the screws to release the bezel, gasket, and lens from the housing.  

Step 5—Replace All Corroded Screws 

• Remove and discard any corroded or war-torn screws then replace them with new ones.  
• Assess the gasket for wear, cracks, or crimps.  

Step 6—Unfasten the Original Bulb  

• Dry the inside of the housing with a soft terrycloth towel to remove any moisture.  
• Using the same towel as a temporary, makeshift glove, untwist the original bulb from the housing socket. 

Step 7—Install the Replacement Bulb  

• Screw the replacement pool lightbulb into the light housing.
• If applicable, install the new light housing gasket around the edge of the light lens.  
• Situate the lens on the end of the housing and install the bezel over the lens.  

Step 8—Replace the Pool Light Housing

• Tighten the screw or screws holding the bezel to the pool light bulb housing.  
• Wind the housing cord around the housing.  
• Insert the housing into the pool wall’s pool light opening. If a constant stream of air bubbles departs the housing after you submerge it in the water, you’ll need to remove and replace the bezel, gasket, and lens to ensure the pool light is adequately sealed and protected against water seepage.  

Step 9—Secure the Light Housing Screw  

• Secure the light to the pool wall with the screw you removed earlier.  
• Power on the circuit breaker.  

For more information about pool light installation or replacement, join our Insider list or contact our Customer Service experts to help you get back on track.