Replacing a pool light fixture is one of the most common maintenance concerns pool owners have. This leads many people to ponder whether draining the pool is necessary when replacing the pool light. The short answer: No, you don’t need to drain the pool to replace a light fixture. That said, it does depend on the kind of light you’re replacing and your pool’s configuration.
If you do not have to drain your pool in order to complete this task, then you still need to make sure that you are properly maintaining your pool. After all, a clean well-maintained pool needs cleaning and maintenance. Using a robot pool cleaner, such as Beatbot AquaSense Pro, can guarantee cleanliness and save you from multiple manual cleaning of your pool.
In this blog, we’ll cover what is involved in replacing a pool light fixture, as well as some tips for cleaning your pool using a pool-cleaning robot.
Do You Need to Drain Pool Water to Change a Fixture?
First of all, replacing a pool light fixture generally doesn’t require draining the pool, though it may depend on your pool’s light system. Here’s a rundown of what will determine whether you should drain the water or not.
Types of Pool Light Fixtures
Many current pool light fixtures are above-waterline access, meaning you don’t have to drain the pool to replace them. Most of these lights have a removable fixture, which is held in with screws or clips. Although this is not the case with all pool lights, especially in-ground pool lights, often they will be located below the water and thus you’ll need to empty the water level a bit so you can access it safely.
Light Fixture Above Water Level Replacement
If your pool light sits above the waterline (such as in-ground fixtures above the water or for above-ground pools) changing over your fixture is a quick job. You can follow these steps:
- Caution: Always turn off the power to the pool light at the circuit breaker.
- Unscrewing the light cover with a screwdriver
- Put the bulbs or fixture back and reassemble the entire thing.
- Underwater replacement of light fitting
Sometimes, if the pool light is mounted below the waterline, you might have to drain the pool to get to the light. This means you would have to drain the water below the light fixture level in order to safely access it. This can be done by draining the water, using a submersible pump, but that will take time and be hard work.
Alternatively, some pool pros suggest a “wet niche” light, which can be serviced while wet, so you won’t have to drain the pool to replace it.
A Light Transformer or Quick Disconnect System
Certain in-pool lighting systems even feature quick disconnects or transformers that allow you to service the light without emptying the pool. If you own one of these systems, you may not need to drain any water at all.
Guide to Changing a Pool Light Fixture
If the pool light is accessible above the waterline, or if you can safely drain the water below the level of the light, here are the general steps to replace the fixture:
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Safety first! Remember to cut off the power to your pool light on the circuit breaker, or else you could risk a shock. Before doing any work make sure there’s no power going to the light.
Step 2: Take Off the Light Cover
Carefully unscrew the light cover with the screwdriver or wrench. Depending on how your pool is lit, that may mean unscrewing a few bolts or clips.
Step 3: Remove the Old Bulb
Gently pull the old bulb out of the fixture. Just make sure you don’t break the fixture in the process. If the bulb is jammed, gently twist the bulb or, using a soft cloth, grip and pull it out.
Step 4: Replace the Light Fixture
Carefully place the replacement light bulb or fixture in the socket, ensuring the fit is tight. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific lights. Then reinstall the light cover after placing the new light.
Step 5: Turn the Power Back On and Test the Light
Flip the power back on at the circuit breaker, then check that the light works. If the light still doesn’t go on, double-check the wiring and the bulb installed.
The Life of a Covered Pool After a Storm
When it comes to pool maintenance you might think replacing a pool light fixture is all that needs doing. Several weekly cleanings and maintenance help to keep your pool in good condition and water clear. Robot pool cleaners (in one form or another) are by far the best way to keep your pool clean with minimal effort.
A robot pool cleaner is an automated machine that scrubs your pool’s floor, walls, and waterline, purging the water of debris such as leaves and dirt, including smaller contaminants like sand. A robotic cleaner will help you save time and energy while enjoying a clean pool!
Below are the benefits of using a pool-cleaning robot:
Efficiency and Time-Saving
A robot pool cleaner operates on its own with minimal supervision — you set it up and let it do the cleaning for you while you sit back and relax or attend to other tasks. As an example, the Beatbot AquaSense Pro is especially effective for cleaning larger pools with little supervision.
Comprehensive Cleaning
Roaming the bottom and sides of the pool, and even around the waterline, robot pool cleaners such as Beatbot iSkim Ultra are designed for a thorough clean. These robots also work effectively at getting debris out from hard-to-reach areas, leaving no area of your pool unattended.
Less Strain on Pool Filtration System
A pool cleaner robot helps lessen the burden of your pool’s filtration system by removing waste in your pool. This can ensure an optimal circulation of water, thus extending the life of your pool equipment.
How to Enhance Your Robot Pool Cleaner with a Pool Skimmer
A pool skimmer is ideal for cleaning the top of your pool, while your robot pool cleaner does all the heavy lifting. Skimmers remove floating debris such as leaves, bugs, and other particles that could clog your filtration system. This basic device keeps your pool shipshape between its robotic cleanings.
Types of Pool Skimmers
- Skimmers (manual): Handheld devices that are simple to operate for surface cleansing in a hurry.
- Automatic skimmers: These are installed and can be used along with your robot pool cleaner for constant cleaning.
Wrapping up: The Convenience of a Robot Pool Cleaner
While you can often change a pool light fixture without draining the pool, maintaining your pool requires routine cleaning. The best part: With a robot pool cleaner, you can make sure your pool is clean without worrying about the time and energy that goes into cleaning your pool by hand.
Such devices will make the hard work of keeping your pool clean a thing of the past, whether you opt for a robotic pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense Pro or a pool vacuum robot. Adding a pool skimmer for your robot cleaner will keep your pool spotless throughout the year.
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