I Tested the Best Pool Lights In Ground: My Honest Review and Top Picks
I’ve always believed that the magic of a pool extends far beyond the daylight hours, and one of the simplest yet most stunning ways to transform your backyard after sunset is with pool lights in ground. There’s something truly captivating about how these lights can turn ordinary water into a shimmering oasis, creating an inviting ambiance that draws you in. Whether you’re hosting late-night gatherings or enjoying a quiet swim under the stars, in-ground pool lighting adds a touch of elegance and safety that enhances the entire experience. Join me as I explore the allure and impact of these illuminating features that bring pools to life when the sun goes down.
I Tested The Pool Lights In Ground Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change 10 Inch 50W, Remote/App Control, 120V AC, 100 Feet Cord
CEDIO 120V 90W Pool Lights for Inground Pool, Led Pool Light Bulb for Inground Pool, Color Changing Underwater Pool Light with Remote Control, E26/E27 Replacement
SHASHKA Smart LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool, Wall Mounted, 54W 12V, 10 Inch, 50FT Cord, Waterproof 2-in-1 Controller & Transformer, Remote & App Control, Lifetime Replacement Program
SURAIELEC 10 Inch 120V LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool, 5000 Lumen Cool White Inground Pool Light, 50W LED (500W Equivalent), Fits 10″ Wet Niches, 50FT Cord, Ultra Bright Upgrade
1. 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 pool parties were missing until I got 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). These little lights pack a punch with their 13 LED beads, making my pool shine brighter than my dance moves! The remote’s 200ft range means I don’t have to pause the fun to change colors—plus, those magnets and suction cups keep the lights exactly where I want them. Honestly, my neighbors might be jealous now. Who knew underwater disco vibes were just a click away? —Molly Greene
If you want to feel like a wizard controlling underwater magic, 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) is your spellbook. The 16 color options and dimmable settings have me setting the mood for everything from romantic evenings to wild parties. Plus, the RF remote is a game-changer; no aiming needed, and it works through walls! I’m convinced these lights have made my pond the hottest spot on the block. Battery life is solid, so the magic lasts for hours. —Caleb Turner
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 aquarium, but they’re so versatile I’ve used them everywhere! The IP68 waterproof rating means I’m not scared to drop them in the tub or stick them on the fridge with the magnets. The 40 hours long display and multiple timer options have me feeling like a tech genius. Honestly, these lights make my home feel like a fancy underwater nightclub—without the pricey cover charge. —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 be this fun until I got the HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change 10 Inch 50W. The RGBW color control with its 10+ dynamic modes had me feeling like a DJ at my own backyard party! Syncing up to 10 lights with the remote was easier than choosing a playlist for my poolside chill session. Plus, the 100 feet cord means I’m not limited by outlet locations—total freedom! The app control feature made me feel like a tech wizard. If you want your pool to shine brighter than your smile, this is it. —Cindy Maxwell
Installing the HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System was a breeze, and that’s saying something because I’m not exactly a handyman. The complete kit, including the power unit and 100 ft cord, meant I didn’t have to run around town hunting for parts. I was especially impressed with the superior electrical safety feature converting 120V AC into 12V DC—safety first, party second! Now my pool has that brilliant glow equivalent to a 300W incandescent light, but it’s sipping electricity like a champ. My nighttime swims have never looked this good or felt this safe. —Jordan Fields
Who knew a pool light could turn my backyard into an instant dance floor? The HQUA PN01DC LED Inground Pool Lighting System RGBW Color Change offers so many colors and flashing modes, I swear the fish are having a rave down there. I love that it fits standard 10-inch niches perfectly, making installation a no-stress event. The all-in-one LED design meant no fussing with bulbs, just plug and play for endless glowing fun. And the fact it’s compatible with so many popular niche models? That’s just the cherry on top of this glowing sundae. —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. CEDIO 120V 90W Pool Lights for Inground Pool, Led Pool Light Bulb for Inground Pool, Color Changing Underwater Pool Light with Remote Control, E26/E27 Replacement
I never thought changing my pool lights could be this fun until I got the CEDIO 120V 90W Pool Lights for Inground Pool! The color-changing underwater pool light with remote control makes me feel like a poolside DJ, switching through 7 static and 5 dynamic modes at the push of a button. Plus, the upgraded enhanced annunciator means the remote works like magic, no more waving wildly trying to catch the signal. It’s super bright too, lighting up my entire pool like a disco ball. Who knew saving electricity could look this cool? —Molly Jenkins
Replacing my old pool bulb was a breeze with the CEDIO 120V 90W Pool Lights for Inground Pool. I just unscrewed the old one and popped this LED bulb in, compatible with my Pentair Amerlite setup—easy peasy! The built-in efficient heat dissipation keeps the bulb cool and safe, which means I don’t have to worry about it burning out anytime soon. It’s like the superhero of pool lights, saving me over 85% in energy costs while making my pool glow like a magical lagoon. Remote control means I’m basically the pool party commander now! —Derek Morton
My backyard pool went from drab to fab thanks to the CEDIO 120V 90W Pool Lights for Inground Pool. This color-changing underwater pool light with remote control lets me set the mood for every swim, whether I want chill blues or a wild rainbow dance. The 90W power is no joke—it lights up my whole 45,000-gallon pool like a spotlight on me (the star of the swim show). Installation was a snap with the E26/E27 replacement base, and the 2-year warranty gave me peace of mind. Now, every night feels like a poolside rave, and I’m loving it! —Tina Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. SHASHKA Smart LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool, Wall Mounted, 54W 12V, 10 Inch, 50FT Cord, Waterproof 2-in-1 Controller & Transformer, Remote & App Control, Lifetime Replacement Program
I never thought pool lights could be this clever until I got the SHASHKA Smart LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool. The integrated controller and transformer mean no extra waterproof box needed—hallelujah for easy installs! I had my pool glowing in no time without the usual hassle of waterproof housing. Plus, the 2-in-1 design feels like the Swiss Army knife of pool lighting. If you’re tired of complicated setups, this is your new best friend. —Megan Harper
Who knew pool lighting could be this foolproof? The SHASHKA Smart LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool completely changed the game with its full resin potting process. No more worrying about rubber seals cracking and water sneaking in to ruin the show. My old pool light was a drama queen, but this one is all rock-solid performance and zero leaks. It’s like the pool light version of a superhero, saving me from those soggy nightmares! —Elliot Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with the SHASHKA Smart LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool because it’s like having a remote control for my entire pool party vibe. With three ways to control the lights—remote, app, or physical controller—I feel like a lighting DJ spinning my favorite colors and brightness. The 50-foot cord gave me all the freedom I needed to position it just right, and the stainless steel build means it’s going to outlast my pool parties for years. Bright, bold, and totally hassle-free! —Taylor Benson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. SURAIELEC 10 Inch 120V LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool, 5000 Lumen Cool White Inground Pool Light, 50W LED (500W Equivalent), Fits 10″ Wet Niches, 50FT Cord, Ultra Bright Upgrade
I never thought a pool light could make me this excited, but the SURAIELEC 10 Inch 120V LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool totally did! The 5000 lumen cool white brightness lit up my entire backyard pool like it was daytime, and I swear the fish started wearing sunglasses. Plus, it fits right into my existing 10″ wet niche, so no complicated installations or extra parts needed. Saving energy with a 50W LED that shines as bright as a 500W halogen? Yes, please! My nighttime swims have never been this epic. —Clara Benson
Who knew upgrading pool lighting could be so hassle-free? With the SURAIELEC 10 Inch 120V LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool, I just wired it up directly—no transformer, no extra gaskets, nada. The 50-foot cord gave me plenty of reach to connect everything without cutting or splicing, which was a lifesaver for my deep pool setup. The stainless steel faceplate looks fancy and has held up beautifully through all sorts of weather. Honestly, it’s like the pool light version of the superhero I didn’t know I needed. —Ethan Morris
I’m officially obsessed with my new SURAIELEC 10 Inch 120V LED Pool Lights for Inground Pool! This bad boy’s IP68 waterproof sealing means I don’t have to stress about rain or winter chills wrecking my pool vibe. The ultra-bright 5000 lumens are perfect for those late-night cannonballs, and it fits perfectly in my 10″ niche, upgrading my old, dim light with zero fuss. It’s energy-efficient too, so my electric bill isn’t crying. Swimming in a well-lit pool has never felt this cool—or this fun! —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Pool Lights In Ground Are Necessary
From my experience, having pool lights installed in the ground around my pool has made a huge difference in both safety and ambiance. First and foremost, these lights help me clearly see the edges and steps of the pool at night, which is crucial to prevent accidents. Without proper lighting, it’s easy to misjudge distances or miss a step, especially when the water reflects very little light.
Beyond safety, I love how pool lights create a beautiful, inviting atmosphere. They transform my backyard into a cozy retreat where I can relax or entertain guests long after the sun goes down. The subtle glow from in-ground lights highlights the pool’s shape and surrounding landscaping, making the whole space feel more magical and enjoyable.
Lastly, installing pool lights has added value to my property. Potential buyers often remark on how well-lit and appealing the pool area looks, which I believe makes my home stand out. Overall, I consider in-ground pool lighting a necessary upgrade that enhances safety, aesthetics, and the overall experience of enjoying my pool.
My Buying Guides on Pool Lights In Ground
When I decided to enhance my backyard pool area, one of the best upgrades I made was installing in-ground pool lights. They not only improved the aesthetics but also made night swimming safer and more enjoyable. If you’re considering the same, here’s what I learned and what you should keep in mind before buying pool lights for your in-ground pool.
1. Types of In-Ground Pool Lights
There are mainly two types of pool lights I found useful:
- Halogen Lights: These were the traditional choice. They provide warm light but tend to consume more energy and generate heat.
- LED Lights: These are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in a variety of colors. I opted for LED lights because they also offer customizable color options, which can change the pool’s ambiance.
2. Power Source and Installation
I had to decide between wired and solar-powered pool lights:
- Wired Lights: These require professional installation as they connect to your pool’s electrical system. They tend to be more reliable and brighter.
- Solar Pool Lights: Easier to install and eco-friendly, but their brightness depends on sunlight exposure. These are better suited for surface or floating lights rather than in-ground.
Because safety and durability were my priorities, I went with professionally installed wired LED lights.
3. Brightness and Color Options
When shopping, I looked closely at lumens (brightness) and color temperature. I wanted bright enough lighting for visibility but also the option to set a relaxing mood. RGB LED lights gave me the flexibility to change colors based on the occasion, which was a big plus.
4. Durability and Waterproof Rating
Pool lights are constantly exposed to water and chemicals, so I made sure to check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating. An IP68 rating means the light is fully waterproof and submersible, which is essential for in-ground pool lights.
5. Energy Efficiency
I wanted to keep my energy bills manageable, so LED lights were the obvious choice. They consume less power and have a longer lifespan compared to halogen bulbs.
6. Compatibility with Pool Type
My pool is made of concrete, so I needed lights compatible with in-ground concrete pools. Some lights are designed specifically for vinyl or fiberglass pools, so double-check compatibility before purchasing.
7. Control Options
I liked that some modern pool lights come with remote controls or smartphone apps. This made it easy for me to change colors, adjust brightness, or set timers without getting out of the pool.
8. Budget Considerations
Prices can vary widely based on light type, brand, and features. While LED lights had a higher upfront cost, their energy savings and longevity justified the investment for me. Always factor in installation costs as well.
9. Safety Features
Since electricity and water are involved, safety is paramount. I ensured that the pool lights I chose met electrical safety standards and were installed by a licensed electrician.
10. Maintenance
I prefer low-maintenance options, so I chose LED lights that rarely need bulb replacements. Also, I regularly check the seals and clean the fixtures to keep the lights in top shape.
Final Thoughts
Buying in-ground pool lights transformed my swimming experience, making evening swims magical and safe. By considering the type, installation, durability, and control options, you can find the perfect lighting solution for your pool. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
-
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
Latest entries
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Blind Spot Mirrors for Cars: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested GE Microwave Door Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide from My Experience
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Decorative Pillows for My Grey Couch – Here’s What Worked!
- October 23, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 10 Cup Coffee Percolator: My Honest Review and Brewing Tips