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How to Upgrade Your Pool Light To an LED Color Changing Light

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Do you have an outdated white incandescent light in your pool burning 300-500 watts per hour? You need to upgrade to a cost efficient color changing LED pool light with energy saving of over 80%. This guide will show you how to convert by simply changing the bulb in your pool light fixture to a J&J Electronics Color Splash Bulb.

Click Here to View Your Pool Light's Led Replacement Bulb

Click Here to View Your Pool Light's Lens Gasket 



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Steps

Things You'll Need

PureLine Pure Colors LED Bulb

Pool Light Gasket

Video

Step by Step

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Step 1

To avoid possible electric shock, turn off the power to the pool light at the circuit breaker. Also at this time try to determine what voltage level your pool light is operating on - 120V or 12V. If your light uses 12V, you will find a transformer usually mounted on the house wall between the circuit breakers and your light fixture. If you control your light remotely, check that your remote system handles low power (<40W) LED lights. Some only support higher power (40 - 500W) incandescent lights.

Step 2

Purchase your light ahead of time so you have it on hand for replacement. We had to take our light fixture out of the pool wall to determine what it was. For instructions in how to identify what light you have, go to our guide How To Identify a Replacement Pool Bulb / Light . Then go to our website Pool Light Bulbs to find a comparable replacement bulb. Also when you replace your bulb, we strongly recommend that you also replace your pool lens gasket to ensure a water tight seal for your pool light. See Pool Lens Gaskets


Click Here to View Your Pool Light's Led Replacement Bulb

Click Here to View Your Pool Light's Lens Gasket

Step 3

Our light is an old American Products Amerlight pool light (now Pentair) which has a regular (Edison) base so we need a replacement light bulb with an Edison type base. One of the most popular LED color changing bulbs with the Edison base is J&J Electronics' Color Splash LED Pool Lamp. For economic reasons, we are installing a 2G Color Splash version. Another option you might want to consider is the newer 3G version which cost a little more but is brighter and provides more uniform light.

Step 4

Your first step in replacing the light bulb is to remove the pool light fixture from the niche in the pool wall. Most pool light fixtures are secured to the niche with a single screw at the top of the light. Remove this screw. If the pool light is just below the surface, you may be able to remove the screw by leaning over the pool deck. In this case I had to get in the pool with a snorkel and goggles.

Step 5

Pull the pool light fixture out of the niche. You should have enough excess cord to be able to lay the light fixture on the pool deck. Note how the excess cord is stored in the niche so you can replace it the same way when you reinstall the pool light.

Step 6

Lay the light fixture gently on a soft surface on the pool deck and dry it with a clean towel.

Step 7

Disassemble the light fixture. The older models like ours have a series of brass retainer clips and screws around the perimeter of the light fixture to keep it together. Remove all the clips. Note: the newer models are held together with a unitension wire clamp with one bolt and nut. See Pentair Amerlite Pool Light for examples of both models.

Step 8

Gently pry the lens and gasket off the Face Assembly Ring.

Step 9

Gently pry the lens and gasket off the light fixture housing.

Step 10

Remove the old gasket from the lens.

Step 11

Clean any old gasket residue from the surface on the lense using a damp rag.

Step 12

Carefully remove the old bulb with towel.

Step 13

Dry inside of light fixture and clean any gasket residue from the light housing that comes in contact with the gasket. Do not use hard scraper to clean. If you score the surface of the housing, it may not seal properly.

Step 14

Screw in the new bulb securely. Do not over tighten or you may break the bulb.

Step 15

Wrap the new gasket around the edge of the lens.

Click Here to View Pool Light Replacement Parts (Lenses, Gaskets, Face Plates, & More) 

Step 16

Place the gasket & lens on top of the light housing.

Step 17

Set the light housing (with lens and gasket) on top of the Face Assembly Ring. Reassemble the light housing assembly by screwing in the brass retaining clips. Alternate tightening of screws/clips to allow the gasket to seat properly -two on one side then two on the other side. Do not over tighten. Hand tighten only. If you find that the gasket is not fitting into the groove of the Face Assembly Ring, you might try stretching the gasket a little.

Step 18

Submerge the assembled light housing in the water. Watch for bubbles. A few bubbles may float up, but air should not be coming from the sealed outer edges.

Step 19

Replace the light fixture by first recoiling and storing the excess cable as observed in step 5. Then push the light fixture back into the niche.

Step 20

Replaced the single screw to secure the pool light fixture to the niche

Step 21

Restore power to the swimming pool light fixture.

Step 22

Test operation of the light. When you first turn the light on, it should sequence through its 7 colors.

Click Here to View Your Pool Light's Led Replacement Bulb

Click Here to View Your Pool Light's Lens Gasket 

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(1 to 40 of 81)

 Posted: 8/22/2021 

Hi, I have a 20yr old Pentair SAM pool and spa light and want to put in a LED light. What is my best option. Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/23/2021 

Your LED light option is the Pentair Intellibrite, but the J&J Electronics ColorSplash is a close second.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/21/2021 

I have a Jandy 500w 120v white incandescent pool light. Can I just remove the 500w bulb and replace it with a 120v LED bulb, or do I have to completely change fixtures to have an LED light in my pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/21/2021 

Light housings have a specific shape according to the model, so you would first need to find a bulb compatible with the Jandy White Light (Spa Version.) But if you do find an LED option, the installation would be as easy as unscrewing the old bulb and screwing the new one.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/6/2020 

I have a 100 watt transformer before the light...I installed a 300 watt fixture by mistake.... I took out the regular 300 watt bulb and installed a led.... after several minutes it goes out?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/23/2020 

I would test the transformer's output voltage and amps to determine if there is an issue stemming from the wrong bulb being installed. 
 Reply

 Posted: 11/30/2019 

I have two pool lights and one spa light, all the same type that are controlled by a Aqualink electronic system. My question - will the lights sync if the are all turned on at the same time?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/3/2020 

Hello Roger - Yes, the LED lights will sync if they are on the same circuit.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/12/2019 

Inground Pool Looking for a bluetooth or remote LED Color changing light American Products Model CN-5 Fixture Current bulb info: Model R-400 BC 400 Watt 120V Bulb Type G-30 Thank you!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2019 

We do not carry a Bluetooth or remote replacement LED bulb. In order to have that functionality, you would require an automation system that would tack on possibly close to $1K on top of the replacement bulb or fixture.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/1/2019 

Hi, can I change my full moon light bulb with a led color one , I have model jacuzzi 500fmh-15 500w 120v, Thanks !
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/6/2019 

Yes, the Full Moon does has a replacement LED bulb option, called the ColorSplash LXG LED Pool Lamp 120V - LPL-P2-RGB-120
 Reply

 Posted: 4/17/2019 

What LED bulbs are available for the smaller American/Pentair R20 style light fixtures?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/18/2019 

We do have LED bulbs that will replace your R20 style bulb. The 120V LED bulb is part number PL5817. The 12V LED bulb is part number PL5816.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/20/2019 

I have the old Jandy Incandescent White Bulbs (with Dichroic Holder) for Pool and Spa that are discontinued that I would like to replace with a new LED system with interchangeable LED bulbs. What LED lights (with housing) do you recommend?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/21/2019 

Hello Kelvin - there are a couple of options: replacing just the bulb or the whole light. The key 2 on the Jandy WaterColors parts page shows two older versions of replacement bulbs depending on your voltage (120V or 12V.) The new version of replacement bulbs, which features a crisper, more clear White light option is R0739500 (12V) and R0739400 (120V.)Whole replacement light options for the WaterColors are the Pentair IntelliBrite, Hayward ColorLogic, and the Pureline PureColors. The PureColors wis deeper than most other LED pool light, so you will need to measure the depth of your niche.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/8/2018 

Hello Ryan - Unfortunately, currently there is no LED replacement bulb for T3 style bulbs; there is no work-around or retrofit that I know of either. The bulb would need to be replaced with the same style halogen light.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/7/2018 

Hello Jeff - The SP0583L cross-references to the Hayward Astrolite and the drop-in replacement bulb for that fixture is the Pureline PureColors. The PureColors screw-in color and white LED bulb options, making the switch to LED simple. And don't forget to change your lens gasket when installing the new bulb, to keep the bulb bright and dry.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/29/2018 

I have a Hayward SP0583L and had a 500-watt bulb in it. Would this be LED compatible?
 Reply

 Posted: 7/29/2018 

My pool has a 120v T3 118 mm halogen in it. Lots of options for this size but I can't seem to find a direct replacement in LED that is suitable for fully enclosed spaces. Is there a specific replacement for retrofitting underwater niches that had this size of halogen bulb?
 Reply

 Posted: 7/18/2018 

Hello Skeller - The LED lights will not work in the Pentair SAL light. You'll need to replace the entire fixture if you want to go with an LED light.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/20/2018 

I have a Hayward 120V 500W R40 bulb. The specs on the outside says "FIX MOD SP-583-L" then says "Use with Fixture Housing Model No: SP-600 SP-607". I'm wondering what my LED color choices are, if any? If not color, what are my white LED choices? Thanks!
 Reply

 Posted: 5/30/2018 

Hello Jacqueline - Yes, you can upgrade your light bulb to an LED. We would recommend the Pureline PureColors model PL5809. We also recommend replacing the lens gasket when you replace the bulb. The gasket is part number 3525-07.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/30/2018 

I have an Amerlite incandescent light fixture that has a part number of AMP, 400W/120V light Can I upgrade this to an LED color changing bulb?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/29/2018 

I have Pentair SAL lights in the main pool and the spa and want to upgrade to the multi-color lights. Can I just replace the existing bulbs with a J&J Electronics LPL-7030-110-2 ColorSplash 2G LED 120V Color-Changing Replacement Spa Light Bulb?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/21/2017 

rdoug - Not all LED bulbs fit all light fixtures. Give us a call at 407-834-2200 and talk to one of our service reps. They can help you make sure you can convert your light fixture to an LED light.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/18/2017 

does changing the bulb from incandescent to LED work with all light fixtures? For example the Pentair 78108200 spa light?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/14/2017 

Mark - We have a new better priced LED bulb called PrueColor that should replace your current Pentair Amerilite but it might not match your current 500 Watts. Please call us at 407-834-2200 and talk to one of our service reps to see if this will meet your needs.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/11/2017 

I have Pentair Amerilite 500W 120V lights in my pool, and I am interested in changing to LED. One recommendation was the J&J Colorsplash LXG. Would the Pentair Intellibrite also work, or would it need a new fixture? Would either or both of these be just as bright (or brighter) than my current light? I think the Colorsplash is only 23W, so that concerns me that it is not bright.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/7/2017 

Mike - I believe you have a Hayward Astrolite. It should say that on the lens. If so, the newer PureLine LED pool bulb should fit your light fixture. Please call us at 470-834-2200 to check this out. Remember to buy a new lens gasket.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/6/2017 

I have an older light the housing model is SP-561 and the bulb is R40 300 watts 12 volts are there any multi color LED bulbs that will work as a substitute?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/5/2017 

Doug - We would have to more information on you Halogen light fixture and Niche. You may have to change out the whole light fixture. Please call us at 407-834-2200 and talk to one of our service reps.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/2/2017 

I currently have a J-Type Halogen light in my inground pool. How can I change it over to LED?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/17/2017 

help - Unfortunately the lamp kit is discontinued on the Jazz light and there is nothing which will replace this lamp assembly. Your option for replacement would be to replace the entire light fixture with a new Pentair Intellibrite LED light. Please note if you have multiple Jazz lights in your pool and you only replace one light with the Pentair light then the old Jazz lights will display different colors then the new Pentair light. For this reason, we would suggest replacing all of your lights with the Pentair Intellibrite LED light.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/15/2017 

I am trying to replace my bulb in my pool. It is discontinued was a J20-4000 50 W metal halide called a Jazz Light from Fiberstars
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/26/2017 

Rick - Please give us a call at 877-372-6038. One of our service reps should be able to answer this question for you.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/26/2017 

Lucho and Madmax - See our guide on " How To Select a LED Color Changing Light to Replace an Old White Light". If you have further questions, give our service reps a call at 877-372-3038.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/26/2017 

Hello, I have the exact same situation as the previous post here: an old Sta-Rite Sunbrite light with a 120 volts 500 watts bulb. What are the options to replace it with a more modern bulb or LED without replacing the entire fixture? Are there any compatible color bulbs / LED? Thanks in advance.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/25/2017 

madmax - Please call our number at 877-372-6038 and talk to one of our service reps. They should be able to tell you if our LED light will fit into your Sta-rite fixture.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/25/2017 

My pool is a liner type. Are the fixtures or procedure for changing bulbs any different? I'm unsure of what type of fixture I have, I only know I have a 12v transformer for the light.
 Reply