In short: For most new and existing fibreglass pools, multi-colour LED pool lights are the best choice. They use far less power than old halogen globes, last longer, and surface-mounted LED units can often replace an old halogen light without draining the pool. Plan the lights into your equipment package early, and have a licensed electrician connect them.
Key takeaways
- LED is the default now: lower running costs and longer life than halogen.
- Surface-mounted LED lights can retrofit over an existing halogen light, often reusing the existing wiring and transformer.
- Smaller plunge pools often get by with one or two lights; longer pools usually need more for even coverage.
- Lighting is a licensed electrician's job. You choose the lights; they wire them. DIY doesn't mean digging, or wiring. You're managing, not labouring.
- Your shell colour changes how the light looks at night, so choose them together.
What type of pool lights should you choose?
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Surface-mounted LED | New fibreglass pools and retrofits. Sits on the pool wall, slim profile | Check it suits your existing light fitting if retrofitting |
| Niche (recessed) light | Older concrete pools built with a recessed housing | Replacing the globe can mean lifting the fitting out of the niche |
| Halogen | Existing older pools only | Higher power use and shorter globe life. Most owners upgrade to LED |
| Single colour vs multi-colour LED | Single colour is simple; multi-colour suits entertaining and kids | Multi-colour needs a controller or app |
Are LED pool lights worth it?
Yes. LED pool lights use a fraction of the power of halogen. The Aqua Quip InstaTouch lights in our range, for example, are rated to use about 85% less energy than halogen equivalents. They also last much longer, which matters when every globe change means someone getting wet.
The bigger reason most people choose them is how the pool feels at night. A lit pool turns the backyard into somewhere you actually use after dark in summer, which is half the point of owning one.
What pool lights does SPKD offer?
Our current lighting option is the Aqua Quip InstaTouch Smart Lighting twin lights and controller at $1,200 (price checked on our site 12 October 2026):
- Surface-mounted, adjustable multi-colour LED, 237mm diameter
- At least two lights in each package
- Retrofit design that replaces existing halogen lights without draining the pool, reusing existing wiring and transformer
- Controller with 7 fixed colours, 5 colour shows and custom colours, with separate pool and spa control and adjustable brightness
- Water-resistant handset with up to 70m line-of-sight range
- Australian made
You can add lights when you build your equipment package, which is the cheapest and easiest time to do it.
How many lights does a pool need?
It depends on the length and shape of the pool and how bright you want it. As a rough guide, a small plunge pool can look great with one or two lights, while longer pools usually need more spaced along the wall for even coverage [CONFIRM rule of thumb with Aqua Quip or your electrician]. Point lights away from the house and main viewing area so you're not looking into the glare.
Does your pool colour change how the lights look?
Yes. Lighter shell colours reflect more light and read as bright aqua at night. Darker shells give a deeper, moodier look and soften the light. If night-time entertaining is a big part of why you want a pool, look at both together. Our guide to choosing a pool colour covers the daytime side.
How do you change or replace a pool light?
Always start by switching off power to the lights at the switchboard. From there it depends on the light:
- Surface-mounted LED: the whole unit is usually replaced rather than a globe. Retrofit units like the InstaTouch are designed to go over an existing halogen fitting without draining the pool.
- Niche lights: the fitting is unscrewed and lifted out of its housing, with enough cable coiled behind it to reach the surface.
Anything involving wiring, transformers or connections should be done by a licensed electrician. Water and electricity are not a learn-on-the-job combination.
Do pool lights need an electrician?
Yes. Pool lighting, power to the equipment pad and bonding are all licensed electrical work. In a typical SPKD install, the electrician handles power, bonding and lighting in one visit, and that trade usually costs $1,500 to $2,500 [CONFIRM current range]. See where they fit in the sequence in what trades you need to install a DIY fibreglass pool.
Frequently asked questions
Light up your pool this summer
Add lighting to your pool kit when you get your quote, and your electrician can wire it in the same visit as the rest of the equipment.
Get your free pool kit quote or call 1800 497 421.
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