10 Best Pool Lights for Night Swimming in January 2026 (Tested)

Nothing transforms a backyard like a glowing pool at dusk.

I’ve spent 15 years in the pool industry, and night swimming remains one of the most requested features from my clients. The right pool lights extend your swimming season by 3-4 hours daily and create an atmosphere that makes any poolside gathering memorable.

The HQUA PN01DC LED system is the best pool light for night swimming, offering professional-grade brightness, complete installation kit, and smart home integration.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from budget-friendly floating lights to professional-grade LED systems. I’ve tested these products, analyzed real customer feedback, and calculated long-term costs so you can make the right choice.

Our Top 3 Pool Light Picks (January 2026)

Pool Lights Comparison

Comparing pool lights across categories helps you find the right match for your pool type and budget.

Detailed Pool Light Reviews (January 2026)

1. GTBriter 20W Pool Light – Best App-Controlled Above-Ground Light

GTBriter designed this light with versatility in mind. Built-in magnets work on steel above-ground pools, while suction cups attach to inground pool walls.

The 153 high-quality LED beads produce 900 lumens. That’s significantly brighter than battery or solar options while using only 20 watts of power.

Smart Life app integration is a major advantage. No proprietary apps to learn. If you use Smart Life for other home automation, this integrates seamlessly.

The music sync feature adds a fun element for parties. The light pulses and changes color in response to ambient sound.

No drilling or adhesive required for installation. The magnetic option is truly tool-free, while suction cups work on smooth surfaces. Just remember to clean the surface first for best adhesion.

Who Should Buy?

Above-ground pool owners wanting easy installation without tools or pool owners wanting a supplemental light without permanent installation.

Who Should Avoid?

Those wanting to control multiple lights simultaneously won’t find that capability here.

2. HQUA PN01DC LED – Best Complete Kit for Inground Pools

This HQUA system impressed me with its completeness. Unlike budget options that force you to buy components separately, the PN01DC includes everything: transformer, controller, rainproof box, remote, and a generous 100-foot cord.

The 3000 lumen output is equivalent to a 300W incandescent bulb while drawing only 50W of power. That’s 84% energy savings.

What sets this apart is smart home integration. The Feit app connects with Alexa and Google Home, so you can control your pool lights with voice commands or set automated schedules.

The RGBW color system produces 10+ dynamic modes and fixed colors. Customer photos show the light effectively illuminating 20×40 foot pools with rich, saturated colors.

Installation is DIY-friendly if you have basic electrical knowledge. The control unit converts 120V AC to safe 12V DC, eliminating shock hazards. Compatible with Pentair, Hayward, Sta-Rite, Jacuzzi, and Jandy niches.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with existing 10-inch niches who want a professional-grade lighting system without paying $700-1200 for premium brands.

Who Should Avoid?

Those without electrical experience should hire a professional. This isn’t a simple plug-and-play installation.

3. Awanhe 10-Inch LED – Best Budget Inground LED with App Control

Awanhe delivers something rare in this category: genuine brightness at a budget price. The 6000 lumen output outshines lights costing three times as much.

I installed this system for a client last summer. The difference between their old 300W incandescent and this 60W LED was dramatic. Electric bill savings averaged $45 per month.

The three-way control system gives you flexibility. Use the wall-mounted touchpad outside, the remote from inside the house, or the app for scheduling and color selection.

The controller mounts above ground, which solves a common problem with submerged controllers. No signal interference from water or metal pool walls.

Installation is straightforward. The light fits standard 10-inch niches with the 12 o’clock pilot screw and 6 o’clock notch configuration. No need for additional rings, gaskets, or housing.

Who Should Buy?

Pool owners wanting premium brightness and features without paying $500+ for brand-name systems.

Who Should Avoid?

Those wanting bulletproof reliability. Some users reported premature failure after a few months.

4. Voswitch Poolexa – Best Compact 6-Inch for Small Pools

Small pools and spas don’t need massive 10-inch fixtures. This Voswitch 6-inch light produces 4320 lumens from just 18 watts of power.

The efficiency rating of 80.74 lumens per watt is among the best I’ve tested. For comparison, most LED pool lights average 50-60 lumens per watt.

What impressed me most was the 316L stainless steel construction. My clients with saltwater pools reported no rust or corrosion after two full seasons of continuous use.

The integrated 12V transformer in the controller box simplifies installation. No need to purchase a separate transformer or worry about compatibility.

Installation requires fishing the cable through your existing conduit. Patience is key here, but the slim cable diameter actually makes this easier than with premium brands.

Who Should Buy?

Owners of smaller pools, spas, or those replacing existing 6-inch fixtures without wanting to modify their niche.

Who Should Avoid?

Those with pools larger than 15×30 feet may need multiple lights for adequate coverage.

5. LyLmLe Magnetic Light – Best Magnetic Light for Above-Ground Pools

This LyLmLe double light system solves a real problem: above-ground pools need serious lighting too. At 2000 combined lumens, it outperforms most dedicated pool lights.

The magnetic installation is brilliant. Just place it on any steel above-ground pool wall. For non-metal surfaces, use the included metal plate with adhesive.

I tested this on a 24-foot round above-ground pool. Two of these lights on opposite walls created even, shadow-free illumination. The 140-degree beam angle is wider than most competitors.

The Lotuslamp X app offers 16 million color choices and 29 preset modes. The music sync feature pulses lights to beat, which creates a fun party atmosphere.

At 12V DC output, this system is safe for pool use. The epoxy resin filling achieves IP68 waterproof rating, meaning full submersion is no problem.

Who Should Buy?

Above-ground pool owners wanting permanent, bright lighting without drilling or complicated installation.

Who Should Avoid?

Those who prefer physical controls. This system requires the smartphone app for all adjustments.

6. Homly Rechargeable 4-Pack – Best Rechargeable Floating Lights

With over 2,250 reviews, this Homly 4-pack is the customer-favorite choice for floating pool lights. The 2600mAh battery in each light is five times larger than standard AA-powered versions.

I tested four of these lights in a 20×40 foot inground pool. They created beautiful ambient lighting, though not bright enough for serious swimming laps.

The magnetic mounting system is innovative. For metal above-ground pools, just stick them directly to the wall. For inground pools, use the included adhesive plates on any smooth surface.

The remote control works from 200 feet away in air, or 10-17 feet underwater. Control all four lights simultaneously with 16 colors, 6 dynamic modes, and timer options.

USB-C charging takes 4 hours. Customer photos show these lights creating beautiful color patterns reflecting off pool water at night.

Who Should Buy?

Pool owners wanting ambiance and party lighting without any installation or electrical work.

Who Should Avoid?

Those needing primary illumination for night swimming should look at hardwired options instead.

7. U UZOPI 2-Pack – Best Budget Floating Lights

This Amazon’s Choice product offers excellent value at just $30 for two lights. The 13 LED lamp beads in each unit provide impressive brightness for the price.

What stands out is the battery life. At the brightest setting, you get 24 hours. At the dimmest, up to 100 hours. That’s significantly better than most competitors.

The RF remote control offers 16 static colors plus three color-changing modes. Four brightness levels let you customize the ambiance.

IP68 waterproof rating means complete submersion is safe. The integrated seal design prevents water ingress that plagues cheaper floating lights.

Customer photos validate the build quality. Users report successful use in pools, hot tubs, fish tanks, and even vases for events.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious pool owners or those wanting to try pool lighting without significant investment.

Who Should Avoid?

Those planning to leave lights in the pool continuously will need frequent recharging.

8. FirstE Solar Floating Light – Best Solar Floating Light

Solar power means zero electricity costs and no wiring. This FirstE floating light charges during the day and automatically turns on at night.

The 1500mAh battery provides 6-10 hours of illumination per charge. That covers most evening swimming sessions.

Seven different colors with three modes give you options. Constant color, slow flash, or fast flash cycles through colors automatically.

The eyelet design is thoughtful. Tie it to your pool ladder to prevent it from getting stuck in the skimmer, a common problem with floating lights.

Customer images show the light creating beautiful reflections on pool water. However, multiple users reported units filling with water after 6 weeks.

Who Should Buy?

Those wanting completely wireless operation who have adequate sunlight for charging.

Who Should Avoid?

Users in cloudy regions or those needing reliable long-term performance should consider electric options.

9. Intex Solar Floating Light – Best Brand Name Solar Light

Intex is a trusted name in above-ground pools, and this solar light carries that reputation forward. The 800 lumen white mode provides genuinely useful illumination.

Automatic operation is hassle-free. The light turns on at dusk and off at dawn. No switches to remember or batteries to charge.

Two modes give you flexibility. Static white provides the best visibility for swimming. Color-changing mode cycles through blue, green, red, and purple for ambiance.

The price has increased significantly over time, but it’s still far cheaper than permanent pool light installation which can cost $1,100+.

However, longevity is the real concern here. Most users report getting only one summer of use before the solar panel degrades or the light fails completely.

Who Should Buy?

Intex pool owners wanting a matching brand accessory or those needing one season of lighting.

Who Should Avoid?

Those wanting long-term reliability should invest in LED systems instead.

10. Lamroro 10-Inch LED – Best Value 10-Inch LED Replacement

This Lamroro light delivers premium-level 6000 lumen brightness at a fraction of the cost of name brands. That’s equivalent to a 600W incandescent while drawing only 60W.

The three-way control system gives you options. Use the smartphone app, the wall-mounted controller, or the remote control from up to 180 feet away.

Sixteen million color options with dynamic modes and music sync create virtually any atmosphere. The stainless steel housing provides better heat dissipation than plastic alternatives.

Customer photos show impressive light coverage in standard backyard pools. The IP68 waterproof rating and 50,000 hour lifespan suggest years of reliable operation.

However, some users reported controller failures after a few months. Others experienced water ingress causing bulb failure. The mobile app also needs improvement.

Who Should Buy?

Those wanting premium brightness at a budget price and willing to accept some quality trade-offs.

Who Should Avoid?

Users prioritizing long-term reliability and responsive customer support should consider established brands.

Understanding Pool Lighting

Pool lighting has evolved dramatically over the past decade. LED technology has revolutionized the industry, offering energy efficiency and color options that were impossible with traditional lighting.

LED lights dominate the market, using 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs while lasting 10 times longer. A typical LED pool light runs for 50,000 hours, which translates to 15-20 years of normal use.

Halogen lights still exist but are being phased out. They’re bright and relatively inexpensive to purchase, but high energy costs and short lifespans make them poor long-term investments.

Fiber optic systems create beautiful effects but have limited brightness. The light source sits remotely, and light travels through fiber cables to the pool. These work best for accent lighting rather than primary illumination.

Solar and battery options provide wireless convenience but sacrifice brightness. They excel at ambiance but can’t match hardwired LED systems for serious night swimming.

How to Choose the Best Pool Lights?

Selecting the right pool lights requires matching features to your specific situation. I’ve installed hundreds of systems and learned that the “best” light depends on your pool type, budget, and how you use your pool.

For Inground Pools: Prioritize Wet Niche Compatibility

Existing niches dictate your options. Most inground pools have either 6-inch or 10-inch wet niches. Measure your existing fixture before buying.

Standard configuration: 12 o’clock pilot screw with 6 o’clock notch. Most replacement lights follow this pattern, but verify before purchasing.

Consider cord length carefully. 50 feet covers most residential pools, but 100-foot cords provide flexibility for larger installations or tricky routing situations.

For Above-Ground Pools: Look for Easy Installation

Magnetic mounts are the game-changer here. No drilling means no warranty voiding and no permanent modifications to your pool wall.

Suction cups work on smooth surfaces but lose grip on textured walls. Clean the surface thoroughly before installation for best adhesion.

Rechargeable and floating options provide temporary lighting perfect for renters or seasonal pool owners.

LED vs Traditional: The Math Favors LED

Factor	LED (50W)	Incandescent (300W)	Halogen (300W)
Lifespan	50,000 hours	5,000 hours	3,000 hours
Energy Use	50 watts	300 watts	300 watts
Annual Cost (6 hrs/day)	$15	$89	$89
5-Year Total Cost	$75 + initial	$445 + initial	$445 + initial
Replacement Needed	Never in 15+ years	Every 2-3 years	Every 1-2 years

Over 5 years, LED saves approximately $370 in energy costs compared to traditional lighting. Factor in fewer replacements, and the savings grow substantially.

Brightness Guide: How Many Lumens Do You Need?

• Small pools (under 15×30 ft): 1,500-3,000 lumens per light
• Medium pools (15×30 to 20×40 ft): 3,000-5,000 lumens per light
• Large pools (over 20×40 ft): 5,000+ lumens, consider multiple lights
• Above-ground pools: 500-2,000 lumens sufficient for most applications

Color Selection: Ambiance vs Visibility

White or light blue provides the best visibility for swimming. You can see depth and obstacles clearly.

Color-changing modes create atmosphere but reduce practical visibility. Use them for parties or when the pool isn’t in active use.

For bug reduction, switch to yellow, orange, or red when seated near the pool. These colors attract significantly fewer insects than white or blue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing these products and analyzing thousands of customer reviews, my recommendations are clear.

For inground pools, the HQUA PN01DC offers the best combination of performance, features, and value. The complete kit eliminates compatibility headaches, and the smart home integration is genuinely useful.

Above-ground pool owners should consider the LyLmLe magnetic system. The 2000 lumen output is genuinely impressive, and the tool-free installation makes it accessible to everyone.

For temporary or rental situations, the Homly 4-pack provides excellent ambiance without any permanent installation. The 2600mAh batteries provide adequate runtime for evening use.

Whatever you choose, proper pool lighting transforms your pool from a daytime amenity into an all-day destination. The extended swimming hours and enhanced beauty make it one of the best investments you can make in your outdoor living space.