how do I change the bulb in the light fixture in my swimming pool?

Question

Will I get electricuted when I replace the bulb in the light fixture in a swimming pool?

Answer 1

CHANGING THE BULB
The most common repair job on underwater lights is relamping because of bulb failure. Most of the bulbs used in wet-niche type fixtures have a rated life of 800 to 1,000 hours. However, some of the more recent lighting fixtures have quartz-iodine bulbs, which have a rated life of 2,000 to 4,000 hours.

Disassembly and Repair -- When the light fails to work and it is clear that you must relamp, cut off all power to the light. Throw circuit breakers or physically remove fuses before removing the light from the niche. Wet-niche lighting fixtures are designed to be relamped by lifting the lighting fixture to the deck without having to lower the level of the pool water. All lighting fixture manufacturers supply sufficient cord with the light so that it can be lifted to the deck without having to disturb any electrical connections in the junction box. In removing old lamp cords on existing installations, you can assist removal by pouring a liquid dishwashing or clothes detergent such as "Wisk" down the deck junction box while stretching the cord. Some of the older cords expand due to a build-up of corrosion in the three wires in the light cord, as well as to an expansion of the jute.

After the fixture is on the deck, it can be disassembled. Before actually loosening the screws or bolts that keep the fixture assembled, observe and note down the relationship between the lens and the front ring to make sure that they are reassembled in proper fashion. If the lens is not reinstalled in its proper orientation with respect to the front ring, the beam or "throw" of the light may not be correct.

While the light is on the deck and is disassembled, carefully inspect it to see if any other parts need replacement:

1. Clean the lens and, if badly scratched, replace it. Since the 8-3/8" lens has been standard throughout the years, it is sometimes possible to have a new light shell added if both the front and rear rings are sent back to the original light manufacturer.

2. It is always advisable to replace the lens gasket or gaskets whenever the light is relamped. When replacing light gaskets, a product similar to G.E. silicone can be wiped on the gasket to obtain a better seal. These gaskets form a permanent, watertight compression seal because of the heat and compression while in the fixture.

3. Inspect as much of the cord as possible for any cuts in the outer insulation.

4. Check the gland nut of the seal where the rubber covered cord enters the lighting fixture to make sure that it is tight.

Testing and Reassemble -- After the new bulb is installed, but before the fixture is reassembled, make sure that the bulbs and the connections are good by reinstalling the fuses or reactivating the circuit breakers and throwing the switch to see if the bulb lights. Test for no more than a few seconds. During this test someone should be in the vicinity of the light to check the bulb but should not touch or handle the fixture. As soon as the bulb is checked, take the fuses out once again and then reassemble the fixture. Take care to tighten all the screws or bolts evenly.

Before reinserting the light into its niche, test it for water-tightness by placing the lighting fixture in a bucket of water and reactivating the circuit. If the fixture is not completely watertight, a stream of bubbles will emerge from the point of the leak. If any leaks are noted, the fixture must be disassembled and

again reassembled to make sure that the unit is watertight. At all times, while the fixture is being handled, the power should be cut off and the fuses physically removed. Since this type of light is designed to be cooled by the water of the pool, if it is burned out of water, the build-up of heat in the housing will melt the gaskets in a relatively brief period and may also shatter the lens. When reinstalling the light fixture into the niche, coil the excess cord around the light so that it is not crushed by the lighting fixture.

Answer 2

Swimming Pool Light Fixture

Answer 3

Turn off the power to the light. Remove the screw that holds the light assembly in place. Pull the light fixture up and out. There is enough light cord rolled up in the niche for the fixture to reach the deck. Now you have access to the light. Different light manufacturers use different methods for attaching the lens assembly, but it should be self- evident how to open it. Replace both bulb and gasket. Take the old gasket with you to the pool store because there are very many different ones. Reassemble and reinstall. Done!

Answer 4

Well obviously you need to let the water out first or you'll risk your death!
Then proceed to change your light fixture with a new bulb but be sure also that the power is off.

Answer 5

DRAIN the pool below the level of the light.
Then use a WOODEN ladder from the bottom if you can't reach it from the deck.

Possible. What if it's an electrical problem, and not the bulb?

Answer 6

you will have to drain it to just below the light bulb then change it

Answer 7

Well you might want to first be sure that the power is OFF when you're doing this.

Answer 8

VERY carefully. No, really, turn of the main breaker on your electric panel.
John

Answer 9

http://www.poolcenter.com/electrical_page_pool_lights.htm

check that out... should solve your problem.