The right pool lighting does more than just help you see underwater. It turns a pool from a basic rectangle into a space people actually want to spend time in. Whether you’re aiming for subtle ambiance, added safety, or a show-stopping night swim vibe, lighting is one of the easiest ways to elevate the look and feel of your pool without major construction.
In fact, in one recent survey, 73% of homeowners listed lighting as one of the top upgrades they’d consider for their outdoor area. And it makes sense. It’s functional, relatively affordable, and makes an immediate difference. But the challenge is knowing what kind of lighting to choose, LED vs halogen, white vs RGB, niche-mounted vs surface, and how to make sure it fits your pool and your space.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of pool lights available, what to consider when comparing them, and how to choose lighting that works well in Portugal’s climate and aesthetic. Whether you’re upgrading a traditional pool or lighting a natural swimming pond, the goal is simple: make your space safer, more usable, and better looking, day and night.
Key Takeaways
- LED lights are the top choice for energy efficiency, lifespan, and versatility
- Halogen and fiber optic lights still exist, but LEDs outperform both for most use cases
- In-pool lighting improves safety and visibility; perimeter lighting enhances ambiance
- Smart lighting systems offer app control, scheduling, and colour presets
- For natural pools, warm white or indirect lighting works best
- Choose IP68-rated fixtures for underwater installation
- Materials should be corrosion-resistant, especially near the coast
- Floating solar lights are a great addition but don’t replace built-in lighting
- Always install pool lighting with proper electrical safety measures
- The right lighting setup can make your pool usable and beautiful at night, not just during the day
Why Swimming Pool Lighting Matters More Than You Think
Pool lighting is about much more than visibility. It affects how safe your pool is at night, how it looks from the terrace, and how often people use it after dark. The right lighting makes a pool feel finished. The wrong lighting, or none at all, makes it feel off-limits after 7 p.m.
In Portugal, where warm evenings are common most of the year, pool lighting becomes an investment in how much use you’ll actually get out of the space. It’s not just about making things visible. It’s about making the pool inviting, comfortable, and well-integrated with the garden or outdoor architecture around it.
Whether you’re building a new pool, updating an old one, or designing a natural swimming pond, the lighting is worth thinking through. Fortunately, the options are much better (and more energy-efficient) than they used to be.
Types of Swimming Pool Lights (And Where to Use Them)
LED Pool Lights
These are the go-to choice for most modern pools, and for good reason. LED lights are highly energy-efficient, offer a long lifespan (often over 30,000 hours), and come in a wide range of brightness levels and colours. You can choose warm white for a soft glow, cool white for a crisp modern look, or full RGB if you want colour-changing effects.
They’re also available in smart-enabled models that can be controlled by app or voice, making it easy to change the mood depending on the occasion.
Halogen Pool Lights
Halogen lights used to be the standard, but they’ve mostly been replaced by LED systems. They produce a warm, strong light but use significantly more electricity and have a much shorter lifespan.
In new projects, they’re almost never recommended, unless you’re replacing an old unit and need a short-term solution.
Fiber Optic Pool Lights
Fiber optic lighting uses a remote light source and runs light through flexible cables into the pool. This means there’s no electrical component actually inside the water. It’s safe, subtle, and ideal for custom shapes or natural pools where you want a softer, indirect look.
Installation is more complex and they’re less common, but they work well in architectural or luxury designs where visual control is key.
Solar Pool Lights
These are best used as floating lights or around the pool deck, rather than as underwater lighting. They’re solar-powered, cordless, and simple to install, no wires, no switches. You can find options that light up automatically at dusk, creating atmosphere without touching your main power system.
However, they’re not bright enough to replace in-pool lighting, so think of them as complementary, not primary.
In-Pool vs Around-the-Pool Lighting
When designing pool lighting, it’s important to consider both the inside of the pool and the space around it.
In-pool lighting helps swimmers see where they’re going, defines the pool shape at night, and makes the water feel usable.
Around-the-pool lighting improves safety (steps, edges, walkways) and enhances how the whole outdoor space is perceived. This could include low-voltage spotlights, recessed deck lights, or bollard lighting along the perimeter.
Combining both gives the best results. You get depth, direction, and a sense of design continuity, especially when transitioning from the garden to the pool at night.
What to Look For in a Quality Pool Light
Before you choose a light fixture, double-check these features:
- IP Rating: For submerged use, the rating should be at least IP68. Anything less may not be fully waterproof.
- Brightness (Lumens): Choose higher lumen values for larger pools or deeper installations. Around 1,000–1,500 lumens is a good starting point.
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs offer more lumens per watt and are generally the most cost-effective over time.
- Control Options: Some systems come with Bluetooth or WiFi, allowing you to dim lights, set timers, or switch colours.
- Build Materials: Look for corrosion-resistant options, especially for saltwater pools or hard water areas.
- Installation Type: Niche-mounted lights sit flush into the pool wall, while surface-mount units are easier to retrofit into older pools.
- Replaceability: Some LED units are sealed, while others allow you to change the bulb without replacing the entire fixture.
Make sure any light you choose is compatible with your pool’s voltage system and transformer, if applicable.
Best Pool Lights for Portugal’s Climate and Pool Styles
Portugal’s climate is relatively mild, which means overheating isn’t a major concern, but salt air, strong sun, and limestone content in the water can affect light performance over time.
For traditional pools, bright white or RGB LEDs are a popular choice. RGB systems are especially useful for entertainment areas or rentals, where colour flexibility adds value.
For natural pools or swimming ponds, warm white lights or low-output LEDs are often better. The goal is to create a soft, indirect glow that doesn’t disturb the visual balance or biological filtration zones.
If you’re in a coastal region, be sure to choose corrosion-resistant materials, stainless steel 316 or plastic/polymer housings tend to last longer.
Smart Pool Lighting Systems
Smart lighting is now widely available and easy to install, especially with low-voltage or retrofit LED systems.
Look for features like:
- App control (via WiFi or Bluetooth)
- Scene presets for different moods
- Voice control using Alexa or Google Assistant
- Timer and scheduling options
- Colour sync with music or events (great for hospitality setups)
These systems are particularly helpful for short-term rentals or villas where guests can easily adjust the lighting without needing remote controls or wall switches.
Installation and Safety Guidelines
A few technical points to keep your installation safe and effective:
- Always hire a licensed electrician for submerged lighting installs
- Ensure GFCI protection is used with all water-adjacent lighting
- Avoid positioning lights to face directly toward the house or seating areas (glare issues)
- Keep transformers accessible but protected from weather
- In shallow zones or plant areas, use softer or directional lighting to avoid disturbing wildlife
Lighting isn’t just about brightness. It’s about where and how the light appears in the water and around it.
Recommended Pool Lights Available in Portugal
Here are a few solid options you can buy online through local or EU-based retailers:
LED RGB In-Pool Light (Flush Mount)
- Full RGB colour
- Suitable for standard niches
- Remote control available
- Excellent price-to-performance
Smart RGB Pool Light (Surface Mount)
- App-controlled RGB lighting
- No external controller needed
- Ideal for modern or retrofit installations
Floating Solar Pool Lights
Worten Solar Floating Light Kit
- Best for added ambiance
- Charges during the day, auto-on at night
- Doesn’t replace submerged lighting but great around the pool
Deck and Perimeter Lights
Leroy Merlin Outdoor LED Deck Light Set
- IP67 rated for outdoor ground use
- Ideal for steps and pool edges
- Discreet but effective
Conclusion
Pool lights aren’t just decoration. They’re part of how your space works, and how it feels after the sun goes down. The right lighting setup makes your pool safer, easier to enjoy, and better integrated with your landscape. That’s especially important if your pool is part of a larger outdoor project or natural-style environment, where lighting needs to be subtle, efficient, and built to last.
If you’re just replacing a broken light, a simple LED upgrade may be all you need. But if you’re building something new, or redesigning your outdoor space, it’s worth planning lighting as part of the bigger picture. At Oásis Biosistema, we help clients integrate pool lighting into full landscape designs, combining functionality with aesthetics to create spaces that actually work. From subtle underwater spots to full RGB systems, we can help you light it right.
Let’s design something that works beautifully, not just technically. Reach out if you’re ready to plan a pool or garden that’s built to be enjoyed at any hour.
FAQ
What are the best lights for a pool?
The best lights for a pool are LED pool lights because they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and bright. LEDs offer multiple color options, lower electricity costs, and minimal heat output. They work well for both residential and commercial pools and provide excellent underwater visibility and ambiance.
Are LED pool lights worth it?
Yes, LED pool lights are worth it due to their low energy consumption, long lifespan, and reduced maintenance. Although they cost more upfront than halogen lights, they save money over time through lower power bills and fewer replacements, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
Are 12V pool lights safer than 120V?
Yes, 12V pool lights are safer than 120V lights because they use low voltage, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock. For this reason, most modern pool installations favor 12V systems, especially for underwater lighting, to meet safety standards and provide peace of mind.
What is the best wattage for a pool light?
The best wattage for a pool light depends on pool size and depth. Most LED pool lights range between 12 to 50 watts, providing brightness comparable to much higher-wattage halogen lights. Smaller pools need lower wattage, while large or deep pools benefit from higher lumen output.
