Is Your Pool Light Leaking?
Are you enjoying your evening swims under the mesmerizing glow of your pool lights? Well, here's something you might not be aware of – pool lights can sometimes be the cause of a leak in your pool. Don't worry, though. There are reasons why pool lights tend to leak, and there are things you can do about it.
How Does a Leak Develop in a Pool Light?
According to industry experts, inground pool lights are prone to leaking from the channel, which is the pipe that carries the lamp wire to the junction box. These channels are usually gray PVC pipes that run underneath the deck. Regardless of your pool's age or the type of light, all underwater lights share the same vulnerabilities.
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The point where the pipe connects to the light niche is not sealed, allowing water to enter the pipe. In some cases, water in the channel can freeze, causing the pipe to crack and start leaking. In other cases, the channel can crack during deck installation or due to shifting ground or settling.
While freezing water may not be a concern in Central Florida, other potential causes are more likely. Water can enter the channel through the hole that carries the pipe, usually resulting in a slow leak. It's worth noting that light niches rarely leak. Water usually escapes through the light channel. However, vinyl pools have a rubber light niche seal that can be more prone to leaks.
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For more information on the causes of pool light leaks, Swimming Pool Steve offers additional insights. According to him, pool light leaks are just the tip of the iceberg. Other major problems are related to changes in the composition of the electrical wire over time. The wire used for pool lights tends to absorb water and swell over time, altering the way it fits in the electrical channel. If temporary measures such as silicone were used to seal the wire in the channel, changes in the wire likely broke the weak seal made by the silicone, resulting in water leaking through the silicone lump in your light. Water is hard to stop, and silicone was never the right choice for this task.
How to Detect a Leak in a Pool Light?
If you've noticed a drop in your pool's water level, you'll want to determine where the leak commonly occurs. Check if the water level has dropped to the level of the top of the light. The water level may be below the skimmer bottom or the return line, but if it stops leaking when it reaches the light, it's an indication that the pool light is to blame.
To confirm the leak, it is recommended to turn off the skimmers and let the pool run on the main drain (close the skimmers or plug them), letting the water level drop. "If the water level appears to stabilize at the level of the light, or more precisely, just a few inches below the top of the light, you may have a channel leak. To be sure, you can add a few inches of water and turn off the pump, close the skimmers, return lines, main drain, and any other pool light conduit with test plugs," suggests Cox.
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"If an inground gunite pool continues to leak with all lines firmly closed and the pump turned off, it means there is a leak in the pool shell or the pool light. Vinyl-lined pools should exclude leaks in the liner or any place where the liner was intentionally cut, such as the steps, skimmer, return, drain, and pool light."
For more advanced pool light leak detection, you can purchase a pool light tester that allows you to seal against the pool wall and inject dye to see if the channel absorbs the color.
If the water level drops beyond the midpoint of the light, there may be a channel leak. However, you might have another leak elsewhere in your pool. Our blog post, "How Can I Tell If My Concrete Pool Is Leaking?" covers this issue in more detail. When you have a pool light channel leak, the water level stops dropping before reaching the gate at the top rear of the light niche, where the channel connects.
If you notice water inside the lens of the light, it doesn't necessarily mean that the light itself is leaking. The water inside the lens indicates that the lamp gasket needs to be replaced. When the gasket fails, water enters the fixture and surrounds the bulb. This is not the source of the leak, but it should be replaced immediately.
To replace or inspect the bulb, turn off the power and remove the light fixture. If you suspect a leak at the fixture, tighten the screws that hold the light in place. If that doesn't solve the problem, consult a professional leak repair service.
Can You Fix a Pool Light Leak Yourself?
Water and electricity don't mix. While there are some tasks you can handle yourself, pool light leak repair is not one of them. As Swimming Pool Steve writes, "Pool safety is definitely worth it, and a leaking pool light is not a problem you can just ignore."
Besides the safety factor, many pool owners who attempt a DIY pool light repair end up temporarily fixing the problem but setting themselves up for long-term issues and a much more extensive, costly professional repair if the fix eventually fails.
In the words of Swimming Pool Steve, "Some people may use epoxy, JB Weld, or another form of permanent attempt to seal the wire. This absolutely should never be done. You should not choose a repair that will make further service to the light impossible. It was so important that I'm going to say it again: You should not choose a repair that will make further service to the light impossible."
To accurately detect the source of any pool leak, call our experienced team at Certified Leak Detection. We utilize technology and techniques developed over 20 years in the industry. In addition to fast pool leak detection, we provide industry-leading leak detection for spas and hot tubs, as well as for paving and foundations. We serve areas in Central Florida, including Orlando, Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Kissimmee, Clermont, and Winter Springs. Our team is ready to answer your call. Contact us for fast, reliable service!
FAQs
Q: How common are pool light leaks?
A: Pool light leaks are relatively common, and they can occur due to various factors such as pipe cracks, shifting ground, or faulty seals.
Q: Can pool light leaks be dangerous?
A: Yes, pool light leaks can be dangerous as they involve water and electricity. It's essential to address any leaks promptly to ensure the safety of swimmers.
Q: Should I attempt to repair a pool light leak myself?
A: No, it is not recommended to attempt a DIY repair for a pool light leak. It's best to seek professional help to ensure the issue is resolved correctly and safely.
Q: How can I prevent pool light leaks?
A: Regular maintenance, including checking seals and replacing worn-out gaskets, can help prevent pool light leaks. Additionally, professional inspections can detect any potential issues early on.