How to Do Light Repairs to Inground Pools

Switch off the breaker in the electric panel to stop the supply of power to the pool light. Roll up your sleeve and immerse your arm in the pool. Remove the stainless steel screw at the top of the light from the niche by hand or with a screwdriver.

Grasp the light fixture and pull it to the pool surface, placing it on the deck. Loosen and remove the screws that secure the lens or cover to the fixture. Set the screws aside. Spread a clean cloth or rag over the bulb.

Grasp the damaged bulb and turn it counterclockwise until it loosens. For halogen lamps, push down while twisting the bulb out. Dispose of the damaged bulb.

Wipe the inside of the fixture with a dry cloth to remove accumulated dirt, debris or water. Check for rusted screws and replace. If it is wet, wipe the inside thoroughly to remove all traces of moisture that cause the light to trip.

Screw the new light bulb into the fixture and replace the lens. Tighten the cover with the set-aside screws. Alternatively, replace a cracked or damaged lens with a new one. Install a new rubber lens gasket around the lens to create a watertight seal.

Test the fixture for water tightness by placing it in the water for a few seconds. While a few bubbles of water are OK, you need to pull the light fixture out and tighten the screws if there are streaming bubbles around the gasket. Check the unit again for leaks.

Turn on the breaker to test the new bulb. Flip the light on for a few seconds to ensure it works properly. Turn the breaker off immediately, since leaving a pool light on for more than a few seconds out of water causes it to overheat.

Fold the wires into the wall cavity to replace the repaired unit. Drive screws into the screw holes to secure the fixture. Turn the breaker back on to restore light to the pool.