Upgrading Spa or Pool Lights to LED the Smart Way

It all started with a call about "just" a spa light

We recently got a call from a customer — let's call him Mark — who told us, "I need a new spa light." Simple enough, right?

But as we talked, it became clear this wasn’t just about replacing a bulb. Mark wanted to:

• Upgrade to an LED spa light
• Make sure it was bright and color-changing
• Match his existing Pentair equipment
• Plan ahead for a future Wi‑Fi / automation system

He also had an older-style control panel with a clock dial and was wondering, “Can I still change colors with this?” That’s exactly the kind of conversation we have a lot, so I thought I’d walk you through how we helped Mark — and what you should think about if you’re upgrading your own spa or pool light to LED.

LED spa and pool lights: what really matters

Like Mark, most people start with the big question: “Are some LEDs brighter than others?” Modern LED pool and spa fixtures from major brands (like Pentair) are generally plenty bright for residential pools and spas. The differences homeowners actually notice are:

• Color options – single white vs. color-changing
• Light spread – how evenly it fills the spa or pool
• Control options – basic switch vs. automation app
• Compatibility – with your current or future equipment

In Mark’s case, he already had Pentair gear and was thinking about Pentair Wi‑Fi automation later, so we recommended staying with a Pentair LED fixture that can talk nicely with that future system.

Picking the right LED fixture: brand, size, and niche

When Mark said, "It’s a spa light, the smaller one," we asked a few key questions we always use to narrow things down:

• Brand? (He was already on Pentair.)
• Spa or pool size? (Spa fixtures are smaller.)
• Approximate face diameter? (His was about the size of a softball, roughly 6" across.)

For your own system, here’s what we focus on:

1. Match the brand when possible

If you already have Pentair (or another major brand) for your pump, heater, or automation, we typically suggest staying with that brand for lights. That way:

• Your future automation system can control colors and shows properly.
• Installation is usually simpler and more predictable.
• Support and warranty claims are more straightforward.

2. Size and niche compatibility

Mark asked if the fixture was “golf ball or softball size.” We actually grabbed a tape measure to confirm. What matters is not just the lens size but the niche (the metal can built into the wall).

When we’re choosing a replacement for you, we’ll usually:

• Ask for an approximate diameter of the visible stainless-steel ring.
• Confirm it’s a spa niche vs. pool niche.
• Sometimes have you send a clear photo of the light and niche.

This helps us avoid ordering something that doesn’t seat correctly or seal properly.

Why cord length is such a big deal

Another detail Mark mentioned was that his existing spa light only needed about 50 feet of cord to reach the junction box and control panel. That’s important because underwater fixtures come with a permanently attached cord — you can’t extend it safely underwater like a regular wire.

When we size cord length, we look at:

• Distance from the niche to the junction box
• The path the cable has to follow through the conduit
• Extra slack needed to pull the light up onto the deck for future service

For many spas, 50 feet is enough, just like in Mark’s setup, but we’d rather have a bit too much than not enough. If you’re not sure, we can help you estimate or come out and measure.

Controls: using a basic panel now, planning for Wi‑Fi later

One of Mark’s biggest questions was about his older control panel with the mechanical time clock: “Can I still change colors with that?” The answer is usually yes — even without a fancy automation system.

How color-changing LEDs work with a simple switch

Most color-changing LED pool/spa lights are designed to work like this:

• Turn the light on – it comes on in its last-used color/show.
• Toggle the power off and on a few times – the light steps through different colors or modes.
• Leave it on your favorite color – the light remembers for next time.

So even with an older-style time clock or basic on/off switch, you can still cycle through colors. It’s not as convenient as an app, but it works.

Future-proofing for automation and Wi‑Fi

Mark told us he was planning to go with Pentair Wi‑Fi automation in the future. That’s why we recommended a Pentair-compatible LED light now. When he later adds a Pentair automation system, he’ll be able to:

• Change colors and shows from his phone or tablet
• Sync the spa light with a pool light if he upgrades that later
• Run color shows for parties or quiet single-color modes for relaxing

If you think you’ll want automation down the road, it’s worth choosing a fixture that integrates with that brand’s system even if you’re still on a basic timer today.

Installation logistics: cold water, draining, and timing

One practical thing that came up with Mark was timing. Our techs weren’t doing in-water light work at that moment because the water was too cold. Mark’s solution? He offered to drain his spa down into the pool so the light could be serviced without a tech jumping into icy water.

That’s actually a good example of how we work with homeowners to find safe, practical options. A few general tips:

• We prefer to work when the water is warm enough or low enough to safely access the light.
• If your system allows you to lower spa water into the pool like Mark’s does, that can speed things up.
• Lights must always be properly sealed and tested before you refill and use the spa.

We’ll talk through these details with you before we schedule so there are no surprises.

Thinking about upgrading your own spa or pool light?

If you’re like Mark — ready to replace that old spa or pool light and want to be smart about LED, cord length, and future controls — here’s how we usually help:

1. Confirm your brand and existing equipment.
2. Identify your niche size and light type (spa vs. pool).
3. Estimate the right cord length for your run.
4. Choose between white or color-changing LED.
5. Plan for today’s controls and tomorrow’s automation.

If you’d like us to walk through those steps with you, we’re happy to take a look at your setup, answer questions, and recommend a light that works now and will still make sense when you’re ready for that Wi‑Fi automation upgrade.