Written by Pools Reno – Cape Town’s Pool Repair Experts | Updated July 2025
A working pool light not only enhances nighttime swimming but also plays a key role in pool safety and ambience. So when your pool light stops working, it can be frustrating—and potentially dangerous.
At Pools Reno, we’ve repaired countless pool electrical issues across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Whether your light is flickering, fully dead, or leaking water, we’ll walk you through step-by-step pool light troubleshooting—so you can identify and possibly fix the issue before calling a professional.
Quick Summary: Common Pool Light Problems & Fixes
- Loose pool light fixture – tighten the lock screw with a screwdriver
- Leaky pool light housing – replace the rubber lens gasket
- Tripped pool light breaker or Transformer outlet – reset it
- Burnt-out pool light bulb – replace with a compatible halogen or LED bulb
- Bad breaker or wiring issue – test with a multimeter
- No line continuity – check electrical connections from breaker to light
1. Always Prioritise Safety Before Troubleshooting Pool Lights
Before inspecting or working on your underwater pool lights, shut off power at the breaker box . Water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
Use a multimeter or electrical test meter to double-check that the power is off. Multimeters are inexpensive and available at local hardware stores across Cape Town.
2. Fixing a Loose Pool Light Fixture
A loose light fixture is often caused by a worn or unsecured lock-screw. You’ll find this screw at the top of the fixture ring. If it wiggles when touched, it needs tightening.
How to fix it:
- Put on swim goggles
- Grab a Phillips screwdriver
- Swim down and tighten the lock-screw firmly
No draining required!
3. What to Do If Your Pool Light Is Leaking
A leaky pool light housing is a common issue. If water is inside the lens, the gasket (rubber seal) is likely warped or disintegrated—usually due to chlorine exposure or age.
Steps to replace the gasket:
- Unscrew and remove the light from the pool wall
- Gently place the light on the pool deck (cord should be long enough)
- Open the lens housing
- Remove the old gasket and replace it with a new one
- Reseal and dry the unit thoroughly before reinserting
You don’t need to drain your pool to perform this repair.
4. Resetting a Tripped Pool Breaker or Transformer Outlet
If the light isn’t working at all, check your pool’s dedicated breaker or Transformer outlet.
To reset:
- Go to the electrical panel
- Look for a breaker in the OFF position with a red/yellow indicator
- Flip it all the way OFF, then back ON
- If it immediately trips again, it might be a faulty breaker or an overloaded circuit
Tip: Unplug any pool equipment or accessories that share the same breaker before resetting.
5. Replacing a Burnt-Out Pool Light Bulb
If the breaker and transformer are fine, the issue could be as simple as a burned-out bulb.
Here’s how to replace your pool light bulb:
- Remove the light fixture and place it on the pool deck
- Unscrew and remove the old bulb
- Shake it gently—if you hear rattling, the filament is broken
- Insert a new compatible bulb (usually halogen or LED)
- Use dielectric bulb grease in the socket for easy future removal
- Test the new bulb quickly, as it can overheat out of water
6. Check Line Continuity with a Multimeter
If none of the above solutions work, it may be a wiring or line continuity issue.
- Use a multimeter set to AC 120V
- Test voltage between the hot wire and ground screw in the breaker
- A result under 120V means the breaker may be bad
- If using a junction box, check if the current is flowing through it
- Test the socket in the light fixture itself—if it reads 0, the fixture needs replacing
These checks can help you identify whether to replace the fixture or call a licensed electrician.
Need Help from a Pool Repair Professional in Cape Town?
Troubleshooting pool lights is often straightforward—but dealing with water and electricity can be risky if you’re not confident. That’s why Pools Reno offers expert pool electrical repairs, including:
- Pool light replacement
- Transformer and breaker panel upgrades
- Underwater LED conversions
- Complete pool rewiring
- Swimming pool renovations in Cape Town
Serving All Areas of the Western Cape
We proudly serve residential and commercial pool owners in:
- Cape Town (Northern and Southern Suburbs)
- Durbanville, Bellville, Brackenfell
- Somerset West & Stellenbosch
- Paarl, Franschhoek, Milnerton, Table View
- And surrounding areas
Need urgent help? Book a same-day inspection at www.poolsreno.co.za
Final Thoughts: Diagnose, Fix, or Call a Pro
Pool light issues range from minor fixes like tightening a screw to complex electrical faults. Use the tips above to inspect your system safely. And remember—if the issue lies beyond a loose bulb or simple gasket, don’t risk it. Call Pools Reno for safe, fast, professional help.
