SEEING YOUR POOL IN A BETTER LIGHT

Question: We have a 3-year-old in-ground pool/spa combination. The light in the spa is a 6 1/2 inches in diameter, with 120 volts, and it was installed on a professionally wired GFCI-protected circuit. The light control is in the house on a separate switch.

The light was installed on the inside wall of the spa; however, it is positioned so that the light shines directly toward our primary house view. The light is too bright, and the glare is an aesthetic issue.

We have the plastic-colored lens, but that does not dim the light sufficiently. We have searched for a lower-wattage bulb (the current bulb is 100 watts), but we are told there are no lower-wattage bulbs available for this fixture.

We are now considering installing a dimmer switch to replace the on/off switch inside our home. Do you see any problem with doing this? Is there any other option for a lower-wattage bulb? Our pool store carries the newer colored bulbs, but they are in 12-watt models only, not appropriate for our 120-volt system.

Answer: Keep in mind that any alteration to an underwater pool light and-or system should be done by a licensed and trained pool professional.

With that said, the addition of a dimmer switch is possible and would help regulate the brightness of a standard incandescent bulb. These dimmers can be purchased at home-improvement centers, hardware stores or lighting centers for $5 to $25 depending on style and range of dimming.

Check with your local pool professional about your particular application before buying a dimmer. A higher-end dimmer is recommended for longevity and for the widest range of brightness. As long as the ground-fault circuit interrupter is working properly, the additional dimmer switch should work fine.

A more costly option would be to install an underwater pool-light transformer that uses a 12-volt LED (light emitting diode) bulb. The light will still be relatively bright, but the transformer has the ability to soften the light or change the color and effect. The transformer and system will run $450 to $550, depending on the application and the brand selected. This cost would include the services of a licensed pool professional, provided there are no unusual circumstances.

"A dimmer switch is not designed to be added for an underwater pool light circuit controlling a transformer or LED light," says Larry Brown, electrical division manager of Mid-Florida Pools in Orlando.

A third option, relocating the light, would be too costly to consider and would include structural concerns, adds Brown.

One note for those having a pool built: Consider the placement of the light with your licensed pool professional to maximize the lighting effect and the ambience from the house and patio.

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