Buying Guide for the Best Floating Pool Lights
When you're looking to buy floating pool lights, the most important thing is to think about how you want to use them and the atmosphere you want to create in your pool area. Floating pool lights come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and with different types of controls, so it's helpful to imagine your ideal pool setup—whether that's peaceful relaxation, vibrant pool parties, or soothing night swims. Consider the size of your pool, how much light you want, how often you'll be using them, and how much effort you want to spend on maintenance. Understanding these basics will help you narrow down your choices and avoid disappointment.Type of Light SourceThis spec refers to whether the pool light uses LEDs, solar power, regular batteries, or even candles. It matters because each type affects how bright the lights are, how long they last, and how much work it takes to keep them running. LED lights are the most common; they're bright, energy-efficient, and last a long time. Solar-powered lights are great if you don't want to change batteries or manage electric cords, but they depend on sunlight and might not be as bright as other options. Battery-powered lights are convenient but you'll need to replace batteries from time to time. Choose LED for overall reliability, solar if easy maintenance is top priority, or batteries if you only use the lights occasionally.
Brightness and Color OptionsBrightness and color options describe how much light the unit produces and whether you can change its color. Brightness is usually measured by lumens; a higher number means a brighter light. Some lights can switch colors or have multiple color settings, while others are single-color. If you want a calm, ambient mood, softer and fewer lights work well. For events and lively gatherings, look for brighter lights with color-changing features. Think about whether you want full color customization or just a single hue, and also consider if you need remote controls or apps to make changing colors easier.
Waterproof RatingWaterproofing is shown using an 'IP' rating which tells you how well the light keeps out water and dust. The higher the second number in the IP rating, the better it resists water. For instance, IP68 is very well protected for pool use. It's important because floating pool lights need to be able to handle splashes, waves, or even being submerged for short periods without damage. Always check that the light you buy is designed for full water exposure, especially if it's going to be used in deeper water or left outside for long stretches.
Charging and RuntimeCharging and runtime describe how long the lights last per use and how they recharge or get powered. Some are solar-charged during the day, others use rechargeable batteries or disposable ones. Longer runtime is better for extended evening swims or parties, while shorter runtimes are fine for brief occasions. If you rarely want to think about recharging, go for lights with long battery life or reliable solar charging. If you only need the lights once in a while, runtime may not be as crucial.
Control OptionsSome floating pool lights have manual switches, while others can be controlled by remotes or even smartphone apps. The method of control changes how convenient it is to use the lights, especially if you want to adjust brightness or color without getting wet. Remote controls or apps are great if you want easy changes from a distance. If you prefer simplicity, manual controls are usually more straightforward. Decide how often you'll want to change the settings and from where, and let that guide your choice.
Shape, Size, and DesignThe shape, size, and overall look of the floating pool light also matter—not just for looks, but also for how the light floats and spreads its glow. Larger lights typically provide more brightness and stability in the water, while smaller ones are more versatile and can be scattered around for a twinkling effect. Some are shaped like orbs, flowers, or geometric forms. Pick based on your style preference and whether you want a few prominent lights or lots of smaller points of light.