A pool looks completely different once the sun drops, and the right lighting turns a plain backyard into somewhere people actually want to linger. Swimmers, parents hosting evening guests, and anyone with a sun shelf or tanning ledge all feel the difference between a dark water hazard and a softly glowing centerpiece. The picks below cover in-pool LED replacements, ambient perimeter strings, and one in-pool lounger that pairs naturally with any of them.
An Overview Of The Picks
1.5 Inch Pool Light Compatible with Pentair GloBrite MicroBrite 100ft Cord
Brightech Ambience Pro Waterproof LED Outdoor String Lights 48 Ft
1.5 Inch Pool Light Compatible with Pentair GloBrite MicroBrite 50ft Cord
1.5 Inch RGBW LED Inground Pool Light 150ft Cord IP68
10 Inch RGBW Pool Light for Inground Pool with Remote 55W
Tenjam Shayz In-Pool Lounge Chairs for Sun Shelf, Set of Two
A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices
For homeowners replacing a tired Pentair GloBrite or MicroBrite fixture, this 1.5-inch LED from waveejovi slides into the same niche and immediately brings RGBW color back to the pool. The 100-foot cord gives plenty of slack for reaching an equipment pad that sits a comfortable distance from the water.
It runs on 12V AC, so a step-down transformer is required, and the housing needs at least 2 inches of conduit clearance during install. The payoff is a vivid color-changing setup that ties into existing Pentair control systems without much fuss.
Features That Help
- 100-foot cord reaches far equipment pads without splices.
- RGBW color output adds a clean white mode alongside color presets.
- Direct compatibility with IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, and SunTouch controllers.
- Low-voltage 12V AC operation keeps things safer around water.
Things To Consider
- A 120V to 12V transformer is not included and must be sourced separately.
- 2-inch conduit clearance is required, which may limit retrofits in tight plumbing runs.
Key Advantages
Who It Suits Best
Pool owners with mid-to-large inground pools and a Pentair automation system who want a clean, low-voltage color upgrade.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
For pools where the equipment pad sits unusually far away, the waveejovi 1.5-inch RGBW with 150-foot cord offers more reach without a splice.
String lights handle the job that underwater fixtures cannot: lighting the area around the pool where guests actually walk, eat, and gather. Brightech’s Ambience Pro runs 48 feet with 15 vintage Edison-style LED bulbs, throwing a warm tone across a patio or pergola.
Each bulb pulls 2 watts, so the whole run stays cool to the touch even after a long evening. The strand is built for outdoor and commercial use, and up to 20 strands can be linked for larger yards.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Energy-efficient 2W LED Edison bulbs cut power draw noticeably.
- Weatherproof build suits permanent outdoor installation.
- Linkable up to 20 strands for expansive patios.
- Dimmable with a separately sold dimmer for mood control.
Honest Caveats
- The dimmer module is sold separately, adding to the total cost.
- 48 feet may be short for wrapping a full perimeter without extra strands.
Made For
Backyards with a pergola, fence line, or cabana where warm ambient light matters more than color-changing effects.
Skip It When
If the priority is color-changing light inside the water itself, the Brightech pair should be replaced by a Pentair-compatible LED like the waveejovi 1.5-inch model.
Smaller pools and tighter equipment pads do not need a 100-foot cord, and this 50-foot version of the waveejovi light covers that exact case. The RGBW color output and Pentair controller compatibility match its longer sibling, just with less spare cable to manage.
Installers get the same 1.5-inch housing, the same 2-inch conduit requirement, and the same low-voltage operation. It is a sensible pick for a straightforward replacement where the equipment pad is close.
Advantages To Know
- 50-foot cord avoids excess cable coiled in junction boxes.
- Same Pentair system compatibility as longer-cord options.
- RGBW output covers both color and clean white lighting.
Points To Keep In Mind
- 50 feet may fall short if the equipment pad sits across a large yard.
- Still requires a separate 120V to 12V step-down transformer.
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Homeowners with small to mid-size inground pools whose equipment pad is within a short cable run of the water.
Look Elsewhere When
For larger layouts where 50 feet feels tight, the waveejovi 1.5-inch 100-foot cord or the 150-foot IP68 version gives more breathing room.
Yards where the equipment pad is unusually far from the pool, or where installers simply do not want to splice cord, benefit from this 150-foot waveejovi model. The IP68 rating means the housing is sealed against full, continuous water immersion, an upgrade worth noting in deep-end applications.
It still targets Pentair GloBrite niches and ties into the same Pentair control systems, so the upgrade is mainly about cord length and sealing rather than a new ecosystem. Compared to the 100-foot variant, the extra reach removes one of the more annoying install compromises.
Key Advantages
- 150-foot cord removes the need for splices on large properties.
- IP68 sealing supports long-term submersion durability.
- RGBW color array keeps white mode usable for everyday lighting.
Trade Offs
- 2-inch conduit clearance requirement still applies during install.
- Transformer and Pentair control system must be purchased separately.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Large inground pools with distant equipment pads where cord reach and sealed housing matter more than the lowest possible spend.
Not Your Match When
For shorter runs and tighter budgets, the waveejovi 1.5-inch 50-foot version handles the same niche with less cable to stow.
The 10-inch waveejovi fixture steps away from the GloBrite-niche form factor and into a larger, brighter standalone light. At 55W with seven color presets and seven dynamic modes, it covers everything from a quiet evening swim to a full party scene.
The included remote is the real convenience play for this style. Owners who do not want to walk over to a control panel just to swap colors can sit poolside and adjust brightness, fade speed, or color with one hand.
A Few Strong Suits
- 55W output throws strong, even light across larger pools.
- RGBW chip produces a true white mode in addition to colors.
- Remote control keeps adjustments poolside-friendly.
- Seven modes and adjustable brightness add real versatility.
Points To Note
- Replacing an existing niche light may require an adapter or new housing cutout.
- Higher wattage means it pulls more power than the smaller 1.5-inch options.
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Pool owners who want simple remote-driven color control and broader coverage from a single fixture.
Reach For A Different Pick When
If the pool already uses Pentair GloBrite niches and the goal is a direct swap, the waveejovi 1.5-inch RGBW fixtures fit the existing housing.
Lighting often goes hand in hand with seating, and the Tenjam Shayz chairs add an in-water lounging option that pairs well with any of the underwater lights above. Custom risers support up to 17 inches of water depth, so the chairs sit at a comfortable height on most sun shelves and tanning ledges.
The set of two lets couples or friends stretch out together, and the construction is built for permanent placement in the water rather than drag-out-every-time furniture. Compared to the waveejovi pool lights, this pick is about how the lit space gets used, not how it is illuminated.
A Strong Showing
- Supports up to 17 inches of water depth on the risers.
- Set of two creates a shared lounging zone on a sun shelf.
- Built for in-pool permanence rather than float-and-store use.
- Custom color options let the chairs match the surrounding deck.
Small Caveats
- Requires a sun shelf or tanning ledge of adequate depth to function.
- Permanent placement means less flexibility to reconfigure the pool layout.
Who Should Grab It
Households with a sun shelf or tanning ledge who want dedicated seating that stays in the water through the season.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
For pools without a ledge feature, the waveejovi lights and Brightech string lights still elevate the space without requiring built-in shallow water.
Choosing Pool Lighting That Actually Fits Your Yard
Match The Light To The Location
Underwater fixtures, perimeter strings, and in-pool loungers each solve a different problem. In-pool LEDs handle the water itself, strings handle the surrounding patio, and lounge chairs turn the lighting into a destination. Buyers benefit most when they think about which zones feel too dark first, then pick a fixture for that zone.
Pay Attention To Cord Length And Voltage
Low-voltage 12V AC pool lights need a step-down transformer, and the cord has to reach from the niche to the equipment pad. Measuring that path before ordering prevents mid-install surprises. For most backyards, 50 to 100 feet covers the run, but properties with distant equipment pads may need the longer 150-foot option.
Consider Control Systems
Homes with existing Pentair IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, or SunTouch automation can plug compatible lights straight into the existing controller. Pools without automation still work, though the owner will swap colors at the fixture or via a separate remote like the one bundled with the 10-inch waveejovi light.
Balance Ambiance With Brightness
Warm Edison-style string lights suit dining and conversation areas, while brighter RGBW LEDs handle the swimming zone. For most homeowners, layering both creates a more inviting space than relying on a single source.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Buying Mistakes
The most frequent slip is choosing a light without measuring the conduit path, which leads to a 50-foot cord that cannot reach the equipment pad. Another pitfall is assuming a 120V pool light is interchangeable with a 12V model, which can damage fixtures and create safety issues. Always confirm transformer requirements and existing control system compatibility before ordering.
When Paying More Pays Off
Longer cords, IP68 sealing, and bundled remotes add to the cost but reduce the need for splices, extra parts, and trips to the equipment pad. For large pools or owners who want color control from the water’s edge, the upgrade to a longer-cord or remote-equipped model is usually worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright should pool lights be?
Brightness depends on pool size. A 10-inch, 55W fixture covers larger inground pools, while smaller 1.5-inch lights work well as accents or for smaller bodies of water.
Can I install pool lights without a professional?
Low-voltage fixtures and string lights are approachable for confident DIYers, but any work involving pool electrical and transformers is safer left to a licensed electrician or pool technician.
Are LED pool lights worth it over older halogen options?
LEDs use less energy, run cooler, and offer color-changing modes that halogen fixtures cannot match. The higher upfront cost typically pays back through lower power use and longer service life.
Do outdoor string lights hold up near a pool?
Weatherproof models like the Brightech Ambience Pro are designed for outdoor exposure, including humid poolside air. Bulbs stay cool, which adds a layer of safety around water.
What is a sun shelf, and why does it matter for lighting?
A sun shelf is a shallow ledge built into a pool, usually 6 to 18 inches deep, used for lounging. It is a natural spot for in-pool seating and benefits from softer accent lighting rather than bright overhead beams.
Closing Remarks
Lighting the area around a pool is less about brightness and more about where the light falls, what it highlights, and how easy it is to live with. The picks above cover the in-pool niche, the perimeter glow, and the seating that ties the two together, so the right choice usually comes down to which zone the backyard needs most. Start there, confirm the cord and transformer fit the existing setup, and the rest falls into place.
