Please help! 12 volt Pool light issue

Thank you to all who take the time to look at this thread, and even more thanks to the ones who comment. Here is the back information about the pool and my situation.

We have recently replaced the pool liner. The light was working before we replaced the liner. After replacing the liner, and getting everything back to together we re-installed the light. I replace the bulb, with a 12v 100w bulb (same as what came out). We wired it back up and turned it on. The light worked for a few minutes, but stopped after that. This is what I did to test it.

--- Checked the wiring at the junction box, just outside the pool enclosure.
--- Removed the light to check for water in it, and was completely dry.
--- Looked at the bulbs filament and it looks brand new. (I know looks can be deceiving)
--- The breaker is not tripped.
--- Check the GFI. I have power at the plugs, but when the test button, the reset button does not pop out. Also the reset button will not stay pressed in.

My guess is the GFI is bad but not sure. I would like to here what you all think before spending even more money, especially if that is not the issue. I have already spent $2,000 in the last week on the liner, gaskets, bulb, and chemicals. I would like to not buy items that are not broken. Thanks again for taking the time to help!!

Hi, musicfan, and welcome to the Pool Forum!

Sorry, you haven't gotten any replies. i am not the one to help with electrical issues but just wanted to welcome you. Hopefully someone will come along soon who can give you some help.

Thank you, glad to be here. I also have some additional information. I have 12v at the socket. I found the bulb was burnt out, and it was only a 100w bulb. I dont know if i need a 300w bulb or not. Any ideas?

Hi, check to see if you have water in the light socket. My pool tech replaced my burned out bulb & did NOT replace the approx 1/8 inch rubber gasket. So it leaked. Later, I read everytime you open the socket to get at the bulb you need to replace the gasket w/ a new one. As a result, I had to replace the whole socket and wiring because of the leaky water in the socket where the light bulbs is located.

If you have to replace the socket and wiring make sure you can RE THREAD the wire back in the under ground pipe if you need to. I need to. I attach fishing in to the end of the wire so I could pull the new electrical wire back thru the under ground pipe.

I hope this works or gives you some ideas. Like I said, due to the water in the socket I had to replace the whole socket (say $200 socket & light)

Opps I did not read your post correctly the first time. I had the same problem. If you have 12 volts at the socket you need to replace it with a 12 VOLT BULB. This is NOT a nornal house hold bulb which is 120 volts. It is a 12 volt light bulb that looks like a "normal" house hold light bulb but only works on 12 volts. I know this because I have an outdoor pole lamp fixture that is 12 volts. Years ago I tried a normal household bulb & it did not work. You have to get a 12 volt bulb.

Now where to get a 12 volt bulb can be easy or hard. My Home Depot & local large electrial supply did not carry them. Look at an RV motor home vender, ebay or Walmart in the RV section. I live in NJ & my local Walmart did not carry the 12 volt bulbs. When I was in Nebraska I stopped at Walmat at the RV section of the store. I then carried my 12 volt bulb (normal looking) back to New Jersery.

membership updated.

Replacement 12v pool bulb at Amazon:

Feit Electric 300R/FL-12 300-Watt R40 12-Volt Pool/Spa Flood Reflector

Thank you everyone for the help. Replaced the bulb and made sure not to touch it with my fingers. Works great!!

Glad it worked out for you!