Dimmer on pool light ?

[South_Texas_Sun]

I had the same question........I'm about 3/4 through our ig pool project and I was told there's no way to "dim" led pool lights.

Well, a quick google revealed this:
http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/led_dimmer.htm
The problem is, the led's probably don't dim very much and create a lot of heat in the process.

I was thinking, since led's are really just solid state switches, I think you could turn them on and off fast and vary the pulse width. (to avoid seeing the blinking) Our pool is supposed to have 3 light units and do some kind of "light show" with a head module, so I'm waiting to see what the electrician shows up with before I start buying parts to "mod" it........lol.......

These circuits are very simple and parts are available at (you've got questions, we've got idiots) Radio Shack!

[Brock]

Ah you can dim any light with enough work and $

But seriously it depends on the type of light, regular incandescent or halogen can go on a regular dimmer. Fluorescents need a special ballast to dim, I wouldn't recommend going that way. Led's can dim quite easily and unlike most other lighting options LED's actually get more efficient as they dim. So running a regular LED at 50% power will typically get you about 40% less light, while running an incandescent at 50% power will get you about 80% less light.

[poolbee]

I have a Cantar Full Moon 500 watt white light. Can that be on a dimmer? In the literature it only mentions that the color LEDs can't be put on dimmer-nothing I could find about the plain white.

[Brock]

Yup, just make sure the dimmer is rated above 500w. Typical household dimmers are rated at 500w to 600w, which should work but might burn out in a short time. I would suggest spending a couple bucks more and getting a better dimmer that can handle 700w to 1000w You should be able to get them at Home Depot or some similar store.

Is your light on an existing switch or how do you control it? If it's not in a "dry" area you will have to go with an exterior dimmer costing even more money.

[poolbee]

My pool is a new build. I am waiting for the electrical hook up.

[Phillbo]

Have the dimmer installed during construction ...