Change 120v UW light to 12v?

[greenacres]

I want to change my 120v pool light to a 12v. I have an inground vinyl liner pool with a hayward brand light. Could I just change the bulb and add some type of transformer, using the existing wireing and hardware? Would there be much difference in brightness?

[waste]

Greenacres, welcome to the forum!!

Your ? tickled something in the back of my brain so I checked this thread http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=3804.

You realize that a transformer will need to be wired in and a different bulb used, if you are willing to do this it's no problem to do so, the niches are made to take either 120v or 12v bulbs.

Unfortunately, I can't comment on the relative lumens for the 2 bulbs, as I only see pools durring the daylight hours, perhaps someone who's made that switch can comment on the relative brightness of the 2.

Good luck with the chaneover, if you have any more questions, just ask and we'll do what we can to help. Again, welcome to the foprum!! - Waste

[greenacres]

Thanks Waste.
Sounds easy enough, I just don't like the idea of 120v @ the pool so this is just for my peace of mind. The pool was put in by the previous owners brother in laws and a lot of the work is suspect. A couple of months or more away from opening here in WV.

[waste]

I beg your pardon!! That's "WEST (BY-GOD) Virginia!" I't's your pool and you can do whatever you want to/ with it (i lived in Wheeling for a couple of years - so I want to make sure you say it right on the forum ) I doubt that the light that's in there would cause you problems, but if you want to change it, it's your pool

How 'bout them 'Eers!!

[greenacres]

Your right it is 'West (By-God) Virginia!' I guess I have some time to think about it and try and find a good deal on a transformer. I grew up not far from Wheeling.

How 'bout them 'Eers!!

[CarlD]

I would DEFINITELY change 120v lights to 12v. The safety factor alone makes all the difference. I have 12v lights and the transformers are at a distance, so if, SOMEHOW the lights short out AND the ground-fault fails, the pool doesn't become automatically deadly.

Of course, ALL electrical items around a pool MUST be ground-faulted by ordinance and by d***-fool common sense!

I actually find the 12 v lights to be VERY bright--almost too bright, but that's me. I don't think the underwater lights SHOULD be that bright--they become unpleasant for swimmers. But...that's me.

[greenacres]

Thanks Carl. I think your right, it is on a ground-fault breaker but like I said it will give me peace of mind. If the budget allows maybe one of the LED type with the different colors. I could then use a smaller transformer.

[skamp]

I am going to be using color logic lights that come in 12 or 120V. I am still waiting to see which my PB ordered. If they ordered the 120V I am going to push them to swap to the 12V. If you need the transformer, Hayward recommends the PX100 or PX300. They are pretty cheap at $75-100.

Steve

[greenacres]

Old thread, but just completed. Had a leakly light last year and finally resolved that, got the transformer and 12v led colorchanging bulb from ebay in the off season, installed yesterday and tested out last night. Working great, the kids love the party mode and I feel safer with 12v underwater. Thanks waste and carl

[waste]

I'm sure Carl will agree with me in saying "that's why were here"

Congrats on getting it changed out successfully!! Enjoy the pool and the lights!