Common Mistakes When Installing Submersible Lights
Tags: Ponds, Home Improvement, Lighting

To prevent leaks, look for high quality submersible lights which offer three main safeguards. First, look for underwater pond lights and fountain lights which include a flexible, pliable, silicon or rubber gasket, which will not dry out. Silicon or rubber gaskets will best seal the lens, thus preventing water from coming in. You should also look for resin potting where the wireway enters the fixture. Resin potting serves as a dam to prevent water from reaching the lens, should it enter the wireway. Finally, look for underwater lights which utilize machined materials, rather than molded materials, for airtight seals which won’t leak.

Tips for Choosing Underwater Pond Lights, Spotlights and Fountain Lights

Choose the Right Fixture for You

When it comes to choosing the best underwater pond lights, spotlights and fountain lights, begin by identifying products that put leak prevention at the forefront of design. Whether you’re looking for underwater LED lighting or underwater halogen spotlights, look for:

Rubber or Silicone Gaskets: for flexibility, pliability, and the best seal

for flexibility, pliability, and the best seal Resin-Potting: as a second line of defense against water intrusion

as a second line of defense against water intrusion Machined Materials: for precisely aligned design to ensure water tightness

After you’ve identified high quality submersible lights that offer these characteristics, begin customizing your pond or fountain by selecting the style of light, the base material you like, the power rating, color, and mount that suits your vision. Read on for more information about design, color, wattage and mounts available for underwater pond lights, fountain lighting, and spotlights.

Preventing User Error When Installing Underwater Lights

User Error is a Common Cause of Damaging Leaks

Unfortunately, user error during the installation of underwater lights can result in leaks, even if the light itself is guaranteed to be leak-proof. One of the most common mistakes made when installing underwater lights occurs as the result of misaligned parts. For example, if the light is a screw-on design (similar to a mason jar) or uses screws to secure it in place, it is important to ensure that no gaps exist between the lens and gasket. Confirm that all parts are properly aligned, and therefore flush, before and while you install the light.

Styles of Underwater Pond Lights and Underwater Fountain Lighting

Types of Submersible Lights

If you’re looking to bring light to a waterscape, such as a backyard fountain or pond, you’ll need to decide what type of submersible light you’d like to use. Options include single underwater spotlights or a string of submersible composite lights, which are typically sold in a set of three connected lights.

Which Base Materials Should You Choose for Underwater Pond Lighting?

Best Materials for Underwater Lights

Just like it is important to choose submersible lights which are custom designed to prevent leaks, it is also important to select a base material that can withstand being underwater. The best types of material for underwater fountain lights, pond lighting, and spotlights are brass and stainless steel. These materials will hold up well even while submerged in water. For added peace of mind, look for underwater lights that come with warranties or guarantees that the light fixture won’t rust or corrode.

What Color Options are Available for Underwater Lights?

Ideal Color Temperature 4,000K — 7,000K

From vivid illumination to subtle warm glows, underwater light bulbs are available in a variety of colors. Choose from cool white, or warm white for spotlights, or go for bold with solar powered LED mini composite spotlights, which change from red to green to blue to purple in a pre-set pattern.

Underwater Pond Light Power Rating and Bulbs

Brighter Lights Use More Energy

Next, consider how bright you want your underwater lights to be. Maximum wattage will vary based upon the make and model of the light. Some underwater pond lights will have a maximum wattage of 20w, whereas others can accommodate up to 50w.

When it comes to deciding between halogen or LED lighting, keep in mind that most high-quality submersible lights for fountains and ponds will work with either a halogen or LED light. Just be sure to confirm the maximum wattage the fixture can sustain, when choosing which type of bulb to use.