Appropriate cost for new LED pool/spa lights?

[WannaPool]

I am starting to get estimates for my pool renovation (in ground with spillover spa). The pool currently has two 12V lights - the main light is a pentair? SAM color changing, with spinning color wheel. A while ago it stopped color changing. A while after that it stopped lighting. The other (smaller) light is in the spa, and is 20+ years old but still going strong.

My first itemized contractor quite has the pool lights at $1300… each. Has there been a drastic change in technology here? If I recall correctly, when I purchased (circa 2009, and installed myself) the SAM light, I want to say it was around $500.

 

[ajw22]

Yup, pool light technology and costs have changed a lot in 15 years.

In 2023 the U.S. Department of Energy released its Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps. They aim to limit energy use for lighting in various applications and industries. This new regulation is performance-oriented, like the DOE rule for variable-speed pool and spa pumps. It applies to all lamps that emit between 310 and 3,300 lumens. If a light falls under that category, it must emit at least 45 lumens per watt. Beginning March 1, 2023, the DOE prohibited distributors and retailers from selling non-compliant lights.

Read Lighting Basics - Further Reading

 

[WannaPool]

Thanks- Great info.
But do these new lights with installation cost $1300 each?

 

[ajw22]

Thanks- Great info.
But do these new lights with installation cost $1300 each?

They can depending on the light.

Prices are all over the place.

What lights are we discussing?

 

[WannaPool]

Not spelled out in the quote, so not sure. My guess is that its something higher end from one of the major manufacturers, based on this contractor. He mentioned they have a 3 year warranty, with no replaceable internal parts, i.e essentially disposable if they fail.

 

[mknauss]

i.e essentially disposable if they fail.

Not if, when. Most last at most 3 years. Used often or never used.

 

[ajw22]

Not spelled out in the quote, so not sure.

We never recommend equipment without knowing the manufacturer and model.

My guess is that its something higher end from one of the major manufacturers, based on this contractor.

How will it work with your DIY automation?

White or color changing lights?

He mentioned they have a 3 year warranty, with no replaceable internal parts, i.e essentially disposable if they fail.

Most LED lights have no replaceable parts.

With your DIY automation, you should have many choices and are not locked into one manufacturer.

 

[WannaPool]

Thanks for the info. The plan is color changing. Regarding my DIY automation… lets just say that life got in the way, and it works fantastically on the workbench where it has been sitting since built and coded.

 

[Newdude]

My first itemized contractor quite has the pool lights at $1300… each. Has there been a drastic change in technology here? If I recall correctly, when I purchased (circa 2009, and installed myself) the SAM light, I want to say it was around $500

So with a couple hours of labor, it likely would have been a $1000 job if you hired someone in 2009. (Per light). If parts and labor only went up $150 each in 15 years, it's entirely reasonable IMO.

I see some wiggle room after the 1st light because the administrative costs for 2+ should be cheaper. The 1st light covers their estimate time, securing the parts, driving to/from the job site, etc. Theoretically 2 lights done at once should be cheaper than if you called them for one this month and another one next month, but it doesn't always pan out that way. Sometimes I've gotten a break adding things when the crews were on site already. Other times I've been laughed at. YMMV.

 

[WannaPool]

Contractor stated he could use Pentair, Jandy or Hayward. I called around today to local retail shop, and Pentair Architectural 5G is ~1300 for the pool light, and ~1100 for the spa light. No labor. Could probably find better pricing online, but IIRC, installing anything Pentair without being a professional reduces/voids the warranty.

So it seems like this contractor's pricing in legit-

Now on to research about controlling of these lights (Since I have a Pentair pump, I am leaning toward Pentair lights)

 

[ajw22]

Now on to research about controlling of these lights (Since I have a Pentair pump, I am leaning toward Pentair lights)

Your choices are:

• Clicking a light switch ON/OFF in a pattern to cycle through colors
• Pentair automation that contains light controls
• Pentair ColorSynch Controller that does the ON/OFF switching automatically.

Color Sync™ Controller for Pentair Color LED Pool Lights

Connect the Color Sync Controller to your smart device and begin toggling between your favorite colors and moods. Shop our Color Sync™ Controller here.

www.pentair.com

 

[ajw22]

Pentair LED Pool Lights - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[WannaPool]

Thanks again for great info. Got me thinking if I can use a smart wall switch, to integrate with my to-be-finished DIY pool automation…. Theoretically if I can control the switch through wifi, I should be able to control the colors.