Installing Pool Lighting Above Ground
You probably had your pool built for summertime fun. But, have you used it less on really hot days? Installing pool lighting above ground lets you swim at night.
Sometimes it is just too hot during the day to be outside, even if you are swimming. Sometimes, daytime is too hot for outdoor activities, even swimming. Sun exposure concerns might deter your guests from sunbathing. Installing lighting extends your pool time and offers other benefits like safety and beauty.
What Are the Best Types of Lights for Above-Ground Pools?
Choosing the right above-ground pool lighting depends on how you use your pool, your budget, and your desired aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown of popular swimming pool lights for above-ground pools — and how to choose the right one for your outdoor space:
1. Floating Pool Lights
Affordable and easy to install, floating lights are a great way to add color and motion to your above-ground pool without wiring. They’re ideal for parties or casual nighttime swims and come in solar or battery-powered options.
2. Magnetic or Clip-On Lights
Designed specifically for above-ground pools, these lights attach to the sidewalls and offer a soft glow inside the pool. Some models are solar-powered, while others plug in nearby. They’re great for those who want subtle underwater lighting without full installation.
3. LED Spotlights and Wall Washers
For lighting the area around the pool, LED spotlights can be mounted on fences, posts, or decking to provide ambient light and improve visibility and safety. This type of lighting can also highlight landscaping or create a party-ready setting.
4. RGB Color-Changing Pool Lights
Perfect for entertaining, these smart lights let you switch colors, create effects, or sync with music. Many can be controlled via smartphone apps and add fun flair to evening swims.
Need help deciding what will work best for your pool and yard?
Our team will assess your space and recommend lighting that works with your layout — whether you want floating pool lights, permanent fixtures, or a complete outdoor lighting plan.
Why Install Pool Lighting Above Ground?
There are a number of reasons why you may decide to install pool lighting above ground, including function, safety, and aesthetics. Here are just a few reasons to consider above ground pool lighting for your yard.
Safety
You don't want accidents near your pool. Above ground lighting illuminates the area, reducing the chance of falls. Plus, well-lit areas deter criminals.
More Affordable & Easier to Maintain Than Underwater Lighting
Above ground pool lighting can shed just as much light into the water as lights placed below the surface, but they don't need to be able to survive being underwater or require special maintenance. You can enjoy the beautiful effect of rays of light falling into the depths of your pool without having to install anything directly in your pool.
Flexible Lighting
You can have pool lighting above ground that offers excellent flexibility for lighting around your pool and patio. Shine the lights directly into the pool when you want to enjoy some nighttime swimming then use them to illuminate the perimeters of your property for security the rest of the time. Want to shine light onto your porch for an impromptu karaoke performance? Just point the lights where you want the spotlight to shine.
Bring the Party Outside
Something about having attractive lighting all around your patio and pool just seems to draw people out. Even if it isn't a nice night for a swim, your guests may be tempted to dip their toes into the beautifully lit water. You won't have to worry about your guests falling in with plenty of illuminating light. If you want your guests to feel drawn out into your yard, pool lighting above ground is a great option.
Create Drama and Beauty
Expertly done patio lighting around your pool can create beauty and drama that makes your space seem much bigger and more magnificent than it is. Lights can highlight aspects of your landscaping or garden that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Why should your beautiful flower bushes and attractive landscaping only be admired during the day time? Effective landscape lighting throughout your yard and around your pool will create beauty that your family will enjoy all of the time.
Extend Your Living Space
You may be amazed by how much time you want to spend hanging out around the pool once the area is lit attractively. This can be a charming place for a glass of wine at the end of the night or the perfect location for a late-night chat with friends without bothering your family.
Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Installing pool lighting above ground is certainly easier than installing lights underwater in your pool, but is it easy enough for you to take care of it yourself? Here are a few important things to keep in mind when deciding whether to install lights yourself or have a professional do it.
Position Lights Safely
Electricity and water don't mix well. Just because these lights aren’t going to be installed directly underwater doesn't mean that there isn't any chance that they will come into contact with water. If the lights will be low enough that they could be splashed or they're going to be positioned over the water where they could potentially fall in if they are not secured properly, they can be extremely dangerous if you make any mistakes in the installation process.
Imagine if an improperly secured light fell in the water when people were in the pool. This could be a hugely dangerous situation, especially if the light was still attached to electricity. In order to get the most from your above ground pool lights you'll probably want to put them near the water or over the surface of the pool, but to be sure that no disasters occur it may be best to hire a professional. If you are considering installing the outdoor lighting yourself, carefully look through the regulations to be sure that you do so safely - but it's always best to use a professional.
Ensure that Results Will Be Aesthetically Pleasing
It may initially seem pretty straightforward for you to install pool lighting above ground that will make your pool, patio, and yard look attractive, but you may be surprised by how much effort and know-how it requires to make everything look good.
You want lights to shine into the pool to illuminate the water for swimmers and give that glowing effect of rays of light cutting through the water, but you don't want to blind anyone in the pool who looks up at the light.
You want lights that thoroughly cover the patio area around the pool and highlight some key aspects of your landscaping, but you don't want it to appear that your backyard is washed in spotlights. If you are considering installing the lights yourself, get ready for lots of experimentation as you try to figure out the best way to illuminate your landscaping.
Try to find a light that is very easy to install and uninstall while still being very secure so that you can make changes as you need to. You may find that it is a lot less frustrating and ends up being less expensive to just hire a professional who knows how to use lighting to make your yard look its best and provide the most functionality.
Improve Property Value
Lights that are properly installed around your pool can improve your property value in two ways. Firstly, they will increase the aesthetic value around your pool, making this feature more attractive to anyone who is considering buying or renting your home. Secondly, good lighting improves your home security, which will further improve your home's value.
If you are trying to sell or rent out your home, be sure to offer a good picture of your pool beautifully lit by landscape lighting. Landscaping in general and especially pools have a way of seeming bigger at night. Take advantage of this to sell your home. If lights malfunction or the result is less than aesthetically pleasing, or if lights do not add benefit as far as security because they don't cover shadowy areas of the yard where a criminal may hide, you will lose out on improved property value as a result.
Talk To A Professional Today
Our system continues to work great, and we always appreciate getting the phones calls to let us know when it is time to schedule the opening and the closing of our system. Andres and his partner do a terrific job putting our system to bed in the fall, and opening it up again in the spring, noting any work that might need to happen before we can begin to water again the next season.
Erica RegunbergOctober 16, 2019
Other Ways to Improve the Look of Your Pool at Night
Installing pool lighting above ground isn't the only way to make your pool and patio shine in the nighttime. Here are a few options to make your pool look its best in the evening.
Pathway and Landscape Lighting
Nothing will make your pool more tantalizing for an evening dip than a beautifully lighted path leading the way to it and attractive landscape lighting throughout the garden. Transform your backyard from a casual garden to a night time fairy world by lighting up the paths and presenting your pool as a focus feature.
Floating Lights
A pool is a unique opportunity to bring some peace and aesthetics to your yard with floating lights. Choose from solar lights or battery-powered options, depending on how much tree cover or shade you have over your pool during the day.
You can use standard floating lights that match your overhead lighting or choose colorful varieties that change colors or have intriguing designs. Floating lights are generally much easier for the homeowner to put into place than underwater lighting and do not need to follow installation guides for safety codes for swimming pools like lights that go underwater in swimming pools.
Lush Landscaping
Lush, beautiful plants don't just look beautiful in the daytime. Use pool lighting above ground to cast a glow on the plants that are surrounding your pool as well. If you have trouble keeping plants alive around your pool, consider putting in a sprinkler system to make your own lush oasis.
Umbrella Lights
If you use umbrellas to offer shade during the daytime, you can also use them to provide charming fairy lights at night. Just wrap holiday lights or other very small lights around the structure of the umbrella, being careful not to interfere with the opening and closing mechanisms. When you turn the lights on, the space under the umbrella will be adorably lit.
Pool Lighting Above Ground with American National Sprinkler & Lighting
If you’re in the Mundelein, IL area and looking to elevate your outdoor space, above-ground pool lighting is a simple and impactful upgrade. At American National Sprinkler & Lighting, we specialize in outdoor lighting installations for above-ground pools, patios, and landscaping that bring safety, beauty, and extended usability to your yard—even after the sun goes down.
We’ve completed dozens of projects throughout Mundelein and nearby suburbs, helping homeowners create beautifully lit pool areas with fully customized solutions. Whether you want soft, ambient lighting for evening swims or focused beams for added security, our team knows how to design lighting that enhances your outdoor space and keeps your pool area safe.
Not sure what type of landscape or pool lighting is best for your home? We’ll guide you through the process—from design to installation—making it easy to achieve the perfect nighttime backyard vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Above-Ground Pool Lighting
Is above-ground pool lighting worth it?
Absolutely. Above-ground lighting not only makes your pool area safer for nighttime use, but it also adds a dramatic aesthetic that turns your backyard into a nighttime retreat. It’s an affordable way to increase both beauty and functionality.
Can outdoor lighting be installed around an above-ground pool?
Yes! We specialize in installing outdoor lighting around above-ground pools. These lights can be positioned to shine into the water, around the perimeter, or throughout your landscaping to create a cohesive and inviting space.
How is above-ground pool lighting different from underwater lighting?
Above-ground pool lights are installed around the pool rather than in it. They’re easier to maintain, more flexible, and don’t require the same waterproofing standards as in-pool fixtures—making them a safer and more cost-effective option.
Do you offer above-ground pool lighting installation near me?
If you're located near Mundelein, IL, or anywhere in the surrounding suburbs, we’ve got you covered. Our team has years of experience designing and installing landscape lighting and pool lighting systems customized to each property.
Do floating pool lights work in above-ground pools?
Yes, floating lights are a popular and affordable option for above-ground pools. They’re easy to use, require no installation, and can add fun colors and ambiance for evening swims or backyard parties.
What are the best color-changing lights for above-ground pools?
RGB LED lights are the top choice for color-changing effects. Many models come with remote controls or app connectivity so you can customize the mood with the touch of a button. These are great for entertaining or just creating a relaxing vibe.
Are solar-powered pool lights bright enough?
Most solar-powered pool lights are designed for soft ambient lighting rather than strong illumination. They're ideal for accenting your pool area at night, though not always the best option if you need task lighting or strong visibility.
Can pool lighting increase safety around above-ground pools?
Absolutely. Proper lighting reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls by clearly illuminating walkways, ladders, and pool edges. It also helps you keep an eye on kids or pets in the evening.
How do I choose the right lights for my above-ground pool?
Consider how you use your pool — for relaxing, entertaining, or both. Floating lights are great for casual use, while mounted LED fixtures or landscape lighting offer more coverage and control. Our team can help you select lighting that suits your layout and goals.