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What is the difference between a niche and a light?

The niche houses the light.

A niche is a housing that is permanently mounted in the pool wall, while the light is a 'fixture' that is secured into the niche.

Replacing a light? Make sure it fits your niche

Inground pool lights come in LED and incandescent, and in 12V and 120V. The right replacement depends on your existing niche as much as on brightness or color, because it has to fit the mounting and work with your electrical supply, not just cover the opening.

Before you order, write down:

  • The manufacturer and model of your current light and niche
  • The niche diameter and screw position
  • The voltage and your transformer's output
  • The cord length
  • The face-ring size and your pool finish

A 12V light needs a 12V transformer to operate. Some retrofit lights also need a niche ring when installed in a vinyl liner pool, so check the product page before you order.

Changing a light

Important: Always disconnect power to the light at the circuit breaker before servicing it, and never service the light while it is in the pool.

You usually do not need to drain the pool. Niche-mounted lights are usually designed so the fixture can be lifted out of the niche and above the waterline with the cord still connected through the conduit, so it can be serviced on the deck.

Many pool lights are designed to operate only when fully submerged. Check your light's manual before switching it on out of the water.

Adding a light to a pool without a niche

Pools built without a niche are the harder case. Fitting a traditional light means running conduit under the deck and cutting into the pool wall. Depending on your pool's construction, a nicheless light, which installs in a smaller wall fitting without a full-size niche, may be an option.

Whether you are adding a light or installing a new niche, follow the instructions that come with your light and niche. Pentair's instructions for its IntelliBrite lights, for example, require installation by a licensed or certified electrician or a qualified pool service professional.

Shop lights and niches

Related: What are LEDs?

Still need help?

Didn't find the answer you were looking for? You can always contact us at support@royalswimmingpools.com or choose the category below to see our most frequently asked questions for that topic: