More and more people are paying attention to their swimming pool lighting, and LED neon lights can add a unique experience to your pool, enhancing both the nighttime ambiance and the user experience. However, as we all know, the combination of water and electricity always carries potential risks—improper installation can lead to leakage, short circuits, and even personal injury. Many users mistakenly believe that “waterproof neon tubes will do” and install ordinary indoor LED strips directly in their pools. These installations often lead to malfunctions or safety hazards within a few months.
In fact, pool lighting must be IP68-rated neon tubes specifically designed for pools. This article will explain in detail how to safely and legally install IP68 LED neon strips for swimming pool. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or planning a pool renovation, ensure your lighting is both aesthetically pleasing and foolproof. More details, pls read Guide to LED Strip for Swimming Pool
Why Do Swimming Pool Need Specialized IP68 LED Neon Flex?
Because there’s a stark difference between ordinary LED strips and those designed specifically for pools. While ordinary LED strips are waterproof, they pose a risk of water immersion over time. They also need to withstand water pressure. Therefore, the swimming pool environment presents three significant challenges for lighting equipment: Why choose IP68, pls check Why Choose LED Neon Flex for Your Swimming Pool Lights?
- Continuous Water Pressure and Immersion: IP68 neon tubes are designed to withstand long-term water pressure, and the waterproofing of ordinary light strips cannot guarantee watertightness under continuous immersion.
- Chemical Corrosion: Disinfectants like chlorine and bromine in pool water can corrode the materials of ordinary light strips, causing the outer casing to age, turn yellow, or even break.
- Electrical Safety Standards: Poolside is a humid environment, requiring the use of safety extra-low voltage (SELV), typically 12V or 24V, to completely eliminate the risk of electric shock.
Therefore, LED neon light strips designed specifically for swimming pool must have an IP68 rating (indicating long-term immersion in water), a UV- and chemical-resistant casing, and low-voltage operation.
Which LED Neon Is Right for Your Swimming Pool?
Choosing the right strip isn’t just about the effect; it’s also about matching it with the pool’s structure and quality. Here are our IP68 pool neon tubes, specifically designed for underwater and pool lighting:
- Top view 16×16mm: This neon strip offers concentrated light output and a rich, even light effect. It’s ideal for flush-mount installation in pre-cut grooves along the pool’s edge, creating a modern, clean look that sits flush against the pool wall and provides primary, basic lighting for the entire pool.
- Side view 12×25mm: This neon flex is slimmer and suitable for installation on steps, vertical pool walls, or underwater decorative structures to create contours and depth.
How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool LED Neon Strip?
When choosing a swimming pool LED neon strip, be sure to confirm with the supplier in advance whether it can be used underwater or in a pool. Focus on the following five key purchasing criteria:
Protection rating ≥ IP68
When purchasing, confirm with the supplier whether it can be used for underwater and pool lighting. Also, check if the product specifications clearly state “IP68” or “suitable for long-term underwater use.”
Prioritize low-voltage DC LED neon flex
For pool and underwater lighting, voltage selection is crucial. 12V is recommended for home pools for maximum safety. For larger pools and longer wiring runs, 24V can be used to reduce voltage drop.
High-purity silicone encapsulation
Waterproof materials, preferably food-grade or high-strength silicone casings, are preferred. They are flexible, corrosion-resistant, environmentally friendly, and can withstand temperature swings between day and night.
Calculate the required length and power
When we measure the total length of wiring for your pool and choose the length and power of your light strips accordingly. Ensure that the total wattage output of the power adapter is at least 20% of the total power consumption of all light strips to allow for system stability and longevity.
Warranty and Service
When discussing pool lighting, the most important thing to know is the warranty period, which is generally 2-3 years. After-sales service should also be guaranteed. If you have any questions about the product, you should have a person you can contact. Otherwise, the entire transaction will be very negative.
How to Install LED Neon Swimming Pool Lighting?
When installing neon pool lighting, safety is paramount. All accessories must be protected. Please strictly follow the six steps below to ensure a safe and controlled installation process.
1: Disconnect the power and plan the wiring.
- Turn off the main power supply and ensure the pool installation environment is free of electricity and water.
- Draw a diagram of the light strip layout based on the pool’s shape (it’s recommended to mark the locations with a waterproof marker).
2: Clean the Installation Surface
- Use alcohol or a specialized cleaner to remove oil, algae, and calcium scale from the pool wall.
- The surface must be dry, flat, and dust-free.
3: Securing the Pool LED Neon Tube
Attach the strip along the top of the pool wall or along the edge of the steps. Typically, it needs to be secured with stainless steel clips.
4: Connect the wires
All connections must be made above the water surface. For this reason, it’s best to use waterproof plug connectors, as they are quick and easy to install.
5: Install the power supply and protective devices
- Place the 12V/24V transformer in a dry area at least 3 meters from the pool’s edge.
- A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) or RCD must be connected in series!
6: Pre-Power Test
- Turn off the water supply and power on the light strip to test whether it illuminates normally.
- Observe for flickering, partial dimming, or overheating.
- Restore the water supply after confirming that everything is normal.
Tips for Waterproofing and Sealing Pool Neon Lighting
- Connector Internal Sealing: Ensure the waterproof connector’s internal rubber seal is properly seated.
- Interface External Wrapping: After connection, wrap electrical tape from one end of the connector to the other, halfway around the connector, ensuring all metal contacts are covered.
- Applying Silicone Sealant: Choose a neutral-curing, weather-resistant, and mildew-resistant silicone sealant. Apply a generous, even layer of silicone sealant over the wrapped electrical tape, completely enclosing the entire connector. Allow it to cure completely. more, pls check How to Maintain Your Pool Neon LED Lighting?
Conclusion
Swimming Pool LED neon strips must be IP68 waterproof or higher. This is not only aesthetically pleasing but also crucial for personal safety and long-term performance. Only by selecting dedicated strips that meet IP68 protection and low-voltage standards, strictly adhering to electrical regulations, ensuring waterproof sealing and grounding, and performing regular maintenance and inspections, can you ensure years of reliable operation in humid environments.
If you’re planning to upgrade your pool lighting, browse our range of IP68 LED neon strips or contact our professional team for a customized solution. Let your pool sparkle at night while ensuring safety and durability!
FAQ
Absolutely not. An IP65 rating only protects against water jets, not sustained immersion. Light strips designed for pools must meet an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand prolonged submersion in water up to a specified depth without damage.
The power adapter (transformer) must be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area away from the pool water. It must not be exposed to rain or splashes. It is best to place it in a dedicated outdoor waterproof electrical box.
Officially manufactured LED light strips are made of environmentally friendly silicone material, free of heavy metals and harmful substances, and will not pollute water. We recommend choosing RoHS and CE certified products and regularly inspecting the LED strips.
Yes, provided you order lights with SPI and DMX512 support. Many pool-specific LED neon strips support DMX512 or smart control systems, and can even be used via a mobile app to achieve color switching, dimming, and music synchronization.