Leaked electricity from pool lights is responsible for about one death per year in the United States.

It is also common for pool service technicians to get shocked or injured while changing out pool lights or winterizing the lights at the conclusion of the swim season. But safer, energy efficient options exist, and are changing the face of underwater lighting in the pool and spa industry.

There are newer technologies that eliminate the dangers associated with underwater pool lights. Widely used in Europe and Canada, induction pool lights are currently being produced in the U.S. as well.

Much safer than conventional pool lighting options, induction power transfer technology allows for a wireless and contactless underwater light fixture.

With induction pool lighting, the power source is located within a sealed plastic exterior wall unit.

The pool light fits directly into this power source and together, a magnetic field induces power in the light coils.

This technology’s safety benefits, simplicity of installation and ease of replacement has made induction lighting a modern popular choice for savvy pool owners.

Numerous industry professionals have already implemented this technology at the pools that they service.

It is also faster and easier to winterize pools and replace underwater lights.

Service techs can work with underwater light fixtures without even turning the power off.

Another safety benefit is that there is an automatic power shut-off that is integral to the system.

When the light is not in place, the magnetic field is no longer created, so the power is simply not on. That means that there is no possibility of electrical leakage or shock.

In addition to eliminating the risk of electric shock, induction pool lighting solves a lot of the problems associated with traditional pool lights such as the difficulty of wiring through pool walls as well as the corrosion of contacts from the corrosive environment of the pool water.

With induction lighting, because the electrical outlet never comes in contact with the pool water, that issue is eliminated.

Rather than using an outlet, electrical power is transmitted through magnetic coupling between a sealed wall socket within the pool wall and a sealed plug.

Induction lights are also energy efficient. Compared to conventional lighting, monetary savings is estimated to be anywhere from 35% to 55% less when both energy and maintenance are taken into account.

It is widely expected that the use of induction to power devices will continue to expand into other areas – and especially for underwater applications.

Some manufacturers are already marketing induction sockets or pool plugs for machines such as underwater vacuums and robotic cleaners, a topic that was addressed in a previous issue of Service Industry News. Induction technology is likely the future for the pool and spa industry.

Exploded view of induction lighting S.R. Smith “PowerPass Wireless Power Technology.” Image credit S.R. Smith