How dangerous is pool light without GFCI?

[Beez]

My pool was built in the late '70s and apparently the GFCI was not required then. I have to admit that electric power under water freaks me out a little bit, always has even before I owned a pool. I know that part of my uneasiness is irrational, but the GFCI thing is always on my mind. I wish I could just disable power to the light altogether, but there doesn't seem to be a separate breaker for it in my electrical box.

Any comments?

 

[mynewpool]

I had a GFCI hooked up to mine and it was not working. They inspector said if water gets inside it can electrocute anyone in the pool. So it is not a good thing.

 

[gordiec]

I think that an electrician should be able to install a GFCI fairly easily (but then I am not an electrician...) if you wanted to go that route.

My light has a pig tail that runs straight back from the light under the pool deck (about 8 feet) and then comes up to a junction box where it connects to the line going back to the circuit breaker. If you have a junction box, you should be able to kill the power to the light and then disconnect it there.

 

[JohnT]

It's fairly easy to add one. Well worth it IMO.

 

[Lershac]

You can add a gfci circuit breaker (replaces the normal one) for the circuit the light is on, to achieve the protection you seek.