Pool light replacement

[nityntiy]

My pool light got water inside the casing somehow and blew out last time I turned it on. Do I need to replace the entire light/casing or just the bulb?
I tried to remove the screws on the casing and it's so tight and old (20+ year unit) that the entire the screw/bolt unit rotates and doesn't unscrew. Tried spraying some wd-40 with no luck. What are my options? I am trying to avoid spending $600 on the pool guy for this fix.

 

[PoolStored]

My pool light got water inside the casing somehow and blew out last time I turned it on. Do I need to replace the entire light/casing or just the bulb?
I tried to remove the screws on the casing and it's so tight and old (20+ year unit) that the entire the screw/bolt unit rotates and doesn't unscrew. Tried spraying some wd-40 with no luck. What are my options? I am trying to avoid spending $600 on the pool guy for this fix.

You might try Liquid Wrench or if you have ATF and Acetone, 50/50 mix. Yes, you need to get the bolt/nut combo off to be able to change it. You can get replacement parts...

Pentair Amerlite Pool Light Parts - INYOPools.com

Pentair Amerlite Pool Light - INYOpools.com has the largest selection of swimming pool and spa replacement parts with over 70,000 parts in stock. Order today and save!

www.inyopools.com

 

[tommelton]

Worse case - use a Dremel with a cutoff wheel to cut the small bolt between the metal loops the bolt goes thru. Then you can replace the bolt when you replace the bulb and any other parts.

 

[nityntiy]

You might try Liquid Wrench or if you have ATF and Acetone, 50/50 mix. Yes, you need to get the bolt/nut combo off to be able to change it. You can get replacement parts...

Pentair Amerlite Pool Light Parts - INYOPools.com

Pentair Amerlite Pool Light - INYOpools.com has the largest selection of swimming pool and spa replacement parts with over 70,000 parts in stock. Order today and save!

www.inyopools.com

Thanks for the tip. I will try that.

 

[tommelton]

I tried to remove the screws on the casing and it's so tight and old (20+ year unit) that the entire the screw/bolt unit rotates and doesn't unscrew. Tried spraying some wd-40 with no luck. What are my options?

I hate assuming - so I am not going to. In your picture - I see one adjustable wrench on the head of the small bolt, nothing on the nut. You are using something on the nut as well, correct? I believe the bolt is stainless, the nut should be brass. Those don't normally seize.

 

[jonnyd91]

I hate assuming - so I am not going to. In your picture - I see one adjustable wrench on the head of the small bolt, nothing on the nut. You are using something on the nut as well, correct? I believe the bolt is stainless, the nut should be brass. Those don't normally seize.

To add to this, you would be way better off using a 12pt socket and a 12pt wrench that are the actual size of the nut and bolt. That crescent wrench is very easy to slip off.

 

[tommelton]

To add to this, you would be way better off using a 12pt socket and a 12pt wrench that are the actual size of the nut and bolt. That crescent wrench is very easy to slip off.

The absolute best is a 6 point socket and 6 point wrench to prevent rounding of the head and nut. 12 point applies too much pressure just on the points, the 6 point applies pressure along the sides (and points).

 

[jonnyd91]

The absolute best is a 6 point socket and 6 point wrench to prevent rounding of the head and nut. 12 point applies too much pressure just on the points, the 6 point applies pressure along the sides (and points).

I guess my "point" was to lose the cresent wrench for a socket wrench

 

[Bill1974]

The parts are all stainless steel and they gall pretty easily and lock up the threads. Don't use power tools, use hand tools. If you can't get it off, cut it off and get a new bulb, gasket, and hardware. Put a little grease on the threads when you reassembly then clean it off before putting it in the pool. Try to remember to put liquid wrench or similar on when it needs service again.

FYI, I installed this LED bulb in mine. Less power use and I think the whiter light really make the pool pop at night Allisable 50W LED Pool Light Bulb, 5000LM 120V 6000K Daylight White LED Swimming Pool Light Bulb, Replaces up to 200-800W Traditionnal Bulb

Also that housing looks a bit on the rough side, check it over closely before resuing it. Also check the GFCI that supplies power to this is working correctly.

 

[nityntiy]

I hate assuming - so I am not going to. In your picture - I see one adjustable wrench on the head of the small bolt, nothing on the nut. You are using something on the nut as well, correct? I believe the bolt is stainless, the nut should be brass. Those don't normally seize.

Ofcourse I am, lol I can't take pic with both hands occupied. I was able to loosen the nut a bit as well, but then it stopped moving after few rotations. No longer holds a strong grip anymore. I need to get a 6 point wrench as you suggested.

 

[HermanTX]

Ofcourse I am, lol I can't take pic with both hands occupied. I was able to loosen the nut a bit as well, but then it stopped moving after few rotations. No longer holds a strong grip anymore. I need to get a 6 point wrench as you suggested.

Once you get it apart, you need to investigate why it leaked. Ensure there are no pits or damage where the seal sits. Use a new seal when you go back together. Agree, 6 pt sockets are always best.