Pool lighting not working

[Deuceswild7284]

Hey everyone! Happy 2023 pool season, well at least here in Chicago.

Question. Pool is opened and went to turn on the lights and both of them are not working. They were working at the end of last season but find it odd they both burned out at the same time. When flipping the switch I do hear a humming from the little transformer box. Do you think it’s just the bulbs? Any help is appreciated as always!

Thanks!
Dan

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dan,

Most light problems are caused by a popped GFCI outlet or breaker.. But...

If you can hear the transformer actually humming, when you turn on the lights, then it sounds like that is not the issue..

If this were my pool, I'd want to make sure that there is 12 Volts AC at the output of the transformer when the lights are supposed to be on.

I agree that it is unlikely that both lights went out at the same time, but it could happen.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Deuceswild7284]

Dan,

Most light problems are caused by a popped GFCI outlet or breaker.. But...

If you can hear the transformer actually humming, when you turn on the lights, then it sounds like that is not the issue..

If this were my pool, I'd want to make sure that there is 12 Volts AC at the output of the transformer when the lights are supposed to be on.

I agree that it is unlikely that both lights went out at the same time, but it could happen.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks for the feedback @Jimrahbe

The pool came with the house when we bought it a couple years back so not even sure where to start. Haha here is a picture of the box. I can’t seem to find a screw or anything to open it.

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks for the feedback @Jimrahbe

The pool came with the house when we bought it a couple years back so not even sure where to start. Haha here is a picture of the box. I can’t seem to find a screw or anything to open it.

View attachment 493026View attachment 493025

I've only seen one of those transformers once, but I believe that you can lightly tap the top upwards and it will open. I think it is held in place with spring clips.

 

[Jimrahbe]

@1poolman1

I'm glad you had a clue about how they opened, because I did not...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

Looks like there is an internal circuit breaker with a reset button.

Can you show the bottom of the box and the inside when you get it open?

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

It looks like the company went out of business and was involved in some sort of environmental contamination problems.

https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases07/NRD-lawsuits-07/Area-Lighting-Complaint.pdf

 

[Jimrahbe]

JamesW,

I think the company went out of business because no one could figure out how to open their boxes...

Jim R.

 

[Deuceswild7284]

Here’s the bottom. I’ll try to open it now.

 

[Deuceswild7284]

Ok bottom fell off when tapping. Haha.
That reset button is pushed in.

 

[JamesW]

Can you test the input and output voltage?

It looks like the wiring has some damaged areas, so that needs to be cleaned up.

You might need to replace the transformer.

 

[Deuceswild7284]

Ok so had a buddy come out and he tested all the wires at the transformers and at the lights and it all tested exactly what it should be so I’ll just change the bulbs now and hopefully that’s it. Is there a special bulb I need or can I use led? Thanks!

 

[JamesW]

It looks like the wiring has some damaged areas, so that needs to be cleaned up.

 

[Deuceswild7284]

It looks like the wiring has some damaged areas, so that needs to be cleaned up.

View attachment 495326

Thank you!