Serviceable led light options?

[LKN]

This will be a forever pool and I would like to be able to replace bulbs rather than pull wire when lights fail. I'm leaning towards large niches with Amerlite 12v incandescent lights and swapping the bulbs out with Florida Sunseeker 12v 35w LED Pooltone bulbs-or similar bulbs-at a total cost of $650-$750 per. Debating on 3 or 4 on one side of a 15'x50' liner pool.

I know there are some nicheless options that have waterproof connections like the CMP Brilliant Wonders line but I really dislike being bound to proprietary systems, especially on something I plan to own for several decades.

Any input would be much appreciated

I am the designer/builder, I'm a GC that does some pool work and have accounts with the major supply houses.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

I think your plan with Amerlite lights and LED bulbs is good.

How many lighst you need partly depends on the plaster color you choose. Darker colors will absorb more light and require more lights then a white color.

@1poolman1 may have some thoughts.

 

[1poolman1]

Amerilite with Amerilite niches is the most future proof option. There are many 12v color LED bulb options available.
3 on a side should be sufficient. Be sure to face away from the house for the best look.

 

[dfwnoob]

Glad I'm not the only person who came to the conclusion the only cost effective or practical option is the good ol' Amerlites.

 

[Bill1974]

Smart thinking. Inevitably bulbs or LED driver Crud out. One thing to look at is the niche these go in, the conduit connect often has an issue. It's very common for the soil to settle and the conduit to break off. If you niche is back filled properly with the proper stone it should not be an issue. When I redid my pool liner, I installed a new niche. On the old one the brazed on nut fell off and it leaked. On the new niche, I had the nut removed and a 316 stainless steel pipe coupling welded on it it place. This has a lot more threads to engage with the conduit and seal easily. Also there are threads on the pool side of the fitting. Incase the conduit fails for some reason, I now have a back up way to seal other than using epoxy putty. I have a water tight cord grip on the light cord that threads into stainless steel pipe coupling. The one thing to check before making of these changes is that the light will still fit in the niche. There isn't a ton of room between the back of the light fixture and the water tight cord grip. The stainless steel pipe coupling need to be almost completely outside the niche. Someone who has TIG welded thin stainless steel sheet metal should have no problem welding this. I paid a welder $40 to do two.

 

[LKN]

Thanks, some great input/suggestions.