My Backyard Party Lighting Setup
I love hosting friends in my backyard, but lighting is always a pain. String lights are a hassle to hang, and standard lanterns just do not provide the pop of color I want for evening parties. When I found these submersible lights on AliExpress, I thought they might be a fun way to spruce up my old birdbath and some glass vases I had sitting in the garage.
These little puck lights are battery-operated and waterproof, so they can go right into the water. After testing them for a few weeks, I have some thoughts on whether they are worth your time and money.
What These Submersible Lights Are
The product is a set of small, plastic discs packed with 13 LEDs each. You get a remote control to change the colors, set timers, or make the lights fade between shades. They are definitely budget-friendly, and since I caught a deal with free shipping, the cost was very low for what you get.
Most people use these for vases, fish tanks, or small garden fountains. They are not high-end stage lighting, but they are decent for adding a little atmosphere to a dark corner of your patio.
How They Perform In Real Life
Setting these up is as easy as dropping in three AAA batteries and twisting the cap shut. The seal feels pretty tight, though I noticed you have to make sure the rubber ring is perfectly in place to stop water from leaking inside. Once they are submerged, the light spreads through the water surprisingly well.
The remote control is a big help because you do not have to pull the light out of the water every time you want to change the color. It works from a few feet away, which is perfect for when I am sitting at the table and want to switch the mood from calm blue to bright red. The color options are quite varied, and the fading mode is a nice touch for relaxing evenings.
Real Pros and Cons
I want to be clear that these are mass-produced items, so they come with some quirks. Here is what I found after using them for a month.
- Pros
- Very affordable and often come with free shipping.
- The remote is simple to use and controls multiple lights at once.
- They are truly waterproof if you tighten the cap firmly.
- Great for short-term events like parties or dinners.
- Cons
- Battery life is not great, so you will go through a lot of batteries.
- The signal from the remote can be spotty if the light is deep in water.
- No local warranty means if one breaks, you are on your own.
- Shipping from overseas can take a long time depending on where you live.
Who Should Buy These Lights
If you like throwing backyard barbecues or want a cheap way to decorate for a party, these are perfect. They are also fun for kids who want to add some glow to a bathtub or a small splash pool. You do not need to be a handyman to get these working, so they are great for beginners.
However, skip these if you need permanent lighting for a big pond or a pool. They are not powerful enough to light up large areas, and the constant battery swapping would get old fast. If you are looking for professional, long-term underwater lighting, you should save your money for a wired system.
What Other Buyers Think
I spent time reading reviews from other people who bought these. Most people seem to use them for wedding centerpieces or holiday decorations. One user mentioned that they used them for a Halloween display in a fountain, and they held up well for the whole night. Another person noted that the magnets on the back are a bit weak, which is something I noticed too. They tend to slide off metal surfaces if you are not careful.
My Final Verdict
These submersible lights are a fun, cheap way to add color to your home or garden. Do not expect them to last forever, and be ready to stock up on spare batteries if you plan to use them often. They are not perfect, but for the price point, they provide a lot of fun.
If you are okay with the slow shipping time and the occasional need to adjust the seal, they are a solid purchase. Just keep your expectations in line with the price, and you will be happy with the results.
