Getting my pool ready for a night swim usually means dealing with expensive, hard-to-wire lighting systems. I got tired of sitting in the dark or settling for boring, dim lighting during summer parties. That is when I decided to try these rechargeable submersible pool lights from AliExpress to see if they could actually hold up underwater.
What These Pool Lights Are
These are small, waterproof LED discs that you can drop into a pool, fountain, or even a large vase. They are meant to be a budget-friendly way to add color without calling an electrician to fix your pool wiring. Most listings include free shipping, which makes the low price tag even better for your wallet.
Features That Matter
The biggest draw is that they are rechargeable. You do not have to mess around with buying dozens of batteries every few weeks, which saves a lot of money over time. You just plug them into a USB cord, wait for them to charge, and they are good to go for a night or two of swimming.
The remote control is another helpful addition. Being able to change the colors or set a timer while sitting on my patio chair is much easier than having to fish the light out of the water to press a button. The color-changing modes are fun for parties, and they get surprisingly bright even in the deep end.
Honest Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Much cheaper than professional pool lighting setups.
- No wires mean you can put them anywhere.
- The remote works well even through the water.
- USB charging is better than replacing batteries constantly.
- Cons
- Shipping can take a few weeks depending on where you live.
- The seal needs to be checked every single time or water will get inside.
- If you lose the remote, the lights are hard to control.
- These are not as bright as permanent, hard-wired pool lights.
Who Should Buy These
If you are a renter or you just want to spruce up your backyard on a tight budget, these are a great pick. They are perfect for people who like hosting casual get-togethers and want a bit of atmosphere without spending hundreds of dollars. You can also use them in ponds or fountains to make your landscaping look fancy at night.
You should probably skip these if you have a massive pool and need something to light up the entire thing for safety. These are more for mood lighting rather than total illumination. If you are not good at remembering to charge your electronics, the maintenance might get annoying for you.
What Buyers Are Saying
One neighbor told me he loves using them in his hot tub because they fit right on the ledge. He mentioned that he had to replace one because he did not twist it shut properly and it leaked, but he felt the price was low enough that it did not bother him much. Another person mentioned that they used them for a wedding reception in a fountain and they stayed bright for the whole five-hour event.
Final Verdict
After testing these out, I think they are a solid deal for the price. They are not perfect, and you have to be careful to twist the cap on tight so they stay dry inside. However, for a simple way to change the vibe of your backyard, they do exactly what they promise. Just keep in mind that they are a hobbyist tool rather than a replacement for professional pool lighting. If you can handle the longer shipping time, you will likely be happy with the results.
