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12V vs 110V Pool lights

16 years ago

Hi,

I have a Grecian style pool (about 18000 Gallons), 17 X 32 and am getting 2 lights put in the pool and one in the Spa. The plaster would be white. Based on people's experiences, what wattage would be sufficient? Given the cost of electricity here in SD, I want to put in the most optimum wattage (read minimum). Also,electricity consumption wise, would a 12 V, 500 watt bulb and a 110V, 500 watt bulb cost the same to run? Is their any advantage/disadvantage in going with 12 V VS 110 v? My PB says that he has never seen/installed 12 V pool lighting.

Thanks

--Scal

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Comments (8)

poolguynj
16 years ago
12V lights are normally 300W max.
scal
Original Author
16 years ago
Poolguynj,

Are 2 of those light enough for the pool described above? What are the pros and cons of choosing 12v vs 110v?

Thanks
--Scal
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fl-waterbug
16 years ago
The diffence is that the 110V lights have a transformer built into the light fixture to drop the power from 110 to 12 volts and the 12V models have the transformer at the electric/junction box end. Both use the same 12V bulb.
scal
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you fl-waterbug,

That was very helpful. So, energy consumption wise, they are both same then. My basic research shows that the 120v models are little bit more expensive. I guess that 12V models will make that up in the additional cost of the transformer.

I am still wondering about what reasons go into making the decision between 12v amd 120V at the source. Is it safety?

Thanks
--Scal
pebbleconcepts
16 years ago
lol . For god sake put the 12 volt lights in for saftey.I have seen light seals go bad and GFI breakers go bad. Now what will happen if the seal goes bad in the light and water makes its way in ussually a few years down the road when the gfi breakers are getting sticky? Safety has to be considered first. 500 watts of electric is 500 watts either 12 volts or 120 volts. But the biggest 12 volt light is 300 watt and two will be ok but 3 might be better for that pool size.
mako284
16 years ago
Don't skimp on lighting. We've learned. We have a 17 x 34 (21,000 gal) with Baja shelf and swim up bench. Our PB said one light would be enough. 12V - 300 watt SAm and SAl in spa. Our steps and deep end are pitch dark. The effects of the color did not meet it's potential and we are really disappointed in this.

Nothing we can do now - it's too late.
scal
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks to everyone who responded,

The PB is putting 2 lights in the pool area and one in the spa.

--Scal
fl-waterbug
16 years ago
I find it easier to install the 120V units. The conduit from the J box runs staight to the pool panel and hooks up to the 120V relay. The 12V units have the extra step of mounting and wiring a transformer. Remember, 120V lights have been around for decades and are proven/tested safe. Get whichever model is cheaper for you.

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