How can LED pool lights be waterproof?
LED pool lights have to work underwater or in wet environments. Good waterproofing not only extends the life of your pool light, but also guarantees safety. In this article, we describe the most commonly used waterproofing techniques for LED pool lights and compare resin-filled waterproofing with structural waterproofing in detail. Waterproofing techniques Below are the four most common waterproofing techniques for LED pool lighting:

1. Waterproof material
Manufacturers usually make the housing of LED pool lights from stainless steel, plastic, or tempered glass. These materials are naturally more waterproof.

2. Waterproof power cable
The power cable for LED pool lighting must be completely waterproof to ensure electrical safety. Waterproof power cables with VDE certification offer the best safety.

3. Gaskets
Gaskets prevent water from entering through the openings in the fixture housing at the connections of underwater fixtures.

4. Waterproof with resin filling
A special resin fills the light source and other electronic components of the pool lighting to completely isolate them from water or other foreign substances.

Introduction to resin-filled and structural sealing
Resin-filled waterproofing seals the light source and other electronic components of the LED pool lighting. Structural waterproofing relies on a well-sealed housing to keep water out of the lamp.

Resin-filled sealing
Pool lights that use the resin-filled waterproofing process require a filling hole in the light source. During the filling process, the production worker inserts a tube into the filling hole. The other end of the tube is connected to the injection port of the filler. The special resin is then injected through the tube into the lamp and fills the inside of the light source.

The worker then disconnects the tube from the filling opening and seals it with a sealing clip to prevent foreign substances, such as dust, from entering the lamp through the tube. These resin-filled light sources are left to stand for several hours until the resin has completely hardened.

Structural sealing
A swimming pool fixture that uses this process requires a standardized design for the fixture housing to allow gaskets to be installed at each joint. The entire fixture relies on a unique structural design with gaskets to be watertight.

Rubber or silicone, which are flexible and elastic, are typically used to make gaskets. When compressed, the rubber and silicone deform, creating contact pressure and blocking the openings for a good seal.

Pool lights with structural waterproofing do not require a filling opening near the light source because they do not need to be filled with resin.

Comparison of two waterproofing processes

Costs
If the pool lighting uses a resin-filled waterproofing process, it costs more to produce.

As you can see from the waterproofing process described above, the production of a resin-filled waterproofing product requires resin to be injected into the light source. The light source must be left untouched for several hours to allow the resin to cure, resulting in a longer production cycle. In addition, the adhesive sprayed into the lamp housing is not cheap. Products that use the resin-filled sealing process are sold at a higher price compared to similar structural sealing products, due to the long production cycle and high material costs.

Waterproofing
Resin-filled waterproof LED pool lights completely seal out dust, liquids, air, and other foreign substances and have a 100% IP68 rating for all products.

LED pool lighting with structural waterproofing depends on the factory's production facilities, testing levels, and the aging of the gaskets. Some products may have problems with water ingress. When ordering, it is best to check the product certification to confirm the quality of the pool lighting.

Also try to choose a product with a longer warranty. Products with a longer warranty cost more in terms of materials, craftsmanship, and product testing and are more consistent in quality. After-sales service can repair an individual product or replace it with a new product if it has a problem with water ingress within the warranty period.

Life expectancy
The lifespan of products with a resin-filled waterproofing system is slightly shorter than that of products with a structural waterproofing system. Filling the LED pool lighting with resin reduces the effect of heat dissipation. During use, the temperature of a resin-filled waterproof pool light will be slightly higher than that of a structural waterproof pool light, given the same parameters and environment.

The temperature increase will accelerate the decay of the LED pool lights.
High-quality LED pool lights have an expected lifespan of more than 50,000 hours. The difference in light decay between the two types of pool lights is largely invisible during use. Therefore, you do not need to worry too much about the difference in lifespan between the two products during daily use.

Appearance
The resin used in the resin filling process is colorless and transparent with very high light transmission. In the initial stage of use, there is no significant difference in appearance.

However, after prolonged use, the resin in the lamp will gradually age. The water resistance of the aged resin does not deteriorate, but it does look slightly yellowed. The light transmission decreases and slightly affects the light effect of the LED pool light as the resin yellows.

This does not happen with structurally waterproof pool lights. However, after prolonged use, a layer of dirt may form on the housing and lens of the pool light, affecting its appearance and lighting. Clean the pool light regularly to solve this problem.

Repairs
The resin-filled waterproof pool light is sealed with all electronic components. If it becomes damaged, it cannot be repaired and only the entire light source can be removed and replaced.

The structural waterproof pool light is much more flexible when it comes to repairs. In case of problems such as deteriorated gaskets or damaged electronic components, replacement or repair is possible by disassembling the fixture.

How do I choose?
Both waterproofing processes have unique characteristics that you should consider in relation to your needs.

If you have a limited budget and need a product that is completely waterproof, we recommend resin-filled plastic waterproof pool lights.

If you are looking for a high-quality product that is durable and looks good, we recommend a stainless steel waterproof pool light that uses a structural waterproofing method.

XPRO POOL Lighting B.V. is a professional LED pool lighting wholesaler, and we are also experts in waterproof pool lighting. If you would like to purchase our products or have questions about product knowledge, please feel free to contact us.

Email info@xpropool.com