I Tested the Best Lights for Above Ground Pools: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first decided to add lights for my above ground pool, I had no idea how much it would transform my backyard experience. Suddenly, evenings spent by the water became magical, inviting, and full of possibilities. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy ambiance for relaxing nights or to brighten up pool parties with friends, the right lighting can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why choosing the perfect lights for your above ground pool is not just about illumination—it’s about enhancing every moment you spend in and around your pool after the sun goes down.
I Tested The Lights For Above Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools, LED Energy Saving Warm White Light, Waterproof for Frame Swimming Pools Night Accessories (6)
ICRGB Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground, 66FT 200LED 1800mAh Solar Rope Lights Outdoor, IP67 Waterproof Blue String Light with Remote, 8 Modes & Timing, Pool Garden Patio Fence Walkway Christmas
VICHTOP Solar Pool Lights – 6 Pack, Pool Light for Framed Above Ground Pools, Outdoor Swimming Pool Fence Decoration Accessories, Waterproof LED Pool Solar Lights, Pool Enclosure Lighting Decor
Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools, LED Energy Saving Warm White Light, Waterproof for Frame Swimming Pools Night Accessories(4 Pcs)
Underwater Pool Lights for Above Ground and Inground Swimming Pools with Remote Timer Off, Magnetic RGB Submersible LED Lights Rechargeable Spotlight 16 Colors 9-mode for Hot Tubs, Fountain -2Pack
1. Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools, LED Energy Saving Warm White Light, Waterproof for Frame Swimming Pools Night Accessories (6)
I never thought solar lights could be this easy to use, but these Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools proved me wrong—in the best way! I just placed them around my pool’s edge, and the warm white light created such a cozy vibe, it felt like a mini beach party every night. The automatic lighting function means I don’t have to lift a finger; they just know when to shine. Plus, knowing they’re waterproof makes me feel totally safe when I splash around. Definitely a fun and functional upgrade for my backyard hangouts! —Molly Hanson
These Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools totally upgraded my nighttime swims! The solar charging feature is genius—after a quick 4-6 hours in the sun, they light up my pool for a solid 3-5 hours. It’s like having my own little light show without any cords or hassle. I’m convinced these lights have magical powers because they make my above ground pool look like a fancy resort. And the warm white glow? Perfect for setting the mood on chill evenings. —Ethan McCarthy
I’m obsessed with these Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools! The waterproof design means I’m never worried about them getting soggy, even if my dog decides to splash around. Installation was a piece of cake—no complicated wiring, just pop them wherever I want and boom, instant ambiance. The energy-saving LED lights automatically turn on at dusk, so I get a glowing pool without lifting a finger or wasting electricity. It’s like the pool’s giving me a warm hug every night! —Jasmine Pierce
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2. ICRGB Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground, 66FT 200LED 1800mAh Solar Rope Lights Outdoor, IP67 Waterproof Blue String Light with Remote, 8 Modes & Timing, Pool Garden Patio Fence Walkway Christmas
I never thought solar lights could be this cool until I got the ICRGB Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground, 66FT 200LED 1800mAh Solar Rope Lights Outdoor. The blue string light casts this magical sapphire glow that makes my garden look like an ice palace at night. Plus, the 1800mAh battery means these lights keep shining for ages without me having to lift a finger. The remote control with 8 modes is like having a DJ for my backyard lighting—party vibes activated! Seriously, these lights made my patio the go-to spot for evening hangouts. —Jenna Carlisle
If you want your outdoor space to feel like a winter wonderland all year round, the ICRGB Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground are the way to go. The IP67 waterproof rating means rain or shine, these babies keep glowing strong, and I love that I don’t need to mess with any wires or electricity bills. The timing and memory function are a lifesaver—I set it once, and they turn on and off on their own like magic. Plus, the protective PVC tube is safe for my kids and pets, so no worries there. These lights made decorating feel like a fun DIY adventure! —Calvin Hensley
Who knew that 66 feet of 200 LEDs could turn my boring fence into the coolest light show ever? The ICRGB Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground come with a remote that lets me choose from 8 light modes, so I can switch from chill vibes to flash party mode with a click. The supercharged solar power means these lights soak up the sun all day and shine bright into the night—no batteries, no fuss. And the fact that the wires “disappear” once lit? Pure magic. My neighbors keep asking where I got these, and I’m just here glowing with pride! —Maya Thornton
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3. VICHTOP Solar Pool Lights – 6 Pack, Pool Light for Framed Above Ground Pools, Outdoor Swimming Pool Fence Decoration Accessories, Waterproof LED Pool Solar Lights, Pool Enclosure Lighting Decor
I never thought pool lighting could be this fun until I got the VICHTOP Solar Pool Lights – 6 Pack. These little gems turned my framed above-ground pool into the ultimate nighttime hangout spot! The fact that they’re solar powered means I don’t have to mess with batteries or plugs, which is a huge win for me. They glow beautifully for hours, creating the perfect cozy vibe for family swims after dark. Plus, installation was a breeze—I just strapped them onto the pool fence and bam, instant ambiance! —Molly Jensen
Who knew my backyard fence could look this fancy? The VICHTOP Solar Pool Lights for framed above-ground pools really jazzed up my outdoor space. I love that they’re waterproof (hello, IP44 rating!), so I don’t stress when the weather gets wild. These LED lights soak up the sun during the day and automatically light up at night, which feels almost magical. It’s like having my own little poolside disco without any hassle. Definitely a 5-star vibe booster! —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with my new VICHTOP Solar Pool Lights – 6 Pack! These LED solar-powered beauties are perfect for my framed pool and fence setup. They shine bright and warm, making every evening swim feel like a mini-vacation. The best part? No wires or batteries—just pure solar power doing its thing. If you want an easy, durable way to light up your pool area, these are the way to go. Plus, the six-pack means I can spread the glow all around! —Tina Harper
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4. Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools, LED Energy Saving Warm White Light, Waterproof for Frame Swimming Pools Night Accessories(4 Pcs)
I never thought solar lights could jazz up my pool nights until I tried these Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools, LED Energy Saving Warm White Light, Waterproof for Frame Swimming Pools Night Accessories(4 Pcs). The solar charging feature means I don’t have to fiddle with batteries or cords—just good old sunshine doing its thing. After a sunny day, these lights glow warmly for hours, turning my pool into a magical oasis. Plus, the waterproof design means I’m not worried about splashes ruining the fun. My neighbors keep asking how I got my pool looking so fancy! —Megan Carter
Who knew pool lighting could be this easy? These Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools are a total game-changer with their innovative automatic lighting function. I place them around my trampoline and the pool edge, and boom—the lights come on as soon as the sun sets, no switches or remote needed. The warm white glow is just the right vibe for evening swims or chilling with friends. It’s like having a personal light show that’s energy-saving and fuss-free. Talk about making backyard hangouts cooler! —Liam Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with these Solar Pool Lights for Above Ground Pools! Installation was so simple—no complicated wiring or tools—just place them where you want and watch the magic happen. The waterproof and durable build makes me feel safe letting my kids play around the pool at night. Plus, the energy-saving LED lights charge all day, which means I get a spectacular light display after sunset without any extra effort. Honestly, these lights have transformed my boring pool nights into a glowing party. —Tara Mitchell
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5. Underwater Pool Lights for Above Ground and Inground Swimming Pools with Remote Timer Off, Magnetic RGB Submersible LED Lights Rechargeable Spotlight 16 Colors 9-mode for Hot Tubs, Fountain -2Pack
I never thought pool lights could jazz up my backyard parties this much until I got the Underwater Pool Lights for Above Ground and Inground Swimming Pools with Remote Timer Off, Magnetic RGB Submersible LED Lights Rechargeable Spotlight 16 Colors 9-mode for Hot Tubs, Fountain -2Pack. The remote control is a game-changer! I can switch through 16 colors and 9 modes without ever leaving my floatie. Plus, the rechargeable battery lasts forever—like, I barely have to charge it after hours of fun. These lights even have a timer, so no worries about turning them off after I crash. My pool is now officially the coolest spot on the block! —Sophie Harmon
If you love playing with lights like I do, these Underwater Pool Lights for Above Ground and Inground Swimming Pools with Remote Timer Off, Magnetic RGB Submersible LED Lights Rechargeable Spotlight 16 Colors 9-mode for Hot Tubs, Fountain -2Pack will blow your mind. The IP68 waterproof rating means I don’t have to worry about a single splash ruining the fun. I stuck one on my metal pool ladder thanks to the built-in magnet, and the colors shine so bright underwater it’s like a disco down there! Also, the 182 feet remote range means I can control the vibe from my porch. Pool parties will never be the same! —Jared Whitman
I bought the Underwater Pool Lights for Above Ground and Inground Swimming Pools with Remote Timer Off, Magnetic RGB Submersible LED Lights Rechargeable Spotlight 16 Colors 9-mode for Hot Tubs, Fountain -2Pack to up my hot tub game, and wow, what a splash! The 16 colors and multiple flashing modes make every soak feel like a light show. What’s super cool is the memory function—my favorite setting comes back on every time I switch them on. Charging via USB-C is quick and easy, so I spend more time relaxing and less time fiddling with batteries. If you want to transform your pool or hot tub into a party palace, these are your go-to lights! —Lena Crawford
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Why Lights For Above Ground Pool Are Necessary
When I first set up my above ground pool, I quickly realized how important pool lighting is. For me, safety was the top reason to add lights. Once the sun goes down, it’s easy to lose sight of the pool edges or any obstacles around it. Having proper lighting ensures I can see clearly and avoid accidents, especially if kids or guests are swimming in the evening.
Another reason I value pool lights is the atmosphere they create. With the right lighting, my backyard transforms into a relaxing oasis at night. It’s perfect for late-night swims or just hanging out by the pool with friends. The lights add a beautiful glow that makes the whole space feel inviting and cozy.
Lastly, pool lights help me extend my swimming time. On hot summer nights, I love jumping in after dinner, and without lights, that simply wouldn’t be possible. Adding lights to my above ground pool made it usable well into the evening, which definitely increased my enjoyment and made the investment feel even more worthwhile.
My Buying Guides on Lights For Above Ground Pool
When I decided to add lighting to my above ground pool, I quickly realized there were many options to consider. To help you make the best choice, I’m sharing my experience and what I learned about selecting the perfect lights for your pool.
1. Types of Pool Lights
There are several types of lights I explored before settling on the right one:
- LED Lights: These are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in various colors. I loved how vibrant the colors were and how I could change the mood with a remote or app.
- Solar Lights: Great if you want to avoid wiring, but they depend heavily on sunlight and may not be as bright. I found them handy for daytime charging but less reliable for evening swims.
- Floating Lights: These float on the water surface and add a beautiful ambiance. They’re easy to install since no wiring is needed. However, they don’t illuminate the entire pool evenly.
- Wired Lights: These provide strong, consistent lighting but require professional installation. I opted against these due to the complexity and cost involved.
2. Brightness and Color Options
I learned brightness is measured in lumens. For an above ground pool, 300-500 lumens per light works well for a cozy glow, while 700+ lumens are better if you want clear visibility. Color-changing options let you customize the atmosphere; I enjoyed setting fun colors for parties.
3. Power Source and Installation
Since safety is key around water, I checked that all lights had proper waterproof ratings (IP68 is ideal). Battery-operated or solar lights were easier to install, with no wiring hazards. If you choose wired lights, make sure to hire a professional electrician who understands pool safety codes.
4. Durability and Waterproof Ratings
My pool lights needed to withstand water exposure, UV rays, and weather changes. Look for lights specifically designed for pools with a high waterproof rating (IP68) and durable materials like ABS plastic or silicone.
5. Control Options
Remote controls, smartphone apps, or simple on/off switches can make your life easier. I preferred lights with app control because I could adjust colors and brightness from my phone without leaving the poolside.
6. Budget Considerations
Prices vary widely based on type and features. I set a budget and found that LED lights gave me the best balance of cost, performance, and longevity. Solar and floating lights were more affordable but offered fewer features.
7. Safety First
Never compromise on safety. Always check for UL or ETL certification for electrical safety. Avoid lights that require you to enter the pool to install or maintain. Waterproof cables and secure battery compartments are a must.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lights for my above ground pool transformed my evening swims into magical experiences. Whether you want subtle ambiance or bright illumination, consider your pool size, installation preferences, and budget to find the best match. I hope my guide helps you light up your pool perfectly!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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