At Reliable Pool Care, we often get calls from pool owners whose pool or spa lights won’t turn on. Many times, the solution is right in front of them—a tripped GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). While this is an easy fix, it can be an expensive lesson for homeowners if they don’t know to check it first.

Your swimming pool generally has two circuits supplying power to its equipment. One of these circuits should be dedicated solely to the pool lights and protected by a GFCI. This device is critical for safety, as it monitors the electrical current and trips the circuit if there’s even a slight imbalance, preventing electrocution.

The GFCI for pool lights is usually located on the equipment controller box or near the light switch, often in a convenient location like near the back door. To ensure your pool lights stay safe, it’s important to test your GFCI regularly. To test it, simply push the “TEST” button on the outlet and try turning on the lights. If they don’t come on, the GFCI is doing its job. Resetting it is just as simple—press the “Reset” button, and your lights should work again.

Remember, the GFCI is there to protect you from electrical hazards in the pool. It’s as essential as a smoke detector in your home and should be tested several times a year. If your pool maintenance routine doesn’t include checking the GFCI, now is a great time to add it!

Next time your pool lights or spa lights fail to turn on, save yourself a costly repair call by checking the GFCI first. It’s a simple step that could save you both time and money.