A pond can be a fantastic addition to any landscaping design, but if you want to make it a real feature, you need great lighting. Pond lights not only highlight the water to improve safety, but they can create beautiful patterns on the water, so you can spend hours enjoying your water feature.
Our research team has reviewed 25 pond lights to assess how they could benefit your pond. We’ve created a list of picks and our editor’s choice, the Aquascape 84047 Pond and Landscape Spotlight is both compact and efficient, supported by a five year warranty. This set of spotlights can also be easily connected to other Aquascape products. However, we’ve ranked other models at different price points to ensure a top pick for your specific requirements.
Our team of researchers has spent a great deal of time researching pond lights to determine which offers the best features and design. First and foremost, we looked at the different types to help you determine the best one for your pond. However, the power source, wattage and bulbs are also important, as these will impact installation and ongoing performance. We’ve also assessed the color options, so you can have versatility when operating your lights. We’ve presented our research as a basic overview table coupled with a list of detailed reviews. We’ve also included a buying guide to walk you through the decision making process and help you find the best pond lights for your yard.
Other features: pack of 6; 3000K; can be used in and out of water; 5-year limited warranty; die-cast metal housing; 3-part brushed architectural Bronze coating; three 1-watt LED diode; compact design; operates at 12 V AC
The Aquascape 84047 Pond and Landscape Spotlight is a 3 watt LED unit (3×1 watt diodes) that creates beautiful lighting for ponds, gardens, waterfalls and as an uplighter for plants. These may be the best LED pond lights available and this is why they are the editor’s choice.
They are a compact and energy efficient option that can be installed anywhere that needs an outdoors spotlighting solution. This light is equally at home in and out of the water, it’s made from durable die-cast metal and it will last for years. This spotlight can be easily installed with quick connect fittings and a mounting bases is provided to wedge the spotlight under gravel or rocks.
The light output is roughly equivalent to a 10 watt halogen light and the 3,000 kelvin temperature has a natural white light that will enhance a water feature in the evening and night. Each pack contains 6 spotlights and they have a limited five year warranty for extra peace of mind.
Other features: powerful light output; low voltage; warm white setting; die-cast metal housing with protective finish; limited 5-year full replacement warranty
The Aquascape 84060 Pond and Garden Spotlight is a more powerful 8 watt LED spotlight with color changing features. This is definitely a premium spotlight pick and if you have the budget these may be the best underwater pond lights on our list.
These spotlights have high output warm white and color changing diodes that bring your water features to life at night. A wide variety of spotlight colors can be adjusted wirelessly and this includes a warn 3,000 kelvin white setting. Despite the powerful colors these spotlights are an energy efficient option and they have a landscape stake and adjustable stand for optimal placement.
Like all Aquascape products the 84060 Pond and Garden Spotlights have waterproof quick connect fitting to make the installation process quick and easy.
Other features: sealed wire exit; heat and frost-resistant; 25000 hours average life
The MIK Solutions Waterproof Underwater Light 172 is one of the best submersible pond lights on the market today. These lights are made from heavy-duty die-cast brass for extra durability when submerged under water. They are corrosion resistant and the 21 feet long heavy-duty cable is fully insulated.
The bulb is 7 watts to deliver a lush and warm soft white light. These lights are low voltage making them a good energy-efficient option for users. These lights enhance the drama created by water features, such as ponds, pools, waterfalls, fountains, and any other water-based feature you can imagine.
Other features: 12 V AC/DC; switch control, remote control, 11 modes, 90-degree beam angle, plastic shell material; low voltage, automatic color change
The ANQIDI 12V 24W LED Pool Light is a color-changing pool light housed in a plastic shell. The colors can be adjusted from a switch control or a remote control unit. There are 11 modes available, 4 dynamic modes, and 7 static modes. There are multiple color combinations available and the lights work well in pools, ponds, wells, and seawater environments.
This pool light has a beam angle of 90º which is roughly equivalent to a halogen light in the 250-380 watt range. It’s important to check the installation process carefully because a 12-volt transformer is required and this is not included with the lights.
Other features: pack of 2; no batteries needed; safe for outdoor use; energy-saving; waterproof and weatherproof
You can enjoy using these Esuper Floating Ball Pool Lights for all kinds of party décor, whether it’s for swimming, yard, weddings, pathway, beaches, and lawn parties. These lights are easy to set up and don’t require batteries, so you can get the party started within minutes. The balls are also highly durable, so they don’t break even when you throw them around.
Asides from the attractive aesthetics and automatic operation that the pool lights offer, the Esuper Floating Ball Pool Lights save energy while you operate them. The device runs completely on solar power and charges automatically, and since it does not require a battery, it helps you save money and power. It can function for up to eight hours after being charged in direct sunlight, and it works even better when you use it at outdoor parties during the day. The Esuper Floating Ball Pool Lights are also waterproof and dust-protected, so you can use them outdoors and indoors.
Other features: UL listed, solid brass construction, non-skid rubber pads, lifetime warranty
As far as mini pond lights go, this Volt Store set of three can aptly be described as top-of-the-line. The solid brass construction holds its own even with extended underwater use, and this is enhanced by the fact that there’s no peeling paint or coating.
They work best for shallow ponds and are wired together permanently, so you don’t have to worry about the wiring component during installation. That said, the wire for the connection to an outlet is long enough to reach the pond even if your sockets are quite the distance from the water feature.
Additionally, the length of wire between the three lights is equal for symmetry in the pond. The quality of these fixtures is also guaranteed, thanks to the UL listing and the lifetime warranty.
Lastly, they produce a warm white 100 lumen light output giving you the ideal illumination level in your small pond.
Other features: a pack of 3; Natural looking rock housing; 3 way power splitter
The Anjon 3 – Rock Led Light Set is also a great option for either a koi pond or perhaps a waterfall feature. The lights can be strategically placed in or around the water feature to enhance key areas or design elements at night. Illuminating areas where your fish congregate needs a lighting option that is heavy enough to resist the current and the movement of large fish.
These lights are MR11 LED lights housed in a watertight easy to service housing. The set includes a three way power splitter, a 20 watt transformer, a 20 foot power cord and three rock shaped lights. These lights can be fully submerged, the rock shape makes them easy to hide and provide dramatic lighting.
Each of the three LED lights is a single watt that produces 45 lumens of light. The bulb lifespan is 40,000 hours which equates to 13½ years running the lights for 12 hours every day.
Other features: cold forged brass body, UL listed, SJTW premium lead wire, low voltage, lifetime warranty
These are watertight LED lamps that are full submergible with a raised lens to ensure that no water can puddle to diffuse the lighting. The housing is a cold forged brass body unit that provides maximum durability for underwater operation. An extra heavy brass mount is also included to ensure that the light is stable and not subject to the currents or passage of fish.
Each light is manufactured to high standards with a 25 foot long power cord and a lifetime warranty on the brass fixtures. This is a low voltage light fixture so the chances of an electric shock are significantly lowered. The wires can be buried to a minimum depth of around 6” and the process is safe enough for users to install themselves. Everything is included to get the homeowner up and running quickly.
Other features: 3-piece pack; built-in light sensor; auto on at night / Auto off at sunrise
WisHomee Solar Pond Lights are powered by solar energy and thanks to the built-in sensor it only runs at night. No other power supply or batteries are needed to power these lights making them easy to use and environmentally friendly. These submersible light kits include three lamps and they can work for 6-9 hours when fully charged.
These spotlights are simple to install using the included spike and stand. They can be fixed in place into the ground but they are waterproof making them safe to use around water features. The stand and the lights are adjustable so precise placement is easy.
Other features: IP68 waterproof, remote control, 304 stainless steel, high-gloss tempered glass lens
The RSN LED Underwater Light conforms to the IP60 waterproof rating standard which is the highest standard for the American market. This light is ideal for a wide variety of underwater applications, including aquariums, garden water features, waterfalls, swimming pools, and more. This is a 6.3W low voltage rated light with RGB functionality for cool and romantic color changes. The lights use an AC 12V power supply that must be used with an appropriate transformer unit.
The construction is 304 stainless steel case with a high-gloss tempered glass lens. These surfaces are designed to resist corrosion and to protect the internal components from water pressure. These energy-saving LED lights are well suited to any underwater environment and the company has more than 10 years of experience making these products. These RSN LED outdoor lights are controlled remotely with an effective RF range of 30-40 meters depending on the exact conditions in your yard.
The RSN LED Underwater Light is a well-built unit that should provide years of dedicated service. RSN is confident in their products and they offer a no quibble return within 30 days if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. Every light comes with a minimum 2-year warranty and if you have a problem with your remote they will replace it free of charge.
If you want to make a real feature of your pond, then the right lights can make all the difference. Unfortunately, with so many different lights, it can be difficult to make a purchase decision. Here we’ve compiled a buying guide with the things to consider, features to look for and answers to common questions to help you make your decision.
Many people purchase pond lights because they add a certain level of ambience to an outdoor water feature. The right lighting can make a feature into a real focal point after the sun has gone down and they are a great way to show off a dream backyard. Floating or underwater lights can add colors, patterns and general lighting to really make the spaces pop. But, these types of lights are also useful; they help to keep your family and guests safe by providing illumination around water features. A good lighting system can also deter certain predators that may attack any fish in your pond.
With so many lights, it can be tricky to choose the best pond lights for your requirements. So, here we will explore the features to consider to help you find the best set for your needs.
In the past, the only choice would be a wired connection to a mains outlet and this is still an option but there are other sources of power available now that may be a better fit for your backyard. The most obvious choice is solar power, these have come a long way in recent years, but it’s fair to say that they are more temporary or short term solution. That being said they are an inexpensive and cost effective way to light your pond or pool. A battery powered light is another option but they need to be replaced or recharged regularly making them impractical.
The most common way to power a modern underwater light is a 12v AC transformer with a splitter for shorter power cords.
If you need a light that is located underwater it’s important to make sure that they can be fully submerged safely before installation. It’s a good idea to investigate how the lights stay submerged to ensure that the fixing type will work with your water feature.
Water and electricity do not go together, so it’s a good idea to purchase a light that runs on a 12v system such as the Aquascape 84047 Pond and Landscape Spotlight and many other lights on our list. This is important because if there is an accident and the electrical current is exposed to the water your pond fish will not be electrocuted. To get access to 12v AC power a transformer will be needed to convert power from an electrical outlet to 12 volts. Most modern outdoor lights are in the 10-20 watt range or they may be LED lights which are bright and energy efficient. For smaller ponds a 10 watt light should suffice but larger water features may need a 20 watt bulb instead.
The most economical type of bulb for a submersible light is a halogen unit. They are available in a very popular warm white light which is hard to achieve with other light bulb types. A halogen bulb is usually used in a range of 10-150 watts but they use a minimal voltage and can reflect a pleasing variety of colors. However, it’s important to understand that a halogen bulb will need to be changed more often than an LED alternative.
LED bulbs have increased in popularity in recent years and it isn’t difficult to understand their appeal. An LED bulb will contain a number of diodes and it’s capable of generating a dizzying array of colors. LED bulbs such as the 8 watt units used in the Aquascape 84060 Pond and Garden Spotlight will initially cost more. But LED bulbs last far longer than a halogen bulb, they consume less power and they don’t need to be changed as often.
If you opt for solar powered lights, you will also need to consider the battery life. Cheaper solar lights have no significant battery life, which means that your lights will quickly lose their impact after dark.
When you’ve invested time and money into creating your dream backyard water feature, it’s understandable that you want to make the space a special place at night too. This can be achieved with clever lighting to create the right ambience to suit your mood. Surface or submerged lights are a great way to make the water reflections dance around your yard. Strategically placed perimeter lights can accentuate the mood and act as an important reminder of the edge of water features to improve safety. The colors of the lights can be especially pertinent on certain holidays, such as red and green for Christmas or green lights to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Lights such as the Aquascape 84060 Pond and Garden Spotlight can have a wide variety of color options to enjoy.
The factory cord supplied with your pond pump and other related equipment is likely to be rated for above ground and wet location use if it has a UL listing. These power cords are not rated for hard usage or direct burial but they can be hidden and protected across the ground. Altering or splicing the power cord is inadvisable because the insulation could separate the conductors and the power will fail sooner or later. If you’re not sure how to proceed it’s a good idea to ask a local professional for advice.
Step 1. Power Considerations
Make sure you have access to a power point outdoors and that it’s safe to use. It needs to be close enough so that the power cord from the lights can reach without strain. The power cable that connects to the lights must be waterproof and the cable connected to the power adaptor must be kept dry.
Step 2. Install the Lights
Most pond lights such as the VOLT Salty Dog LED Underwater Light come as a kit with weighted bases for submerged lights. Attach the bases to the lights, place them where you want them and tilt them to illuminate them upwards to cover the whole pond.
Step 3. Choosing Lens Colors
Many pond light kits come with a number of colored lenses for add color to the space. Choose the color that you want, unscrew the outer cover of the light, take the existing lens out and replace it with your chosen color of lens. When you reassemble the light make sure the rubber O-ring is positioned correctly to keep the water out.
Step 4. Supplying Power
Connect the lights to the transformer and make sure the connection is secure. This will prevent water leaks from damaging your power supply. Simply insert the two pin plug into the transformer, screw the cap over it and plug the pond light in, then test the lights out to make sure they are working correctly.
Step 5. Covering the Cables
The power cables can be left on the surface, but they are a trip hazard and this is a less professional finish to all of your hard work. There are two ways to hide or cover the cables to get a more polished look and make the area safer. The first method is to cover the cables with gravel, soil or landscaping rocks around the pond or pool. The second method is to dig a shallow trench, run the power cable in the trench and then cover it back over with the soil.
As you can see there are some great pond light options on the market. The LFU LF4009AB Underwater Pond Fountain Light are high quality with a durable, solid feel and heavy duty cable. While the Aquascape 84060 Pond and Garden Spotlight
offer a warm white light or a choice of colors, with a quick and easy installation. However, the stand out as the best pond lights has to be our editor’s choice, the Aquascape 84047 Pond and Landscape Spotlight is compact and efficient with a tough die cast housing. This lighting can be used anywhere requiring outdoor light, in or out of the water. The natural white light will allow your pond, waterfall or even flowerbed be highlighted as a superb feature in your landscaping design.
