Pool electrical work in Los Angeles covers the subpanel, bonding, GFCI protection, pool and spa lighting, and the automation systems that run it all from a phone. It is licensed, permitted work because water and electricity share a yard. We test the existing circuit before quoting, and give a written price.
Work is done by Ran Neuman, who owns Spear Pools, Inc. and brings 18 years of hands-on pool repair and construction experience. Licensed and insured under CSLB #1143895. Free written estimate, and most repairs are scheduled the same week.
“I am so fortunate to find Damien at Spear, who recommend a completely different Pentair spa/pool control system that works remotely with smart phones and compatible with my existing equipments.”
★★★★★ Kenton W., Los Angeles, verified Yelp review
What Pool Electrical Work Covers
Everything at the pool that runs on power goes through the same system: the pump, heater, salt cell, lights and automation. Pool wiring is held to its own section of the electrical code, Article 680, because water and electricity share the yard.
- Circuits and subpanels: power to the equipment pad, sized for what is on it.
- GFCI protection: devices that cut power in a fraction of a second if current leaks where it should not.
- Bonding: a connection tying the metal parts around the pool together so there is no dangerous voltage difference between them.
- Lighting: pool and spa lights, transformers and switches.
- Controls: timers, relays and automation systems.
Pumps and heaters themselves are repaired as equipment. This page is about the power and controls that run them.
Pool Light Installation and Replacement
Lights are the most common electrical call. An old incandescent light that has burned out is usually replaced with an LED fixture, which uses far less power and can change color.
Most pool lights sit in a wet niche, which means the fixture can be pulled up onto the deck on its cord and changed without draining the pool. We check the niche, the cord and the transformer at the same time.
Replacing a pool light costs $500 to $900, about $625 on average, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2026 data. LED fixtures run $700 to $1,500.
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a pool light | $500 to $900 (about $625 average) | Includes the fixture and labor |
| LED fixture upgrade | $700 to $1,500 | Lasts 20,000 to 30,000 hours, uses much less power |
| Bonding, GFCI and automation wiring | Quoted per project | Must meet pool-specific electrical code |
Source: HomeAdvisor, 2026 cost data. Your price depends on the pool, access and what we find on site.
Signs of an Electrical Problem
- The breaker for the pool trips again after you reset it
- Equipment will not turn on even though the panel has power
- Lights flicker, stay dim or go out
- A burning smell or discolored wiring at the pad
- A tingle when you touch the water, a rail or a light
That last one is an emergency. Turn off the pool circuits at the panel, keep everyone out of the water, and call us before anyone swims again.
“I am particularly impressed with Damian who is skilled, dependable & kind. Hope to continue enjoying this automation system using my mobile phone for many years”
★★★★★ SEYMOUR LEVIN, San Fernando Valley, verified Google review
Low-Voltage or Standard Pool Lights?
Pool lights come in two types. Standard fixtures run on 120 volts. Low-voltage fixtures run on 12 volts through a transformer, which lowers the shock risk if something fails in the water.
Many owners switch to low-voltage LED fixtures when an old light burns out, and lighting often goes in with waterfalls and other features. The change usually means adding or replacing the transformer, and we check the niche and cord for wear at the same time.
Permits and Inspections
New circuits, panel work and most pool wiring need an electrical permit and an inspection. In the City of Los Angeles that goes through LADBS. In unincorporated areas like Altadena, it goes through Los Angeles County. We include the permit in the written estimate so it is never a surprise.
A Simple Monthly Safety Check
Every GFCI outlet and breaker has a test button. Press it once a month with the equipment running: the power should cut off instantly. Press reset to restore it. If nothing happens, or the power will not come back, call us before using the pool.
Automation and Smart Controls
Automation lets you run the pump schedule, heater, lights and water features from one panel or a phone. It needs clean power and correct wiring to each device, or the system throws errors and stops responding.
New pads and controllers fall under pool equipment installation.
“Great company to deal with. They repaired a pool pump for me, and upgraded my system to iAquaLink so that it works with my iPhone.”
★★★★★ Kane G., Los Angeles, verified Yelp review
How We Handle an Electrical Job
- Test first. We test the existing circuits, GFCI protection and bonding before quoting.
- Written price. You get the scope and cost in writing, including any permit the work needs.
- Do the work. Wiring, fixtures and controls are installed to code.
- Test again. Every circuit and device is checked before we leave.
Thinking about resale? Our guide on which pool upgrades hold their value covers automation.
When a Pool Needs More Than a Repair
Older pools often have bonding that was never done to today’s standard, or equipment added over the years on circuits that were not sized for it. If we find either, we tell you, explain the risk, and price the fix separately from the repair you called about. A failed pump or heater itself is handled as an equipment repair job.
Panel and bonding work follows the pool, so we handle pool automation in La Crescenta on foothill properties. Tight canyon lots make Studio City pool wiring its own kind of job.
At Spear, we handle pool electrical work across Los Angeles, working out of the west San Fernando Valley and covering the Valley, the foothills and the Conejo Valley. See every neighborhood we work in.
Get a Free Pool Electrical or Automation Estimate
Tell us what the panel, lighting or controller is doing. Estimates are free, and most repairs are scheduled the same week.
Free visit. Written price. No obligation.
Want the pool running from your phone, wired properly? Call (818) 719-9059 and speak to Ran.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pool electrician do?
A pool electrician installs and repairs the wiring that powers pool equipment safely, including pumps, heaters, lights, automation panels and GFCI protection. The work also covers bonding, which ties the metal parts around the pool together so stray voltage cannot shock swimmers. Pool electrical work must meet strict code rules because water and electricity sit so close together. It is licensed, permitted work rather than a do-it-yourself job.
What’s the average cost to replace a pool light?
The average cost to replace a pool light is about $625, with most homeowners paying $500 to $900, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2026 data. LED fixtures cost more, around $700 to $1,500, but they last 20,000 to 30,000 hours and use much less power. The type of light, the number of fixtures and the condition of the existing wiring decide where your cost lands. We test the circuit before quoting a replacement.
Can you replace a pool light without draining the pool?
Yes, you can replace a pool light without draining the pool in most cases. Pool lights sit in a sealed wall niche with extra cord coiled behind them, so the fixture can be lifted out and brought up to the deck while the pool stays full. The old fixture is disconnected, the new one is wired and sealed, and it goes back into the niche. Draining is only needed when the niche or conduit itself is damaged.
Can I replace my old pool light with LED?
Yes, you can replace an old incandescent pool light with LED, and it is one of the most common pool upgrades. Many LED fixtures are made to fit existing light niches, so the pool wall does not need to change. LED lights use much less electricity, last 20,000 to 30,000 hours according to HomeAdvisor, and can change colors. The wiring and transformer should be checked first, since some LED lights need low-voltage power.
What is an automation system for a pool?
An automation system for a pool is a control panel that runs the pump, heater, lights, cleaner and water features from one place, usually through a phone app. It lets you set schedules, change the water temperature and turn on the spa from anywhere. Automation saves energy by running the pump only as long as the pool needs, often at a low speed. It needs proper electrical work at the equipment pad to run safely.
Should I hire an electrician or a pool company for a pool light replacement?
You should hire a pool company or a licensed electrician with pool experience for a pool light replacement. Pool lights need proper bonding, GFCI protection and a sealed wet niche, which are specialized parts of the electrical code. A general electrician may rarely work with pool fixtures. A licensed pool contractor handles the light, the wiring and the seal together, which helps avoid leaks and failed inspections.
Still have a question about your pool? Ran will look at it and give you a written price, free.