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An underwater light in your fountain or pond adds character to any garden pond, pool, or fountain. It gives the needed light at night to make your house more attractive and stand out on the block.
Choose a light that best highlights your water structure. Giving an area less lighting that is needed will not bring out the best of the area that you are trying to light. Some lights are sold with colored filters that create a dramatic lighting effect. Underwater lighting systems usually are low-voltage systems and are relatively safe and easy to install. Leave installation of more elaborate 120-volt lighting to a professional, unless you are an electrician.
Tools you will need:
Screwdriver
Combination Tool
Electrical ties for tying up excess wires
Materials you will need are as follows:
Underwater light
Cable
Crimp-on connectors
Concrete block
Underwater lights usually are sold with the light, fixture, and cable in one package. Check the package to make sure it has all the necessary items before leaving the store if the package is already opened. The pre-fabricated concrete block that anchors the light to the bottom of the pond, pool, or fountain is made specially for the job and is sold separately. The cable is attached to a transformer that reduces regular 120 voltage to 12 or 24 volts. Plug the transformer into an outdoor GFCI receptacle. You can purchase this receptacle at any home improvement center also. Because you probably won't want to keep plugging in the unit, especiall when it gets cold outside, place a plastic waterproof cover over the receptacle to keep it plugged in and protected all season. Most transformers have a switch that turns the light on at a preset time. Using color lights will make the fountain, pool or pond more attractive. You can buy the special bulbs and filters for your project at your local home improvement center.
Make a connection between the underwater light wires and the transformer. With the type of transformer shown above, attach crimp-on connectors by squeezing them onto the wires with a combination tool. Then screw each lead to the appropriate terminal on the back of the transformer. Assemble the light fixture according to directions in the package, if necessary. A concrete block usually anchors the light in the water. Bore holes in the concrete block for lead shields, then screw the light's mounting bracket to the shields. Put the light in place and plug the transformer into an outdoor GFCI receptacle.
If there is no place to attach the outdoor receptacle to, use a piece of 4x4 outdoor post and cut it. Attach an electrical box by doing this: Place the post in the ground and attach the receptacle to it. This way the post with the needed electrical is right near your pond, fountain or pool for servicing, if need be.
This project should take around 2 or 3 hours to complete. You can now add exotic fish to your pond and have them on display at night.
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