lux pool with pool led light strip and string light

Are Pool LED Lights Bad for Your Skin?

Published: Last Updated: Estimated Reading time: 4 mins

Maybe you've found yourself Googling at 3 a.m., diving deep into the mysteries of the universe. Sometimes, it's those random bits of information you pick up during the day that spark late-night curiosity.

We're constantly hearing warnings about things that might be bad for us - like how too much sun exposure can age your skin, so we slap on sunscreen to block UV rays, or how blue light from screens can harm your eyes, so we use apps to filter it out. Some of these claims are true, and some are not.

But what about pool LED lights? Are they bad for your skin? Learn potential factors of pool LED lights may harm skin now.

Potential Factors That Could Harm Your Skin

Light Emission from LEDs

LEDs produce light by converting electricity into photons. While they are energy-efficient and long-lasting, low-quality LEDs may emit excessive blue light, which could potentially affect your skin and eyes over time. Blue light has been linked to skin aging, though the levels emitted by LED pool lights are usually minimal.

Risk of Burns

Improper installation or poor-quality materials can lead to overheating of the light fixture. If the surface of the LED becomes excessively hot, it could cause burns upon direct contact. Although rare, such incidents highlight the importance of choosing high-quality pool lights and proper installation.

Fire Hazards

Although the likelihood of pool LED lights causing a fire hazard is extremely low, it's not impossible. If a fire occurs due to electrical malfunction, it could cause severe damage, including burns to the skin. Proper wiring and installation are crucial to reducing this risk.

Toxic Materials

Some lighting types, especially older ones like fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, contain hazardous substances that can harm your skin and overall health:


Fluorescent Lights: These contain mercury, which emits UV light. Prolonged exposure can cause skin damage, eye issues like cataracts, and even harm to the nervous system.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights: Certain HID lamps include radioactive materials like krypton-85 and thorium. Without UV-blocking filters, these can cause skin burns and eye irritation.


Fortunately, modern LED pool lights are designed to be safer. They are free from toxic substances such as mercury and radioactive materials. Most pool LED light strips use safe materials like silicone, PVC, polyurethane (PU), polyolefin (PO), and epoxy resin.

outdoor pool light strips waterproof material

How to Avoid Risks from Pool LED Lights

Choose High-Quality LEDs

Always opt for pool lights from trusted brands that use high-quality LED chips. Poorly made LEDs may emit harmful levels of blue light or overheat, increasing risks to skin and safety.

Prevent Overheating and Fire Hazards

Install LED lights away from flammable materials.

Ensure proper wiring and secure installation to avoid electrical malfunctions.

Place LED light strips for pools in positions where people are unlikely to come into direct contact with them.

Explore more possible places for pool LED strip lights.

Check for Safe Materials

Look for LED lights made from safe, non-toxic materials. Reliable manufacturers will often list their materials, and many use durable and safe waterproof coatings like silicone or epoxy resin. You can read more about waterproof materials for pool LED light strips here.


Pool LED lights, when used properly, are generally safe for your skin and health. The key is to invest in high-quality products like PaneraLux pool LED lights, follow safety guidelines during installation, and ensure regular maintenance. By doing so, you can enjoy the beauty of your illuminated pool without worry.

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