Spa LED Lights FAQs: Types, Certifications & Compatibility
Hydrorelax has specialized in exporting hot tub accessories for 25 years, with a deep understanding of EU and US market standards. Here you'll find clear answers about hot tub LED light types, certifications, and compatibility. Let's go!
What Are the Different Types of Hot Tub LED Lights?
The most important way to classify them is by color function:
1.Single-Color LED (one fixed color, basic lighting.)
2.RGB LED (full color mixing with red, green, and blue; versatile and the most common.)
3.RGBW LED (RGB plus an independent white chip for pure, bright, and natural white light, while enhancing overall color performance.)
When you see claims of "millions of colors",they usually refer to RGB or RGBW LED.
The principle is the same: by adjusting the brightness levels of red, green, and blue, a wide spectrum of colors is created. With 256 brightness levels for each color, the math works out to 256 × 256 × 256 = 16,777,216 possible shades, about 16.8 million.
By Size and Shape
1.Standard Size Lights
Usually round, with a diameter between 1.5 and 3 inches. This is the most common type, typically installed on the spa walls or under the seats.
2.Mini or Small LED Lights
Compact in size, often around 1 inch or less. Commonly used for special lighting effects such as:
Cup holders
Waterfalls
Control panel indicators
Strip or Linear Lights
These are not point lights but continuous strips. Often built into the spa outline or steps to create ambient lighting.
What is a Hot Tub LED Light Lens?
Simply put, the lens is the colored plastic cover placed in front of the LED chip. It is a sub-component of the hot tub LED light.
Determine Color and Effect
This is its main function. The lens itself carries color such as red, blue, or green. When the white light from a clear LED chip passes through the lens, it turns into the corresponding colored light.
By programming different LED to light up in sequence, you can create dynamic effects such as rainbow cycles or fixed colors.
Protect the LED Chip
The inside of a hot tub is a harsh environment filled with water, heat up to 40°C(104°F), and chemicals like chlorine or bromine. The lens acts as the first protective barrier, sealing and shielding the delicate LED board and chip from:
1.Direct water exposure and pressure
2.Corrosion from spa chemicals
3.The impact of high temperature
Where is the Hot Tub LED Light Lens Installed?
The position of the LED lens is very clear. It is placed on the inner wall of the hot tub shell.
Light Housing
On the acrylic or plastic shell wall, or sometimes on the seat at the bottom, you will find a round opening, occasionally square. This opening is the housing for the light.
External Installation
The entire LED unit, including the base, wiring, and gasket, is installed from the outside of the spa shell. The installer usually works from the equipment compartment, which is located behind the side or back service panel.
Fixing Method
After the LED unit is placed into the shell opening, a stainless steel retaining ring is tightened from the inside. This locks the light securely to the shell wall. The ring also compresses a waterproof gasket, which is the key to preventing leaks.
Lens Position
The lens is the only part of the light assembly visible inside the hot tub. It sits flush with the shell wall or slightly raised, providing a clean look while staying safe for users.
Does the Lens Material Affect Light Color and Lifespan?
Light Decay and Brightness Retention
The heat resistance of the lens or cover material directly impacts LED cooling. Since spa water runs hot, poor materials may deform or age, leading to reduced brightness. High-temperature resistant materials help protect the LED chip and extend the light's service life.
Chemical Resistance and Water Quality
Hot tub chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, or salt can corrode low-grade plastics. High-quality PC or PMMA lenses resist chemical damage, stay clear without cracking or clouding, and therefore last longer.
What Certifications Matter When Buying Spa LED Lights in Bulk?
UL Certification (UL and cULus)
Issued by Underwriters Laboratories in the US. UL means the product meets US standards, cUL indicates compliance with Canadian standards, and cULus covers both. For hot tubs sold in North America, UL is considered the highest safety certification. It confirms the light has passed strict tests for electrical safety, waterproofing, fire resistance, and performance, ensuring safe underwater use.
RoHS Certification
An EU directive known as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances. It ensures the product is free from harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. This is important for both environmental protection and product quality, since poor soldering with these materials often reduces reliability and lifespan.
CE Marking
A mandatory mark for products entering the European Economic Area. It shows compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. The CE mark is often based on self-declaration, so its authority is generally lower than third-party certifications like UL. It serves as a basic entry standard but is not equal to UL in terms of safety assurance.
LED Hot Tub Light Compatibility
To check if an LED light is compatible with your existing hot tub, verify key data: physical size and shape, electrical specifications, control system & protocol, and connector type.
1. Physical Size and Shape
At a basic level, compatibility mainly depends on the hole diameter, fixture depth, and shape.
Tip: Measure the old light's hole diameter and installation depth accurately before buying.
2. Electrical Specifications
Hot tub LED lights are usually low-voltage DC, commonly 12V DC or 24V AC/DC. The new light's rated voltage must match the spa's lighting control system exactly.
Tip: Check the voltage (V) and wattage (W) on the old light label or in the spa service manual.
3. Control System and Communication Protocol
Control systems may be built-in or external.
Built-in LED
The light has a simple internal chip that switches preset modes through power cycling. Compatibility is usually broad if the voltage and size match.
External Light Controllers
These receive digital commands from the main control board and convert them into precise current signals for each LED color chip.
Communication Protocol
Different brands like Balboa, Gecko, Sundance, and Jacuzzi use unique digital signal protocols. A Balboa spa cannot directly control a light designed for a Gecko system.
Solution: Identify your spa's main control board brand and model, usually on the circuit board or cover. Buy a new light that explicitly supports that system.
4. Connector Type
The light's power cable has a specific plug. The new light must match the existing spa socket in pin configuration, size, and shape to plug in directly.
Solution: Compare photos of the old and new plugs. If they differ, rewiring may be needed, which should be done by a professional to ensure waterproof insulation.
Why Hot Tub LED Voltage Must Match?
"Voltage must match exactly"means the new LED light's rated operating voltage must fall within the voltage supplied by the original fixture or circuit. If the voltage does not match, the light may fail to turn on, have abnormal brightness, or even be damaged, creating potential electrical hazards.
For example, household outlets in the US provide AC 110-120V. If the hot tub LED light packaging shows Input: AC 100-130V or a wider range, 120V is fully within the specified range. This is considered a perfect match and allows safe, normal operation. Many modern LED lights are designed for wide voltage ranges, making them compatible with various setups.
About Hydrorelax
We hope this FAQ has answered your common questions about choosing hot tub LED lights.
Hydrorelax has 25 years of experience in importing and exporting, specializing in hot tub components. We regularly share industry insights to help global business customers better understand products and market trends.
If you are looking for a reliable hot tub components partner, we offer high-quality products, flexible OEM/ODM customization, and one-stop solutions to support your business growth.