RETRO Series by Spa Electrics
Fast LED Upgrades for Existing Pools
Upgrading your pool lighting doesn’t have to mean a costly renovation. The Spa Electrics RETRO® Series lets you replace old halogen or aging LED lights with bright, energy-efficient Australian-made technology — in as little as 15 minutes per light.
This FAQ answers the most common questions pool owners ask about upgrading: from how retrofitting works, to colour options, compatibility with other brands, installation time, and troubleshooting.
Everything you need to know — from Australia’s underwater lighting experts.
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A retrofit pool light is designed to replace your existing light without the need for new cables, or structural work. It makes use of your current housing and wiring, allowing a new light to be installed usually without lowering the water level.*
The Spa Electrics RETRO® Series makes this process simple, fast, and reliable. In many cases, our lights can be fitted in as little as 15 minutes — often without anyone needing to get into the pool.
*While most replacements are straightforward, some setups can vary. Start by checking the RETRO Replacement Guide, and if you’re unsure, contact Spa Electrics for further advice.
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No draining required. One of the biggest advantages of the RETRO® Series is that it can often be installed with the pool full of water.* The light should be in a serviceable location — typically not deeper than 400mm below the waterline, with enough access to reach in and remove or install the light safely.
*Some exceptions apply, particularly for vinyl and fibreglass pools. Check the RETRO® Replacement Guide for more details or contact Spa Electrics for advice on your specific setup.
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In most cases, no. RETRO® lights are designed to work with your existing cabling. Most common exceptions are if the cable is damaged, unsuitable for underwater use or outside the recommended size range. Check the product installation manual for cable specifications, or contact Spa Electrics or your pool professional if you’re unsure.
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No — in most cases you can use any iron-core 12V AC transformer, provided it’s suitable for outdoor use and in good working order.
For the best performance and long-term reliability, Spa Electrics recommends our purpose built transformer range, designed specifically for pool lighting.
⚠️ Important: DC power supplies cannot be used with RETRO® and must be replaced.
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Most installations take less than an hour per light, some as little as 15 minutes. RETRO® products are designed to use your existing cable and housing, so there’s no need to replace cables, empty the pool, or drill new holes in most cases*.
*While most replacements are straightforward, some setups can vary. Start by checking the RETRO Replacement Guide, and if you’re unsure, contact Spa Electrics for further advice.
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Yes. RETRO® lights are low-voltage and DIY-friendly, so in most cases you can install them yourself. Spa Electrics provides step-by-step installation guides and videos to help, and if you’d prefer not to tackle it, your local pool professional can assist.
⚠️⚠️Important : If your transformer has been hardwired to mains power, a licensed electrician must complete the work. Spa Electrics also does not recommend using power tools during installation which can cause faults and damage to light components. ⚠️⚠️
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Yes — and it’s one of the most popular upgrades pool owners make. The RETRO® Series lets you swap out hot, power-hungry halogen lights for long-lasting, energy-efficient LEDs. You’ll enjoy vivid colours, lower running costs, and no more frequent bulb changes.
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Compared to a typical 100W halogen, RETRO® LEDs use around 15W — that’s up to 85% less power. This means you can run your lights for longer without worrying about electricity costs, while also reducing your environmental footprint.
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Yes. RETRO® lights offer industry-leading brightness. However, the overall effect depends on the number of lights, their placement, and your pool’s surface colour — darker finishes absorb more light than lighter ones.
If your pool has a dark tile or pebble finish, you’ll achieve the best illumination with our True White (4000K). For more flexibility, MULTIPLUS gives you a full range of colour options.
Every pool is different, so while RETRO® is among the brightest on the market, results may vary. For support, speak with your pool professional or contact Spa Electrics for tailored advice.
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Hard to say exactly… but RETRO® Series lights are designed for long-term reliability, with durable seals and housings that stand up to pool conditions. With regular use and proper water maintenance, you can expect dependable performance for many years. We’re proud to have maintained a manufacturing fault rate of less than 1%, but if something does happen sooner than expected, our friendly Melbourne-based team is here to help — just reach out to us! Product repair support is available for up to 7 years. (Service fees apply)
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As often as you like! RETRO® Series lights are built for regular use — and it’s important to switch them on for at least 30 mins per week, even during winter or when the pool isn’t in use.
Here’s why: if underwater lights sit idle for long periods, moisture can naturally build up inside the fitting. When the light is running, it gently heats and removes this moisture. If the light isn’t used often enough, that moisture can linger and shorten the lifespan of the light.
Regular operation helps keep them healthy and lasting longer!
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LED lights are low-maintenance, but their longevity depends on three key factors:
Proper installation – when installed correctly, your RETRO® lights will perform as intended and provide lasting reliability.
Regular use – running your lights for a minimum 30 mins per week helps remove moisture and extend their life, while infrequent use can shorten it.
Balanced pool chemistry – Spa Electrics strongly recommends maintaining pH between 7.2 and 7.6, tested weekly, to protect your lights and other pool components.
If you ever have an issue, Spa Electrics offers after-sales advice and troubleshooting to keep your pool shining bright.
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Most likely, yes. Spa Electrics designed the RETRO® range to replace a wide range of major brand pool lights, including Astral, Aquaquip, Waterco, PAL, and others. This broad compatibility is one of the reasons RETRO® is a leading choice for pool owners across Australia and New Zealand.
For specific model compatibility, check our RETRO Replacement Guide or contact Spa Electrics for advice.
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It depends on what you’re replacing. Use our RETRO Replacement Guide to match your current light with the correct RETRO® model. Or, simply send a photo of your existing light to info@spaelectrics.com.au and our team will help you identify the right product.
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7. What LED colour options are available?
You can choose from:
MULTIPLUS – our Signature RGBW LED Array, featuring 7 vibrant colours and 4 smooth transitions
White LED for a crisp, 4000K True White
Deep Blue LED for a rich, contemporary hue
Legacy Blue LED* for that classic blue-green tone
TRI-Colour LED (GKRX models only) featuring Deep Blue, True White & Lagoon Green
Legacy Blue is available by Special Order only » read more about Legacy Blue.
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MULTIPLUS & TRI-Colour LEDs can cycle through colours and shows by turning your pool light on and off at the wall switch. Turning the light off for 2 seconds, then back on, moves the light to the next colour. » View the MULTIPLUS user manual.
For more flexibility, MULTIPLUS users can upgrade to the iRIS Wi-Fi Lighting Controller, which lets you change colours, adjust brightness, and set schedules.
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No. RETRO® lights are controlled at the wall switch as standard. If you’d like more control options, you can purchase a Spa Electrics lighting controller separately. » Explore our lighting controllers.
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Yes. MULTIPLUS RETRO® lights, when paired with the Spa Electrics iRIS Wi-Fi Lighting Controller, can be controlled straight from your smartphone. You can choose colours and effects, adjust brightness, and even create and schedule lighting for different occasions.
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Yes — in most cases, MULTIPLUS lights integrate with major brand pool controllers. There are some exceptions, so review our controller setup guides or contact Spa Electrics for advice on your setup.
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Yes — RETRO® lights can be run on a timer, which helps ensure they’re used regularly without you needing to remember. Even 30 minutes a week is enough to prevent moisture build-up and increase longevity.
For MULTIPLUS users, the iRIS Wi-Fi Lighting Controller also allows you to set schedules, change colours, and adjust brightness straight from your smartphone.
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All RETRO® lights come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. After this period, Spa Electrics provides product repair support for a further 6 years*, giving you confidence long after installation.
*Product Repair Service is available on Spa Electrics LED products for up to 7 years from date of purchase/build hand over. Charges apply and must be approved by Spa Electrics by contacting our after-sales team before returning the product. Terms and Conditions apply.
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Start with the basics — check the transformer fuse, remote batteries, or circuit breaker. If it still won’t turn on, it could be a faulty light, transformer, or cable.
For support, reach out to Spa Electrics, or your local pool service professional. Our friendly Melbourne-based team can talk you through simple troubleshooting over the phone or by email, helping you rule out common issues quickly. If further action is needed, we’ll guide you on the next steps.
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If your light isn’t cycling colours or is flickering, it could be caused by a number of things including a faulty light, transformer issue, or cable damage.
Contact Spa Electrics for troubleshooting advice or reach out to your local pool professional.
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Australian-made lights are built with Australian conditions in mind — strong UV, challenging water chemistry, and long swimming seasons. Choosing local also means faster support, easier access to stock, and peace of mind that you’re buying from a trusted manufacturer, not a low-cost import.
With nearly 50 years of experience, Spa Electrics continues to design and manufacture premium LED pool lights right here in Melbourne.
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Spa Electrics RETRO® lights are available through leading pool shops and service professionals across Australia — basically wherever you buy your pool chemicals. If you’re having trouble finding our products, contact Spa Electrics and we’ll connect you with a supplier.
READY TO UPGRADE?
The Spa Electrics RETRO® Series makes upgrading your pool lighting simple, fast, and future-proof. Whether you want crisp white brilliance or vibrant colour, RETRO® lights are designed to fit your pool, save you energy, and keep your nights brighter for years to come.
Important:
Spa Electrics RETRO® products are designed for quick, easy installation — often DIY-friendly — but every pool is different and there are always exceptions. The RETRO Replacement Guide is the best place to start, and if you’re unsure, the Spa Electrics team is here to provide tailored advice for your specific setup.