FAQs About Dock Lights: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
If you’re considering adding underwater dock lights to your waterfront property, you probably have a few questions. Whether you’re trying to attract more fish, boost your dock’s nighttime aesthetic, or just enjoy the peaceful glow of light on the water, you want to make sure you’re choosing a reliable product that meets your needs.
At Underwater Fish Light, we’ve compiled the most common questions we receive from customers to help you feel confident and informed before making a purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about dock lights—from installation to maintenance and beyond!
1. Are underwater dock lights safe for the fish and the environment?
Yes! Our lights are designed to be safe for marine life. In fact, they do the exact opposite of harm—they attract fish! The light stimulates the food chain by drawing in phytoplankton, which attracts baitfish, and ultimately brings in predator fish like snook, tarpon, and redfish. There are no harmful emissions or materials used in our lights, so you can enjoy your vibrant aquatic ecosystem worry-free.
2. What kind of maintenance do dock lights require?
Our underwater fish lights are designed to be low-maintenance. Once installed, they naturally self-clean thanks to the heat of the bulb, which helps burn off algae and barnacles. However, if your light is in an area with particularly heavy growth, you may want to occasionally wipe the glass with a rag or soft sponge. That’s it—no diving or complicated upkeep required.
3. Can I install the lights myself, or do I need a professional?
You can absolutely install them yourself! Our dock lights are designed to be user-friendly and plug-and-play. All you need to do is mount the control box, run the power cord into the water, and position the light on the bottom. No electrician required, no drilling into your dock, and no permits needed. Just plug it in and enjoy.
4. How deep do the lights need to be in the water?
The light only needs to be about 3–4 feet underwater for optimal performance. Our systems are designed to work efficiently even in shallow water. In fact, most installations sit just a few feet below the surface. If your water level changes significantly due to tides, we offer mounting brackets that help keep your light in the perfect position.
5. Will the lights still work in murky or brackish water?
Yes! Our lights are bright enough to shine through murky and brackish water, although visibility may vary. In darker or muddier water, you might not see the same crystal-clear glow as in tropical waters, but the lights still attract fish effectively. We offer different color options, and in these conditions, green tends to offer the best visibility and fish attraction.
6. Do the lights attract fish right away?
Some customers see results within hours, but generally, it takes a few nights for fish to really start congregating. It’s all about consistency—running the light every night helps establish a reliable feeding area, attracting baitfish and eventually larger predators. The longer your light runs, the more fish will return night after night.
7. What colors are available, and which is best for fishing?
We offer green, blue, and clear (white) lighting options. Green is the most popular and effective color for attracting fish due to its optimal penetration in various water conditions. Blue is a close second and offers a beautiful aesthetic glow, especially in clearer waters. White lights tend to be more aesthetic and aren’t as commonly used for fishing purposes.
8. How long do the bulbs last?
Our high-intensity bulbs are built to last. Depending on your usage, you can expect the bulbs to operate for approximately 12–18 months of nightly use before needing replacement. We also offer replacement bulbs and parts, and our customer service team is always ready to help you keep your system running strong.
9. Will these lights increase my electric bill?
Our systems are extremely energy-efficient. On average, running a single underwater dock light overnight costs less than $1 per day. It’s a small price to pay for a backyard light show and your own private fishing spot!
10. Are these systems safe during storms or hurricanes?
Yes, the system is safe to stay in the water during storms. However, if a hurricane or strong storm is approaching and you have time, we recommend unplugging the unit, removing the bulb from the water, and dismounting the control box. This protects the system from flooding or storm surge that could damage the electronic components.
11. Can I use the lights in fresh water?
Absolutely. While our lights are especially popular for saltwater dock installations, they work just as well in freshwater lakes, rivers, and canals. Fish of all kinds are attracted to light, whether you’re in a brackish bayou or a crystal-clear lake.
12. What if I want to move the light or change the location later?
No problem. Our lights are designed to be flexible and easy to reposition. Since there’s no hardwiring or permanent installation, you can move your light to a new spot whenever you’d like. Just unplug, relocate, and plug it back in. It’s that simple.
13. What comes with the system when I order?
Each Underwater Fish Light system includes:
A control box with a built-in photocell (automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn)
A high-intensity bulb
A weighted power cord for easy submersion
Mounting hardware for the control box
Everything you need is in the box—just plug it in and go.
Final Thoughts
Dock lights do more than just brighten up your waterfront—they bring your dock to life. Whether you want to create your own fish show every night, enjoy peaceful evenings by the water, or entertain guests with an illuminated aquatic experience, an Underwater Fish Light is a great investment.
If you still have questions or want help choosing the perfect setup for your dock, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at UnderwaterFishLight.com. We’re always here to help.
