Underwater Fish Light Maintenance: Keeping Your System Performing
An underwater fish light spends its life in a demanding environment. With a little regular care, it can keep performing well and last for years.
This guide covers the simple maintenance steps that keep a fish light system bright, safe, and reliable.
Why This Topic Matters
Saltwater and marine growth work against equipment that sits in the water. A system that is cleaned and inspected on a regular schedule performs better and avoids many common problems. Maintenance protects both your enjoyment and your investment.
Cleaning Marine Growth
Marine growth is the most common maintenance need.
Algae, barnacles, and buildup can gather on the housing and reduce how brightly the light shines. Periodically rinse the unit with fresh water and gently remove growth from the surface. Regular cleaning keeps the light performing the way it should.
Inspecting the Cable and Connections
The cable and connections are worth checking on a regular basis.
Look for cuts, abrasion, or wear along the cable, especially where it crosses edges or hardware. Confirm that connections are secure and protected. Catching a small issue early can prevent a larger problem later.
Checking Electrical Components
Your control box and power connections deserve attention too.
Keep control boxes and connections mounted well above the waterline and protected from splash and flooding. Inspect mounting hardware and look for any signs of corrosion or moisture. If you are not comfortable working with electrical components, involve a qualified professional.
Seasonal Maintenance
The change of seasons is a natural time for a closer look.
The start of a new season is a good moment to clean the system, inspect the cable and connections, check mounting hardware, and confirm everything is performing well. Building this into a routine keeps surprises to a minimum.
Removing Your System Before a Storm
If you are in the path of a potential tropical storm or hurricane, and if time safely permits, we suggest that you remove the system from your dock and store it in a dry area until the storm passes.
Our systems are built to handle the most rugged marine conditions; however, the electric control box elements are not waterproof and can be irreparably damaged by extreme tides or storm surges. To prevent this from occurring, make sure that you're mounting your control box at least five feet above the waterline if not higher so that it will not be impacted by potential tidal surges.
Additionally, the inline GFI on the system is weather resistant, but is not waterproof, meaning that it cannot be submerged. We suggest keeping the plug elevated and away from any pooling water on your dock or seawall. If the inline GFI plug is submerged, it will need to be replaced, otherwise the system will not function.
Signs Something Needs Attention
A few signs suggest your system needs a closer look:
- The light appears noticeably dimmer than usual.
- Heavy marine growth has built up on the housing.
- The cable shows cuts, abrasion, or wear.
- Connections feel loose or show corrosion.
Addressing these early helps keep the system safe and reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning of marine growth keeps the light bright.
- Inspect the cable and connections for wear on a regular basis.
- Keep electrical components elevated and protected.
- Use seasonal checkups to stay ahead of problems.
- Remove the system from your dock before a tropical storm or hurricane and store it in a dry area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my fish light?
The bulbs on their own are self-cleaning without the cage; however, marine growth can accumulate if the cage is not removed. If marine growth / barnacles develop, the easiest remedy is to unplug the Underwater Fish Light system from the outlet and soak the bulb and housing in undiluted white vinegar for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the amount of growth. This will break down any growth and any remnants can be wiped off with an old towel.
Can I do maintenance myself?
Cleaning and visual inspection are straightforward for most owners. You can always reach out to our in-house technical team at 941-391-5846 and they can walk you through any troubleshooting or maintenance.
Related Resources
Explore the Resource Center
Visit the Underwater Fish Light Resource Center for more educational guides covering fish lights, fishing techniques, dock ownership, and marine ecosystems.