Seasonal Customers: What To Do When Heading Back Up North
Ensuring Your Underwater Light Stays Pristine—Even When You’re Away
For seasonal homeowners in Florida, maintaining underwater dock lights year-round requires careful planning. While some owners prefer to remove their systems during the off-season, others leave them in the water, relying on neighbors or professionals to monitor them. If you fall into the latter category, having someone check on your light regularly is crucial—not only to confirm it’s functioning but also to address unexpected issues that could compromise its performance. Let’s explore why proactive oversight matters and the risks of leaving your light unattended.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ins
Underwater Fish Lights rely on consistent operation to stay clean. When illuminated nightly, the heat from the bulb prevents algae, barnacles, and other marine growth from accumulating. However, power outages—common during Florida’s stormy summers—can disrupt this cycle. If the light remains off for days, it loses its self-cleaning ability, leading to a crusted, dimmed bulb by the time you return. A simple solution? Ask a trusted person to inspect the light every few days. They can reset tripped breakers, replace blown fuses, or address minor electrical hiccups, ensuring your light stays on and clean. This small effort keeps your waterfront vibrant, attracting fish and maintaining the system’s longevity.
Hidden Risks of Leaving Your Light Unattended
While power outages are a top concern, other seasonal hazards could jeopardize your light:
- Hurricanes and Severe Storms: Florida’s hurricane season (June–November) brings more than just heavy rain. Surging tides and storm-driven waves can flood docks, submerging electrical connections or even dislodging the light entirely. Saltwater intrusion into wiring or housing can cause permanent damage, requiring costly repairs.
- Damage from Boaters and Anglers: Your light’s glow attracts fish—and consequently, fishermen. Well-meaning anglers might cast lines too close, risking entanglement with the light’s housing or cords. Similarly, boaters navigating shallow waters near docks could accidentally strike the fixture, cracking the lens or knocking it out of alignment. Without someone to inspect for damage, these issues might go unnoticed for months.
- Extended Power Outages: If your dock loses power for extended periods of time while your light is still int he water, the light will be unable to clean itself, resulting in extra aquatic growth on the bulb, and making the light less effective when power is returned. Also, sudden voltage spikes during thunderstorms can fry circuitry, leaving the light inoperable. Even surge protectors can fail over time, especially if not tested regularly.
Why Some Owners Opt for Removal
Given these risks, many seasonal residents choose to remove their lights entirely. Storing the system indoors eliminates worries about hurricanes, flooding, and accidental damage. Underwater Fish Lights are designed for easy installation, so remounting them upon your return is a straightforward process. Plus, storing components in a climate-controlled space protects seals, wiring, and housing from degradation caused by constant submersion and UV exposure.
Making the Right Choice for Your Dock
Leaving your light in the water year-round is possible, but it demands foresight. If you go this route, partner with someone who can perform thorough checks: inspecting for physical damage, testing the power supply, and clearing debris after storms. For those who prefer peace of mind, removal is a hassle-free alternative.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. Want effortless convenience? Remove the light. Prefer uninterrupted aquatic ambiance? Enlist a vigilant caretaker. Either way, understanding these risks ensures your dock remains a glowing sanctuary—no matter how long you’re away.
Pro tip: If you keep the light in the water, consider investing in a Wi-Fi-enabled power monitor. These devices send real-time alerts if the system loses power, allowing you to notify your caretaker immediately—before barnacles take hold!
