Pool Light Retro Series Replacement Guide: Spa Electrics & Aqua-Quip Compatibility

Upgrading Your Pool Lighting

Upgrading your pool lighting is an essential step in enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Retrofitting old pool lights with modern LED solutions improves energy efficiency, provides superior brightness, extends lifespan, and offers advanced control options like remote operation and multi-colour modes. Whether your existing lights are outdated, failing, or lack brightness and colour options, a retro-fit solution lets you upgrade without extensive modifications.

Two leading brands in retro-fit pool lighting are Spa Electrics and Aqua-Quip, offering high-quality, easy-to-install solutions for various existing pool light niches. This guide helps Australian pool owners find the perfect replacement to transform your pool with stunning LED colour in as little as 15 minutes!

Why Choose Retro-Fit LED Pool Lights?

Spa Electrics Retro Series Overview

Backed by over 48 years of industry expertise, Spa Electrics is Australia’s leader in underwater lighting. Award-winning Retro-Fit LED pool lights provide a seamless, high-performance solution to upgrade pool lighting with minimal effort.

Key Features:

• Industry-Leading Durability: Water-cooled LED technology ensures long-lasting performance for Australian pools.
• Versatile Mounting Options: Surface-mount (GKRX), niche-mount (AGRX), and replacement lights (WNRX, EMRX) for all pool types.
• Advanced Control Compatibility: Fully compatible with iRIS and major pool controllers (e.g., Pentair, Hayward) for remote colour and brightness control.
• Energy Efficiency: Saves up to 85% on energy compared to halogen lights, reducing costs for pool owners.
• Vibrant Lighting Options: Offers Multi Plus RGB+W, Tri Colours, Blue, and 4000K White for stunning pool aesthetics.
• Easy Installation: No draining or special tools required for most retro-fits, using existing transformers and cables.

The Multi Plus LED range is fully compatible with major brand pool controllers (e.g., iRIS, Pentair, Hayward), allowing effortless colour selection, brightness adjustment, and control via existing systems.

Transform Your Pool With Stunning LED Colour In As Little As 15 Minutes

Aqua-Quip Retro Series Overview

Aqua-Quip Retro-Fit pool lights provide an easy plug-in solution for upgrading outdated lighting systems. Backed by decades of innovation, Aqua-Quip is a leading name in premium underwater lighting solutions for both niche and surface-mounted applications.

Key Features:

• Sleek Niche Design (EvoFG, Evo2, EvoMAX): Ultra-low profile and compact designs for seamless niche integration in concrete, fibreglass, and vinyl pools.
• Stylish Surface Design (QC Series): Sleek and robust design for surface-mounted applications, enhancing pool aesthetics with minimal intrusion.
• Energy-Efficient Performance: Water-cooled LED technology saves up to 85% on energy, ideal for Australian pool owners, across both niche and surface-mounted solutions.
• Vibrant Colour Options:
  • Niche Solutions (EvoFG, Evo2, EvoMAX): Offers PRO RGB+W, Multi RGB, Blue, and >5000K White for stunning pool aesthetics in niche mounts.
  • Surface-Mounted Solutions (QC Series): Offers Multi-Colour, Quattro Quad (White, Blue, Aqua, Green), Blue, and >5000K White for dynamic lighting effects.
• Easy Plug-In Installation:
  • Niche Solutions (EvoFG, Evo2, EvoMAX): Includes Quick Connect Plug Kit and mounting hardware, requiring no draining or special tools for most niche retro-fits.
  • Surface-Mounted Solutions (QC Series): Includes Quick Connect Plug Kit and universal mounting bracket, requiring no draining or special tools for most surface retro-fits.
• Advanced Control Compatibility: Works with InstaTouch and Dual Zone controllers, as well as major pool controllers (e.g., Pentair, Hayward) for remote colour and brightness control. For use with other controllers, see the chart on page 34, and specify when ordering, applicable to both niche and surface-mounted solutions.
• Robust Durability: Water-resistant and long-lasting LED designs for reliable performance in both niche and surface-mounted applications.

The Aqua-Quip Retro Series accommodates a range of mounting styles, from niche installations (EvoFG, Evo2, EvoMAX) to surface-mounted designs (QC Series). Each Retro-Fit light is supplied with a Quick Connect Plug Kit for connection using existing cables, and with mounting hardware where appropriate.

Lighting Controllers Overview

Take full control of your pool lighting with advanced controller options from Spa Electrics and Aqua-Quip, enhancing your retro-fit LED experience:

Find Your Perfect Replacement

Choosing the Right Replacement

Selecting the right retro-fit pool light depends on your existing brand, mounting type, power requirements, desired lighting effects, and controller compatibility.

Step 1: Identify Your Existing Pool Light

Determine the brand, model, and type of your current pool light. Check:

• Manufacturer name and model number (on the light or in documentation).
• Niche type (concrete, fibreglass, or vinyl).
• Power supply (12V AC for most; 12V AC–32V AC for GKRX/QC).
• Cable length (see Cable Note if adjustments needed).
• Controller type (e.g., iRIS, Pentair, or basic switch—see brochures for syncing).

Step 2: Match with a Retro-Fit Solution

Use the table below to find a compatible replacement, sorted by retrofit series. Check controller compatibility via linked manuals—Spa Electrics offers versatile modes, while Aqua-Quip requires specification for Evo series or defaults to InstaTouch for QC.

Step 3: Consider Additional Accessories

Some setups may need:

• Spa Electrics: Cable Joiner 387 (for short/thick cables), mounting adaptors (e.g., AGRX 004R1 for fibreglass).
• Aqua-Quip: Extension Cable Joining Kit (LED114/115/120 for QC, ASN110/115/118 for Evo series), Thick Cable Kit (ASN119), Locating Bar Assembly (APL075 for Stroud SM400/Filtrite).

Controller Syncing Tips

• Spa Electrics: Multi Plus lights default to Manual mode (wall switch)—change to a 3rd-party mode (e.g., iRIS, Pentair) per the Spa Electrics Multi Plus Manual PDF.
• Aqua-Quip: Evo series (RGB+W or RGB) needs controller programming specified at order; QC defaults to InstaTouch. Check programming via the Aqua-Quip Controller Compatibility Guide PDF or light label.
• Important: Lights must match your controller’s colour-changing protocol for proper operation. Unsure about compatibility? Click here for help choosing the best lights for your pool.

Compatibility and Replacement Details

Use the table below to find the perfect replacement for your existing pool light. Each entry lists the Spa Electrics or Aqua-Quip retrofit series, pool type compatibility, mounting type, and additional notes.

Product Manuals and Guides

Access detailed manuals and guides for Spa Electrics and Aqua-Quip Retro-Fit LED pool lights to ensure proper installation and operation.

Important Notes:

• Fibreglass/Vinyl Installations: For Fibreglass and Vinyl pools there are often additional steps which may include lowering the water level. Where mounting screws are used, you must lower the water level and use Neutral Curing Silicone applied to screws and in the holes to ensure it remains watertight. Special care must be taken not to remove brackets or cable glands that would compromise the pool shell/vinyl liner.
• Transformers: All* Spa Electrics Retro Fit lights require a 12V AC iron core transformer. Please check your setup prior to installing and replace transformers where necessary.
  *GKRX are multi-voltage lights and can function between 12-32V (AC Only).
• Cable: If the existing cable is not long enough to bring the light to the pool deck for servicing, or larger than 1.0mm², a Spa Electrics Cable Joiner 387 or Aqua-Quip Evo Series and QC Series Extension Cable Joining Kit can be used with a short length of 0.5-1.0mm² cable. Where a joiner won’t fit, cable can be extended using a resin cable joint.
• GKRX: GKRX comes supplied with two mounting plates for Concrete (A) & Fibreglass (B) installations.
• Aqua-Quip QC: QC Retro-Fit LED Lights are supplied with the unique waterproof Quick Connect Plug Kit and a universal mounting bracket – allowing replacement of all other brands of surface mounted lights in concrete pools.
  Variable-voltage technology allows operation from voltages ranging from 12V AC – 32V AC.
  When purchasing QC Retro-Fit Lights to replace either Filtrite or Stroud SM400 Retro-Fit Lights, you will need to purchase the additional P/N: APL 075 Locating Bar Assembly.
  Aqua-Quip QC Retro-Fit Lights are suitable for concrete pools only and cannot be connected to DC power supplies or Electronic Transformers.
• Evo2, EvoMAX, EvoFG: Each Retro-Fit light is supplied with a Plug Kit for connection using existing cables, and with mounting hardware where appropriate. If the new Aqua-Quip retro-fit light is to be operated from an existing pool lighting controller, specify the controller type when ordering. When re-using an existing transformer, ensure it has 12Vac output and at least 25VA power rating.
• Tip: Snap a photo of your current light and transformer to match it with the right model.

Installation Made Simple

Upgrading your pool light is quick and easy with these steps:

• Power Off: Switch off at the breaker.
• Remove Old Light: No draining needed for most retro-fits (see Important Notes for fibreglass/vinyl).
• Connect: Use Spa Electrics’ IPX8 plug (12V–32V AC) or Aqua-Quip’s Quick Connect Plug Kit (12V AC for Evo, 12V–32V AC for QC).
• Mount: Secure with supplied hardware—Spa Electrics uses patented mounts (e.g., GKRX Plates A/B), Aqua-Quip QC includes universal brackets.
• Test: Restore power and sync with your controller (see manuals for settings).

Pro Tips:

• Spa Electrics: Match cable gland colour to cable size for a watertight seal; use 12V AC iron core transformer (25VA min).
• Aqua-Quip: Snap off the Design Ring on QC/Evo models for a flush finish; specify controller type at order for Evo series.

FAQs

Ready to Upgrade Your Pool Lighting?

Transform your pool into a stunning, energy-efficient oasis with Retro-Fit LED lighting in as little as 15 minutes! Use the compatibility table and model-specific guides above to find the perfect replacement for your Australian pool. Whether you choose:

• Spa Electrics for its universal compatibility, advanced controller integration, and versatile mounting options, or
• Aqua-Quip for sleek, dramatic lighting effects and easy plug-in installations,

you’ll enjoy brighter, longer-lasting illumination tailored for concrete, fibreglass, or vinyl pools. Dive into these resources for detailed guidance:

• Spa Electrics Replacement Guide
• Aqua-Quip QC Series Identification Chart
• Aqua-Quip Evo Series Retro Fits Guide

Start your upgrade today and elevate your pool’s beauty and functionality with cutting-edge LED technology!

Need Help?

Not sure which retro-fit LED pool light is ideal for your Australian pool? Our pool lighting experts are ready to assist! Use our interactive 4-step form below to receive personalized recommendations, answer your questions, and guide you through selecting and installing the perfect solution for your concrete, fibreglass, or vinyl pool.