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Pool lights are designed to be safe by protecting swimmers from electrocution. These lights are made with waterproof fixtures and seals to prevent contact with the water.

Electrocution from pool lights is still possible, but rare. Faulty wiring or broken lighting equipment can make lights unsafe, so it’s important to replace lights as needed and have an electrician inspect and upgrade the wiring.

Yes, outdoor lights and receptacles should be on a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for safety. The outdoors is considered a wet location where GFCI protection is generally required. A GFCI enhances safety by automatically tripping and shutting off the circuit if it detects an imbalance, which protects against electrocution and reduces the risk of an electrical fire. While it is the safest approach for all outdoor electrical components, specific requirements can vary depending on the type of light (e.g., pool lights), its location, and local electrical codes. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, it's best to consult a professional electrician.

Before investing in motion sensor lights, there are a couple of disadvantages worth noting. For starters, they’re not as reliable as other forms of lighting. Motion sensor lights can be accidentally triggered by pets or wind, which can become a nuisance after a while. The opposite situation can occur, too, where they don’t turn on when you need them to. 

No, you should not leave LED Christmas lights up all year. While the LED lights themselves are very durable, their wiring and casings can be as vulnerable as any Christmas lights. They’re subject to drying out, experiencing cold or sun damage that causes them to crack, and even damage caused by gnawing pests. (The same is true of incandescents.) If you want your lights to last the years that they’re rated for, bring them inside after Christmas is over.