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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.

The lifespan of a pool light depends on the type, but thankfully, these lights are designed to last a long time before they need to be replaced. LED bulbs last the longest, about 20,000 to 30,000 hours, while incandescent bulbs last the shortest amount of time, about 1,000 to 5,000 hours. Fiber optic pool lights will last around 6,000 hours.

There are a number of reasons that landscape lights burn out, including an incorrectly installed transformer, inconsistent voltage, and burned-out or faulty bulbs. Troubleshoot landscape lighting problems by first determining whether it’s a system-wide problem or an issue with just one light, which will help you get to the bottom of your outdoor lighting woes.

Yes, animals can trigger motion-sensor lights. In fact, this is a reason why some homeowners install motion-sensor lights, to catch sneaky little critters looking through the rubbish for a midnight snack. There are sensitivities to animal detection though, so you may want to look for an option that avoids animal detection as much as possible.