While underwater lights are pretty to look at and do allow you to see deeper into the water, they are challenging to keep running for extended periods of time because of the harsh saltwater environment, underwater marine life, barnacles, clams, hooks, lures, and propellers to mention a few. We have designed, built, and sold many models of underwater dock lights over the years but it’s impossible to make an underwater light that will last for a long period of time.
The electrical contractors and dock builders we supply lights to have moved away from underwater lights because they are impossible to keep running for an extended period of time. Above water lights require no maintenance and actually attract more fish to your dock than underwater lights. Light shining light on top of the water replicates the sun and moon which is much more natural to a fish. Many fish are actually spooked by bright lights deep in the water which is completely unnatural to them.
Underwater lights are great when they work, but unfortunately, they do not last long enough for us to continue making and selling them. Above water lights are maintenance free, will last for a long time, and will actually attract more fish to your dock or pier than underwater lights.
Above Water Dock & Pier Lights
Above Water Dock Lights are maintenance free and illuminate the water from the top down instead of the bottom up. Above water lights provide more overall water coverage and are more normal to fish. Our DockPro 4500-X3, DockPro 16000 and DockPro 26000 have become the preferred type of light used by dock builders and electrical contractors because they are maintenance free. Above lights should be mounted high enough above the water where they will not be submerged during high tides and storm surges. Above water lights typically mount to the face of the dock or on a pier post and shine downward, illuminating the surface of the water. The depth of penetration into the water will be determined by the clarity of your water and the height the light is mounted above the water. The biggest advantage to above water lights is that they are maintenance free, they illuminate more surface area around your dock or pier, and light shined on top of the water is more natural to the fish.