Quntis RGB-LED Solar Underwater Lights: A Dubbo Heatwave Test

QUNTIS RGB-LED Solar Underwater Lights are IP68 rated lights suitable for use in any pool, spa, pond or bath.  With the option of 16 RGB colours, on/off timer and light display programmable via the Remote Control, creating a beautiful atmosphere in your backyard oasis, or even bath tub,  is now literally at your fingertips!

Guest Reviewer

This review is a joint effort by Lis and her mum, Sue Armstrong.  Recently retired from farming to town, Sue resides in the regional town of Dubbo in Far Western NSW. Sue no longer has cattle, but she does have a pool.  So it was a no brainer to have Sue help us out with a review.  Over to you, Sue!

Hello! When posed with whether I’d like to help with a review, I thought “why not?!”.  My mantra is ‘You’re never too old to learn or try something new’, and so I’ve drawn on my years of media experience and taken the plunge.

Editor-in-chief note: If the name Sue Armstrong sounds a bit familiar, she is the driving force behind the Gilgandra Film Festival and one of the stars of Warrawong – The Windy Place on the Hill (2022). Here’s a short preview of the short film.

 

Unboxing the Quntis Solar Pool Lights: First Impressions

The RGB-LED Solar Pool Lights came with a Two IP68 rated Pool Lights,  two Solar Panels, User Manual and all fittings required to affix to either an above-ground or in-ground pool.

As a 79 year old Granny living on my own, I was initially slightly daunted by the long list of installation instructions.  That was until I realised the Instructions were in several different languages, and the English part was actually quite brief. Oops!  Mustering all of my 79 years of life experience, and with the now somewhat shortened instruction booklet, I figured setting up and installing the RGB-LED Solar Pool Lights on my own would be easy peasy.    The set up instructions are also available online.

Remote Control Features and RGB Color Modes

The controller displays the basic RGB array of colours, with the ability to program cycling through, or setting the colour of your choice.

There is a fade program too, meaning you can float gently under the stars as your pool gentle undulates the colours beneath you.  Honestly, such a peaceful experience.

The remote control is somewhat on the small side – any smaller and I think people might have trouble reading the button labels.

 

Set and Forget: Testing the Automatic Timer

While Elisabeth was at my house last week, she set the light timer for two hours via the remote. Approximately two hours later, the pool lights blinked out. With the option for two, six or eight hour set and forget, creating a beautiful light display in your backyard is now a simple case of set and forget.  As you can see below, the pool and backyard under the far western night sky looks amazing.  And yes, that’s me lurking near the pool gate. 🙂

Disclaimer by Lis: It was a windy day/evening when these pics were taken.  Cleaning the pool every five minute to remove the dusty from western NSW, leaves and assorted small beasties wasn’t high on my list of priorities!  I’m going to say it was strategic on my part, as you can clearly see the leaves and dead spiders on the pool bottom…

 

DIY Installation: Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pools

The Lights are in two pieces. One is the LED Light and the other is a fitting glued onto the pool wall. This fitting is magnetised for easy removal of the LED lights for storage in the off season. The special waterproof glue is included.  In my case, I’ve not glued in the lights as I’d like the option of taking them out over winter. But if you have little children using the pool or bathtub, I would strongly recommend fixing them to an edge to prevent a choking/hanging hazard.

My pool is inground and I found it easy to lower the light fittings into the water without falling in head over turkey. The Solar Panels are compact and in two pieces. One is a bracket to affix to the pool edge and the Solar Panel slides into place on top.

The angle bracket to fix to the pool edge to hold the Solar Panel is a right-angle bracket, which perfectly suits an above ground pool.  However, my in-ground pool has a rounded stone edge,  and I was doubtful as to whether the bracket could be securely attached. But the manufacturer could make the bracket a little wider and by adjusting the screw holes, this deficiency could be easily overcome.  For solar charging purposes, I have anchored the solar lights to the pool edge using a couple of spare rocks.

 

Performance Review: Lighting Up the Night Sky

My usual routine is to hop out of bed and have an early morning swim. But, I don’t swim at night, reminding myself I am a whisker off 80 and don’t want to slip on the pool steps, and have my neighbours find me floating (or sinking) in the pool the next day. I’m planning on living a lot longer to annoy my children but mostly, to learn new things and enjoy life.

So, when evening arrived and I turned on the new lights it was “wow and wow!” again. An extra swim in the evening before bed will be awesome. The lights show the steps clearly and indeed right to the bottom of the pool. The lights can change colours, be fixed, flash on and off and have a timer.  In this instance we had them cycle through some of the colours available.

Practical Observations: Remotes, Cables, and Cleaners

Controller: My main worry was the small size of the remote control which just covers my palm. I say worry, because I am liable to put it down “somewhere” and not find it for a week. It would be great to have a screw on wall-bracket. Or, a lanyard to hang the control up. Or better still, an App on the phone.

Inbuilt Pool Cleaners: I have a “tractor type” pool cleaner which doesn’t go up the walls. However, if a “Kreepy Krawly” type pool cleaner is used, this runs up the walls and could create problems with the electric cord feeding down to the Solar light. I believe this could be overcome with careful placement of the lights.

Above Ground Pool: The fitting and instructions to attach to an above-ground pool are clear and easy to read.  To be honest the fittings are more suited to the sharp edge of an above-ground pool, but as you can see, easily adaptable to use for in-ground pools too.

 

Other uses

Further instructions say these lights can be used in the bath “to create a festive atmosphere”.  I’m not sure how the lights would look under a layer of bubbles, but I’m sure they’d create a great atmosphere.  Of course, you’d have to ensure they’re charged first, either via a bathroom window or in the sun prior to use.  Alternatively you can also use them in ponds, fountains, or spas.

Australian Weather Extremes

Currently in my district, heat wave conditions mean daily temperatures reaching up to 46deg C. I was concerned the electric cord and the solar panels might melt or be damaged by many hours of extreme heat and direct sunlight. However, I am very pleased to say that all fitting are very robust and coping well with the extreme conditions.

Create your own pool scenes

Multiple light effects mean you can create all the looks! Check out the options below:

Specifications

 

Final Verdict: Are Quntis Solar Lights Worth It?

If you’re after energy efficient waterproof lights, the Quntis Solar Pool Lights are an excellent option, easy to install and extremely affordable. I especially love that the solar panels and lights can be easily removed and stored for the winter, plus they stand up to Australian weather extremes.

Currently available  at Amazon for RRP $69.99, the Quntis Solar Pool Lights will make your pool, pond or water feature the central focus point of your entertainment areas.  Additionally, cooling off this summer can now extend well into the night!

Now, excuse me because it’s a hot evening, and  I’m off to bask in the pool under these lovely gentle glowing lights. Sigh!

Thank you Quntis for the opportunity to review these great pool lights!