How to Hang String Lights on Your Pool Cage
Install pool cage light clips and hang string lights in under 1 hour. No drilling needed with snap-on clips.
What You'll Need
- Lanai Lighting Clips (we recommend 1 clip every 12-18 inches)
- Outdoor string lights (standard wire gauge fits all clip hooks)
- Step ladder or A-frame ladder
- For Screw Mount / Anchor clips: #10 x 3/4" self-tapping screws and a drill
How many clips do I need? Measure the total length of frame you want to cover in feet, then divide by 1.5. A typical pool cage perimeter needs 50-100 clips. When in doubt, grab the 100-pack.
Step 1: Identify Your Frame Type
Look at the aluminum frame of your pool cage. Run your finger along the horizontal bars:
- Channel groove visible? → Use the Snap-On Channel Clip (no screws needed)
- No channel groove? → Use the Screw Mount Clip
- Want extra security? → Add Anchor Clips every 3-4 feet as fixed points
Not sure which clip fits? Take a close-up photo of your pool cage frame and email it to lanailightingclips@icloud.com. We'll tell you exactly which clip you need.
Step 2: Plan Your Light Layout
Before clipping anything, decide on your string light path. Most people run lights along the horizontal bars at about eye level or along the perimeter roofline. A few tips:
- Start near your power outlet so you know where the cord begins
- Follow the horizontal frame members for the cleanest look
- Slight droops between clips create a natural, relaxed feel
- Keep the power cord end accessible for plugging/unplugging
Step 3: Attach the Clips
For Snap-On Channel Clips:
- Position the clip at the frame with the channel guide tab facing up
- Align the tab with the channel groove in the aluminum extrusion
- Press firmly until the clip snaps into the groove — you'll feel it click
- The hook should face downward, ready to hold your string light wire
- Space clips every 12-18 inches along your planned light path
For Screw Mount Clips:
- Hold the clip against the frame where you want it
- Use a #10 x 3/4" self-tapping screw through the screw hole
- Drive the screw into the aluminum frame until snug (don't overtighten)
- The hook should face downward
For Anchor Clips (Channel + Screw):
- Snap the clip into the channel groove first
- Then drive a #10 screw through the screw hole for a dual hold
- Place these every 3-4 feet as fixed anchor points between snap-on clips
Step 4: Hang Your Lights
- Starting from the end nearest your power outlet, loop the string light wire into each clip hook
- Let a slight droop of wire hang between clips for a natural look
- Work your way along the frame until all lights are hung
- Plug in and adjust any clips or droops as needed
Pro tip: We recommend pairing mostly Snap-On Channel Clips with a few Anchor Clips every 3-4 feet. The anchors act as fixed points that prevent lights from shifting over time, especially in high-wind areas.
Recommended Screws
For the Screw Mount and Anchor clips, we recommend these #10 x 3/4" hex washer head self-tapping screws (100 pack, black finish). Stainless steel 410, self-drilling point — they bite directly into the aluminum frame without pre-drilling. The black finish matches our clips perfectly.
Care & Maintenance
- PETG clips are UV resistant and built for outdoor Florida conditions
- No maintenance required — leave them up year-round
- To remove, gently press the channel tab and pull the clip free
- Clips can be reused and repositioned as many times as needed
