Absolutely not. Splicing wires underwater inside the light niche is a major code violation and a safety hazard. Here's a breakdown of why

Why It's Wrong (and Dangerous)
Code Violation

Electrical codes (like the National Electrical Code - NEC in the US) explicitly prohibit splices inside the light niche. The entire point of the niche is to provide a sealed, waterproof environment for the light fixture. A splice defeats this purpose.

Safety Hazard

Water + Electricity = Extremely Dangerous. Even with the best shrink wrap and electrical tape, over time, water will penetrate the splice. This creates a shock hazard for anyone in or near the pool. It can also cause corrosion and further electrical problems.

Premature Light Failure

Corrosion from moisture will cause the splice to fail, leading to premature light failure.

Potential for Stray Voltage

Stray voltage can leak into the water and cause electric shock drowning (ESD).

What the Contractor Should Do (The Right Way)1. Proper Conduit Evaluation

The contractor needs to properly evaluate why the wires are stuck.

Try Lubricant

A wire-pulling lubricant designed for electrical work can often free stuck wires. There are products specifically for freeing wires in conduit.

Fish Tape/Pull Tape

Use a fish tape (metal or fiberglass) or pull tape to try to pull the wires through. If they can get a fish tape through, they can attach the new wires to it and pull them back.

Conduit Inspection

Check for damaged or crushed conduit. If the conduit is damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Consider Alternative Routes

If the conduit is truly impossible to use, consider running new conduit (which may require additional excavation and expense, but is the safe and correct approach).2.

Junction Box (If Necessary)

If the conduit is usable, the proper way to handle the wiring is to run the new wires completely back to a properly sealed junction box that's located outside of the pool water, usually near the pool equipment. All electrical connections must be made inside the junction box, where they are protected from water.

What You Should Do1. Refuse the Splice

Tell the contractor, in no uncertain terms, that you will not accept a spliced connection inside the light niche. This is a non-negotiable safety issue.2.

Demand Code-Compliant Work

Insist that the work be performed according to all applicable electrical codes.3.

Get a Second Opinion

If the contractor is unwilling to do the job properly, get a second opinion from another licensed and experienced pool electrician.4.

Contact Your Local Building Inspector

If you suspect the contractor is cutting corners or doing unsafe work, contact your local building inspector. They can inspect the work and ensure it meets code.

Summary

Do not allow the contractor to proceed with splicing the wires underwater. It's illegal, unsafe, and will likely lead to future problems. Prioritize safety and ensure the work is done to code.Disclaimer: I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide professional electrical advice. Always consult with a licensed and qualified electrician for any electrical work. Flag for review