Every year, 390 children between the ages of one to four succumb to death by drowning in their residential swimming pools in the US alone. Another 6,500 children younger than 15 years incur several pool injuries, but that’s just part of the story. According to the CDC, 75% of drowning deaths and 74% of fatal pool accidents occur in private locations such as home pools or a neighbor’s pool. Therefore, investing in the best pool alarm is essential.
If you are in the market for a pool guard, you are in the right place. We’ve gathered together everything you need to know about the best pool safety devices currently available, including in-depth reviews of the top-rated products, as well as a detailed buyer’s guide.
Contents
- Top 8 Best Pool Alarms Reviews
- 1 Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
- 2 Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm
- 3 Blue Wave NA4212 Pool watch
- 4 Poolguard GAPT-2 Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm
- 5 Techko S187D Area Entry Safe Pool Alarm
- 6 Pool guard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm
- 7 The Pool Patrol PA30 Alarm
- 8 Safety Turtle Child Immersion Water Alarm Kit
- The benefits of pool safety alarm
- Types of swimming pool safety alarm systems
- Best Pool Alarm Buying Guide
- So what's the Best Pool Alarm?
Top 8 Best Pool Alarms Reviews
1 Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
The Lifebuoy Company is one of the greats of the aquatic industry. They are always coming up with innovative solutions and devices to make swimming safer and more fun.
What’s it all about?
This revolutionary device will detect entry into your pool by a person or a pet, and also detects movement inside the pool. It features multiple sensors and a microprocessor that can detect motion by sound waves. The best part is that it works with long-range RF, meaning the sensor doesn’t have to be close to the object to detect any movement.
Besides being versatile, the protector has also earned its spot on the best pool alarm list for being smart. This is because after you have left the pool for over 10 minutes, it will re-activate and will then send an alarm if any motion is detected after that time. It will remain in this mode until you return to enjoy your some fun in your pool the next time around.
Take control…
The device can either be Bluetooth controlled via your smartphone. Or you can use the Home Button that is supplied with the alarm, which allows control from your house or yard. With either of these methods, you can control its mode from swim to sleep. Plus you can also set up alarm states and adjust settings such as its sensitivity.
It has also been specially designed to send an alert if the pool cover is removed. And is one of the few pool alarms that have this feature. This may give you the vital few minutes you need to go and see what the problem is before an accident happens. It is a very innovative and versatile system that can also be used for your home spa, jacuzzi, and indoor pools.
(3.3 / 5)- Versatile uses.
- Allows for Bluetooth connection.
- Multiple sensors.
- Long-range wireless detection.
- Can be used with covered pools.
- Bluetooth connection is limited to its radius.
- Less bright LED lights.
2 Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm
The PGRM-2 pool guard is an in-ground pool alarm that is certified by the NSF and meets the ASTM Standard F2208. The alarm is made in the USA and will ensure that your pool area is safe and secure.
It comes with an in-house remote receiver that you use to control the alarm system. And its a very powerful system, the horns outputting 85 decibels of sound to alert everyone over an area up to 200 feet away from the alarm.
On guard duty…
It will let you know when anything enters your pool, from children to pets to drunken neighbors!
That’s not all; you can use the PGRM-2 system on larger pool up to about 800 square foot. It also comes with a three-year warranty so is built to last, and the system is battery-powered.
(3.3 / 5)- Easy to use.
- Remote controlled.
- Durable with a three-year warranty.
- Battery-powered.
- Loud alarm.
- Alarm inside and outside the home.
- False alarms occur from time to time.
- Trouble turning off the alarm.
- The volume could cause annoy your neighbors.
3 Blue Wave NA4212 Pool watch
Are you looking for a pool alarm that is NSF certified to full ASTM F2208 requirements? If so, then you need the Bluewave pool alert system which guarantees you safety in and around your pool.
This alert system has an electric sensor which detects any entry into the pool by kids and pets. So you’ll no longer have to worry about your kids wandering off into the pool without your knowledge.
Quick as a flash…
And distance shouldn’t be an issue, with it offering remote receiver sound up to 100ft from the alarm. That gives you enough time to quickly respond to the alert. It will cause an alarm if any objects that weighs 18 pounds or more goes into your pool, so that should have you covered.
It comes with a helpful user manual that guides you through the installation of the alarm. The manual also includes operating and care instructions which make it easier to use the system.
(3.7 / 5)- Easy to install and to use.
- Due to the weight limit, false alarms are rare.
- Loud alarm.
- Not activated by the wind.
- Will not alert you if your pets weigh less than 18 pounds.
- Does not conform to the NYS safety regulations.
4 Poolguard GAPT-2 Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm
Do you want to secure your pool gate? If so, the Poolguard GAPT-2 outdoor pool gate alarm is here to save the day. It features some very nice features, so let’s go through them…
The GAPT is approved for outdoor use, and the alarm is built to alert you when there is any movement around your pool gate either from intruders, pets, or kids.
What’s that noise?
The alarm produces a sound of 85dB horn at a range of up to 10ft. But that much volume will obviously carry a lot further, so you should hear it easily up to a few hundred meters away. And not only will it set off an alarm if someone opens the gate, but also if the pool gate is left open, making it superb for use with small kids and pets.
Is supplied with a one-year warranty.
(3.2 / 5)- Alerts when the gates are left open.
- Quick response at 7 seconds.
- Affordable.
- Durable battery.
- Easy to install.
- Not very appealing to the eye.
5 Techko S187D Area Entry Safe Pool Alarm
Do you have sliding doors on the way to your pool? If so, the Techko S187D pool alarm is the one for you. But it will also work just as well with gates, doors, or any other entryway to your pool.
This Techko alarm is specially designed around family safety. It meets the UL safety standards and is ideal for use in areas where there are children. The alarm system features two sets of sensors that are placed on the gate or doors and will trigger an alarm if they are opened.
Go for a dip…
The system has an ‘adult’ bypass button to turn the alarm off for when you are actually using the pool for some swimming fun. It is also weather and water-resistant, so it should last you for years to come.
(3.5 / 5)- Affordable.
- Child safety certified.
- Easy to install and to use.
- Activates when a door is not closed within a specified time.
- None.
6 Pool guard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm
The Pool guard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm has been designed to keep your kids safe.
This alarm has an adult pass-through feature, which allows adults to use the door without sounding the alarm. When a child opens the door to your pool and goes through, the alarm will go off after 7 secs and will turn off after an adult has reset it. It will also activate if the child closes the door behind them. The alarm is always on and automatically resets under any conditions.
In terms of volume, it’s similar to quite a few f the other alarms we are reviewing at 85 dD at around 10 feet from the alarm.
Let the air in…
Optional kits for use with screen doors can also be purchased. These allow air to pass through your screen door without sounding the alarm.
The DAPT-2 alarm uses one 9-volt battery, (which is not included), it has a battery life of approximately a year. However, it is equipped with a low battery indicator which will sound when your battery is running low.
And finally, Poolguard is the only door alarm that has been listed under UL 2017 for water hazard entrance alarm equipment.
(3.3 / 5)- Adult pass-through feature.
- Excellent safety features.
- Easy to use.
- Simple to install.
- Occassionally prone to false alarms.
7 The Pool Patrol PA30 Alarm
The pool patrol PA30 is very versatile and adds an extra margin of safety to your swimming pool. The system can be used for your in-ground or above ground pool.
The Pool Patrol Model PA-30 is a deluxe model that features an electronic solid-state remote receiver. This allows the alarm to sound both in your pool and also in your house, which can be up to 200 feet away. The remote receiver is FCC-approved and features an on/off switch and is powered by a 120 volt A.C. wall transformer.
A floating pool guard…
The alarm floats on the pool surface and will activate whenever a child or pet falls into the pool, therefore, creating a wave. When this wave reaches the sensing ring of the pool alarm, it triggers it, sounding a clear warning signal both at the pool and on the remote receiver.
And there is no need to worry about false alarms because the sensing ring is adjustable and can be set to activate only when an object that is the size of a child or a pet falls into your pool. It is very easy to set up, convenient to use, and durably designed and corrosion-resistant for years of use. This makes it a must for every pool owner.
The alarm is supplied with all the necessary mounting hardware and is made in the U.S.A.
(2.8 / 5)- Portable.
- Easy to use.
- Simple to install.
- Affordable and very effective.
- As with most of these alarms, it is prone to occasional false activation.
8 Safety Turtle Child Immersion Water Alarm Kit
Safety Turtle claims that their water alarm kit is the easiest way to protect kids around a pool. Let’s see if they are correct?
Kids can be very clever when it suits them, and if they want to swim, it doesn’t take long to work out how daddy turns the alarm off. Also, if they just want to sit in the pool on a warm day, they may have worked out that if they carefully walk into the pool, then the alarm will probably not be triggered.
The solution to these problems is by using the Safety Turtle. This is a fun to wear wristband in the shape of a green turtle, that will trigger the alarm every time it gets wet. This makes it a reliable and simple option for pool safety.
But isn’t there a flaw in the design?
Maybe? We’re sure your thinking, but what if the little one hasn’t got his or her wristband on? And yes, you’re correct then the system wouldn’t work. But this is meant for when you’re out in the garden, and the kids are just running around more than a permanent sentry alarm.
Wristbands can be bought separately so you can buy as many as you need for the whole family or guests. And they even work on pets, just as long as they don’t mind having things tied around them? But they are quite small, so you could just attach it to your dog’s collar.
No programming needed…
This is a very simple system, and you will have you up and running in no time at all. You simply plug in the base within 200 feet of the pool, then test the turtle, and you are good to go! This also makes it portable, so you could even take it with you when you’re visiting a friend’s pool or on holiday.
What’s in the box?
A fully equipped kit includes a ST501 Safety Turtle consisting of a base station and a turtle wristband. As well an extra wristband, if you need more, as mentioned, they can be purchased separately.
Also works in salt-water pools.
(3.3 / 5)- Kids love the cute design.
- Easy to use.
- Affordable.
- Loud alarm system.
- Quick and easy to install.
- Ideal for multiple users.
- Inaudible while indoors.
- Poor quality plastic.
- Not backward compatible. Will not work with older T101 bands.
The benefits of pool safety alarm
What do you gain from a pool safety alarm? It may seem obvious, but here are some of the other benefits of pool alarm systems.
The number one reason for getting a pool alarm system is because they guarantee safety. When you want your children and pets safe, it’s best to keep them away from the pool. However, they like to wander, and an alarm will alert you when they try and go in the pool.
What if you don’t have children of your own or a pet? No problem, a pool alarm is great to keep off intruders. Children and pets from your neighborhood can also be protected by the system, which will raise an alarm when movement is detected in or around your pool area.
Those who are learning to swim can also use an alarm system as a safety aid. If you are worried about learning without supervision, use the alarm to give you some confidence, and if things do get hairy, the alarm will sound, and a family member can come to your rescue. Obviously, that person should have been informed of what’s going on so that they can come at a moments notice if needed.
Types of swimming pool safety alarm systems
Safety in a pool is obviously important. However, many people do not understand the types of alarm systems available for their pools. So next, we’ll run through the different types of swimming pool alarm…
- Surface
The surface alarm system lies at the surface of the pool. And the best place for it is in the center of the pool and to keep it in the middle, you need to tie it to a string.
It uses a simple mechanism to operate. Once an object hits the water surface, the ripples in the water or waves touch the ball at the center. Once the floating object moves, the sensor will trigger the alarm.
They work well on pools that do not have hard edges and additionally, you can use them on ponds and fountains.
- Subsurface alarms
The subsurface alarm systems detect any movement inside the pool and will trigger an alarm. Subsurface alarms offer two designs; one relies on the movement of a magnetic float, the other on a pressure-sensitive switch.
The alarm is best suited for small above the ground pools, ponds, and fountains.
- Perimeter alarms
The perimeter alarms use infrared sensors which have invisible laser beams. When an object crosses the laser beams, they set off an alarm and alert the owner. They are very much like the ones you see in all the Hollywood action movies protecting some treasure, but without all the terrible plots and bad acting.
They encircle the full perimeter of the pool and secure it with laser sensors ready to detect any incidents. The alarm is ideal for any kind of pool or a treasure that you want to stop Tom Cruise from getting to!
- Personal immersion pool alarms
The personal immersion alarms are like pet collars. When wearing the collar, if the pet or the person falls into the pool, the alarm will sound off. The sensors on the collar will alert a remote alarm.
- Wearable alarms
They are similar to personal immersion alarms, and they use the same technique. They are great for kids.
Best Pool Alarm Buying Guide
When buying an alarm system, there are a number of things that you should consider. Knowing your needs and what you want from the alarm is important and will make your selection process much easier. So here are some considerations to bear in mind when buying the best pool alarm…
- Type of pool
What type of pool do you own? Many alarm systems have been designed specifically to work well in a particular kind of pool. So make sure you choose one that is designed for your pool.
- What is your purpose?
What are you looking to achieve with your pool system? Often, people without kids or pets feel there is no need to own an alarm system. However, in many states of America, the safety requirements dictate that for new-builds or pool renovations, you must have a safety device such as a pool alarm.
With that in mind, you can buy a simple system just to pass the safety requirements, as you do not really need it. However, anyone who has kids needs a much higher level of safety around their pool. And a good alarm is also important for people with pets.
- What is the cost?
How much does it cost to install a particular safety alarm system? As with most products, some alarm systems come at a higher cost than others. However, some are worth every dime. You can never compare the value of something with that of the ones you love. Research which alarms are cost-effective and give you value for money.
- Where do you prefer the alarm?
If you are a parent, you may want your child to avoid using the backdoor, which leads to the pool. Therefore, you can have an alarm installed on the doors to secure it from any child movement.
Similarly, you can opt to have them wear personal immersion bracelets. A bracelet is excellent, as long as your child keeps it on. It is also sensitive enough to trigger an alarm when the child gets in the water. In-pool alarms, on the other hand, offer protection for anyone who may accidentally fall into the pool.
Lastly, probably the best option is to buy a combination of pool systems to secure your home. There is nothing like too much safety, and as the old saying goes, better safe, than sorry.
- Making the purchase
Always consider the effectiveness of the system before you invest your money in it. Also, think about its durability. How long will the swimming pool alarm system serve your home? Lastly, check out if the installation process is easy and manageable. It is better to purchase something that you can easily install on your own without hiring a contractor which always adds to the costs.
So what's the Best Pool Alarm?
We’ve gone through a lot of excellent choices, and you must be wondering what system tops our list of the best pool alarms? Well, our ultimate winner is the…
This revolutionary device will detect any entry into the pool or movement inside it. And features multiple sensors and a microprocessor that can detect motion even if it is far away from the sensors. It is also smart and re-activates, providing continual safety.
It also allows a number of control options, including Bluetooth via your smartphone. Or the Home Button, which allows full control from your house or yard. It is a very innovative and versatile system that can also be used for your home spa, jacuzzi, and indoor pools.
All in all a fantastic choice and easily the best pool alarm currently available.