5 Best Pool Alarms According to Amazon Shoppers
A pool is an amazing home amenity, but it can also be a major hazard without the proper precautions. One safety device you should equip your family’s swimming pool with? A good pool alarm. In some states, pool alarms aren’t just strongly recommended—they’re actually required. (For more information about your area, visit the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance website.) But even if they aren’t mandatory where you live, statistics prove their importance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. A large percentage of those who die from drowning are children under the age of 14; even more children visit emergency rooms each year for nonfatal submersion injuries. Although a pool alarm is no substitute for parental supervision, they offer another layer of protection for your home.
A swimming pool alarm can not only protect your child, but it can also alert you if a pet falls into the water; it may even act as a safeguard against property intruders. While a pool alarm may be pricey, these benefits make one a worthy investment. Not sure where to begin? We’ve done the research for you and compiled a few tips on how to choose the best pool alarm for your family. And if you’re ready to buy, we’ve included our pick of the best pool alarms available on Amazon too.
Before we jump into our pool alarm shopping guide, it’s worth noting that there are several types to choose from. According to ASTM International, an organization that sets industrial and consumer product standards, there are four main types of pool alarms:
•A door alarm: The first kind is meant to be placed around, rather than in, the pool (such as on a fenced-in pool’s gate). It sounds as soon as the closed-off space is entered, much like how a regular security alarm sounds if there’s a break-in through your home’s door or window.
•An in-ground or above-ground pool alarm: The second type, which sits in the pool, is fully- or partially-submerged in the water and alerts you if it senses a water disturbance (like the splash of a child falling in).
•A floating pool alarm: This type floats on the water and is equipped with surface wave sensors that measure water disturbances (like ripples or water displacement). If a disturbance is detected the alarm will sound to alert you to any possible danger.
•A personal immersion alarm: A wearable pool alarm is attached to whoever you’re keeping an eye on. The alarm goes off when it touches water.
Think about what works best for your family, and consider doubling (or tripling) up on different types of pool alarms. A fenced-in pool can have a pool door alarm and a submerged pool safety alarm for extra protection.
Look for a pool alarm that makes a loud sound so you’re sure to hear it wherever you are at home. And while some complain about over-reactive alarms (a siren that sounds whenever the wind blows is undoubtedly annoying), that’s much better than the alternative. If you’re shopping for a model that tracks water movement, make sure it’ll detect all your family members if they enter the pool, even the smallest ones. Some pool alarms can only sense disturbances caused by certain weights.
Most importantly, know that even the best pool alarms aren’t perfect. To make sure yours works at its full potential, follow installation instructions meticulously and commit to any necessary upkeep. You should also always have other pool and swimming safety measures in place. That includes securely blocking the pool area off when not in use, and, of course, keeping a close eye on children whenever they’re near the water.
Ready to buy an alarm? Here you’ll find five of the best pool alarms available on Amazon, from affordable pool alarms to hybrid devices, that can be used in both in-ground and above-ground pools. Better yet, we’ve included a handy pros and cons list for each product to help you choose the right alarm for your family.
Best affordable pool alarm
On the hunt for something that will secure your swimming area? This affordable pool door alarm is so good one Amazon reviewer dubbed it “the best pool alarm ever.” What makes it so special? First, it’s priced under $40. Second, it’s built for all pool entryways, from gates to windows. Plus, it meets UL standards, which are used to evaluate pool door alarm efficiency. Finally, it boasts a “high-output” alarm, which essentially means the siren is nice and loud.
Pros:
- UL 2017 certified
- Easy installation
- Loud siren for added safety
- Screen door sensors are included
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Two bypass buttons allow adults to enter and exit without triggering the alarm
- Three-year warranty
Cons:
- Batteries are not included
- Alarm meets most, but not all city pool regulations
- Some reviewers had trouble connecting the exterior bypass button
Buy it: Techko S189 Ultra Slim Safe Pool Alarm, $33, Amazon.com
Best above-ground pool alarm
This pool alarm system includes a floating device, plus a separate alarm to keep inside your home, so you can hear the siren indoors and out. The gadget works in all contained bodies of water, not just in-ground pools. That means it can function as an above-ground pool alarm, but it’s also suited for jacuzzis and even decorative ponds. It’s also ideal for closed pools—so in addition to detecting water disturbances, the sensors can detect if a pool cover is removed. It’s no wonder this product is an Amazon best-seller.
Pros:
- ASTM compliant
- Loud siren for added safety
- It can be used in pools, jacuzzis and small ponds
- Lifebuoy app allows you to control and adjust the sensitivity of the alarm
- Device is lightweight and portable, meaning you can take it on vacation
- Smart alarm is equipped with a “swim mode;” after 10 minutes of inactivity it will automatically reset
Cons:
- Complicated instructions
- Alarm may not work properly with some water features and automatic pool cleaners
- The Lifebuoy app will only work if it’s within range of the bluetooth home unit
- Some reviewers reported that the device is overly sensitive and frequently emits false alarms
Buy it: Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System, $299, Amazon.com
Best in-ground pool alarm
If you do have an in-ground pool, consider this hybrid pool alarm from PoolEye. Unlike the previously mentioned PE20 alarm, this option is certified for both in-ground and above-ground pools. Plus, the brand promises advanced technology that’s less sensitive to false alarms triggered by things like wind and rain. The product, which gets installed inside your pool, also meets ASTM International pool alarm safety standards.
Pros:
- ASTM compliant
- Adjustable sensitivity switch
- Device has an underwater motion sensor
- Certified for pools measuring up to 16’ x 32’
- Alarm is triggered when objects as light as 15 lbs are detected
Cons:
- Alarm has to be manually turned off
- Some reviewers reported that the device is overly sensitive in windy weather and regularly sounds false alarms
- If water temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the alarm must be removed to prevent damage to the unit
Buy it: PoolEye PE23 Inground/Aboveground Immersion Pool Alarm, $142, Amazon.com
Best floating pool alarm
It’s no surprise this next pick is another popular swimming pool alarm on Amazon. The device works in above-ground and in-ground pools, has a remote receiver approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FFC) and features an adjustable sensing ring so you can control what kinds of disturbances activate the siren.
Pros:
- ASTM compliant
- Easy to install
- Loud indoor and outdoor alarm
- Adjustable sensitivity controls reduce number of false alarms
- Device can be used in above-ground, in-ground, inflatable and soft-side pools
Cons:
- Reports that it may stop working after several months due to a buildup of oxidation in the sensor
- False alarms may occur if the device is placed near the filter, pumps or jets
- Alarm may not detect gradual entry into the pool
Buy it: Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm, $200, Amazon.com
Best pool door alarm
A pool door alarm is a great alternative to in-ground or above-ground devices as they tend to be less sensitive to weather conditions (meaning fewer false alarms). We’re big fans of this one by Poolguard. If a child tries to sneak out, the alarm will sound immediately and will continue to go off for five minutes after the door is closed. Worried about the noise level? This device has an “adult pass through” feature, meaning it won’t go off every time you head outdoors.
Pros:
- UL 2017 certified
- Loud siren for added safety
- Alarm automatically resets after five minutes
- Adult “pass through” feature enables you to enter and exit without setting off the alarm
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Alarm cannot be turned off manually
- Screen door kits are sold separately
- Short wires can make mounting the device difficult
- Batteries are not included and must be replaced every six months
Buy it: Poolguard DAPT-WT Immediate Pool Door Alarm, $72, Amazon.com
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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