Best Pool Alarms in 2022 – Reviewed
The most important element of owning a pool is safety and there are certain things you can do to make it an enjoyable and safe environment. One such step to take is by purchasing a quality pool alarm. This can ensure young ones and pets are safe around the water, and you are alerted to any falls or unpermitted entry. For peace of mind, they are a must-have but not all products are made equal.
Reliability is one of the most important traits for a pool alarm which is why we have created a list of the best products on the market. Each one has a stellar reputation and will provide that layer of safety every parent and pet owner wants when it comes to their pool.
Quick Summary of Best Pool Alarms
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Wsdcam Wireless Remote Door Alarm Windows Open Alarms Magnetic Sensor Pool Alarm
One of the best pool alarms available, this will alert a parent to a child before they get to the pool. When installed on a door, it raises the alarm should it open thanks to the magnetic sensor and can also be installed on a window. The 110 dB alarm is about as loud as they come and the pack includes 2 alarms and 2 remotes.
The wireless control range is around 49 ft and installing them is easy thanks to the peel and stick set up that comes as standard. Low energy consumption means the batteries last longer and although there is a low battery light, it is always a good idea to check and test them. Affordable and reliable, they are an excellent first line of defense.
- Wireless control range of 49 ft
- Easy to install
- Loud 110 dB alarm
- Comes with two alarms and two remotes
Best Wristband Alarm: Safety Turtle New 2.0 Child Immersion Pool/Water Alarm Kit – 2 Wristbands
These are especially good if you are visiting a family that has a pool or is outside with your kids. Because the wristband goes on the child, it needs to look cute, and thanks to the turtle design, it does! The base needs to be within 200 ft of the pool for it to work but once it is up and running, it is easy to test by placing the turtle in the pool.
They can be attached to a dog’s collar to protect them from the water and are ideal for a vacation where you aren’t able to install a permanent safety system. They are on the sensitive side so washing hands will set off the alarm, but this is the sort of security most parents and pet owners want around water.
- Works within 200 ft of the pool
- Easy to install
- Portable
- Can be powered via USB
- The alarm can be sensitive
Best For In And Above Ground Pools: Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm
A best selling pool alarm that is one of the easiest products to install. The good news is that there is no damage to any part of the pool when fixing it into place. Because it protects a certain area, it is a good idea for owners of large pools to buy more than one, and to reduce false alarms, there is an adjustable sensitivity to pick up only the intrusions you want to know about.
The receivers can be put in different places so as long as it is within 200 ft, the alarm will sound by the pool and in the house. The PA-30 floats on the surface of the pool and is triggered by the waves caused by a child or pet falling into the water. Corrosion-resistant and fine for above ground or in-ground pool, it is a good option for anyone who wants to add another layer of protection for their pool.
- Easy to install
- The receiver has a range of 200 ft
- Corrosion-resistant
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Can trap debris on top of the pool
Best Pool Gate Alarm: Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm
Both water and weather resistant it meets the all import UL standards for child pool safety law. Not only can it be installed on a pool, but there are extra sensors included to be placed on sliding doors, so even before a child gets near the water, the alarm can be raised.
The loud 110 dB siren is sure to alert no matter where you are in the house and it works via a magnetic system that is placed on a gate or door that gives access to the pool. When this breaks, the alarm is sounded. Only when the bypass button is pressed will the alarm switch off and most users report that they are easy to install.
- Waterproof
- Include extra sensors for sliding doors
- Loud 110 dB siren
- Protects different entry points
- Some people say its too loud
Best Value: Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm
One of the best traits with this product is that it cannot be disarmed once installed and is fine for pools of up to 800 sq ft. It comes with an in house remote receiver which can provide a range of up to 200 ft and the alarm is 85 dB so it is plenty loud enough. It can be removed from the pool when you wish to use it and placed in sleep mode and will automatically run a system test every time it is installed.
Using the latest sensor technology, it can tell what is a child going near the water, and what is rain and other weather conditions so false alarms are less likely. It needs a 9V battery to work but these tend to last around a year.
- Fine for large pools up to 800 sq ft
- Loud 85 dB alarm
- Smart technology detects when a child enters the water
- Runs off a 9V battery
- Best For Fewer False Alarms
Also Recommended: iSmartAlarm Contact Sensor (2pk) | Wireless Alexa & IFTTT Compatible | DWS3R, White
a contact sensor that is ideal for windows and doors leading to the pool, these are Alexa compatible so useful for any smart home who wants to add another layer of protection to the pool. Not only are they wireless but they can be moved anywhere and provide instant notifications to a smartphone when the contact has been broken.
They require the use of an ismartalarm hub as well but are versatile so they can be used to keep kids out of a medicine cupboard or keep intruders away. This is a 2 pack of the sensors making them ideal for the doors leading to the backyard where the pool is.
- Portable two-pack of contact sensors
- Ideal for doors leading to the pool area
- Prpvides instant notifications
- Need to purchase the hub separately
Pool Alarm Guide
As with any time you are sat around water, safety is key. This is why it is so important to find the best pool alarm for your home. Without one, you run the risk of a serious incident involving kids and pets. Before you buy what you think is the right product for your needs, it is a good idea to do your research.
This is why we have created the following buyer’s guide. By the end of it, you will know exactly how to find a quality pool alarm for you and your family.
What To Look For In A Pool Alarm
Sensitive Sensor
A floating sensor is one way of securing your pool and making sure you know exactly what is in the water at all times. The problem is, some brands are not as sensitive as others. You. need to know when an object is in your pool so you can be altered and get there in good time.
Look for a brand that specifies that they have a sensitive sensor that detects small items in the pool.
Compatible App
One of the best ways of being alerted to something entering the water in your pool is via an alarm on your phone. Because of modern technology, there are plenty of products that will alert you via your phone. Since most of us are never too far from our mobiles, this can be a useful approach to pool safety.
Plenty of Range
The frequency of the alarm needs to have a good enough range to ensure you are withing reach and know when there is something in the water that shouldn’t be. Some people have their pools a little further away so if this is the case for you, this sort of trait is important.
Automatic Reactivation
The alarm may have sounded and hopefully, it will have been a false alarm. Still, you need to know that the pool alarm will still work. A lot of products have an automatic reset feature. These usually reactivate within a few minutes to secure your pool all over again.
Low Battery Indicator
You need to know when the batteries are getting low or you could be waiting on a product that isn’t good to go. Most products will let you know when the sensor’s battery doesn;lt have a lot of life left so you can make adjustments and replace them.
Loud Alarm
Along with reliability, the alarm needs to be seriously loud. It doesn’t matter what the neighbors think when a child’s safety is at risk so make sure the product you are looking at has the decibels to keep your pool safe.
Sensor Reach
If the sensor does not have sufficient reach for your pool, it is always best to purchase more than one. This way, you have more of a chance of detecting anything that enters the water.
The bigger your pool, the more important this becomes.
Easy Installation
We all want our pool alarm to be ready from the moment we unpack it but there is always a bit of installation involved. The easier this is, the faster you can secure your pool and most products are relatively easy to get up and running.
Smart Deactivation
To prevent your child from turning off the alarm, some products have a smart deactivation feature. This can mean it requires a magnet to turn the device off, or a code to be input before it can be switched off.
Different Types of Pool Alarms
Each of the following has been proven effective at alerting the owner to their pool should an object enter the water.
Surface Detection
These operate with a sensor above the surface, usually on the edge of the pool. The sensor goes from the side of the pool, to below the surface or floating on top before sounding the alarm.
Sub Surface Detection
These go just below the surface as the name suggests and when the water pressure changes, it sounds the alarm.
Immersion
This type of pool alarm usually comes with a wrist band that a child wears. When the wrist band goes below the water, the alarm is sounded.
Pool Gate
This is a popular type of pool alarm, particularly when there are younger children around. As the name suggests, the alarm is sounded when the pool gate is open.
Where To Place A Pool Alarm
A lot will depend on the type of alarm you purchase as some are designed to go in certain areas in and around the pool. This can be crucial to the effectiveness so you need to get it right. Some are designed to float in the pool, in which case, the best spot is generally the center.
Some models are supposed to be installed around the edge of the pool. This is where it’s a good idea to check what the manufacturer suggests for installation. Some might be better placed near the entrance where a child is used to getting in, whilst others might work better when somewhere near the middle for better coverage.
Do Pool Alarms Work?
In short, yes. However, some brands are known for working better than others. It is best to consider a pool alarm as another safety measure to protect young ones and pets, but not a product you should rely on.
There is no replacement for being close to your kids and as with any product in the niche, they are not foolproof.
What Are The Laws Around Pool Alarms?
This will differ depending on where you live. Some places are stricter and a pool alarm can be mandatory. When this is the case, there can be additional regulations to adhere to so it is best to keep tabs on the latest laws in your area.
Either way, a pool alarm makes a great addition to safeguarding your pool. Not enough people own them and they can help to prevent some serious incidents and tragedies from happening.
Like we said, never rely on any product to protect your family, but a pool alarm can certainly help.
