We tested six of the pool alarms and determined that the Lifebuoy is the best pool alarm for both in-ground and above ground pools, offering a smartphone controlled alarm and wireless capability of up to 300 feet. With its batteries lasting for a full year, it offers total ease of use and convenience. The runner up is the Safe Family Life compact and reliable device, with its innovative swim mode, reactivating itself when no movement is detected for an amount of time. It also is known for its family safe tamper proof feature.
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Top 5 Pool Alarms
1.Life buoy – Best For Inground
Lifebuoy comes at the top of our list as we liked its pickup range. Though the house was a distance away, still this wireless pool alarm system worked well. The sound of the alarm was also loud enough and could be heard from any part of the house. Another convenience we loved was the ability we had to control the system with a mobile app.
The primary remote unit could be set at a limit of 300 feet from the base unit close to the pool. When we activated the alarm, lights would flash so that you knew that something was happening. This pool alert works on a 12 volt power supply with the alarm utilizing 6″D” size batteries, which lasts for one year. When the batteries need to be replaced, the low battery life indicator will turn on reminding you to replace the batteries.
- Smart device
- Compact design
- Can adjust the sensitivity level
- No installation guidance
Bottom Line
Lifebuoy Pool Alarm is a smart app-controlled device and works best for protecting your pool area efficiently.
2. Safe Family Life – Best for Above Ground
This device comes in the runner up position of our review devices and has quite a number of advantages. What we loved the most was its swim mode. Just turn it on when you want to enjoy swimming with your family.The device will reactivate itself if it does not detect any activity for a few minutes. The sound of this above ground pool alarm was not really annoying at all and we could adjust the volume control too.
It will also give alerts if a child or anyone tries to put it into sleep mode or deactivate it. The only drawback that puts it in the runner up position is its sensitivity level. It would get too sensitive at times when movement was detected in rain and storms. Overall, it’s a great choice for the safety of your loved ones.[/su_note]
It is light in weight, portable and the remote receiver has a range of 300 meters. If you are looking for an economical yet efficient pool alarm, this is the perfect one for you.
- Efficient and reliable
- Good range receiver
- Low battery indicator
- No remote control
- Too sensitive
Bottom Line
The pool alarm works great for households with kids who can try to tamper with the alarms. Its loud sound will notify you instantly.
3. Poolguard PGRM-2 – Best For Watching Kids
Poolguard is another reliable option on our list of top pool alarm systems. The interesting part about this device was that we could not deavtivate it once installed as it always remains in alarm ready mode. The alarm is good for both on-ground and inground pools in your yard. It completely complies with ASTM security standards, which was great, as we had a quality assured product to test. In short, a good option for both inground and on-ground pools.
When installing we could tie it to the pool’s side, or anywhere near the pool. At times we would remove it from the pool, upon which we would get a safety alert about it. To remove it from the pool, you have to place it in step mode first. As soon as we put the alarm into the water, it would automatically detect the water and start working again.
The range of this alarm is 200 feet. You have to make sure that you install the receiver well-within this range. A low battery indicator will let you know when the batteries of the alarm require replacing. It is also calibrated in such a way that the debris and other things like leaves entering your pool will not set it off. Therefore, it is less prone to give false alarms in case wind or rain disturbs the surface level.
- In-ground alarm system
- Sleep mode
- No false alarms
- Poor deactivation settings
Bottom Line
The Poolguard alarm is ideal if you want an alarm system that is active all the time.
4. Pool Patrol PA-30 – Best Wireless Option
The first plus point you will instantly experience with this on-ground pool system is its easy installation. The simple set up involves two units, one for the pool and another electronic receiver for sounding alerts in the house. Installing the Pool Patrol PA-30 pool alarm was a whiz.
Another great point that we love in this device is its adjustable sensitivity. It will help you avoid false alarms. Its sensors emit clear warning signals both from the pool unit and also from the receiver inside the house. You are notified whether you are in the house or on the poolside. Overall it’s a good choice and provides good value for your money.
- Compact design
- Simultaneously emits alarm
- Adjustable sensitivity level
- Very sensitive
- Bit pricey
Bottom Line
The pool alarm allows you to adjust sensitivity level so you won’t be bothered with false alarms.
5. Techko S187D – Best For Budget Conscious Users
This alarm is good for both doors and windows. We tried this one on the doors and windows of the pool’s entryways and were pleased to discover that a high pitched alarm sound alerts the moment its magnetic lock is broken without pressing the adult bypass button.
It is quite sensitive in as much that as soon as the magnetic contact breaks, you can hear the alarm. At 110 dB, it is easy to hear it from quite a distance away. Resetting the alarm was as easy as pushing a button. This is a cost-effective system, especially if your pool area is enclosed, or you have some kind of door entry. With all these wonderful features, it comes at a very affordable price.
- Budget-friendly option
- Simple installation
- Comes with two sensor
- Works only with doors or windows
- No alarm sound against intruder
Bottom Line
The product is a great choice if you want to stay within budget yet want an efficient alarm system for safety.
6. Poolguard DAPT-2 – Best For Doors and Windows
This is yet another alarm system for doors and windows, in order to protect your swimming pool area. We loved its efficiency as the alarm will sound within 7 seconds of detecting an entry and will continue to ring until you turn it off yourself.
This is also meant to be used in an entryway or door, as well as with screens and windows. When the entryway is open, there is a countdown of 7 seconds. The 7 seconds give you sufficient opportunity to come and stop the alarm and get the kid out of the pool.
This alarm comes with a low battery indicator as well. When the battery is low, you will start hearing a tiny alarm sound. In this way, you will never be left unprotected due to lack of adequate battery power.
- Cost-effective option
- Durable alarm system
- Low battery indicator
- Alarm sound not loud enough
- Batteries not long-lasting
Bottom Line
Its another option for doors and windows and works great even if you have glass panels.
Buyer’s Guide – How To Choose?
When you are going to buy a pool alarm, you have to keep certain things in mind. All the pool alarms have different features and functionalities, and you have to compare them with your needs and requirements before making the final decision.
Choosing a pool alarm is an important decision as it is a matter of saving lives. You need a reliable device with no loopholes in security at all. There are so many options on the market and choosing one seems a difficult job since all of them claim to be the best. Here is a list of things you might like to have in your pool alarm. Make sure to check the following points.
Let’s take a look at the factors you ought to look and things you need to know about pool alarms before buying the one which you think is perfect for you.
1. Type Of Pool Alarm
Pool alarms either float on the surface of your pool’s water or are mounted on the deck of your swimming pool to detect unwanted activity. Let’s take a look at some of the common types of pool alarms.
a) Door-Gate Or Windows Pool Alarms
These alarms are installed on the door or gate leading to your swimming pool. These alarms can also be installed in windows to prevent any unauthorized entry. The alarms work like any basic alarm system. One part of the alarm rests on the frame and the other one on the door. The moment the door unit separates from the frame the alarm goes off, sending alerts. The alarm works fine for children as they cannot reach the device and it has some kind of bypass for adults to avoid triggering the alarm.
b) Surface Wave Alarms
These alarms work with a battery and float on the surface of your pool. Its sensors detect the disturbance of water that indicates an entry. Like the door alarm, the surface alarm is also comprised of two units. One for alerting you and the other one for resting on the water surface. This kind of alarm works fine to ensure the safety of your pets and children, but they are often liable to give off false alarms.
c) Subsurface Alarms
As the name indicates, these types of alarms work from the subsurface of the water and are considered a more permanent solution for monitoring your pool. The alarm can be disarmed with a remote control or with any code before you are about to use the pool.
d) Immersion Alarms Or Wristbands
These alarms work well if attached to a child’s wrist or on any pet. The alarm goes off the moment it senses water immersion.
2. Know Your Objectives
First, you need to be clear about your needs and what you want to accomplish with this alarm system. Do you want it for intruders, to protect your children, or to ensure the safety of your pets?
You will need a highly sensitive alarm that would detect any unauthorized entry efficiently. For kids playing in the yard, you need something different. An immersion alarm works fine for the elderly and children at home, so all these questions need to be considered. It’s after considering all points that you can decide what type of system you require.
3. Your State Regulations
You might also want to look up your state regulations. In some states of the US, having a pool alarm is necessary. Different states set parameters for pool alarms. Make sure you comply with those rules when selecting an alarm for your pool. The basic requirements of these state regulations are to have a pool alarm that is capable of detecting any entry in the water and has a sound audible alarm.
4. Set Up And Placement
This is again relating to the type of alarm you want. Some units are placed on the surface of the water; some are in-ground pool alarms and some are on the ground. If your pool area is enclosed, you might consider having a door or window alarm as well. The placement and setup options can be the determining factor in selecting a specific pool alarm.
5. Standard Features
Pool alarms work in different ways. There are some standard features that you might want to go through while selecting a unit. The ability to turn off the alarm when using the pool or the alarm settings is one. Some alarm systems turn off the moment they are lifted from the surface of the water. Others need some type of code or remote control.
6. Compatibility
Make sure the pool alarm you are selecting is compatible with your pool and works well in your house settings.
7. Sensitivity
Sensitivity matters as some devices can sense slight changes with wind or a storm and can give off false alarms. If sensitivity levels are too high, it will keep on giving a false alarm, and for low sensitivity, it won’t send alarms if something small, or any small animal falls into the pool. So the sensitivity of your pool alarm should be in line with your security needs.
8. Durability
When you are looking for a daily used device like a pool alarm, you need to be sure of its durability. For a durable alarm that lasts long, you need to invest in a reliable top brand. Spending your hard-earned money on a less durable device is just a loss of money. A general rule of thumb is not to settle on cheap alarms just to save some pennies. It will cost you more as you will be out soon looking for another alarm.
9. Battery Life
Pool alarms working with a battery should come with good batteries. Alarms require that you change the batteries after a few months, as their life span keeps on decreasing with time. To ensure maximum security, buy high-quality batteries.
10. Range
An alarm that relies on two units come with a receiver. Make sure such a unit can come in a range of the other unit. That depends on the distance of your pool to the living area.
11. Price
Though you need a device that fits within your budget, we would recommend investing in a good alarm even if it costs much. A cheap device will not offer the same efficiency, and you can’t risk the safety of your loved ones. The best approach is to find a balance somewhere with a good alarm at a reasonable price.
What Is A Pool Alarm?
A pool alarm is a smart device that watches over your pool and sends alerts when something or someone accidentally falls into it. It reduces the risk of drowning your kids, pets, or non-swimmers of any kind.
Drowning is one of the major causes of death in America, and having a pool in the backyard becomes a constant threat if you have young children at home. In some states in the US, having some kind of pool alarm is required by law if you have a pool at home.
An alarm helps you get on the spot on time and save lives. Having some kind of layer of security at your pool is important to avoid life-threatening accidents.
Benefits Of Top Pool Alarms
Let’s look at some of the benefits of having a pool alarm.
1. Safety
Having a swimming pool at home can be a risk for all children and adults alike. While children are at risk the most, even the older adults or anyone who does not know how to swim is at risk of drowning. Pool alarms send an alert in time and lives can be saved with proper help.
2. Helpful At Gatherings And Pool Parties
Having pool parties or other gatherings at home is fun, but the swimming pool can pose potential threats. A pool alarm is a great investment as you never know when someone accidentally trips off in the water.
3. Pet’s Safety
Having a pet at home has some responsibilities as you need to ensure their safety as well. An open pool without any alarm or safety measure is an open threat to the pets at home. Make sure to install a good and reliable system for your pet’s protection.
4. Notify Intruders
These alarms work against intruders and immediately notify you of any unauthorized entry.
Final Talk
Pools, spas, and swimming pools are fun, but only if you take basic safety steps. In the absence of a good pool alarm system, they are more like a constant threat to the safety of your loved ones. So make sure to make the swimming pool area a source of enjoyment by installing a good pool alarm. You can choose one from our recommended review list.
Life buoy- Editor's Choice
Summary
Lifebuoy Pool Alarm is a smart app-controlled device and works best for protecting your pool area efficiently.
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