As the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated, every year there are over 700 children drown in the pool (USA). Kids are curious and so vulnerable. Lots of things in your house and backyard unintentionally become threatening factors to them, including your pool.
Some parents choose to equip them with kiddie pools (small-sized pools) so that they won’t get attracted by your pool in the backyard. However, this is not the best solution for your kid’s safety. Investing in a pool alarm system might be a wiser and more popular choice.
You can't keep your eyes on your children all the time. That's why you need a pool alarm, which will immediately be triggered if your children or even your pets have fallen into the pool.
Spending some money to increase your kids’ safety, why not? If you’re still wondering which are the best pool alarms available for sale now, my reviews will help you to pick out one.
See Also:
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need a Pool Alarm?
- What Is the Best Pool Alarm?
- Comparison of Top 12 Best Pool Alarms 2020
- Reviews of the Best Pool Alarms
- Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
- Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm
- SafeFamilyLife Electronic Pool Alarm System
- Poolguard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm
- Smartpool PE23 PoolEye Pool Alarm
- Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm
- Blue Wave NA4212 Poolwatch Pool Alarm
- Poolguard PGRM-SB Safety Buoy Above Ground Pool Alarm
- Techko S189 Ultra Slim Safe Pool Alarm
- Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm
- Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm
- PoolEye Pool Immersion Alarm
- How to Select the Best Pool Alarm?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Swim Network Overview
Why Do You Need a Pool Alarm?
There are some primary reasons why you need to make this investment. If you're still not entirely convinced that your pool needs this unit, let's pay attention.
First, in some states of the USA, equipping your pool with a pool alarm or surrounding it with a pool fence is a law requirement. Adding to the pool safety laws is comprehensive due to the disturbing statistics of pool-related accidents every year.
A pool alarm comes in two types, including a unit that is mounted to the deck of your pool to detect intrusion and a pool door alarm (or a pool gate alarm.) The best way is to check the state laws carefully for which pool accessories you need to install.
Second, if your family has children, a pool alarm needs installing right for your kids' sake. As my previously mentioned, every year, unintentional drowning accounts for a significant number of children dying in the USA. It's a real concern. You can't turn a blind eye to it.
Kids are curious about their surrounding world, and water turns out to be appealing to them. Now with a pool alarm, which will sound a loud alert when your children fall into the pool or a door alarm, which will go off if they enter the pool area, your mind will be at ease.
The alarms also feature a swim mode when adults are swimming in the pool (children are under adults' supervision), the alarm will be disabled.
Not to mention that pool alarms can protect your pets and animals They are super smart with their high technology to detect surface/subsurface waves of people or animals who can not swim and accidentally fall into the pool.
Last, these pool alarms are easy to use and install while they will be automatic wake-ups and work well as soon as they are installed into the pool. Most of the current pool alarms come along with remote receivers (the alarms will sound through them) to increase convenience.
What Is the Best Pool Alarm?
I will shortlist here some of the best pool alarms, regarding their capacities to satisfy most customer’s demands and also some of their outstanding features. Let’s take a look.
- Best Overall: Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
"Including home and pool units with multiple sensors and a state of the art microprocessor, utilizing the lifebuoy App to take control of and configure your lifebuoy Alarm." - Best Budget: Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm
"Meet UL standards for Child Pool Safety Law, water and weather-resistant, include an extra set of sensors and a bypass reset button." - Best Inground Pool Alarm: Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm
"Meet NSF Certified to ASTM Standard F2208, automatic wake-up when installed into the pool, new sensing technology for less chance of false alarms." - Best Above Ground Pool Alarm: SafeFamilyLife Electronic Pool Alarm System
"An electronic monitoring system which is portable, self-contained and lightweight and includes a remote receiver with a range of 200 feet from the Main Unit." - Best Rated: Poolguard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm
"The only door alarm meets UL 2017 standard, equipped with an adult pass-through feature and a low battery indicator." - Best Quality: Smartpool PE23 PoolEye Pool Alarm
"An extra layer of protection for pool safety, sub-surface wave detection for fewer false alarms, a magnetic key, and an in-home remote alarm included." - Best for Kids and Toddlers: Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm
"Designed for your child or pet's safety with a secure turtle wristband included for children and it will sound when the wristband comes in contact with water." - Best With Subsurface Disturbance Sensors: Blue Wave NA4212 Poolwatch Pool Alarm
"Designed for your child or pet's safety with a secure turtle wristband included for children and it will sound when the wristband comes in contact with water." - Best With Surface Wave Sensors: Poolguard PGRM-SB Safety Buoy Above Ground Pool Alarm
"Certified to the ASTM Standard F2208, surface wave detection for above ground pools & spas, automatic wake-up, and run the system when installed into the pool." - Best Pool Door Alarm: Techko S189 Ultra Slim Safe Pool Alarm
"Certified to UL 2017 requirements, upgraded model from popular S187D with additional magnetic sensor for screen door exit/entry with 2 adult bypass buttons." - Best Floating Pool Alarm: Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm
"A deluxe floating model with an electronic solid-state remote receiver and adjustable sensitivity for fewer false alarms."
Comparison of Top 12 Best Pool Alarms 2020
Regarding some of the technical features and warranty policy of the 12 best pool alarms I mentioned above, I created this comparison table so that you guys can easily distinguish them and pick out the most suitable ones.
Reviews of the Best Pool Alarms
Below are my detailed reviews on the 12 best pool alarms available for purchase now.
Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
(Best Overall - Editor's Choice)
Being raised as a revolution warning system for a safer pool thanks to the innovative, sophisticated, and modern design, Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System is worth becoming the best pool alarm in the world.
Using multiple sensors and an advanced microprocessor, this pool alarm is sensitive in detecting motion by sound waves and finding when a person or a pet falls into the water in a few seconds.
Furthermore, designed to give the alert when the pool cover is removed with an app using Bluetooth connected to your smartphone, this device will enable you to control the alarm state, change the length of the alert and adjust many functions if you are in range.
Pros
- Multiple sensors and an advanced microprocessor that make the pool alarm quickly detect any entry
- Automatically detect pool water movement
- Allow app to control the alarm
- Flexible functions
- Large cover alert
Cons
- Less bright LED lights that may be hard to observe in the dark
Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm
(Best Inground Pool Alarm)
If you are searching for a pool alarm that is simple but modern, unique, and ensured by the quality for your inground pool, the Poolguard PGRM-2 Inground Pool Alarm with NSF Certified to ASTM Standard F2208 will be a smart decision.
Not only beloved thanks to 85 decibels at 10 feet horns and a broad range up to 200 feet, but this pool alarm is also highly appreciated for 12V power supply and 9v battery that can work at the highest capability.
Furthermore, the built-in electric sensors making loud alarms and the extended warranty about 3 years also become plus points of this product.
Pros
- High power battery help the alarm work effectively without solar energy
- Easy to use
- 3 years under warranty to ensure the durability
- Loud alarm
- The modern and unique shape
- Easy to install and storage
Cons
- Have problem in turning off the alarm
SafeFamilyLife Electronic Pool Alarm System
(Best Above Ground Pool Alarm)
If you own an above ground pool and wonder which pool alarm will be most suitable, this SafeFamilyLife Electronic Pool Alarm System will be a great choice. Not only have a unique design, but this alarm will also impress you with its accurate warning.
With an electronic monitoring system, this pool product is sensitive enough, and auto sounds when discovering children or pets accidentally fall into your pool.
Besides, the lightweight, easy installation and simple operation also bring this pool alarm more compliments.
Pros
- Lightweight for easy carrying
- Easy to install and operate
- Automatically sounds when finding problems
- Multi-mode that is suitable for many conditions
Cons
- Water-resistant capacity is not very good
See Also:
Poolguard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm
(Best Rated)
One of the reasons why the Poolguard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm is highly appreciated by users is its intelligent and sensitive alarm system that will go off after 7 seconds since the kid or pets goes through the door and continue until being reset.
Moreover, the last tech battery also becomes one of the strong points of this pool alarm. The DAPT-2 pool alarm uses a 9 V battery with a life span of approximately a year and a battery indicator that will alert in low battery cases.
All these factors make this production become one of the best pool alarms in 2017 for water hazard entrance alarm equipment.
Pros
- Low battery indicator
- A 9V battery provides the highest capability
- Easy to use and install
- Smart and sensitive alarm system
- Automatically reset under all conditions
Cons
- The loud alarm is a bit annoying
Smartpool PE23 PoolEye Pool Alarm
(Best Quality)
PoolEye is one of the most famous brands in the pool industry and respected for its high-quality products. They always present the latest technology and reliable devices to make your pool safer and more entertaining.
This Smartpool PE23 PoolEye Pool Alarm includes a water motion sensor with an extra layer of protection that will provide you with the highest safety and keep your mind at ease under all conditions.
Especially, this pool alarm also comes along with a magnetic key for reactivating and resetting the alarm without any actions.
Pros
- Water motion sensor with an extra layer of protection
- Magnetic key for auto reactivating and resetting the alarm
- Give few false alarms
- Trigger when there are 15 lb object detected
- Suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pool
Cons
- Quite sensitive to the wind
Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm
(Best for Kids and Toddlers)
This Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Alarm is the only immersion pool alarm on my current list, but it is definitely worth being here. If you're wondering what an immersion pool alarm is, scroll down and check out on my buying guide.
If other types of pool alarms seem to be untrustworthy for you (is it just wind, or a ball making the alarm set off?), this type of pool alarm will turn out to be more suitable for you.
Your children (or your pets) will wear very cute wristbands, which will be triggered if they come intact with water. Hence, if you hear the alert, it rarely can be a false alarm, quickly run to your pool area.
Besides, this pool alarm is very easy to install, no programming or wiring is included. This is the easiest way you can do to secure your kids and pets. Also, the turtle wristbands can be bought separately. Your family has so many kids to take care of, not a problem now.
Pros
- Kids will love this adorable green turtle design
- Can be bought separately for multiple users
- Easy to use and install with no programming necessary
- Reliable
- Can be used for pets
Cons
- The plastic material is not really durable
- The connection is a bit loose
Blue Wave NA4212 Poolwatch Pool Alarm
(Best With Subsurface Disturbance Sensors)
This Blue Wave NA4212 Poolwatch Pool Alarm is respected for being certified to full ASTM F2208 requirements. It is a plus point, which makes this product become more reliable for users.
It is definitely a versatile product that can be used for both in-ground and above-ground pools. In terms of inground pools, you need to drill some screws into your pool deck for installing it. Be sure you're willing to accept these screws before making a purchase.
Moreover, thanks to the high-tech sensor, the alarm is sensitive enough to detect entry weighing more than 18 pounds into your pool while still guarantees you with false alarms as few as possible.
This top-rated pool alarm Blue Wave NA4212 will be one of the most valuable investments you make for your pool and the sake of your children and pets.
Pros
- NSF certified to full ASTM F2208 requirements
- Remote receiver included
- Work for both in-ground and above-ground pools
- High-tech sensors to reduce false alarm (weight limit)
- Easy to install
Cons
- The sound of the receiver is a bit too loud
- Become useless if your pets weigh less than 18 pounds
Poolguard PGRM-SB Safety Buoy Above Ground Pool Alarm
(Best With Surface Wave Sensors)
This Poolguard PGRM-SB Safety Buoy Above Ground Pool Alarm is a product from Poolguard, PBM Industries, Inc, and also certified to the ASTM Standard F2208.
This alarm utilizes the surface wave detection technology to detect entry into the pool and operates correctly for all types of above-ground pools, including quick set, soft-sided, and portable above ground pools as well as spas.
This safety buoy will float on the water and can't be deactivated once installed into the pool with the unique cone-shaped design. This unit also features the sleep mode at night as long as you remove it from your pool.
The installation process won't take you too much time. You can easily find some useful videos on Youtube for detailed instruction.
Pros
- NSF Certified to the ASTM Standard F2208
- An in-house remote receiver included
- The sound is loud enough
- Sensitive enough, few false alarms are reported
- Easy installation and simple operation
Cons
- Not suitable for in-ground pools
Techko S189 Ultra Slim Safe Pool Alarm
(Best Pool Door Alarm)
With the success of the old version Techko S187D on the market, this Techko S189 Ultra Slim Safe with new upgraded features was introduced and has become one of the top-rated pool door alarms to help you monitor your door/gate/window/entryways to your pool area.
This new version comes along with an additional magnetic sensor for screen door exit/entry and two extra adult bypass buttons. Therefore, this product is an ideal option for any pool with two doors/gates.
Besides, the manufacturer's warranty policy is very satisfactory with 3 years under warranty for each product. The alarm is also delivered with a helpful manual to help shorten your time with the installation process.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Under three year limited warranty
- A manual with detailed installation and operation instruction
- An upgraded model from popular S187D with 2 adult bypass buttons
- Additional magnetic sensor for screen door exit/entry
- Conform to the UL 2017 requirements for pool alarm
Cons
- The certification is not stated on the unit
- The battery is not included
Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm
(Best Floating Pool Alarm)
This Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm features a buoy gadget that will float on the water surface and detect any water movement on your pool. As soon as the sensing ring is disrupted, the alarm will immediately be triggered.
This sensing ring is designed to be adjustable so that the sensitivity level of the alarm is changeable according to the user's purposes. Constant problems with too sensitive or not enough sensitive products before? This alarm is your life-saver.
Moreover, you will be surprised by how easy it is to install and to use this product. Adjust the sensitivity level, simply leave the alarm float on the water and let it do its magic. Besides, this product promises to last for several years thanks to the corrosion-resistant capacity.
Pros
- Feature the adjustable sensitivity
- An in-house electronic solid-state remote receiver included
- Easy setup process
- Corrosion-resistant for long-lasting
- Work well for both in-ground and above-ground pools
- A buoy gadget makes this lid-shaped alarm floatable
Cons
- 9V battery necessary for operation is not included
Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm
(Best Budget)
I can be sure that you're getting a lot of bang for your buck if you intend to buy this pool alarm because the price is too low for the safety and the peace of mind it brings.
The Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm, which is designed to be placed on your pool's entryways, will impress you by high output of 110 dB siren, 6-Tone alarm, and 2 smart sensors that will trigger immediately when there is someone open the pool door.
Besides, the water and weather-resistant capacity with a clear set of installation instructions will ensure the durability and make installation easy.
Pros
- Quite easy to store and install
- Remarkable functions but very easy to use
- Water and weather resistant make this product last year to year
- Friendly and safe for children
- High protection and reasonable price
Cons
- Lack of mobility
PoolEye Pool Immersion Alarm
The last one in my list is PoolEye Pool Immersion Alarm, a product from one of the most famous brands in the pool industry-PoolEye. It is proud to utilize the most accurate pool intrusion technology on the market for above-ground pools, which will ensure you with reliability.
Besides, this product features the subsurface wave detection technology, which relies on changes in the water pressure to detect intrusion and breach. Therefore, any movement caused by the weather won't trigger the alarm to set off.
Also, this unit is very easy to install and the sensitivity level is changeable to customize the user's experience.
Pros
- Reliable performance
- Extra layers of protection with its underwater motion sensor
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Easy to install
- Subsurface wave detection technology for fewer false alarms
- Emitting a loud 85 dB siren directly from the device
Cons
- Adjusting the sensitivity level is a bit tricky
How to Select the Best Pool Alarm?
Some information related to pool alarms might be a little bit confusing. That's why I will provide you with some buying guides below, which hopefully will help you pick out the best satisfactory product for your backyard.
Pool Alarm/Pool Door (Gate) Alarm
The first thing you need to make clear is about two main types of pool alarm: the first one is installed into your pool and will go off if there’s someone accidentally falling while the other is mounted to your door/gate and will sound an alert when someone enters your pool area.
If your alarm includes a remote receiver, then the notification will immediately be sent to you through it. Some alarms are paired with mobile apps for the best convenience of users.
A pool door alarm is only used when your pool is surrounded by a fence and equipped with a gate. To prevent your kids and pets from opening the gate and accessing the pool, this pool door alarm will work best with very rare false alarms.
The pool door alarm is absolutely worth installing for its reliability and efficiency to warn you of the unwanted risks before they have any chance to happen.
Some would prefer to equip their pools with these two alarms. I highly recommend this way of multiple layers of protection for your pool so that any risks of false alarms will be reduced. Therefore, your pool will be kept as safe as possible.
Surface Wave/Subsurface Wave/Immersion Alarm
For pool alarms installed right into your pool, they also vary in three main types, including surface wave alarm, subsurface wave alarm, and immersion alarm. Each of them features different functions and technologies.
Regarding surface wave pool alarms, they utilize surface wave detection technology, which will detect any intrusion on or just below the surface of the water.
A surface wave alarm is typically floating with a string positioning it in the middle of the pool. Once the water is disturbed, making the floatie move, then the sensor will trigger the alarm to notify you.
The second type is the subsurface pool alarm, which is placed below the surface of the water and relies on the water pressure to detect intrusion. A typical subsurface alarm is waterproof and comes along with a remote receiver because it can't set off an alert underwater.
This type of pool alarm works best when paired with a different kind of alarms and suits above-ground pools the most.
The last type is pool immersion alarm, which will be the most suitable if your only concerns are your kids and pets, not your neighbor's. Why? Because a pool immersion alarm is actually a wristband worn by your kids or pets.
These pool alarms are quite different while they are not placed on/below the pool's surface. This unique feature will add to their reliability because the alarm is only triggered if your kids or pets get fallen into the pool, not a wind blowing through or other unrelated things.
The Lifespan of the Product
Most of the pool alarms which are installed into your pools are expected to last for a year. Of course, their durabilities also depend on their quality in material, battery, and how frequently you maintain them as well.
As the manufacturer says, pool door alarms promise to last for several years, thanks to not coming intact with water. The most important thing you need to keep in mind is switching out the battery on time for their best operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You might find some information about the product a bit confusing. So let me help you answer some of the most common questions related to pool alarms.
Swim Network Overview
Besides being a law requirement, equipping your pool with a pool alarm is one of the most helpful and easiest ways to secure your kids and pets. It is definitely a pool accessory that needs to be added to your pool safety plan.
For the best overall, Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System, with its multiple sensors and the innovative, modern design, will absolutely deserve that crown.
Other products with unique features and designs will satisfy your specific demands such as Techko S189 Ultra Slim Safe for the best pool door alarm, Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion for the best alarm for kids and toddlers...etc.
Lastly, I hope my reviews above are useful for you. Any questions on my reviews, please leave your comment below. If possible, press the button share on Facebook and Twitter. It would be a great encouragement for me. Thanks for reading.
