Pool alarms provide invaluable protection for children and pets and are often required by law. Selecting the right pool alarm is essential for maximum protection. Use this guide to help you choose the ideal pool alarm for your particular situation.
The main factors to consider when selecting a pool alarm are the type and size of the pool, and how the alarm will be armed and disarmed. Some units need to be removed from the pool in order to swim and others need to be manually turned on and off. More sophisticated models can be put into a “swim mode†that will automatically re-arm after the water in the pool becomes still.
Traditional Pool Alarms
- PoolGuard – These alarms need to be removed in order to swim, but they offer a tamper feature. If they are removed from the pool without the use of the override button, they will alarm. PoolGuard models are available for in-ground and above ground pools.
- PoolEye — This very unique alarm offers both subsurface wave detection and passive infrared motion detection, which operates like a burglar alarm to let you know when someone is approaching the pool. PoolEye is armed and disarmed manually with the buttons on the unit. Designed for in-ground pools.
- Pool Patrol – This alarm floats on the pool surface and activates when a child or pet falls into the pool, creating a wave which triggers the alarm. These alarms have the lowest weight rating (8 pounds), making Pool Patrol ideal for protecting small pets.  Sensitivity is easily adjusted by twisting the components of the alarm. Several models are offered, all of which can be used for in-ground or above ground pools.  The PA-25 model has electronics to transmit to the in home receiver; the PA-30 model includes an electronic solid state remote receiver so alarm will sound at poolside and in the house (up to a distance of approximately 200 feet).  A Pool Patrol unit needs to be removed from the pool in order to swim.
- Swim Alert — The distinguishing feature of this unit is that its poolside alarm is extremely loud, which is useful if you want neighbors to hear it. Swim Alert is controlled by a magnet and features a swim mode with automatic re-arm. Like many other pool alarms, Swim Alert comes with a remote alarm receiver. Designed for in-ground pools.
Water Immersion Wristband Alarm
- Safety Turtle 2.0 — Multiple layers of protection provide the best defense against drowning, which is why the Safety Turtle 2.0 Water Immersion System is often used as a supplement to a traditional pool alarm by families with young children. Once activated, the alarm continues to sound until it is reset. Since there is never a need to turn the system off, a child wearing a Safety Turtle wristband is protected even while the pool is being used or cleaned. The system is portable and can be taken to lakes, beaches, hotels and on a boat.  A special turtle attachment for pet collars is also available.
Summary
Equipping your pool with a pool alarm is an excellent way to monitor for unauthorized entry and protect against drowning. But remember that adult supervision is by far the best way to avoid poolside accidents, especially when young children are present.
