Pool Alarms Review
Why Buy a Pool Alarm?
Pool alarms alert you when someone or something disturbs the surface of the pool, opens a gate to the pool or removes a cover. They ensure safety in two ways: allowing you to see when someone illegally enters the pool and alerting you when someone gets into the pool, whether accidentally or deliberately. While not a life-saving device, it does give you some time to react if someone uses your pool illegally or falls in.
Pool alarms are required in some states, including New York, Connecticut and California, on all pools without an automatic cover. Even in states where one isn't required, a pool alarm is a wise purchase. They aid in maintenance by alerting you when a branch or debris falls into the pool, and they can even save lives in some cases. Popular models like the Pool Patrol Pool Alarm, Poolguard Door Alarm and Swim Alert Pool Alarm offer different functions, including pool intrusion alarms, gate alarms and swimmer detection for in-ground pools.
Pool Alarms: What to Look For
Choosing a pool alarm means picking between different placement options, features and sensor technologies. For increased protection, you may decide to place sensors in multiple locations in your pool area. Consider these three main categories while you pick from the best pool alarms.
Placement Options
There are several types of pool alarms on the market. Buoy alarms float on the surface of the pool and sound an alert when the water moves. The disadvantage is that they may create a false alert in heavy winds. Some alarms install into the side of the pool and create an alert when someone breaks the surface of the water or displaces water. These are effective but also quite expensive. Pool gate alarms install around barriers to the pool and sound an alarm when the gate opens. These are most effective if there is only one access. In some cases, you may want a combination of a pool alarm in the water and a gate alarm for maximum security.
Features
Pool alarms can come with a host of features. The most basic options have a disable button and adjustable sensitivity. They also turn off automatically when you lift them out of the pool. More advanced pool alarm systems signal an alarm if any water is displaced or if the device is lifted from the water's surface.
Sensor Technology
Pool alarms come with several types of sensors. Most gate alarms use a magnetic sensor that detects when a gate door has been opened. Buoy sensors use motion detection to sense water movement. In-ground pool alarms detect rising or moving water. Sensitive sensors detect any displacement of water, while less sensitive options may not detect pool entries below a certain number of pounds.
Pool alarms keep children, pets and intruders out of your pool, but you have to choose the right model for your pool. Looking for features that suit your pool area and offer effective alerts is important for ensuring maximum security.