The Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm is a device that is designed for permanent swimming pools and comes from the brand that makes some of the best pool alarms on the market.
Some city regulations mean you are obligated to fit a pool alarm, but aside from that, these devices are a good way to alert as soon as anyone gets into your pool when they shouldn’t be.
In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm so you can decide if it’s the one for you.
Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm review: Specs
- MSRP $194.33
- Suitable for 20 x 40 ft pools
- Sounds at 85 decibels 10 feet away
- Suitable for in-ground pools
- Needs installing
- Made in the USA
Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm review: Installation
The Poolguard PGRM-2 needs to be attached to your pool by drilling a small hole into the surrounding tiles or masonry. A stabilizing pin on the alarm then slots into this hole and secures the unit in place. This makes it fairly easy to install and offers a quicker solution than the SmartPool PE23 PoolEye AG/IG which requires 15 screws to be installed.
The alarm has a 90-degree angle which should sit on the edge of the pool so that the sensing throat can face across the pool and detect any movements in the water.
There isn’t a battery included with the Poolguard PGRM-2 so you’ll need to purchase a 9-volt battery. When you first install the battery, the alarm will go off so you’ll need to press the sleep button for three seconds to switch off the noise.
This alarm is suitable for pools sized at 800 square feet so if your pool is larger than that, it’s best to seek advice on how many alarms you’ll need to make your pool safe or meet regulations in your area.
Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm review: Features
As you’d expect from a pool alarm, the Poolguard PGRM-2 sounds when it detects something in the water. This model, in particular, detects any water intrusions over 18 lbs - which is roughly how much a one-year-old child weighs.
To deter intruders in your pool, this alarm will sound loudly and measures 85 decibels from 10 feet away - which is equivalent to standing next to heavy traffic.
Once you’ve installed the Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm, however, you won’t be able to deactivate it unless you remove the alarm from the poolside and press its sleep button. When you place the alarm back into place, it’ll automatically start working again and run a test.
There’s an in-house remote receiver that comes with this alarm and it’ll flash when the battery is running low, but you’ll also hear a beep from the alarm unit itself when it’s time to change the battery. The in-house receiver works up to 200 feet away from the alarm itself.
Some pool alarms can be overly sensitive and go off each time the wind blows, but this Poolguard model has been designed to reduce the chances of a false alarm and claims to be able to distinguish between small items such as toys falling into the pool and an intruder getting in the water. To make this unit tamper-proof, an alarm will sound when it’s removed from the pool.
To cover your purchase, the Poolguard PGRM-2 has a three-year warranty.
Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm review: User reviews
This pool alarm is a popular choice on Amazon and has an average review rating of four out of five stars. Praise for the alarm includes how loud it is, how easy it is to use, and the simple installation process. Lots of users also claim that they like this unit because it didn’t give off lots of false alarms.
Not all reviewers agreed, however, and some found that the alarm repeatedly sounded when the wind blew. Others add that this alarm is particularly difficult to switch off and is very temperamental. Many users explain that they’d like to see a simple on/off switch on this alarm but a key is normally provided instead so that the alarm can’t be tampered with.
Should you buy the Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm?
The Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm is a great option if you have a pool sized at 800 square feet or less. It’s easy to install and can detect when something over 18 lbs gets into the water. It’s not the cheapest pool alarm out there but many budget options aren’t suitable for pools as large as 800 square feet.
You will need to bear in mind that the alarm needs to be just the right depth into the water otherwise it will give you a false alarm. You’ll also need to keep the key safe because there isn’t any other way to deactivate the alarm.
Not sure this is the right option for you? Take a look at our Pool Patrol PA-30 review. Plus, find eco-friendly ways to keep your pool warm with the best solar pool covers.
