4 Types of Pool Alarms for Safer Summer Swimming

During the dog days of summer, a sparkling swimming pool can bring sweet relief from rising temperatures. Unfortunately, an untended pool can also pose a danger to curious toddlers and wandering pets.

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When it comes to pool safety, a pool alarm can give you peace of mind. Here's what you need to know before you open your pool for the season.

What Are the Types of Pool Alarms on the Market?

Swimming pool alarms work by sounding a loud alert when someone or something enters the water or ventures too close to a pool or hot tub. However, depending on the type of pool alarm system you choose — surface, subsurface, perimeter or personal immersion — the mechanism of detection may vary.

Surface Alarms

Sometimes referred to as pool entry or surface wave detection alarms, surface alarms typically mount to or rest on a deck or pool edge with a sensor that floats on the water. If a child or pet falls in, the resulting disturbance causes the alarm to sound.

These floating pool alarms are typically easy to install or replace, and they may be used for in-ground, above-ground or inflatable pools. Because they aren’t typically as sensitive as subsurface alarms, multiple floating sensors may be required to ensure safety in larger pools.

Subsurface Detection Alarms

Subsurface alarms mount permanently to the side of a pool or the railing of its entrance stairs, with the sensors sitting between 0.5 and 12 inches below the water’s surface. Some subsurface models have sensors that respond to pressure changes that occur when a child or pet enters the pool. Other units use a magnetic float, which triggers the alarm if a disturbance causes it to move.

To be effective, these alarms must be mounted on a secure surface. Their sensitivity varies depending on depth; the closer the sensor is to the surface, the more sensitive it's likely to be.

Pool Perimeter Alarms

Perimeter alarms alert nearby adults when a child or pet enters the pool area. These devices, which are sometimes referred to as pool gate alarms, typically have a two-part proximity sensor, with one part mounted on a door or gate and the other part on its frame. When the door or gate is opened, separating the sensors, the alarm sounds. However, they won't alert you if a child or pet falls into the pool, so they're often used in conjunction with surface or subsurface alarms, to create a comprehensive pool safety system.

Personal Immersion Alarms

Personal immersion alarms are wearable devices that signal to a base unit when they’re submerged in water. The wearable component usually takes the form of bands or bracelets, which may be worn around the wrist or ankle, or attached to a pet’s collar.

These wearable alarms are portable, so you can take them to the beach or public pools or have your kids wear them when visiting friends and family who live near the water. However, they aren’t intended to be worn 24/7, so they’re typically only meant for when you’re actively engaged in poolside or other outdoor activities.

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How Much Do Pool Alarms Cost?

You can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $300 (CAD 40 to CAD 396) for a pool safety alarm, depending on the quality of the system and the features you want. Advanced pool alarm systems may cost even more. For example, the highly rated Lifebuoy Pool Alarm, which lets you adjust the sensitivity and includes an in-home companion alarm, retails for about $245 (CAD 323), while a simple gate alarm, such as the Yardgard Door and Window Pool Alarm, can be purchased for less than $20 (CAD 26) on Amazon. Another popular choice, the Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm, which has a high-volume alert and an in-home receiver, goes for about $207 (CAD 274) on Amazon.

Factors that can influence the price of a pool alarm include:

• Mounting style
• Type and volume of the sound
• Wireless range of the base unit
• The ability to adjust sound and sensitivity levels
• Additional features, such as low-battery warnings, remote receivers, tamper alerts and sleep mode

Although it may be tempting to choose a budget-friendly unit, higher-quality models may minimize the risk of false alarms and provide additional safety features, such as cameras and in-home companion alarms.

Safety First

Not all alarms are ideal for all pools, so make sure to purchase an alarm that’s designed for the type and size of your pool. It’s also important to remember that a pool alarm should never take the place of adult supervision.

To avoid pool mishaps and keep your family safe all year round, you may also want to consider fencing off your pool area, installing safety drain covers, using a pool cover when your pool isn’t in use and keeping reaching poles and other pool safety equipment handy in case of emergency.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.