1. Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
Lightweight, Lifebuoy’s Pool Alarm System comes with an innovative way of maintaining your household safety. Thanks to the multiple sensors, and micro-processor, it scans the water surface, and immediately alert you if an 18-pound child, or pet, has landed in the water. It provides a versatile utilization, and it matches any type of pool, spa, and even garden ponds.
Construction
It has 2 different parts – a floating unit that measures 7.2” in height, and has a diameter of 5.9”, and a house-placed, rectangular receiver. Therefore, when it is triggered, it will ring loudly, both inside and outside the house, to make sure you can’t miss it. The kit includes a rope which will secure the floating unit in place, so it won’t wander around.
Complete Control
The app the alarm comes with is compatible with all smartphones, providing you total control over the its settings. The sensor’s response time can be adjusted, as it ranges from 1 up to 8, so it won’t be falsely triggered off, and you can pick how long it will sound, selecting from 10 to 30 seconds, from 1 minute to 3 minutes. Additionally, it shows how strong the signal is, for both units, as well as allowing you to pick the operation modes.
Smart Functions
- 10-minute rearming – When the swim-mode has been activated, yet there is no activity in or under the water for 10 minutes, the alarm will rearm on its own, returning to the previously selected settings.
- Cover sensor – It can be used with a pool cover, so will detect if and when the cover has been removed.
- Alarm will start if the unit is removed from the pool.
- Won’t turn on unless it is placed horizontally in the water.
- The app is compatible with more than one phone at a time
- The ringing can be stopped in 3 ways: through the app, through the home unit, or through the pool unit
PROS
- Comes with 2 units – a home-placed one and a pool unit
- Through the app you can customize its settings according to your needs and preferences
- Loud tone
- Intelligent features
- Versatile installation
- Can be used with covers
CONS
- The battery on the pool unit might be a bit difficult to change by users
- Some users complained about it being triggered by false alarms
Verdict
Equipped with plenty smart functions, it has an app which provides total control over alarm’s settings. Even more, it is compatible with several types of pools, if they measure less than 20’ x 40’, otherwise, you might need 2 units. The ringing tone is loud, and it will let you know when the batteries require changing.
2. Smartpool PE23 PoolEye
It is compatible with all in-ground pools that do not exceed 20’ x 40’ in diameter, while if the pool happens to be larger, it is advised to invest in a second unit, to cover the full perimeter. The instruction manual it comes with will provide the best set-up locations according to your pool shape, while the alarm’s base can be fixed into the pool’s deck with the mounting anchors that are included in the package. Ensure the sensor tube is submerged 2 ½”, otherwise, the alarm’s efficiency will lessen.
The remote receiver can be installed directly in your house for increased comfort, as the only thing it requires is a connection to a 115V socket. Therefore, the siren will sound both inside and outside the house, as soon as a child, pet, or object heavier than 15 pounds hits the water surface. The pool-placed unit will require 2 new long 9V batteries, but they are not included so you’ll have to buy them separately.
It has 2 modes, for hassle-free use, with an alarm-ready mode which activates as a default, as soon as you set it up, and a swimming mode that requires an adult to activate. To do so, it needs a simultaneous action using the provided magnetic-key, and pressing the button, situated on the alarm, therefore making it child-proof. It will rearm itself when there is no activity in and under the water for 5 minutes, so your kids can’t sneak into the pool area. The warranty period is 1 year from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- Remote receiver
- Child-proof swim-mode lock
- Automatic rearm
- Hassle-free installation
- Can be used with several types of in-ground pools
CONS
- The batteries are not included
- Sensitivity can’t be adjusted
Verdict
It has a hassle-free installation which ensures compatibility with several in-ground pools types, while the manual will provide the optimum position depending on the pool’s shape. The remote unit can be placed inside the house, so the ringing will be heard both inside and outside ensuring you can’t miss it. It offers a child-lock swimming mode, which ensures kids won’t be able to tamper with it, while the alarm will rearm on its own if there’s no water activity within 5 minutes.
3. Techko S187D
Small, compact and lightweight, Techko S187D can be easily installed on gates or doors that lead to the pool area. It measures 4.8” by 1.6” by 1.8”, so it is recommended you place it higher than a child’s reach, and you can rest assured that rain and weather won’t damage it since it is resistant to them.
No sooner than the magnetic contact is perturbed, its 6-tone-alarm will start ringing, alerting you the door/gate has been opened. You can opt how loud you wish it to be, since you can select between 110 and 120 dB. To stop its ringing, push the bypass button.
It takes its power from a 9V battery – it’s not included, while its sensor will make sure to alert you as soon as the battery requires changing. The versatile yet simple installation method offers you the possibility of using a double-adhesive tape, or if you want to secure it permanently, you can use screws. It comes with a returnable window of 90 days, from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- 6 alarm tones
- Adjustable sound intensity
- Water and weather resistant
- Versatile installation
CONS
- Works best with screws rather than adhesive tape
- There were some complaints about the magnetic connections
Verdict
Versatile in its application, it offers 6 ringing tones, as well as different sound intensities. It has a water and weather-resistant design, so you can set it up on any gate or door that leads to your pool, no matter if it is situated under the house roof or directly into your yard.
4. Poolguard PGRM-2
Perfect for in-ground pools, Poolguard PGRM-2 features a sit-on-deck installation. It is compact, measuring 14 1⁄2” by 12 3⁄4” by 3 1⁄2”, so it won’t be a bother, while remote receiver increases your overall comfort since you don’t need to stand near it to control it, thanks to its 200-foot range. The alarm has a loud ringing, with an 85-db intensity, ensuring it can be heard regardless of location, indoors or outdoors.
The house-placed console needs a 12V power supply, while the pool-placed unit requires one 9V battery, but it is not included, so you’ll have to buy it separately. The battery’s duration is around 1 year, from the moment start using the device. Even if you lose track of time, the panel offers a low-battery beeping, and, since it’s placed on both alarm and receiver, there’s no chance of missing it.
Its 2 modes: the alarm-ready one, which activates by default once you turn it on, and the silent mode, give you diversity when the alarm’s application is concerned. Additionally, your kids have no way of removing the sensor from the pool, because the moment it leaves the water surface, the siren will be triggered.
Its new sensing technology can differentiate between objects, resulting in fewer false-alarms that are generated by wind, toys or rain. It will detect intruders that are similar in size with to a one-year old kid, and the pool shouldn’t exceed 16’ by 32’, 20’ by 40’, or 800 sq. ft. overall. You can freely use the alarm even if your pool is covered, as it won’t interrupt the signal, and the alarm won’t be damaged by elements.
PROS
- Can be used with several types of pools
- Easy-to-read instructions
- Remote receiver included
- Loud alert
CONS
- Can be used only with in-ground pools
- A false alarm might be triggered during severe bad weather
Verdict
Thanks to the facile instructions, Poolguard PGRM-2 offers DIY installation. Not only can it be controlled from a distance, thus ensuring your constant comfort, but it offers increased possibilities as it can be used with plenty in-ground pool shapes. It has 2 modes, to ensure increased convenience during its use, and it can detect intruders that are similar in size to a 1-year old kid.
5. Pool Patrol PA-30
It measures 6.5” in height, while diameter measures 10”, thus it has a compact, sturdy, plastic design, which ensures it won’t rust nor corrode with time. The pools you want to use it with, should be smaller than 20’ x 40’, but if the pool is larger, 2 alarms can do the trick. There’s no need to stress over 2 receivers, as there are 2 modes which can be accessed, with one receiver connected to more than 1 alarm at a time.
Pool Patrol PA-30 provides a convenient installation method, since all the required accessories, and pieces, are already packed into the box. The ropes, and hooks, will keep it safely attached to the side, so it won’t get in your way as you swim, and it also offers a 200-ft distance remote control. The receiver needs to be powered by a 120V AC transformer, and the alarm requires a 9V battery to work properly.
It’s lightweight design allows it to float on the water, so you’ll be able to keep an eye on it, but it will trigger as soon as a wave is created. For increased accuracy, however, the ring’s sensitivity can be lowered or raised, so it will recognize any 15-pounds weights, including kids of the same weight, and pets, if they happen to land in water. The alarm has a loud siren, with an intensity of 85 decibels, so you’ll be able to hear no matter of your location, inside or outside the house, while its warranty is limited to only 2 year, starting right from the moment you acquire it.
PROS
- Can be used with both in-ground and above-ground pools
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Loud ringing
- Sturdy, compact and lightweight
- Can be used with a solar cover
CONS
- Water recirculation might interfere with the sensor
- Can’t be completely submerged underwater
Verdict
As soon as waves are created underwater, the alarm will be tripped, so in order to prevent it from falsely going off and disturbing your neighbors, you should adjust its sensitivity accordingly. There are plenty of options including the function to recognize anything heavier than 15 pounds that happen to touch the water. Included in the pack is the complete mounting hardware set, for swift, out-of-the-box installation. The remote console ensures you can use it from the comfort of your home, and its loud tone has a high intensity, making it impossible to ignore, regardless of your nearby location.
6. Poolguard PGRM-SB
It measures 15” in diameter and 7” in height, and it is compatible with plenty of above-ground pool styles as well as spas, or small-sizes in-ground pools. But while it’s floating on the water, it uses under-surface detection technology, so you’ll know when kids, or pets, weighing more than 18 pounds, touch the water.
The tamper-proof alerts if the device has been removed, and it will also ring the first time you use it, to show it works correctly. Additionally, it has 2 working modes – a permanent alarm-ready, which activates by default, and a sleep mode which allows you to swim uninterrupted without triggering the alert.
For increased comfort, with its remote controller you can access it directly from your house, as it features a 200-foot reach. The siren will sound loud, with 85 decibels, and thanks to its high intensity, it will be easily heard in your neighborhood.
The receiver requires a 12V power supply, and the alarm requires a 9V battery to function correctly. Both alarm and receiver have a LED light, as well as a 10-second beep noise to grab your attention, which will let you know when the batteries need to be replaced. All the parts you might need, are included in the package, while the manual comes with explicit, easy-to-follow instructions. It has a limited 1-year warranty which begins right from the moment of your acquisition.
PROS
- Remote receiver
- Loud alarm
- Versatile utilization
- Low-battery alert
CONS
- The sensitivity can’t be adjusted
- The alarm level can’t be adjusted
Verdict
Compatible with plenty pools placed above-ground, spas, or small-sized in-ground types, it comes with a simple yet efficient design. Since it floats, it alerts you whenever an object, or person, heavier than 18 pounds has disturbed the water surface. It can be accessed from a distance, and it offers 2 alarm modes for increased comfort.
7. Poolguard DAPT-2
Designed so you’ll immediately be aware when the door, or gate, which leads to the pool area, opens Poolguard DAPT-2 will continue to alert you, even if the previously-opened door or gate has been closed. So, unless an adult resets it, kids have no way of sneaking into the pool area, thanks to the smart pass-through feature.
However, the door will still retain its original purpose, since the alarm won’t start for the first 7 seconds, therefore providing you with plenty of time to press the bypass button. Lightweight, 6.4 ounces, and compact, measuring 4.5” by 2.8” by 1.5”, you can mount it high, out of reach for kids, as it comes with a simple installation process. While it doesn’t come with any remote controller, it doesn’t really need one, since its 85-decibel intensity, can be heard both inside and outside it.
To function properly it needs a 9V battery, while its duration reaches up to one year. There’s no need to worry about losing track of time, as its indicator will remind when you should change the battery. It can be set it up with double adhesive tape, for a quick fix, or if you want a sturdier, long-lasting design, you can use the screws it comes with. Additionally, its limited 1- year warranty begins as soon as you acquire the unit.
PROS
- Versatile setup method
- Loud alarm
- 7-second entry time
- Adult pass-through feature
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a remote receiver so you’ll have to walk to it to reset it.
- There were some complaints about the battery requiring frequent changing.
Verdict
It allows various ways to fix it to the wall, by either using tape, or screws, for a permanent option, therefore requiring no additional help to set it up. It comes with an adult-only pass-through feature, which ensures that once you’ve passed through the door frame, you have 7 seconds to press the bypass button, so the alarm won’t trigger.
8. PoolEye Above Ground Alarm
Specifications:
- Dimension: 2” x 3” x 13”
- Weight : 1 pound
- Type : Underwater
- Power : 4 x AA batteries
- Sensors : 1
- Detection : Underwater waves
- Weather-resistant :
- Warranty : 6 months
- Sound Level : 120 dB
- Range : 10 feet
It can be used with any style of above-ground pools that reach up to 24’ (round-shaped) or 16’ x 32’ (oval-shaped), and it features easy and hassle-free installation. It comes with 2 units, a round stainless steel unit which is installed on the exterior of the pool, and an underwater sensor that measures 2” in length, 3” in width, and 13” in height. The underwater sensor will detect any child, per or object that weighs more than 15 pounds and lands into the water, and will prevent any false alarms due to wind or rain.
While it doesn’t come with a home-placed receiver, its tone is loud, 120 dB, therefore you’ll be able to hear it easily. Additionally, the sensitivity can be adjusted according to your pool size, so you can customize its settings according to your needs. To function properly it needs 4 AA batteries, but since they’re not included, you’ll have to buy.
It features a child-lock which ensures your kids won’t be able to tamper with it, and it will reset to its previously selected settings, automatically, after 3 minutes. Even more, it has a low-battery indicator, that will chirp to let you know it needs changing, and it features a 6-month warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- Easy and simple installation
- Child-proof lock
- Underwater sensor for less false alarms
- Loud tone
CONS
- Can’t be used with in-ground pools
- Doesn’t come with remote controls
Verdict
Perfect for above-ground pools, it features simple and fast installation. The child-proof lock will ensure kids can’t tamper with it, while its underwater detection system will alert you when a person, object, or pet heavier than 15 pounds has fallen in water. Additionally, it comes with a loud ringing, so you’ll be able to hear it clearly, and it allows you to change its sensitivity settings according to your needs.
9. Blue Wave NA4212
NSF certified to ASTM F2208, it will detect any child, pet, or object, which enters your pool and weighs more than 18 pounds. It can be used with several types of pools, as it works with both above-ground and in-ground types, but keep in mind that if your pool is larger than 32’ x 16’, then acquiring a second device is recommended. The manual it comes with will provide the best position placement, depending on the style your pool has, while it’s simple, hassle-free installation ensures you can set it up by yourself.
It offers increased comfort thanks to its remote console which needs to be connected to a 110V A/C, or by installing a 9V battery. It also comes with a wireless range of 100 feet, and it will ring when the pool alarm is triggered. It works on 6 alkaline D cell 1.5V batteries, and it will inform you when it needs to be replaced. Neither alarm nor receiver batteries are included.
It features 2 working modes – a swim mode, and a reset mode, for increased convenience, thus you can easily swim without tripping the alarm. Once installed onto the deck, make sure the water level remains between 3 1⁄4” to 2” on the sensor’s tube, since, otherwise, the alarm’s effectiveness will lessen. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- Can be used with both above-ground and in-ground pools
- Comes with a remote receiver
- Hassle-free installation and convenient use
- Detects any objects, kids or pets heavier than 18 pounds
CONS
- The sensitivity can’t be adjusted or altered
- Requires calibration
Verdict
With hassle-free installation, and set up, this alarm is loud enough for you to hear regardless of your location inside your house. The remote controller allows you to easily use it from afar, while its 2 operation modes ensure you can freely swim without triggering the alarm. When activated, it can detect any kid, pet or object that weighs more than 18 pounds and has fallen into the water.
10. SafeFamilyLife Pool Alarm
Featuring simple yet versatile installation, it can be placed into the pool’s deck with screws, set with a Velcro, or by using double-adhesive tape. It has a sub-surface wave detection system, which will detect waves made in the pool, as soon as the sensor tube is immersed in water. While it does come with height adjustments, to help you set it up in any in-ground pool, make sure the water reaches up to 3.93” on the tube.
Additionally, it can detect any child, pet or object that weighs more than 11 pounds, and it can cover a surface of 16’ x 32’. Therefore, if your pool is larger, consider acquiring one more unit. It comes with several modes – swim, mute, off, supervise – ensuring you won’t trigger the alarm when you go for a swim. It requires 6D batteries, which have a duration of 1 year. However, you don’t have to worry if you lose track of time, as the unit will alert you with beeping sounds when the battery needs to be recharged.
The remote controller needs to be installed into a maximum range 300 feet away from the alarm, ensuring the loud 100 dB tone will be heard inside the house. The receiver comes with a 12V power source, but it can’t remotely control the alarm, so when you need to turn it off, you’ll have to go near it. However, it does come with adjustable sensitivity, so you don’t have to worry about it being falsely triggered.
PROS
- Can be heard both inside and outside of the house
- Detects kids, pets and objects that weight more than 11 pounds
- Come with several modes
- Quick and easy installation
CONS
- Requires calibration
- Can’t be used on above-ground pools
Verdict
Thanks to its intense alarm, and the remote receiver that emphasize its ringing, the tone will be heard both inside and outside the house, so you’ll instantly know when someone or something has disturbed the water surface. It features an intelligent underwater wave detection, which will trigger the alarm when an object, person, or pet heavier than 11 pounds has landed in the water, while its several modes ensure you can use the pool safely, without setting the alarm off.
Buying Guide
Keeping your kids and pets safe from any pool-related accidents is a high priority if you’re the proud owner of a pool. However, you might not always be able to keep a close eye on them, so you need a security system to alert you if they do happen to fall into the water, so you can take immediate action.So, to pick a pool alarm that fits the type of pool you have, there are several factors you have to keep in mind. Let’s take discuss each of them in detail:
Pool Type and Size
There are three main types of pools, depending on how they are installed: in-ground, above-ground and any other type of spa or Jacuzzi. Therefore, before you decide upon a specific alarm model, consider one that is compatible with your pool type. Additionally, not only the pool type is an essential factor, but also it’s the size since you might need to invest in 2 alarms if your pool is too large.
Installation Type
Depending on how and where you want to install your pool alarm, there are several types to choose from:
- Door/Gate mounted – Perfect for being installed on any door that leads to the pool area, or, if your swimming pool is already enclosed with a fence, on its gate. It will alert you whenever the door/gate opens, ensuring nothing can escape your keen eye – or ears. They are usually lightweight and can be installed high enough to be out of kids’ reach, so you don’t have to worry about your children sneaking through the gate.
- Sit-on-Deck – As their name implies, these units are fixed onto the pool’s deck, and they will alert you when someone or something enters in the pool. Fixed in place, most of them will sound if kids try to tamper with them, so you don’t have to worry about your children taking them off. However, you’ll have to make sure the water level remains at a certain height, otherwise, their efficiency might diminish.
- Float-on-Water – Using an underwater detector, these types of alarms will detect any wave that might be formed when an object, or person, lands into water. Contrary to their names, they can’t be allowed to simply wander on the water surface, so you’ll need to keep them anchored to one side of the pool. They will also alert you whenever they are taken out of the water, so you’ll know if someone tries to remove it from the pool.
Smart Functions
They don’t differ only design-wise, but different models come with different settings as well. Some allow you to adjust the sensitivity according to the pool size, while others can be disabled with a push of a button. Some provide automatic shut down when not in the water, while others will return to their selected settings as soon as there’s no water activity for some time. So, to make sure you’ve picked an alarm that caters to your needs, also keep in mind their functions.
Make a list with all the features you want your alarm to have, and stick to it when searching for it. By doing so you’ll be sure you never missed a feature, and you’ll make a worth-while investment, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Best Overall
: Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
Packing a variety of intelligent settings and features, Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System is out top-choice. It features a Bluetooth-connected app which is available on both Android and iOS, which enables you to in-depth personalize your alarm settings according to your needs. It can also be used with a cover, alerting you when it is removed, and it can be used with a variety of pool types and sizes.
Editor’s Choice
: Techko S187D
Another high-quality choice you should keep in mind, Techko S187D is perfect if you want to secure the door that leads to your pool area, or the pool gate. It comes with magnetic sensors that will get activated whenever the door is opened. You can customize the alarm, as it allows you to choose how low you wish it to be, while it’s water and weather-resistant casing ensures it won’t be damaged by rain.
Best Swimming Pool Alarm for In-ground Pools
: Poolguard PGRM-2
Perfect for any type of in-ground pool, Poolguard PGRM-2 ensures you’ll always be alerted when someone enters the water. It features a new sensing technology that can differentiate between objects and people, resulting in less false alarms, while its compact size won’t be a bother on your pool deck. Even more, the remote receiver it comes with ensures you’ll be able to hear the alarm even in your house, as well as providing you with remote control over the alarm.
Best Swimming Pool Alarm for Above-ground Pools
: Pool Patrol PA-30
Pool Patrol PA-30 can be used with several types of pools, including above-ground ones, as it requires no drillings. Compact and lightweight, it will float on the water surface, alerting you whenever something or someone has fallen into, thanks to its wave-sensing technology. It too comes with a home-placed remote receiver, which will propagate the siren through your house, as well, so you’ll be able to hear it.
Best Swimming Pool Alarm for Small-sized Pools
: Poolguard PGRM-SB
If your pool is small to medium, Poolguard PGRM-SB can help you keep it secure. With no hardware installation required to set it up, it will float on the water, alerting you when kids or pets that weigh more than 18 pounds will land in the water. It features a loud 85 decibels alarm, ensuring you’ll be able to hear it, through the remote receiver, inside your house, as well, to prevent accidents from happening.
Best Swimming Pool Alarm for Underwater Detection
: PoolEye Above Ground Alarm
Featuring a hassle-free installation, PoolEye Above Ground Alarm is ideal if you own an above-ground pool and you don’t want to sacrifice surface space for an alarm. It comes with an underwater installation, which ensures it will detect if anything falls into the water, while its rust and corrosion-resistant materials will give it a longer lifespan.
6 Comments
Can the Poolguard PGRM-2 alarm be disconnected when someone is actually using the pool?
If you are thinking about disconnecting the alarm, you just need to remove it and set off to the side, because it is active only when the end of it is submerged in water.
I am planning to buy a Pool Patrol PA-30 model. Can you please tell me if this device can be removed each night and placed back in every morning in order to avoid false alarms during the middle of the night?
Yes, you can. It can easily be removed and placed back again.
I am thinking about purchasing a Techko S187D pool alarm. I was wondering how long does the alarm sounds after it was triggered?
The alarm always sounds 30 seconds if the reset it not depressed.