1. Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System
Lightweight, and compact, Lifebuoy’s Pool Alarm System comes with an innovative way of maintaining safety. Thanks to the multiple sensors and micro-processor, it will scan the water and immediately alert you when an 18-pound child or pet has landed in the water. It provides a versatile utilization, as it can be used in any type of pool, spa, and even garden ponds.
Design
The alarm comes with 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 the alarm is triggered, you will hear it both inside and outside the house. The kit includes a rope that can be used to tie the floating unit in place, so it won’t wander around.
Complete Control
It comes with an app, which is compatible with all smartphones, allowing you total control over the alarm’s settings. You can adjust its sensitivity, ranging from 1 up to 8, so it won’t be falsely triggered off, or how long you want the alarm to sound, as you can select from 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute or 3 minutes. Additionally, it will let you know how strong the signal is, for both the alarm in the pool as well as the home-placed unit, as well as allowing you to choose the operation modes.
Smart Functions
- 10-minute rearming – If the swim mode has been activated, yet there is no activity in the water for 10 minutes, the alarm will rearm itself, returning to the previously selected settings.
- Cover sensor – Since it can be used with a cover, it will detect when the cover has been removed
- Alarm will start if taken out of pool
- Won’t turn on unless it is placed horizontally, in the pool
- The app can be installed on more than one phone at a time
- You can shut off the alarm 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 several smart functions, it comes with an app through which you can have total control over its settings. Even more, it can be used with several types of pools, as long as they measure less than 20’ x 40’, otherwise, you might need 2 units. The ringing tone is loud, so you’ll be able to hear it clearly, and it will let you know when the batteries require changing.
2. Smartpool PE23 PoolEye
It can be used with any in-ground pools that do not exceed 20’ x 40’ in diameter, and if the pool happens to be larger, it is advised to invest in a second unit, to cover the entire perimeter. The manual it comes with will provide you with 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. Make sure the sensor tube is submerged 2 ½”, otherwise, the alarm’s efficiency will lessen.
To provide you with increased convenience, it comes with a remote receiver which can be installed into your house effortlessly, as all it needs is a connection with a 115V socket. Therefore, you will hear the siren both inside and outside the house, as soon as a child, pet or object heavier than 15 pounds has fallen into the water. For the pool-placed alarm to work, it will require 2 new long 9V batteries, but they are not included so you’ll have to buy them separately.
It comes with 2 modes, to allow you hassle-free use, with an alarm-ready mode that is the default one 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. The alarm will rearm itself when there is no activity in the water for 5 minutes, so your kids can’t sneak into the pool. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty 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 features a hassle-free installation, which enables you to use it with several types of in-ground pools, as the manual will provide the optimum position depending on the pool’s shape. It comes with a remote receiver that can be placed inside the house, enabling the alarm to be heard inside and outside the house. It features a child-lock swimming mode, which ensures kids won’t be able to tamper with the alarm, while the alarm will rearm itself if there’s no water activity within 5minutes.
3. Techko S187D
Small, compact and lightweight, Techko S187D can be easily installed on any gate or door that leads to the pool area. It measures 4.8” by 1.6” by 1.8”, thus you won’t have any problem placing it higher than a child’s reach, and it is made for outdoor use, as well, so it comes with a water and weather-resistant feature.
As soon as the magnetic contact is perturbed, its 6-tone alarm will start ringing, alerting you of the door/gate opening. You can opt how loud you wish it to be, as you can select between 110 and 120 decibels. To stop it from ringing, you have to push the bypass button.
It takes its power from a 9V battery, which also comes with a sensor that will let you know when it’s time to change it. It comes with a versatile yet simple installation method, as it allows you to use double adhesive tape, or if you want it secured 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 and easy to use, it allows you to choose between 6 tones when setting the alarm as well as different sound intensity. It features a water and weather-resistant design, which allows you to set it up on any gate or door that leads to your pool.
4. Poolguard PGRM-2
Perfect for in-ground pools, Poolguard PGRM-2 features a sit-on-deck installation. It is compact, measuring 14 ½” by 12 ¾” by 3 ½”, so it won’t get in your way, and it comes with a remote receiver which allows you to control it from the comfort of your house, without the need of going near it, as it has a 200 feet range. The alarm will sound as loud as 85 decibels, so you’ll be able to hear it without any problems.
The remote receiver is powered by a 12V power supply, while the alarm requires one 9V battery – it is not included – in order to work properly. Once the battery is installed it will work for around 1 year. But you don’t have to worry about losing track of time, as it comes with an audible low-battery indicator, placed on both alarm and receiver, so you won’t miss it.
It features 2 modes: the alarm-ready one, which will activate by default once you set it up, and the silent mode which can be activated when you wish to use the pool. Additionally, it will also sound the alarm when removed from the pool, as well as when you install it the first time, as a sound test.
It features a new sensing technology which can differentiate between objects, resulting in less false alarms because of wind, toys or rain. It can detect intruders that are similar in dimension to a 1-year old child, and it can be used with any 16’ by 32’ pools, 20’ x 40’ pools or 800 square feet ones. Additionally, it can be used with a solar blanket, and it features a water and weather resistance.
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 easy-to-understand instructions that come with it, Poolguard PGRM-2 is easy to set up on your own. It can be used with several types of in-ground pools, and it comes with the ability to be remotely controlled. It comes with 2 modes, to ensure increased convenience during its use, and it can detect intruders that are similar in dimension to a 1-year old child.
5. Pool Patrol PA-30
It measures 6.5” in height and has a diameter of 10” and it features a sturdy, plastic design, which ensures it won’t rust nor corrode with time. It can be used with both in-ground and above-ground pools, as long as they are smaller than 20’ x 40’. In case your pool is larger than the mentioned area, you should consider placing 2 alarms on the water. You don’t have to worry about juggling 2 receivers, as there are 2 modes which can be accessed, assuring one receiver can be connected to more than 1 alarms.
Pool Patrol PA-30 provides convenient installation and hassle-free use, as it comes with ropes and hooks that ensure it can be safely attached to the edge of the pool, while its remote receiver will let you control it from a distance of around 200 feet. The receiver is powered by a 120V AC transformer, while the alarm requires a 9V alkaline battery – it is not included – to work properly.
Compact and lightweight, it will float on the water, and it will trigger as soon as a wave is created. For increased accuracy, however, the sensing ring can be adjusted so it will recognize 15-pounds kids and pets when they fall into the water. The alarm will sound with more than 85 decibels, so you’ll be able to hear it both inside and outside the house, and it comes with a limited 2-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
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
Easy to set up and use, this floating alarm will let you know as soon as waves are created into your pool. To prevent false alarms its sensitivity can be adjusted, so it will recognize kids and pets that weigh 15 pounds. Included in the pack is the entire mounting hardware, so you can set it up immediately, while its remote receiver ensures you can control it from a distance. Moreover, it also features a loud tone, as it will be heard both inside and outside your house.
6. Poolguard PGRM-SB
It measures 15” in diameter and 7” in height, and it can be used with any above-ground pool, spas, or small-sizes in-ground pools. NSF certified, it floats on the water surface and uses sub-surface detection technology to let you know when kids or pets weighing more than 18 pounds fall in the water.
It comes with a tamper-proof alert, which will let you know if the device has been removed from the pool, as well as a wake-up alert that will let you know it works as soon as you place it in water. Additionally, it comes with 2 working modes – a permanent alarm-ready which activated on default after you’ve placed in on the water, and a sleep mode which allows you to use the pool without triggering the alert.
For increased convenience, it also comes with a remote receiver, which gives you the ability to use it from the comfort of your house, as it features a 200-feet range. The alarm will sound with 85 decibels, and it will be heard both outsides and inside your house, so you’ll be able to easily hear it regardless of your location.
The receiver requires a 12V power supply, while the alarm is powered by a 9V battery. To keep you always in control of it, both alarm and receiver have a LED light which will let you know when the batteries need to be replaced, as well as a 10-second beep noise to grab your attention. It comes with all the accessories you might need to set it up, while its manual comes with explicit, easy-to-read instructions. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
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
Perfect for any above-ground pool, spa, or small-sized in-ground pool, it will float on the water and alert you whenever an object or person heavier than 18 pounds has disturbed the water surface. It comes with a remote receiver which allows you to use it from a distance, and it comes with 2 alarm modes for increased convenience.
7. Poolguard DAPT-2
Designed so you’ll immediately know when someone opens the door or gate that leads to the pool, Poolguard DAPT-2 will continue to sound the alarm even if the door/gate has been closed. Therefore, thanks to its adult pass-through feature, unless an adult comes and resets it, kids have no way of sneaking into the pool area.
However, you can freely use the door for its intended purposes, as the alarm won’t be triggered for the first 7 seconds, therefore providing you with plenty of time to pass the door and press the bypass button. Lightweight, 6.4 ounces, and compact, measuring 4.5” by 2.8” by 1.5”, you can mount it high enough to be out of reach for kids, as it comes with a simple installation process. While it doesn’t come with any remote receiver, its loud 85 decibels alarm can be heard both inside and outside the house.
It requires a 9V battery to function properly and can last it for around 1 year. You don’t have to worry about losing track of time as its low-battery indicator will let you know when it’s time to change it. You can either set it up with double adhesive tape or if you want a sturdier and secure fix, you can use the screws it comes with. Additionally, it features a limited 1- year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
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
Easy to use and set up, it allows you various ways to fix it to the wall, by either using tape or screws, for a more permanent option. Additionally, it comes with adult-pass-through features, which ensures that once you’ve passed through the door, 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 them separately.
It features a child-lock which ensures your kids won’t be able to tamper with it, and it will automatically reset to its previously selected settings after 3 minutes. Even more, it comes with 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 let you know when a person, object or pet heavier than 15 pounds has fallen into the water. Additionally, it comes with a loud alarm, 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
Specifications:
- Dimension: 11” x 10” x 11”
- Weight : 3 pounds
- Type : Sit-on-deck
- Power : 6 x alkaline D cell 1.5V batteries
- Sensors : 1 tube
- Detection : Pool entry
- Weather-resistant :
- Warranty : 1 year
- Sound Level : 100 dB
- Range : 100 feet
NSF certified to ASTM F2208, it will detect any child, pet or object that 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 you should consider acquiring a second device. 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 also comes with a remote receiver which will allow you to control and reset it from a distance. The receiver needs to be connected to a 110V A/C, or you can use it by installing a 9V battery. It also comes with a wireless range of 100 feet, and it will also ring when the pool alarm is triggered. The alarm works on 6 alkaline D cell 1.5V batteries, and it will let you know 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 setting off the alarm. Once installed onto the deck, make sure the water level remains between 3 ¼” to 2” on the sensor 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
Easy to install and set up, this alarm is loud enough for you to hear regardless of your location inside your house. It comes with a remote receiver which allows you to easily control 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 allows you to easily fix it into the pool’s deck with screws, set it up with a Velcro, or use a 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 6 D batteries to work, which can last up to 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.
Even more, it comes with a remote receiver, which can be installed in your house, up to 300 feet away from the alarm, ensuring the loud 100 dB tone will be heard inside the house, as well. 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 loud alarm and a remote receiver, the tone will be heard both inside and outside the house, so you’ll instantly know when someone or something has landed in your pool. 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.