Having a home pool is awesome – it’s our own personal paradise where we can relax and recharge. On the flip side, owning a pool also requires a degree of responsibility, especially if you have small children.
Unsecured swimming pools can present a serious hazard because kids and pets can easily fall into the water without us noticing. A great way to make sure this doesn’t happen is getting the best swimming pool alarms.
To help you find the perfect solution and make your pool safe, our pool alarm reviews feature the best pool alarms in all the different categories. On top of this, remember to check out the buying guide below if you want to learn more about alarms and how to set them up properly.
OUR TOP PICK
Lifebuoy Motion Sensor
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Floating sensor is highly sensitive to small objects
- Automatic reactivation after 10 minutes
- Lifebuoy smartphone app for adjusting the sensor
- Works under a pool cover and alerts when the cover is removed
- Really easy to install
Placement: Floating
Sensor: Motion
Loudness: 85dB (at 10 feet)
EDITORS CHOICE
PoolGuard PGRM-2 In-Ground
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Tamper-proof design prevents deactivation by a child
- Alarm sounds if the device is removed from the pool
- Automatically turns on when placed in a pool
- In-house receiver has a 200-foot range
Placement: In-ground (pool deck)
Sensor: Motion
Loudness: 85dB (at 10 feet)
Power supply: 9V battery (floating unit), 12V battery (main unit)
Range: 200 feet
BEST VALUE
Techko S187D Safe
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Meets Child Pool Safety Law requirements
- Comes with an extra set of sensors and a bypass button
- ‘Always On’ feature keeps it active at all times
- Six-tone alarm with an extra-strong 120dB output
- Easy to use
Placement: Gate
Sensor: Magnetic
Loudness: 110 to 120dB
BEST VALUE
Toeeson 120dB Magnet
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Four units included in the package
- Can be heard from up to 750 feet away
- Slim design fits pretty much anywhere
- Audible low battery indicator installed
- Battery powered
Placement: Gate
Sensor: Magnetic
Loudness: 120dB
Power supply: 3 x LR44 batteries
Pool Patrol PA-30
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Works well in all types of swimming pools (in and above ground)
- Remote receiver with a 200-foot range
- Alarm sounds on both the sensor and the remote receiver
- Adjustable sensitivity for larger and smaller objects
- Battery powered
Placement: Floating
Sensor: Motion
Power supply: 9V battery
Range: 200 feet
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- 7-second delayed activation (after the door is closed)
- Wireless transmission to the receiver unit
- Adults can pass through without activating the alarm
- A single battery gives a 1-year lifespan
Placement: Gate
Sensor: Magnetic
Loudness: 85dB
Power supply: 9V battery
EverNary Wireless Magnetic
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Loudest alarm on our list at 130db
- Activates at only 0.6 inches of distance
- Compact remote control with a 50-foot range
- Intermittent alert reminds you to close the gate
- Really easy to install
Placement: Gate
Sensor: Magnetic
Loudness: 130dB
Power supply: 2 x AAA batteries
Safety Turtle Child Immersion
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Cute turtle wristband appeals to kids
- Two wristbands come in the package
- Bracelet has a 200ft range (from the central unit)
- Best pool alarm for both fresh and salt water
Placement: Wrist
Sensor: Pressure
Range: 200 feet
iSmartAlarm Contact Sensor Wireless
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Two iSmart sensors included in the purchase
- Devices are easily movable from one place to another
- iSmartAlarm smartphone app notifies you immediately
- Compatible with iSmartAlarm CubeOne system
Placement: Gate alarm
Sensor: Magnetic
Power supply: 2 x CR2 battery
Blue Wave NA4212 Poolwatch
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Easily detects all objects over 18 pounds
- Fully certified to ASTM F2208 safety requirements
- Wall receiver runs on either batteries or a charger
- No false alarms from rain, wind, or leaves
Placement: In-ground (pool deck)
Sensor: Motion
Power supply: 6 x D batteries (sensor), 9V battery or 110V A/C (receiver)
Range: 100 feet
How To Choose A Pool Alarm – Buying Guide
Types of Pool Alarms
As we mentioned at the beginning, several different types of pool alarms exist. They are not mutually exclusive, and having a few different types in a single device (Pool Guard, iSmart, and Safety Turle for example) can significantly improve pool safety.
Surface wave detection alarm: Usually mounted on the pool deck (in-ground), this alarm has a motion sensor that reacts to waves in the pool.
Sub-surface detection alarm: Instead of wave (motion) sensors, these devices use pressure sensors. They are submerged underwater and react to changes in water pressure.
Immersion alarm (wristband): This two-piece pool alarm is fantastic for kids around any body of water, not just the pool. A child wears a wristband which, when submerged, sends a signal to the main unit and sounds the alarm.
Gate (door) alarm: A gate alarm resembles a traditional alarm. If you have a fenced pool with a door, this alarm will sound when someone opens the door.
Features
Besides the standard on/off function, your new alarm can be equipped with many other useful features. Instead of a button, some models come with smart activation/deactivation that requires that you input a code or a magnet key to deactivate the device.
On top of this, many newer models are sold with remote control for activating, deactivating, and changing settings. Some models even come with a smartphone app for even easier use. Finally, some of the best pool alarms have automatic reactivation after detecting there is no motion in the pool for some time (usually 5-10 minutes).
Placement Options
For the pool alarm to do its job properly, you have to pick the right spot to place it. The ’right spot’ depends on the type of pool alarm you choose. For example, if you choose a floating (buoy) alarm, it’s optimal that it floats at the center of the pool so it can detect splashes from all sides.
However, if you have a pool alarm that mounts on the poolside, it should be mounted near the entry point of the swimming pool. Because the sensors often have a limited reach, it’s even better to put two alarms on opposite ends of the pool.
FAQs
Q: What Is A Pool Alarm System?
A pool alarm system is a warning device that is activated when something gets in the water (or in the pool area). When it detects a breach, it sounds a loud signal notifying you that something went in the pool. Whether it’s a child or a small animal, the best pool alarms help you react quickly and get them out.
Q: How Do Pool Alarms Work?
Most pool alarms are designed to detect motion in and around the water surface. They have special sensors that pick up movement and activate the sound alert. However, not all pool alarms use this system. Like we’ve explained in the guide, other sensors (pressure, magnet) can also be used to activate the alarm.
Q: What Are The Laws Regarding Pool Alarms?
The laws differ from state to state. Because of this, we suggest you look into your local regulations or talk to a local official to find out more regarding pool laws. Most places require some form of protection, but whether or not an alarm is mandatory needs to be checked.
Q: Do Pool Alarms Really Work?
Yes, they do. However, the performance varies significantly from one product to the next. Be sure to do your research and find a model that will be suitable for your swimming pool (in terms of range and sensitivity). Since it’s a safety device, it’s always worth investing in the best pool alarms if that means you’ll be worry-free.
Q: How Do I Install A Pool Door Alarm?
A pool door alarm consists of two parts, each on its own bracket. The main part should be attached to the door frame, while the other (smaller) part should be attached to the door itself. You can do this by either gluing them or securing them with screws.
Globo Surf Overview
An alarm is one of the staples of pool safety – it can literally save someone’s life. If you have small kids or pets running around, you shouldn’t think twice about getting the best pool alarm. Even though they seem a bit expensive, the peace of mind they give you is absolutely worth it.