A backyard pool provides endless fun, but it also comes with a significant safety responsibility. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for young children, and a reliable pool alarm is a critical layer of protection. These devices act as a vigilant second set of eyes, alerting you the moment the water’s surface is disturbed or an access point is opened.
With various technologies available—from floating sensors and immersion alarms to wearable wristbands and gate alarms—selecting the right one depends on your pool type and specific safety concerns. This roundup highlights ten of the best pool alarms, each designed to give you greater peace of mind and help ensure your family and pets enjoy the water safely.
Our Recommended Pool Safety Alarms
- Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm
- ShockAlarm- Electric Shock Drowning Protection
- Safety Turtle Pet Immersion Pool Alarm Kit
- Poolguard DAPT-WT Pool Door Alarm
- PA-30 Pool Patrol Pool Alarm
- Safety Turtle Child Immersion Alarm Kit
- PoolEye Immersion Mountable Pool Alarm
- Blue Wave NA4212 Poolwatch Pool Alarm
- BCONE Pool Alarm by Lifebuoy
- Safety Turtle 2.0 Pool Alarm System
Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm
Designed for compliance and robust protection, the Techko S187D is a surface wave sensor alarm that meets key safety standards. It is compliant with the UL 2017 standard and many local child pool safety laws, making it a suitable choice for passing pool inspections. Its “always on” monitoring provides constant vigilance whenever the pool is not in supervised use.
The alarm features a high-output 110-115 dB siren with six distinct tones to ensure it cuts through background noise. For convenient pool access, it includes two bypass buttons that temporarily disable the alarm for ten seconds, with a blinking LED providing a clear visual indicator that the system is in bypass mode. This combination makes it both secure and user-friendly for daily use.
ShockAlarm- Electric Shock Drowning Protection
This device addresses a specific and often overlooked danger: electric shock drowning (ESD). The ShockAlarm is designed for use in pools, around docks, and on boats to monitor for stray voltage in the water, which can paralyze swimmers and lead to drowning. It provides a crucial layer of safety for any body of water that uses electrical equipment nearby.
Its operation is straightforward. The unit constantly monitors the water while submerged. A simple test can be performed by removing a red magnet and pointing the base towards a plugged-in cell phone charger, verifying the alarm is functional. This ease of testing helps ensure the device is always ready to provide its vital protective function.
Safety Turtle New 2.0 Pet Immersion Pool Alarm Kit
Keep your furry family members safe with this pet-specific water alarm system. The kit includes two wearable pet bands that trigger a loud base station alarm if they become submerged. This is an ideal solution for pet owners with pools, ponds, or other water features on their property.
The wearable technology means the protection moves with your pet. The base station plugs into a standard outlet inside your home, ensuring you can hear the alarm from a distance. This system offers direct protection for your pets, giving you an immediate alert if they accidentally fall into the water.
Poolguard DAPT-WT Immediate Pool Door Alarm
Prevent unauthorized access at the point of entry with this reliable door and gate alarm. The Poolguard DAPT-WT is a UL 2017 listed alarm that complies with barrier codes, making it an excellent choice for securing gates that lead directly to the pool area. It is battery-powered for easy installation without the need for wiring.
When the door or gate is opened, the alarm sounds immediately, providing a clear auditory deterrent and alert. Made in the USA, this simple yet effective device adds a critical barrier layer of security, helping to ensure children cannot access the pool area unnoticed.
PA-30 Pool Patrol Pool Alarm
The Pool Patrol PA-30 is a floating pool alarm known for its independently tested reliability. It meets the stringent ASTM F2208 safety specification, having been rigorously evaluated by two independent labs. This certification provides assurance of its effectiveness in detecting entry into the water.
Installation is remarkably simple with no drilling required. You place the battery in the floating unit, adjust the sensitivity to suit your pool environment, and set it in the water. It emits an 85+ dB alarm that can be heard from a distance and is capable of monitoring pools up to 20′ x 40′ in size.
Safety Turtle New 2.0 Child Immersion Alarm Kit
This system offers personalized protection for children with its wearable wristband design. The kit includes two wristbands that communicate with a central base station. If a wristband is submerged in water, it immediately sends a signal to trigger a loud alarm inside your home.
The wearable approach is particularly useful for families with young children or for situations where multiple water hazards exist. The protection stays with the child, whether they are near the pool, a spa, or another water source, providing focused safety monitoring.
PoolEye Immersion Mountable Pool Alarm
The PoolEye is an ASTM-certified immersion alarm that uses advanced water motion sensor technology. It is designed for stationary mounting on the pool deck or top rail, providing a fixed and consistent monitoring point. This alarm is certified for pools up to 16′ x 32′.
Installation requires drilling into a concrete deck or above-ground pool rail for a secure fit, and the necessary hardware is included. The system offers dual protection with both a poolside siren and a separate in-home siren, ensuring the alert is heard whether you are inside or outside.
Blue Wave NA4212 Poolwatch Pool Alarm
This NSF-certified floating alarm meets ASTM F2208 requirements for reliable performance. The Blue Wave Poolwatch uses an electronic sensor to detect entry into the pool by children, pets, or intruders, providing a broad layer of security for your swimming area.
A key feature is its wireless remote receiver, which sounds an alert inside your home when the pool unit is activated. With a range of up to 100 feet, this allows you to be notified promptly even when you are not near the poolside, adding significant convenience and effectiveness.
BCONE Pool Alarm by Lifebuoy
For smart home integration, the BCONE Pool Alarm offers modern connectivity. This ASTM F2208 certified device can connect to Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control and provides full system management through a smartphone app, allowing remote monitoring from anywhere.
It uses an advanced algorithm to help prevent false alerts while maintaining high sensitivity for real incidents. The system is versatile, working in any pool, spa, or garden pond, and is portable for travel. You can connect up to four pool units to a single home unit for large or multiple bodies of water.
Safety Turtle 2.0 Pool Alarm System
This system centers on the wearable Safety Turtle wristband technology, which provides protection that follows the child or pet. When the wearable device is submerged, it sends a signal to a base station, which then sounds a loud alarm to alert you of the potential danger.
This approach is particularly effective for guarding against accidental immersion in various water hazards, not just the primary pool. It offers a direct and personal safety solution, making it a strong choice for families seeking active monitoring for specific individuals.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Pool Alarm
Choosing the right safety gear for your pool can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to break it down. When I was looking for the best pool alarms for safety, I realized it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. You need to think about your specific setup, who uses the pool, and what kind of alert will actually get your attention.
First, consider the type of alarm. Surface wave sensors float on the water and go off when significant waves (like from a fall) disturb the surface. They’re generally affordable and easy to install. Subsurface or immersion alarms are placed under the waterline and detect changes in water pressure. I find these are less prone to false alarms from wind or rain. Then there are wearable alarms, usually worn on a child’s wrist, that sound if they get submerged. Gate alarms are another critical layer; they chime when the pool gate is opened unexpectedly. For the ultimate coverage, some people use a combination.
Next, think about the alarm features. Volume is non-negotiable. The alarm needs to be loud enough to hear from inside your house with the TV on. A distinct, piercing sound is best. Check the range of the receiver if it’s wireless. Battery life is a huge practical concern—nobody wants to be changing batteries every week. Look for models with low-battery alerts. Also, pay attention to the delay settings. A brief delay (like 5-10 seconds) can prevent false alarms from bouncing pool toys, but it shouldn’t be so long that it compromises safety.
Finally, installation and durability. How easy is it to set up? Some just float, others need mounting. If you have a saltwater pool or live in an area with intense sun, make sure the materials are corrosion-resistant and UV-protected. I always recommend looking for alarms that meet ASTM safety standards; it’s a good indicator of rigorous testing. Remember, an alarm is a crucial layer of protection, but it doesn’t replace constant adult supervision, a secure fence, and knowing CPR. Your goal is to build a safety net, and the right alarm is a key part of that system.
FAQ
Are pool alarms required by law?
Laws vary a lot by city, state, and country. Many places with strict pool barrier codes do require some form of alarm, whether it’s on the pool surface, the gate, or the house door leading to the pool. It’s your responsibility to check your local building codes or with your home insurance provider. Even if they aren’t legally required where you live, I consider them an essential safety device for any pool owner.
Can pool alarms give false alarms?
They can, but good ones are designed to minimize them. Wind, heavy rain, or even a large pool toy being thrown in can trigger a surface wave sensor. That’s why looking for an alarm with an adjustable sensitivity setting is a smart move. Subsurface alarms tend to have fewer false alarms from weather. The key is to install and calibrate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pool environment.
How do I stop my pool alarm from going off in the wind?
If you’re getting frequent wind-related false alarms, first try reducing the sensitivity setting if your model has one. For floating alarms, make sure they are placed in the center of the pool, away from walls or steps where wind can create turbulent eddies. If false alarms persist, you might want to look into switching to a subsurface alarm type, as they are generally less affected by surface wind action.
Do I still need a fence if I have a pool alarm?
Absolutely, yes. A pool alarm is a layer of protection, not a replacement for a physical barrier. A four-sided, self-closing, self-latching fence that isolates the pool from the house and yard is the single most effective safety feature you can have. The alarm acts as an important secondary alert, but the fence is your first and most crucial line of defense.
What’s the battery life like on wireless pool alarms?
It varies significantly by model and usage. Some can last a full season on a single set of batteries, while others might need replacing every few months. Many modern alarms feature long-life lithium batteries and will emit a clear low-battery warning chirp so you’re never caught unprotected. Always check the product specifications and user reviews to get a real-world idea of what to expect.
Are these alarms effective for pets as well as children?
Many are, but you need to check the specifications. The alarm must be sensitive enough to detect a smaller animal entering the water. Surface wave sensors might not trigger for a small pet, so a subsurface alarm or a wearable pet alarm might be a better choice. Always look for models that mention pet safety or have a very high sensitivity setting if protecting your furry friends is a priority.