To find the best pool alarms, we evaluated products on their sensitivity, battery life, alarm level, ease of installation, and more. Our top pick is the Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm, which can be used in any style pool or spa and detects when any object over 15 pounds enters the water. Here are the best pool alarms on the market. This pool alarm is tested and approved to meet the requirements of ASTM Safety Specifications F2208-07 and F2208-08, and a single alarm works in pools up to 20 x 40 feet. It’s powered by a 9-volt battery that typically lasts a full season, and the alarm even has adjustable sensitivity to help reduce instances of false alarms. When the alarm is triggered, the 85-decibel siren sounds both at the in-pool unit and the receiver—it’s not the loudest option out there, but still easy to hear—and if you need to deactivate it, simply tilt the floating pool alarm 90 degrees. The unit makes a chirping noise to let you know when its battery is low, and you can even install multiple alarms in large pools, if needed. You can use this alarm inside or outside, as it’s powered by AAA batteries and can be mounted just about anywhere. Its two contact sensors are ideal for use on sliding doors that have a screen door, as it will only sound if both sensors are opened. The alarm is ETL listed and approved under UL 2017 standards, and its sleek design doesn’t look cumbersome when mounted in your doorway. This pool alarm system can be controlled via the brand’s app, allowing you to adjust the alarm’s sensitivity, as well as how long the siren sounds. You can also use the app to turn off the alarm when it goes off, as well as put it on Swim mode when you’re planning to use the pool (this prevents it from sounding when you purposefully enter the water). However, because the unit relies on Bluetooth, your phone has to be near the pool to connect to the alarm—it can’t be used remotely. This above-ground pool alarm has a unique design that senses subsurface waves, which helps reduce instances of false alarms caused by rain and other inclement weather. Plus, you can adjust its sensitivity to suit your needs. However, this pool alarm is not ASTM compliant, so while it may work well to provide peace of mind, it may not be sufficient to pass an inspection from your town or for insurance purposes. This alarm is tamper-proof, meaning if someone removes it from the water without disabling it, the alarm goes off. It can be used under a solar cover, and when you want to swim in your pool, you can simply put the alarm in sleep mode by removing it from the water. Once it’s put back into the pool, the alarm automatically turns back on. The only thing to keep in mind is that the alarm detects objects 18 pounds and over, so it may not sense smaller objects. When its sensor is triggered, this gate-entry alarm sounds a siren both in the house and at the gate. The indoor receiver has three different volume levels, as well as a silent mode, and there’s a delay button on the gate-mounted unit that lets you pass through without triggering the alarm. The only downside of this gate alarm is that it’s designed to be mounted to your gate with adhesive, which isn’t the most durable when exposed to inclement weather. This simple alarm is powered by a 9-volt battery, which typically lasts for around a year. It has a low battery indicator that will let you know when it needs to be changed, and the brand offers an optional screen door kit that can be added onto the system—this allows you to open the inner door on nice days, and the alarm will only sound if the screen door is also opened. While simple and effective, this door alarm is fairly bulky, and some users don’t like that there’s no way to temporarily disable the alarm if you’re going to pass through multiple times. These alarms are incredibly easy to install using double-sided adhesive, but they may not work on all window and door frames. The units can be set to alarm or chime settings, and there’s also an option to switch them off when needed. Each alarm is powered by an LR44 battery (included), and there’s a low battery indicator light on the front of the unit that lets you know when it needs to be replaced. Another popular style of pool alarm is a gate entry model, which sounds if someone opens the gate, door, or even a window to access your pool area. These alarms typically feature a bypass button that adults can use to open the gate or door without triggering the siren. Finally, user-entry pool alarms are designed to monitor when specific people (or animals) enter the water. They require the user to wear a special sensor, and they’re the least common style of pool alarm, with only a few models available.
Range
Pool alarms have an in-home siren, which communicates with the outdoor component, or a poolside siren, which sounds outdoors. Some units offer both. If you opt for a model with an in-home alarm, consider the range of the receiver. Generally, you need to position the two components within several hundred feet of each other for proper communication. Elements such as brick walls may interfere with their signal.
Smart Features
Certain pool alarms include features that allow you to monitor their status and change settings from your smartphone. These units operate using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi—the former has a limited range, while the latter allows you to control the alarm from anywhere, even if you’re not home.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. While researching pool alarms, she consulted with David Cutler, co-founder of WAVE Drowning Detection Systems, for information on how these alarms work and the benefits of installing one in your pool area. While comparing different products, she considered factors such as their ease of installation and use, reliability, and special features. She prioritized options with loud sirens and reliable performance, selecting options with sensors that reduce the risk of false alarms.
