Backyard Safety: Pool Alarm Systems

But, Have You Considered A Pool Alarm?

Summer is right around the corner and that means backyard pools will be opening for the kids to swim! Before opening the pool this season, consider installing a pool alarm somewhere in your backyard or pool area! Pool alarms are a great way to help prevent accidents before they happen. They are very important in securing the safety of your home pool. Whether you are protecting pets, elderly, or children from falling in the pool, pool alarms are an excellent idea.

In addition to adding an extra layer of protection for your loved ones, pool alarms can also notify you if someone enters your pool without you knowing- keeping unwanted intruders out of your pool! There are many laws and regulations that your HOA may already require. If they don’t, keep these tips in mind regarding what alarm may best suit your needs and consider adding an alarm to your pool area!

How Does A Pool Alarm Work?

The most common/cheapest pool alarm in stores are the ones that can be connected to a door or window. These alarms simply attach to a door frame or a nearby window frame and commonly run on batteries. If the door to the pool opens, an alarm goes off and alerts you that someone’s exiting the pool area. This option is great for young children who may be opening and closing doors and allows you to know as soon as the door is opened.

These removable, localized type of alarms can also be installed on a pool gate if the pool area is gated. They can also include a code that must be entered before the gate can be unlocked. It can also function much like the door alarm, sounding whenever the gate is opened, but on a gate instead. This is a great option for a gated area, if you have a gated pool, as it will not sound every time someone exits into the backyard. If your pool isn’t gated and you don’t want an alarm sounding each time the door opens, there are new developments in pool alarms that allow for some to be directly in and on the pool.

What About A Surface Pool Alarm?

Surface pool alarms are great if you have small children or pets. They will sound when there is some disturbance on the surface of the water. This would include an alarm if someone falls into the pool, generating waves. Some surface alarms allow for the adjustment of sensitivity, so the alarm won’t sound if it’s raining or windy outside!

If you are looking for something even more sensitive, there are now pool alarms that submerge into the water and go below the surface of the pool. These alarms sense movement in the water that may suggest a disturbance. They can be a good option if you are searching for a pool alarm that is permanent and cannot be removed or destroyed as easily as a door alarm or surface alarm could be. Since surface alarms can be removed from the pool by children, a submerged pool alarm eliminated that possibility.

The Wristband Pool Alarm Option

These options are permanent and need to be installed. They are more expensive than the previous two types discussed, but they are currently the most advanced option. If you are looking for an inexpensive yet more personalized alarm, there are some alarm systems that are worn as wristbands, that can work great for kids and adults. This is a great option for hyperactive individuals who may need to be notified when they are generating a lot of waves. However, they are not a great option for an experienced swimmer or young children. These wristband options work on adjusting sensitivity and may not be great if your young one loves to splash around!

What Are Some Other Options?

There are also options on how the alarm is received and transmitted to you. Many pool alarms, including the door and window alarms, emit a localized alarm sound at the site of the alarm. While many surface and below-surface pool alarms have remote access. Meaning you can be away from the pool and still be notified when the alarm is set off! This is also an option on certain wristband alarms. This option may not be as important if your children are young and always with you. But if you have elderly living at home that are at risk of falling into the pool, children who are old enough to be alone by themselves, or pets in your home, having a remote while you are not right by the pool is a great and safe option.

While there are many choices, there are some that may not be feasible to your family needs. But, pool alarms are a great way to enforce safety in your home. After all, we have alarms on our houses, why not around the pool area. Most alarms can be shut off, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary warnings if you have a pool party or guests who may be entering and exiting the house frequently.

Many accidents in backyard pool areas can be prevented before they happen and avoided entirely. With many low-cost options and laws requiring pool alarms, a pool alarm is an investment that can have a huge pay-off!

This Article Was Written By Certified Swimming Instructor Isabella Hinojosa From MGR Swim Sports in San Antonio, TX