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The 11 Best Pool Alarms

Best-Pool-Alarms

Whether you have in above-ground pool or an in-ground pool at home, kitting it out with a proper pool alarm is vital.

If someone who can’t swim – a toddler or a pet, for instance – falls into the pool, the sensor will trigger a siren so you can save them from drowning. The best pool alarm can literally be a life saver.

Now, as with all pool equipment, you’ll soon find that you’re overwhelmed with options when you’re looking for swimming pool alarms. Today, we’ll be giving you a snapshot of all the strongest models in this space. We’ll highlight where they stand and fall so you can make the best-informed decision for your needs.

Now, while this is a reasonably straightforward buying decision compared to some pool equipment, you’ll still benefit from paying attention to a few key pointers:

  • Type of pool alarm: There are 3 main types of pool alarm. A standard pool entry alarm features underwater sensors mounted on your pool walls and surface sensor alarms floating on the surface of the pool water. If anyone or anything enters the pool, this movement triggers an alarm. With gate alarms, you’ll mount a magnetic sensor to any gates or doors giving onto your swimming pool. When the gate is opens, an alarm is triggered. You can also find user entry alarms. These are wearable alarms ideal for children. If the band the child is wearing gets wet, an alarm will sound. The alarm will detect any type of water, not just pool water.
  • Ease of use: The best pool alarm is useless if it’s not easy to operate. You should check plenty of user reviews to check there is no issue with false alarms caused by excessive sensitivity. We draw your attention to any shortcomings in this area in our reviews.
  • Volume: All that counts here is being able to hear the alarm from the distance that you need. Noise ratings are expressed in decibels, and most of the best pool alarms tend to have sirens rated at 85 decibels.
  • Range: The receiver for pool alarms will only work within a given distance. You’ll need to think about the distance between your house and the swimming pool to ensure you have no issues in this regard
  • Smart functionality: Some of the pool alarms on our shortlist come with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to take control using an app on your smartphone. Only you know if you would appreciate this type of remote control, or whether you would find it an extra layer of confusion
  • Type of pool: Make sure that the alarms on your shortlist are suitable for your swimming pool. Some only work with above-ground pools, while others are designed for in-ground pools. You’ll find some with size restrictions, too. As with all elements of your buying decision, check closely for compatibility before committing to purchase

OK, with that framework in place, you should be perfectly positioned to explore the best pool alarms out there. See what you think of the top 11  pool alarms at a range of different price points and styles.


The 11 Best Pool Alarms

1. iSmartAlarm

iSmartAlarm-Contact-Sensor-(2pk)

Features

  • Door and window sensor
  • 2 pounds
  • 3 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches

First up and our overall favorite pool alarm is the iSmartAlarm giving you wireless convenience and the confidence of keeping your swimming pool area protected.

Now, this is a sensor that you attach to any gates, doors, or screens giving onto your swimming pool. You get a pair of these sensors in each pack, so buy according to how many area you need to alarm. In the event of any of these doors or windows being opened, you’ll receive an instant notification on your smart phone.

Before proceeding, you need an iSmartAlarm Hub for this system. Make sure you budget for this in advance. The other noteworthy point is that the alarm is only designed for use in the United States and Canada. If you live elsewhere in the world, explore some of the alternative alarms on our shortlist.

Using the intuitive app on your smartphone, you can arm and disarm your alarm system, as well as monitoring the system.

iSmartAlarm plays nicely with both Alexa and IFTTT (If This, Then That), so you’ll enjoy full connectivity using your preferred platform.

Despite all this smart functionality, you won’t be locked into any contracts, and there are no monthly fees to pay either.

Due to the wireless nature of this set-up, you can quickly and easily move the sensors if required.

As long as you don’t mind digging a little deeper for the hub, this is one of the best pool alarms you can find.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Wireless convenience
  • Instant notifications
  • No monthly fees
  • Requires iSmartAlarm Hub

2. Pool Patrol Pool Alarm

Pool-Patrol-PA-30-Pool-Alarm

Features

  • In-house remote receiver
  • 1 pound
  • 10 x 6.5 x 10 inches

Next up comes a traditional pool alarm from Pool Patrol featuring an in-house receiver and the ability to use several alarms if you have a larger pool at home.

Unlike some more complicated systems, this compact gem is straightforward to install, so you’ll be up and fully protected right out the box. You won’t cause any damage to your pool during installation either.

The manufacturer states that this device should be considered as additional pool security rather than a guaranteed life-saving device. You should still take all reasonable precautions from proper supervision and gates through to locks and pool covers.

The transmitter floats in the pool on the surface of the water.

We found a handful of complaints from users concerning the sensitivity of this unit. If you’re likely to be bothered by a few false triggers, we would suggest shopping some of the other pool alarms on our shortlist. If you’re prepared to accept those false positives so you can remain confident no kids or pets will take a tumble into the pool without you hearing about it.

If anything breaches the pool, you’ll be alerted via the receiver that you install inside your home.

To keep your swimming pool fully secure this year, we can’t recommend this pool alarm highly enough.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Floats on pool surface
  • Easy to install
  • User-friendly
  • Highly sensitive

3. Wsdcam Wireless Door Alarm

Wsdcam-Wireless-Door-Alarm-with-Remote-2-Pack,-Battery-Included,-105-dB-Loud-Pool-Door-Alarm

Features

  • Door and window sensor
  • 64oz
  • 35 x 1.57 x 0.6 inches

Wsdcam serves up an effective swimming pool alarm that’s not only keenly priced, but also currently available at an aggressive discount. Act quickly and protect your swimming pool year-round.

You get a pair of remote controls. This allows you to control more than one alarm if you have a larger pool or outside space to secure.

One of the key selling points here is the fact you don’t need to carry out any wiring. Installation couldn’t be easier, with a kit provided to stick these sensors to the windows you want securing.

If the sensors are breached by kids or anyone else trying to access the pool, a piercing siren sounds, more than loud enough to alert you to the intruder.

While most user reviews for this pool alarm sing its praises, we found multiple complaints about the poor quality of the instructions provided. If you are not too proficient at DIY and you have never used door and window sensors before, this could be off-putting.

You need batteries for both the remote and the alarm. Fortunately, these come provided, so you can get going right out the box, ramping up security poolside without needing to spend a fortune.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Loud siren rated at 105 decibels
  • Straightforward installation
  • Easy to use
  • Poor quality instructions

4. GE Personal Security Door and Window Alarm

GE-Personal-Security-Window-and-Door-Alarm,-12-Pack,-DIY-Home-Protection,-Burglar-Alert,-Magnetic-Sensor

Features

  • Door and window sensor
  • 2oz
  • 4 x 4.8 x 3.8 inches

If you are looking to secure the area surrounding your home swimming pool, door and window sensors allow you to receive an alert if anyone opens the windows and doors giving onto that pool.

Global giant GE offers a value-loaded pack of 12 sensors. Even better, these things are priced very reasonably. Pool maintenance and upkeep is expensive enough, so every little extra counts.

Like all the best pool alarms, this set doesn’t require any wiring at all. Installing the sensors is as easy as sticking them to the windows or doors in question. This is where one of the problems with these sensors lies, though. A handful of disgruntled customers report the adhesive being too weak to keep the sensors in place over the long haul.

Everything you need for installation is included, though, and you won’t need to bother about any third-party mounting hardware either.

Choose from several settings with the option of either a chime or alarm to alert you if the door or window onto your swimming pool is opened.

Ideal for a variety of applications beyond keeping your above-ground swimming pool safe, these GE sensors let you remain in full control of your property without needing an expensive smart security system. And let’s face it, if you can stop someone from taking an unintended tumble into your pool, it will be money well spent.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Bumper pack of 12 sensors
  • Low-battery indicator
  • No wiring required
  • Adhesive could be stronger

5. Poolground In-Ground Pool Alarm

Poolguard-PGRM-2-In-Ground-Pool-Alarm

Features

  • In-ground pool alarm
  • 5 pounds
  • 5 x 4 x 12.75 inches

Next in line is an alarm designed exclusively for use in your in-ground swimming pool. For above-ground pools, explore some of the other options on our shortlist.

This alarm is designed to protect pools up to 800 square feet (20 x 40 feet).

Once you drop this alarm into your swimming pool, it’s always on, and can never be accidentally activated.

The siren on this alarm is loud, rated at 85 decibels. You’ll get this level of volume at a distance of 10 feet from the pool.

The alarm will detect pool intrusions roughly the size of a small toddler.

When you want to use your swimming pool, just hit sleep mode so you’ll avoid any false triggers.

As with many of the alarms in this vertical, you’ll need to make provision for a 9-volt battery. This is required but not included in the package.

Backed by a 3-year limited guarantee, you can buy with complete confidence. Tested and compliant with ASTM standards, this is one of the best pool alarms you can find.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • 85 decibels at 10 feet
  • Range to 200 feet
  • Always-on and tamper-proof
  • 9-volt battery not included

6. Lifebuoy Pool Alarm System

Lifebuoy-Pool-Alarm-System-Pool-Motion-Sensor-with-Advanced-Algorithm

Features

  • Smart pool alarm
  • 3 pounds
  • 6 x 6 x 5 inches

Lifebuoy’s pool alarm is another one boasting smart functionality and app-based control, so if you want a tech-driven approach to pool security, this is a wise bet.

You’ll protect your pool area with multiple sensors that will be triggered if pets or children take a tumble into the pool.

When you’re using the pool, hitting Swim Mode will ensure the siren isn’t activated every time someone enters the water. As an added security precaution, even if you don’t activate the alarm after leaving the pool for the day, it will reactivate automatically after 10 minutes.

You should note that this is not a WiFi-enabled unit. Instead, you connect using Bluetooth, and you take control of the app using a crisp and intuitive app. You can make adjustments and take care of all basic controls in-app from your smartphone, giving you enormous flexibility and the ability to continuously monitor your swimming pool if you have young kids in the house.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Take control in-app
  • Alert when cover removed
  • Powerful siren
  • Not WiFi-enabled

7. Poolguard Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm

Poolguard-GAPT-2-Outdoor-Pool-Gate-Alarm,White

Features

  • Pool gate alarm
  • 32oz
  • 5 x 2.75 x 1.5 inches

Poolguard delivers a neat solution if you want to alarm any gates, doors, or screen that give onto your home swimming pool. This is crucial if you have toddlers or pets liable to wander out poolside.

You get no bells or whistles here, and you’ll benefit from a very keen price if you invest in this utilitarian alarm.

As with most of the best alarms in this class, if the gate or door is opened, a sharp alarm will sound, noisy enough to be rated at 85 decibels from a distance of 10 feet. There’s no chance you won’t hear this thing.

The alarm remains always-on, so you won’t have any niggling concerns about system weaknesses.

You’ll need to pick up a 9-volt battery for this unit. You can expect about a year of normal use from the cell.

The wire you need for connecting this alarm is included, along with a sensor magnet and switch, so you should be up and running right out the box.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Ideal for gates, screens, and doors
  • Adult pass-through feature
  • 1 year battery life
  • Battery not included

8. Poolguard Safety Buoy Pool Alarm

Poolguard-PGRMSB-Safety-Buoy-Above-Ground-Pool-or-Spa-Alarm

Features

  • Above-ground pool alarm
  • 5 pounds
  • 15 x 8 x 8 inches

If you have an above-ground pool at home and you’re looking for an effective pool alarm, the ever-reliable Poolguard delivers an impressive model here.

The first thing to note is the design. This is a floating pool alarm shaped like a traffic cone. You might not like the idea of this cluttering up your pool, or you may find it striking and likeable. Design is always subjective, so go with what works for you.

Assuming you’re a fan of the appearance, how does this alarm perform?

There’s a silent installation and removal feature you can activate by using the red safety key provided. If this is not used, you’ll hear an alarm if the unit is removed from your pool.

Designed for above-ground pools to 30 feet across, up to a maximum of 18 x 36 feet, this appliance has been tested and certified to all relevant pool safety standards.

You get an in-house remote receiver included here with a range of up to 200 feet. This should be sufficient for most reasonable purposes.

Refined sensing technology onboard minimizes false alarms without denting your confidence of being alerted in the event of a legitimate security breach.

A neat low battery indicator completes a winning package from an industry heavyweight that will keep your pool protected year-round.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Safety key
  • Low battery indicator
  • Silent installation and removal
  • Design polarizes opinion

9. Blue Wave Pool Watch Pool System

Blue-Wave-NA4212-Poolwatch-Pool-Alarm-System

Features

  • For all pools
  • 3 pounds
  • 11 x 10 x 11 inches

Blue Wave’s Pool Watch System features an electronic sensor that triggers a piercing alarm if any objects weighing 18 pounds or more make their way into your pool.

Certified to ATSM standards as you would expect from all the best pool alarms, you can buy with a clear conscience.

The remote receiver has a range of 100 feet. This is not the most generous on our shortlist, so if you have a larger property and yard, you might want to rethink.

You can install this sensor onto your pool decking or rail very quickly and easily. The only thing you’ll need that’s not included is a 9-volt battery.

Covered by a 1-year limited warranty, you’re getting an efficient pool alarm at a very keen price point, and you’re also buying into a highly reputable brand.

Although the majority of user feedback relating to this pool alarm is positive, we encountered some blowback concerning accuracy and reliability. This underscores the advice above: a pool alarm should not be considered as a substitute for proper pool safety and supervision. Instead, it should be an extra layer of security.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Wireless 100-foot range
  • Triggered by objects of 18+ pounds
  • Efficient sensor
  • Not always reliable

10. Pool Eye Pool Alarm

PoolEye-PE14-Pool-Alarm,-Small,-Grey

Features

  • Immersion pool alarm
  • 1 pound
  • 5 x 3 x 13 inches

As we edge to the end of our best pool alarm reviews, Pool Eye enters the fray with this understated but effective model.

Super-simple to install, you get all the hardware you need bundled. As with all pool alarms, all you’ll need to take care of is a battery.

The sensor of this unit is highly sensitive – some users feel too sensitive – but the result is that your pool will be protected at all times. If a toddler or pet falls in, you’ll be alerted immediately by a loud, shrill siren sounding.

The sensor will trigger the siren with very light intrusions of as little as 15 pounds. This makes it a class-leading pool alarm in this respect.

The cage of this unit floats under the water. This protects it from rain on the surface of your pool water, one of the leading causes of false alarms. If anything or anyone falls into the water, the rudder switch moving under the water is moved and the alarm sounds.

If you’re prepared to deal with the flagged issues concerning over-sensitivity, this is one of the best pool alarms out there from a highly reputable brand. Let us know what you think if you treat yourself to the Pool Eye this swimming season.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Pool intrusion technology
  • Triggers objects of 15+ pounds
  • Totally reliable
  • Over-sensitive

11. Pool Eye Immersion In-Ground Pool Alarm

PoolEye-Immersion-Battery-Powered-Alarm-for-Inground

Features

  • For in-ground pools 18 x 36 feet
  • 1 pound
  • 3 x 3 x 24 inches

Last up in our hunt for the best swimming pool alarms comes a pocket-friendly but highly effective solution from Pool Eye.

Firstly, this is a very specific type of alarm designed for in-ground pools measuring 18 x 36 feet. If this doesn’t make the right fit, there are plenty of other options on our shortlist.

This is a simple but efficient water motion sensor featuring sub-surface wave protection, so you should get very few false alarms, something that blights many cheaper pool alarms.

There is an adjustable sensitivity switch so you can tailor protection precisely to your needs.

Setting this alarm up couldn’t be easier. You’ll need no tools and no tech skills either. All required hardware is bundled, and all you need to do is sort out some batteries.

If any people or objects tumble into the pool, the device itself gives off a piercing siren rated at 85 decibels. You’ll have no problem at all hearing this from a distance.

If you have an in-ground pool sized as outlined above, this is one of the best pool alarms you can find from a highly reputable brand.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Straightforward installation
  • Highly precise
  • Consistent and reliable
  • Narrow compatibility

Conclusion

If you pitched up here today at Wild River Country unsure about how to find the best pool alarms in a crowded market, that uncertainty should be cleared up now.

By opting for any of the pool alarms reviewed above, you can proceed with a clear understanding of their benefits as well as any drawbacks. You should find it simple to compare these alarms and find which, if any, make the smoothest fit for your home swimming pool.

Choosing a pool alarm isn’t the most complex buying decision, but we hope you find the simple pointers above come in handy when you’re on the buying trail. These hints should come in handy if you come across a pool alarm we didn’t review. Bear this guidance in mind and you should have no problem determining if the alarm makes a good fit.

Before you head off today, bookmark our blog and pop back soon. We bring you fresh content and informational guides on all elements of home swimming pools so you can buy the best pool equipment with total confidence.

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