The 9 Best Pool Alarms
Special Honors
Coral Manta 3000 Rather than alerting you if someone or something unexpectedly enters the pool, the Coral Manta 3000 takes things a step further and uses artificial intelligence to detect if a person appears to be drowning, as which point it sounds an alarm. It is best utilized in homes with children who are already proficient swimmers and may not require full supervision every second they are in the water. coraldrowningdetection.com
Editor's Notes
November 03, 2020:
Pool alarms are a smart and convenient way to add one more layer of safety to your pool. However, it should be noted that these are not failproof devices nor are they a replacement for responsible adult supervision of a child any time they might potentially be near or have access to a pool. Ideally, they should be used in conjunction with other safeguards, such as barriers and latched gates.
We have included three types of alarms on this list. The first detects disruptions in the water. In the case of the Lifebuoy Motion System and Pool Patrol PA-30, these are disruptions to the surface, while in the case of the PoolEye Immersion PE23, Blue Wave NA4212, and Poolguard PGRM-2, these are sub-surface disturbances. The Lifebuoy Motion System and Pool Patrol PA-30 are going to be easier to set up, since they simply get tethered to a structure or the wall and float around the pool, while the PoolEye Immersion PE23, Blue Wave NA4212, and Poolguard PGRM-2 have a slightly more involved installation because they require drilling and mounting. Most will find the Lifebuoy Motion System and Pool Patrol PA-30 are slightly less prone to false alarms too, than the sub-surface models.
The next types is a wearable immersion detector. This category is represented on our list by the Safety Turtle 2.0. Unlike those that detect disturbances in the water, there is essentially no chance of false alarms with this option, however, it requires the child to be wearing it to be effective.
The final type, the Techko S189, SPQ Brands NA425, and Poolguard DAPT-2, are simply magnetic door sensors that alert adults if someone unexpectedly passes through an entryway. Of these, both the Techko S189 and SPQ Brands NA425 can be used outdoors, making them suitable for pool gates, whereas the Poolguard DAPT-2 isn't water resistant and should only be used on inside doors.
March 08, 2019:
We loved how portable the Safety Turtle 2.0 is, as many parents are lulled into a false sense of security when visiting public pools or those in hotels. It can be packed in a carry-on bag, and the straps are stylish enough that kids can easily be coaxed into wearing them. While the Poolguard PGRM-2 is a quality device, installing it takes a fair bit of know-how, so anyone looking for a plug-and-play option is better off going with something like the Lifebuoy Motion System. The latter can be controlled by an app as well, so you don't have to worry about coming home to furious neighbors if there's a false alarm while you're out and about. Regardless of which model you choose, don't rely on it exclusively, and remember that a safety cover, a sturdy fence, and your undivided attention are far more important. Also, you may want to consider multiple alarm systems, such as one on the entry gate and another in the pool itself, as you'll never know for sure which direction a child or pet might approach from.