By Jasmine Harding | Updated Dec 3, 2021 9:37 AM

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Pool alarms detect and notify nearby adults of unwanted entry into a pool or pool area. A reliable and simple-to-use pool alarm is a must-have for any home with a pool, but especially for those homes with children or pets. When used as part of a pool safety system, these devices help keep your family, friends, and guests safer—so much so that they’re mandatory in some areas. Keep reading to learn about the best pool alarm products that make owning a pool safer.

The best pool alarm for a home depends not only on local regulations, but also on the desired safety features and needs. Many homes combine pool alarms to create a fail-safe safety plan. Choose from the different types of pool alarms: standard, entry, or gate.

A pool entry alarm, which senses when someone or something enters the pool, contains a surface wave detection sensor that detects when the water is disturbed. Pool entry alarms float in the water or attach to the pool’s edge. Floating pool entry alarms are not permanent and must be lifted in and out of the pool every time they’re used.

Poolside alarms, which install on the edge of the pool, contain a sensor arm that extends into the water to sense water movement. They can be a permanent or removable solution. To disable the alarm, some must be lifted from the water, while others have a “swim mode” that pauses the alarm when someone is in the pool. Some alarms must be reset after each use, but others automatically switch back on once the water is still.

Some alarms also have infrared motion detection, which operates like a motion-detecting burglar alarm to alert when triggered by a person or pet.

Gate alarms are designed for use with a fenced-in pool perimeter to alert if anyone accesses the pool area. The best pool door alarms can be installed onto pool fence gates, sliding glass doors, or windows. These alarms blare a loud alarm if the threshold is compromised. However, since they can’t sense if someone actually enters the pool, gate alarms are often used alongside them.

In some municipalities, gate alarms are required by law, so check local bylaws and requirements. Gate alarms also don’t replace a gate lock; instead, they should be used together.

User entry alarms are a wearable alarm system designed for children, pets, or adults who represent a safety risk. These alarms have two parts: a wristband or collar with a sensor and a base station. The sensor portion straps to a person’s wrist or around a pet’s neck and locks with a mechanism that only an adult can open. If the sensor gets wet, the base station sounds the alarm to alert nearby adults. User entry alarms only protect those wearing a sensor.

Before buying a pool alarm, check local regulations. In some areas, certain types of pool alarms are mandatory (for example, a gate alarm). Begin by purchasing any mandatory alarms and add to the system from there. A pool alarm should be used in addition to other layers of protection, such as a fence, locking gate, safety cover, and adult supervision.

Pool alarms are suitable for inground and/or aboveground pools. Since they don’t install or sit in the water, gate entry alarms and user entry alarms are suitable for all pool types. Most floating pool entry alarms are suitable for both types.

Specific pool entry alarms can be limited to inground pools or aboveground pools (including quick-set, soft-sided, or portable pools). Read the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the correct pool type and installation requirements. Installing a pool alarm in the wrong type of pool may be dangerous.

The best pool alarms are easy to use because a disabled pool alarm system is like not having one. When considering ease of use, determine the alarm’s ease of installation and how it arms and disarms.

Ease of installation typically depends on the pool alarm type. Floating pool entry alarms and user entry alarms are the easiest to install. Permanent pool entry alarms and gate alarms usually require a few steps, but they stay in place for a long time.

Arming and disarming the alarm also vary depending on alarm type. For example, floating alarms must be removed from the pool, while gate alarms or permanent pool entry alarms must be manually switched on or off. Some pool entry alarms have a convenient swim mode, which automatically turns on the alarm again after the water is still. The best pool alarm options have tamper guards and extra safety features, so curious kids can’t disable the alarm.

Most pool entry alarms have a specific sensing range, often determined by the largest recommended pool size. Larger pools may require multiple sensors.

When choosing a pool entry alarm, consider its weight-sensing threshold. Pool entry alarms only detect objects over a certain weight, usually starting at around 10 to 20 pounds, a critical consideration in homes that contain pets weighing less than that.

Some pool alarms include a remote alarm receiver to plug inside the home that adds an extra layer of safety, setting off the alarm even when no one is near the pool.

A pool alarm is only as good as its notification system, and its alarm should be loud enough to notify someone inside the house. Even louder versions can notify neighbors.

The chime on the average alarm clock is about 70 to 80 decibels (dB), and a pool alarm should reach the same decibel level or even higher.

For remote receiver alarms, 80 or more decibels is suitable. Look for even louder options for those without a remote receiver, because someone inside the home must hear the outdoor pool alarm. Most pool alarms also list the decibel rating in relation to distance.

A smart pool alarm, which connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allows the user to control, monitor, or receive notifications through a smartphone. Smart control is most commonly provided for perimeter alarms like gate or doorway alarms, which often connect to a home security system.

Very few pool entry alarms have smart controls, but a couple are available. They usually connect to a smartphone for simple tasks, such as monitoring battery levels or setting various functions.

A reliable pool alarm represents one layer of protection in a pool safety plan. These alarms help keep a family safe and provide peace of mind, especially in homes with children or pets. The best pool alarm products listed here are both dependable and easy to use.

Designed to monitor inground pools, this pool entry alarm from Poolguard perches on the edge of the pool deck with its sensor in the water. The alarm is always on and monitoring the pool.

This alarm is designed to detect anything similar in size to a 1-year-old child, so it also detects unwanted access by a small- to medium-size pet. To alert adults in the home, it includes a remote receiver with a range of up to 200 feet.

This alarm features a tamper-proof design. If removed without being disarmed, the alarm sounds. To use the pool, users activate the sleep mode. After swim time, simply put the alarm back in place, and the automatic wake-up feature switches the alarm back on.

Perimeter detection is one of the most basic components of any pool safety plan. For multiple entry points, use this 12-pack of door alarms from GE to add alarms to doors and windows around the pool area and more. Since they’re made for indoor use, they aren’t weatherproof, although they may be suitable for well-covered, dry outdoor areas.

Installation is easy via the included double-sided tape. Once installed on a doorway or window, the magnet detector alarms if the door or window is opened more than ½ inch. Choose from an alarm or chime.

The Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm is easy to install and use. Simply place the floating pool alarm in any pool that measures 20 by 40 feet or smaller. For larger pools, use multiple alarms. With a low weight threshold of 15 pounds at its most sensitive setting, this alarm uses a wave-detecting sensor to catch most pool entries. Simply twist the alarm to reduce false alarms.

When a large enough wave hits the sensor, the on-board alarm goes off and sends a signal to the in-house remote receiver. Both the sensor and the receiver sound a loud alarm—over 90 decibels—and the remote receiver has a 200-foot range to notify adults of an unwanted entry.

Safety Turtle’s entry pool alarm has a bracelet that affixes to a child or vulnerable person’s wrist or a pet’s collar. The bracelet features a green turtle sensor, making it easy to spot and to convince kids to wear. It requires a key to unlock it to prevent removal.

If the bracelet is submerged, it sends a signal to a remote receiver that sounds a 100 dB alarm. The receiver has a 200-foot range, so it can go inside the house or porch—anywhere with an outlet. One base receiver can support unlimited Turtle wristbands or collar attachments to monitor the entire family with additional sensors (not included).

Designed for outdoor gates, doors, and windows, this alarm from SPQ Brands features a water-resistant build to withstand the elements.

A one-touch bypass allows adults to pass by without setting off the alarm. If the alarm detects unauthorized access, the system sounds a 120 dB alarm to alert nearby adults and neighbors. This alarm helps provide an extra layer of security. Mounting hardware is included, and it’s easy to install on wooden or metal gates, sliding glass doors, or windows.

Sliding glass or screen doors that go out to the pool area can be difficult to arm because most door alarms come with only one sensor, which must be removed or disabeled to keep the door open. This weather-resistant door alarm from TECHKO includes two sensors to solve the problem.

When installing the alarm on a screened sliding door, place one sensor on the glass door and the other on the screen door. When one of the two doors is closed, the sensor won’t sound, allowing users to leave the screen door closed and the sliding door open. Once installed, it’s always monitoring. A bypass button gives adults 8 to 12 seconds to pass through the door without sounding the alarm.

This PoolEye Above Ground Pool Alarm attaches to the top ledge of steel-wall pools with the included mounting hardware. The water motion sensor reaches under the pool’s surface, using subsurface wave detection to catch changes in water level if a person or object over 15 pounds is in the pool. This technology allows the alarm to detect intrusions reliably, resulting in fewer false alarms. An adjustable sensitivity switch adds more reliability.

The lifebuoy Pool Alarm System is a floating pool entry alarm that connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The alarm detects motion in the water to trigger the alarm, which sets off an onboard and remote receiver alarm that works within 50 feet of the sensor. When it’s time to swim, activate swim mode to silence the alarm. If no movement is detected for 10 minutes, the pool alarm reactivates automatically.

Users download the lifebuoy alarm app to connect to the alarm via Bluetooth, which can monitor the alarm and battery status and change basic controls like sensitivity level and siren length.

The weakest link of any pool area is its gate. This Poolguard alarm can be installed on any outdoor or indoor gate, door, or screen. The alarm provides continuous monitoring except for the brief time when the pass-through button is activated. If the gate is accidentally left open, the alarm sounds an 85-decibel siren after 7 seconds. The delay gives adults time to press the pass-through switch, so the alarm won’t automatically chime as soon as the door is opened.

For ease of installation and its tamper-proof design, the Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm is one of the best inground pool alarm products. For an even more secure pool, pair any option on this list with GE Personal Security Window/Door alarms, which come in an affordable value pack of indoor perimeter alarms.

Installing the best pool alarm can make a big difference in keeping pool users safe. To narrow down our top pool alarms, we conducted extensive product research and consulted consumer reviews of over 20 products.

Since safety is the primary criteria, we prioritized products from reputable brands known for pool safety products. We also considered ease of use—a pool alarm is only useful if used consistently—so we looked for alarms with a simple design. Adjustable features, such as sensor sensitivity and siren volume, were also considered.

The cost of a pool alarm is a small price to pay for safety, but for those on a budget, we included a range of products at different price points.

For pool owners, pool safety is of the utmost importance. A pool alarm plays one part in preventing dangerous pool-related accidents, making your family safer and providing peace of mind. Ahead are some frequently asked questions along with their answers to help you install and use your new pool alarm.

Installation location depends on the pool alarm type, so follow the manufacturer’s directions as to where to install it.

Most pool alarms can be installed by the owner. Many installations don’t require tools.

In some areas, laws mandate fencing and gate alarms around residential pools. Check your local laws to determine if these rules apply to your home.

Pool alarms don’t have cameras. Install a security camera alongside your pool alarm to have eyes and ears on your pool.

A pool alarm detects unwanted access to the pool, whether it’s a perimeter breach, water displacement, or water contact, and sounds an alarm to notify you of a possible hazard.

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