Having a pool alarm can literally be the difference between life and death. According to Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, approximately 3,536 people drowned each year in pools and other non-boating-related accidents over a ten-year span in the United States.
Pool alarms should be a fixture in all pools so we’ll take a look at how they work and the types of pool alarms available.
How much does a pool alarm cost?
Pool alarms are easy to set up and are on average cost around $175. If you think about it, that’s nothing compared to the alternative of what could happen if a child or the family dog falls into the water unnoticed.
Pool safety is very important and taking the right steps to prevent accidents is a no-brainer. In some states, it’s actually the law to have a pool alarm for your pool.
Sutro can help you keep your water safe by monitoring your pH, free chlorine, and total alkalinity so that you can rest assured that your water is not a safety risk.
Types of pool alarms
Pool alarms come in various forms and use various methods to detect motion or objects in or near the pool and alert you when people, animals, or objects enter the water, or in the case of a gate they will alert you when the gate is opened.
Some even use cameras to detect motion, and others use sensors to detect waves or a change in water pressure. There is even a solution that uses a wristband that detects water and will alert when your child enters the water.
Here are some examples of the various types of alarms available today:
- Pool entry – Uses sensors to alert you when something enters the pool unexpectedly.
- User entry – A pool alarm for kids that are younger and it is worn as a wristband and will alert when they get wet.
- Gate or door – Just like a home alarm, when a gate or door is opened an alarm is sounded.
- Proximity or motion – A camera system uses software to monitor motion and will alert you if someone is near the pool or has entered the pool unexpectedly.
How to choose a pool alarm
There are a lot of options in the market today and it can be overwhelming to pick the best pool alarm, but the main idea is to pick one! You should consider your particular situation, including the type of pool, how you use your pool, if you have pets, what the ages of children are that are near the pool, and what local laws may require in your location.
Some common criteria to consider when choosing include the volume of the alarm, reviews from other customers, how it is powered, what the range is if it uses a base station, and if it will alert you if it’s inactive.
Last but not least, you shouldn’t rely on just one type of pool safety device because if it fails then you are left vulnerable. You should always pair it with a secondary method such as gate locks or pool covers as an example.
Sutro can help keep your water safe by checking your pH and free chlorine levels 3 times per day and then recommending adjustments when needed so you can focus on having fun and enjoying your safe pool!
Image credit: ArchiExpo