Do you need an alarm for your swimming pool?

Pool safety is something that every swimming pool owner must constantly be aware of. A body of water can be dangerous to pets, kids, and even adults who are not prepared for the water. If you’ve installed a swimming pool, you know all about rules and regulations about pool safety. But, there is always a way to go above and beyond. 

Many conscientious pool owners have asked themselves if they need an alarm for their swimming pool. The answer depends on how you will use the alarm, and whether all of your other safety precautions are in place. 

Swimming Pool Alarms 

Swimming pool alarms are devices that have been designed to alert you when something or someone enters your pool. They have been marketed mostly to parents who are concerned about young children entering the pool. In theory, pool alarms can do a lot to ease the minds of parents if they are used correctly. But, many pool owners and pool safety experts question how alarms will be used. 

The first steps of pool safety 

Before considering an alarm for your swimming pool, you should first consider whether all other methods of safety are in place. Design your pool and act to make it enclosed and inaccessible to children or animals who might wander into your yard. 

You should also be sure that every member of your family knows not to swim alone, and that small children are prevented from getting into the pool area, even if you’ve only turned your back for a few minutes. 

The benefit of a pool alarm 

For many people, the pool can also be a source of anxiety. A body of water can be a danger to animals, children and even adults who find their way into a swimming pool enclosure. 

If you have all of the required safety precautions in place, an alarm is just one more way to keep your pool guarded when you’re not home. At the sound of an alarm, you will be able to check your pool and remove any danger immediately.  Some pool alarms even allow for remote options, alerting you even if you’re not at home. 

The drawback of having a pool alarm 

You can make your swimming pool safer by installing an alarm. But, this is only true if you install, monitor and maintain the alarm correctly. One consideration to keep in mind is that an alarm can create a false sense of security for you and other adults in your home. 

Keep in mind that an alarm does not replace other important safety measures and considerations that you need to have in place for your pool. Even if you choose to install a pool alarm, you’ll still need adequate fencing and supervision to make sure people and pets are safe near your pool. 

Pool alarms are also not completely foolproof, so depending on them to work every time the way you need to is not ideal. You must actively monitor your pool when it is in use. You’ll also need to ensure that you safely close all fences when your pool is not in use. 

Maintaining a safe swimming pool 

Maintaining a safe swimming pool isn’t a matter of setting up and forgetting. Each day and each summer, you’ll need to take the time to evaluate your pool, the surrounding barriers, and how best to ensure that swimmers and unexpected guests will be kept safe from the hazards of water. 

We recommend that you regularly evaluate your swimming pool, backyard fences, swimming pool equipment, and all swimming pool toys to ensure that your pool environment is as safe as possible. A pool alarm can be a great edition to your swimming pool’s safety features as long as you use it correctly and alongside other important safety measures, and can be a great way to put your mind at ease. But, a pool alarm is secondary to all of the most effective means of protecting your pool.