How to Install a Pool Alarm

Every pool owner with children or young neighbors nearby should consider a pool alarm as a last line of defense against accidental drowning. An effective pool alarm should be part of a pool owner's safety plan, with close supervision of children always first, followed by house door alarms and a pool gate alarm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Read about the reliability of swimming pool alarms in the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) report. According to its report, underwater pool alarms performed more consistently than surface wave sensors (with the exception of one that performed almost as well) or wristband alarm systems.
2. Research the right alarm for your pool type, size and shape. There are different pool alarms for above-ground and in-ground pools. Read the Consumer Reports article comparing brands.
3. Look for a seal of approval that shows the product meets the voluntary ASTM Standard for Pool Alarms. Alarms must have a remote receiver that sounds at the pool and the house; sound within 20 seconds when an 18-pound weight is dropped; be heard at 85 decibels at 10 feet; have on/off and low battery indicators; and automatically reset. Read the complete standard on the ASTM website.
4. Ensure proper installation by adhering to the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
5. Make sure the eye-sensor is pointed down toward the water, not up. If the eye-sensor is pointing the wrong way, it could trigger a false alarm.
6. Find out whether your pool alarm needs to be taken out of the pool during swimming.
7. Follow the manufacturer's instructions completely for testing your pool alarm, and test the alarm frequently.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave a child unattended around a swimming pool or other body of water. Always be vigilant and watch your children closely.
• Don't allow a pool alarm or other device to make you complacent about pool safety.