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Various Other
Types of Pool Alarms
The results of a CPSC study indicated that,
when a test object was thrown into a pool, the surface wave sensors
did not perform as reliably as the subsurface disturbance sensors.
The study concluded that subsurface disturbance sensors “were more
consistent in alarming and less likely to false alarm than the
surface alarms.” The wristband sensor sounded an alarm each time it
was thrown into pool water, but also each time it was exposed to
other sources of water sources, such as from a faucet or hose.
Other Pool Alarms
The CPSC study did not test infrared motion detection alarms, which
are another popular type of swimming pool alarm system. Infrared
motion detection devices sound an alarm if a child, adult, animal,
or object enters the path of the beam that surrounds the pool. Some
alarm systems include a subsurface disturbance sensor as well as the
motion detection feature to increase the level of safety.
Features to Look For in a Pool Alarm
While a pool alarm may come packaged with more features than
presented here, the following list includes recommended features.
You’ll want to look for these when deciding on a pool alarm for your
back yard swimming pool. These include easy installation,
tamper-proof controls, a remote receiver of at least 200 feet, and a
low-battery indicator on both the alarm and receiver. It should be
able to detect an object as small as a one-year-old child of about
18 pounds. It should be recommended for the size and shape of your
swimming pool, and the alarm should be loud and distinct. The alarm
should sound within 20 seconds of an object entering your pool.
Testing Your Pool Alarm
After you buy a pool alarm system for your pool, you should perform
regular tests of the alarm's effectiveness. This will ensure that
your alarm is continuing to function properly over time. The user's
manual that comes with your pool alarm should have instructions for
conducting your own tests.
Pool Alarms are Not Enough
Regardless of the technology and features of a pool alarm, or the
claims of manufacturers, none are fail safe. A pool alarm should be
considered as one of many layers of protection in the effort to
prevent children from drowning. Other protective barriers include
door alarms and pool covers. The first and most important way to
protect children from drowning accidents is constant supervision by
a responsible adult. It’s essential to combine safety measures to
create a safe back yard environment for the children in your life.
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