The Best Pool Alarms of 2024 for Safety and Peace of Mind, Tested
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Strengthen your pool safety system and keep kids and pets out of harm’s way with a reliable pool alarm.
For swimming pool owners, especially those with small children or pets, swimming pool alarms that detect motion near swimming pools and notify those nearby of entry are must-have safety devices. These pool alarms, built into larger safety systems, can help improve the overall safety of your pool and yard. In fact, some states require them. We recently researched 20 swimming pool alarms of various sizes, price points, and alarm decibel ranges and then tested the top nine products to determine the best performers.
Based on our testing, our top pick is the Lifebuoy BCone System thanks to its floating capacity, aesthetics, precise detection, and Wi-Fi compatibility. Plus, it works for both inground and above-ground pools, making it a great fit for many different types of pool owners.
Pool alarms should be easy to install, loud enough (with sound measured in decibels) to hear from within the home, and sensitive to motion. Keep reading to learn about the best pool alarms to improve the safety of your swimming pool.
- BEST OVERALL: Lifebuoy BCone System
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GE Audible Window/Door Alarms
↓ Jump to Review - BEST POOL-ENTRY ALARM: Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm
↓ Jump to Review - BEST USER-ENTRY ALARM: LunaSafe Pool/Boat Wearable Transmitter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GATE ALARM: YardGard Pool Gate/Window Alarm
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SLIDING DOORS: Techko Safe Pool Alarm
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR ABOVE-GROUND POOL: PoolEye Above-Ground Pool Alarm
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMART CONTROL: SwamCam Camera Pool Alarm System
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Poolguard DAPT-2 Door Alarm
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Pool Alarms
Since safety is the primary criterion, we prioritized products from reputable brands known for pool safety. We also considered ease of use—a pool alarm is only a benefit if used consistently—so we looked for alarms with a simple design. Finally, we searched for products with adjustable features, such as sensor sensitivity and siren volume.
We researched 20 swimming pool alarms and then tested the top nine products over about 1 week (6 total hours of testing). Using a rubric and specific testing guidelines, we measured sensitivity and range, decibel level, close-range sensitivity, and ease of installation. Then we repeated the sensitivity and range test five times: we discharged each alarm six times, increasing the output and extending the distance from the alarm itself each time. For the two decibel tests, we discharged the alarms first nearby and then farther away, determining how easy it was to hear the alarm at close range and at a distance.
All of these tests allowed us to evaluate how easily the alarm was set off and how easy it was to hear the alarm once it was set off. We awarded points to each pool alarm for how well it performed on the tests using the above-mentioned rubric: the better the performance, the more points we gave. After testing, we averaged the points to determine the top performer, then assigned each of the remaining products a category that best described their strengths.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Hours/weeks/time spent testing | Approximately 6 hours |
| Tests performed | Sensitivity and range test x 5 Close-range sensitivity and range test x 5 Decibel test Installation test Decibel test in far room of house |
| Price range | $19 to $499 |
Our Top Picks
A reliable pool alarm represents one layer of protection in a swimming pool safety plan. Our top picks can help keep everyone safe and provide peace of mind, especially in homes with children or pets. The best pool alarms featured in this guide are both dependable and easy to use.
Best Overall
Lifebuoy BCone System
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Inground pool-entry alarm
- Maximum pool size: 20 feet by 40 feet
- Decibel level: Not specified
What We Like
- Easy-to-use app
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Detects entry from children and pets, plus has an automatic arming feature for user-friendliness
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a strong Wi-Fi connection
The Lifebuoy BCone System—a floating alarm for pools—is a pool-entry alarm that detects motion within the water. To set it up, users must first connect the BCone to the Wi-Fi and then place the sensor and receiver nearby so the alarm can connect. Then, simply place this floating pool alarm in the water. It works in both inground pools and above-ground pools, where it remains. The alarm volume is adjustable, which is a benefit depending on the distance between the home and pool, or if you are using the pool alarm for kids, in which case more monitoring may be needed.
While testing this pool alarm, we noticed an almost immediate alert when we threw an object into the pool. We repeated this test numerous times and with several different objects, and the alarm responded quickly and loudly with each test. Once the Wi-Fi was enabled, it was also among the easiest alarms to use, and the cherry-red geometric design looked like a pool toy (or buoy, as the company would have it) rather than like a traditional alarm.
Read our full review: Lifebuoy BCone System
Get the Lifebuoy pool alarm at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
GE Audible Window/Door Alarms
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Door/gate alarm
- Maximum pool size: Unlimited
- Decibel level: 120 decibels
What We Like
- Simple installation; comes with double-sided tape and mounting hardware
- Includes 12 alarms for ample security and peace of mind
- Loud 120-decibel alarm alerts you when a door is opened
What We Don’t Like
- Suitable for indoor use only; not weatherproof
Perimeter detection is one of the most basic components of any pool safety plan. While these affordable GE window/door alarms do not warn against access to the pool itself, you can use them to add extra security to doors and gates around the pool area. These alarms are primarily for indoor use and aren’t weatherproof; however, 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 loudly if someone opens the door or window more than ½ inch. Users can choose from a traditional alarm or a chime sound.
These were among the easiest pool safety alarms to install and also among the most affordable of the models we tested. We found they were sensitive to small and large movements, loud enough to hear inside and out, and less visually obtrusive than some of the other gate or door alarms in this guide. In short, these alarms are an excellent budget pick for consumers in the market for pool safety devices.
Get the GE pool alarm at Walmart.
Best Pool-Entry Alarm
Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.3/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Floating pool-entry alarm
- Maximum pool size: 20 feet by 40 feet
- Decibel level: 85+ decibels
What We Like
- Easy and damage-free installation; simply plug in the receiver and place the transmitter in the pool
- 15-pound weight threshold is sensitive enough to detect small waves
- Adjustable detection sensitivity depending upon the individual user’s needs; twist the unit to reduce false alarms
What We Don’t Like
- May not detect gradual entries into the pool
This floating alarm from Pool Patrol is easy to install and features adjustable sensitivity to cater to individual needs. To use, simply place the Pool Patrol PA-30 pool alarm in any pool that measures 20 feet by 40 feet or smaller (and use multiple alarms for larger pools). 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.
When a large-enough wave hits the sensor, the onboard alarm goes off and sends a signal to the in-house remote receiver. Both the sensor and the receiver sound a loud alarm (over 85 decibels at 10 feet), and the remote receiver has a 200-foot range to notify adults of an unwanted entry. To reduce false alarms, simply twist the alarm to adjust the sensitivity.
This pool-entry alarm is easy to install. It only took a few minutes to assemble, unlike some of the other models we tested. In testing, we found only two real drawbacks: It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing floating alarm, and it also lacks the sensitivity of the Best Overall pick. During testing, the alarm didn’t detect some of the more-gentle or farther-away motions in the pool. Still, the alarm was loud enough to alert us from inside the home when someone else triggered it.
Get the Pool Patrol pool alarm at Amazon.
Best User-Entry Alarm
LunaSafe Pool/Boat Wearable Transmitter
Photo: lunasealighting.com
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Ease of Use 3.5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: User-entry alarm
- Maximum pool size: N/A
- Decibel level: Not specified
What We Like
- Includes a transmitter and a receiver; emits a visual and audio alarm when exposed to water
- Can be worn as a wristband or a clip
- Receiver is easy to install and can be paired with over 25 transmitters
What We Don’t Like
- Must charge receiver occasionally for it to remain operational
- No decibel level listed; some users may not hear when the alarm sounds
For user-entry security, which is a boon for pool owners with children and/or pets on their property, consider the LunaSafe pool/boat wearable transmitter. This system utilizes a locking wristband or clip to attach to a child’s wrist or a dog’s collar that emits an audio and visual alarm to the receiver when exposed to water. Users can pair the receiver alarm with over 25 transmitters, making it ideal for trips to the lake, boating excursions, doggy daycares, and other water-oriented activities beyond one’s own backyard pool.
To set up, simply pair the transmitter with the receiver and attach the transmitter to a child or pet. This unit arrived fully charged, and it was sensitive enough to detect a range of motion during our testing. However, this pool safety alarm is best used in addition to another protective device or additional pool safety equipment (particularly for those with young kids) since it only works if the transmitter is being worn at the time of pool entry.
Get the LunaSafe pool alarm at Lunasea Lighting.
Best Gate Alarm
YardGard Pool Gate/Window Alarm
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Installation 3/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Value 3.8/5
Product Specs
- Type: Outdoor gate alarm
- Maximum pool size: Unlimited
- Decibel level: 120 decibels
What We Like
- Water-resistant construction is ideal for a variety of outdoor areas
- Easy to install on wood, metal, and other surfaces with included mounting hardware
- Loud 120-decibel siren can be heard from virtually anywhere in a home or yard
What We Don’t Like
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as some comparable options
A weatherproof design and one-touch bypass button make this YardGard gate and window door alarm for pools a good choice for outdoor pool gates. It’s ideal for alarming outdoor gates, doors, and windows thanks to a water-resistant build that withstands the elements.
Mounting hardware is included, and this alarm is easy to install on wooden or metal gates, sliding glass doors, or windows. A one-touch bypass button allows adults to walk by without setting off the alarm. If the system detects unauthorized access, it sounds a 120-decibel alarm to alert nearby adults and neighbors, providing an extra layer of security.
This alarm was the loudest we tested; we could hear it from every room in the house and from all corners of our property when it was engaged. It did take a little while to install, and it was not the most aesthetically pleasing alarm once attached to the sliding door. That said, this is a reliable option for those who are simply looking for traditional swimming pool door alarms that they can hear from anywhere.
Get the YardGard pool alarm at Amazon.
Best for Sliding Doors
Techko Safe Pool Alarm
Photo: Iowes.com