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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Pool Alarms

Drowning is silent and fast—you need an alarm that isn't. We compared pool alarms from floating sensors to perimeter systems—finding what actually alerts you in time versus just checking a compliance box.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

PoolGuard

PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm

4.4 (3,456 reviews)

The industry standard in pool alarms. Detects the wave pattern of a child entering water, not just splashes.

Detection

Sub-surface wave sensing

Compliance

ASTM F2208

Range

200ft to receiver

Alarm

85dB

Pros

✓ ASTM compliant
✓ Detects 15+ lb child entry
✓ Remote receiver included

Cons

✗ Expensive
✗ Wind can cause false alarms
✗ Must remove for swimming

$200

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm Best PoolGuard	4.4	$200	View
Pool Alarm System Value Lifebuoy	4.3	$150	View
Gate Alarm GAPT-2 PoolGuard	4.2	$30	View
Poolwatch Floating Alarm Blue Wave	4.0	$100	View
Safety Turtle Child Wristband Safety Turtle	4.5	$200	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

PoolGuard

PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm

4.4 (3,456 reviews)

The industry standard in pool alarms. Detects the wave pattern of a child entering water, not just splashes.

Detection

Sub-surface wave sensing

Compliance

ASTM F2208

Range

200ft to receiver

Alarm

85dB

Pros

✓ ASTM compliant
✓ Detects 15+ lb child entry
✓ Remote receiver included

Cons

✗ Expensive
✗ Wind can cause false alarms
✗ Must remove for swimming

$200

View on Amazon

Best Value

Lifebuoy

Pool Alarm System

4.3 (2,345 reviews)

Modern take on pool safety—adds smartphone alerts to traditional sensing technology.

Detection

Wave sensing

App

iOS/Android

Alarm

Base + app notification

Compliance

ASTM F2208

Pros

✓ Smart app connectivity
✓ Multiple sensors supported
✓ In-water + perimeter options

Cons

✗ App can be buggy
✗ WiFi required for app
✗ Subscription for full features

$150

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Budget Pick

PoolGuard

Gate Alarm GAPT-2

4.2 (5,678 reviews)

First line of defense—know immediately when someone opens the pool gate. Pairs with water alarms for layers.

Type

Gate/door alarm

Alarm

85dB

Power

9V battery

Delay

7-second bypass

Pros

✓ Alerts when gate opens
✓ Very affordable
✓ Easy install

Cons

✗ Only monitors gate—not pool
✗ Requires self-closing gate
✗ Kids can learn to silence

$30

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Blue Wave

Poolwatch Floating Alarm

4.0 (3,456 reviews)

No installation required—just place in pool. Good for above-ground pools where permanent mounting is difficult.

Type

Floating sensor

Detection

Wave disturbance

Alarm

95dB poolside

Compliance

ASTM F2208

Pros

✓ Floating design
✓ Easy to move
✓ No installation

Cons

✗ Wind sensitivity
✗ Must remove to swim
✗ Less sensitive than subsurface

$100

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Premium Pick

Safety Turtle

Safety Turtle Child Wristband

4.5 (1,234 reviews)

Different approach—child wears sensor that triggers when submerged. Eliminates false alarms entirely.

Type

Wearable immersion sensor

Detection

Water contact on band

Range

Within pool area

Alarm

Base station alert

Pros

✓ Detects specific child—not general motion
✓ Wristband alerts on immersion
✓ No false alarms from toys

Cons

✗ Child must wear band
✗ Expensive per child
✗ Bands need replacement

$200

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Pool Alarms

Pool Alarms: Because Drowning Is Silent

Children can drown in the time it takes to answer the door. Pool alarms don't replace supervision—they're a backup that's saved countless lives.

Types of Pool Alarms

Sub-surface sensors:
Detect wave patterns from body entry
- Most reliable detection
- ASTM F2208 compliant options
- Can false-alarm in wind

Floating alarms:
- Sit on water surface
- Easy to install and move
- More wind-sensitive
- Good for temporary pools

Gate/door alarms:
- Alert when barrier is opened
- First line of defense
- Requires self-closing gate
- Children can learn to defeat

Wearable sensors:
- Child wears wristband
- Alerts on water immersion
- No false alarms
- Requires compliance

### Compliance Matters
ASTM F2208 is the standard for pool alarms. Compliant alarms:
- Detect 15+ lb child entry
- Sound within 20 seconds
- Resist false triggering
- Required by law in many states

### Layers of Protection
No single solution is foolproof. Combine:
1. Barriers: Fence with self-closing gate
2. Gate alarm: Know when barrier is breached
3. Pool alarm: Detect water entry
4. Wearable: Specific child protection
5. Supervision: Never substitute technology

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Alarms

Are pool alarms required by law?

In many states and municipalities, yes—especially for residential pools. Requirements vary. Check local codes, but having one is wise regardless of legal requirements.

Will it alarm every time someone swims?

Yes—most alarms must be disabled/removed for swimming. This is actually good design: forces awareness when protection is temporarily down.

What about pets triggering false alarms?

A dog jumping in will trigger surface-based alarms. Subsurface sensors are tuned for child-sized disturbances but large dogs may trigger. Wearable options eliminate pet false alarms entirely.

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