If you are a pool owner, you are certainly concerned with pool safety. Protecting toddlers and non-swimmers from accidents can be a challenge. You can add fences to restrict access, but fences can be scaled and gates can be left open or unlocked. Pool alarms provide another layer of defense against such pool accidents and can give you another layer of protection.  If you are considering the added safety and piece of mind provided by a pool alarm, but are confused about the types of pool alarms available in the market today this article will hopefully provide you with some answers.

There are four types of pool alarms available on the market today. The first type uses a simple wave detection technology that triggers when either surface or sub-surface waves appear on the pool. The simplest and least expensive (around $40) version of this alarm is a simple float that will alarm if it is tilted beyond a certain point. This type of pool alarm will falsely trigger due to wind, rain, or small objects being thrown into the pool. A more sophisticated wave detection pool alarm measures sub-surface waves and ignores most of the waves caused by wind and rain. This type of alarm mounts to the side of the pool and will only trigger if a large enough object is thrown in the pool. The sensitivity is adjustable so you can change it suit your needs. This type of pool alarm can be purchased for around $90.

The next type of alarm uses a wristband that is worn by the child that sends a signal to a remote base station if the wristband comes in contact with water. This type of pool alarm system is accurate, but the child washing hands, playing the hose, or bathing can trigger it. You can purchase this type of system for around $80.

Another more high tech approach to pool safety is the use of an invisible fence that utilizes infrared or laser technology to create a barrier around the pool. If the invisible beam is crossed, an alarm sounds. These systems can be expensive, between $600 and $800 and they have been known to be triggered by pets, falling leaves, and even birds. Keep in mind lasers can also cause retina damage if a child looks directly into the laser beam.

Finally, a new sonar based pool alarm has been introduced that is integrated into the pool and provides an invisible net inside the pool. It has much less tendency to false alarm and it can be controlled from a number of locations such as the house or poolside. No price information could be obtained at the time of publish for this type of pool alarm