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10 Best Pool Alarms Reviewed in 2024

last updated Sep 27, 2019

Swimming pool alarms are a necessity today, especially for insurance, safety, and inspection purposes in having a pool in your backyard. These are needed year-round to warn you of kids near the pool area. Drowning accidents only take minutes to happen before a life is lost forever. Installing an alarm near or around the pool is a simple precaution that could save someone’s precious life. In this informative buying guide, we feature the best-rated and the most-reviewed pool alarms determined by online customers. Whether you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool, you will find an alarm that is suitable to your needs and pool type here. We are glad to spotlight these excellent products for your shopping pleasure. Here are the best pool alarms in 2019.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 17 hrs of research

icon
Techko S187D
98.7/100 our score
Design
99
Effectiveness
99
Price Range
98
Techko S187D
Why is it better?

Meets the law and standards for Child Pool Safety

Comes with extra sensors and a reset button

Is resistant to weather and water

Use to monitor a door, gate, or window to the pool

Will not go off until the button for bypass is pressed

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Techko S187D
Test Winner: Techko S187D
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Researched Sources
15
Researched Sources
Hours Researching
17
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
10
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Jessica Mentzer:

Recently a review of the best pool alarms has been completed. Each of the products was reviewed to ensure they were available. During the review, two products were no longer in stock. The items were replaced with current market place items and criteria sections were added.

Sorting Options
Design Effectiveness Price Range By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.7
Design
99 %
Effectiveness
99 %
Price Range
98 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$39.97
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.7
Design
98 %
Effectiveness
97 %
Price Range
98 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96
Design
96 %
Effectiveness
97 %
Price Range
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$212.14
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
Design
94 %
Effectiveness
93 %
Price Range
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$62.95
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.7
Design
90 %
Effectiveness
92 %
Price Range
93 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$49.98
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.3
Design
88 %
Effectiveness
90 %
Price Range
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$62.95
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.3
Design
87 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Price Range
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.3
Design
85 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Price Range
83 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$295.00
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81.3
Design
83 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Price Range
81 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$49.98
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
78.7
Design
77 %
Effectiveness
79 %
Price Range
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (11.10.24)
Amazon Link
$138.73

10 Best Pool Alarms Reviewed

1. Techko S187D

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.7
Techko S187D Best Pool Alarms display
Techko S187D Best Pool Alarms  hanging
Amazon Link
Design
99
Effectiveness
99
Price Range
98
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$39.97

Meets the law and standards for Child Pool Safety

Comes with extra sensors and a reset button

Is resistant to weather and water

Use to monitor a door, gate, or window to the pool

Will not go off until the button for bypass is pressed

Might be too big and unsightly for some areas

Can be quite loud even when installing it

Meeting laws and standards for Child Pool Safety, the Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm comes with extra sensors and a reset button. It can be used on screen and glass doors, and is resistant to water and weather, and is an alarm with six tones.

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Design

Two sensors make it possible to have the glass door open and the screen door shut, while still having the alarm be active, It will sound when the entry is used and will not go off until the button for the bypass is triggered.

Effectiveness

The protection is always on and used to monitor a door, gate, or window leading to the pool area. When the magnetic contact is separated and the button for an adult bypass is not pressed, the alarm will sound. The button for an adult bypass is a terrific feature of this amazing alarm. Children will not catch on that adults are pressing a button to pass through the alarm sensors, so they cannot get by it undetected.

Price Range

This great alarm has the lowest price of all the items listed. It derives its value from having an effective button for adult bypass, use on several places of entry to the pool, and having six tones of alarm.

2. Guardline Wireless Driveway

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.7
Guardline Wireless Driveway Best Pool Alarms display
Guardline Wireless Driveway Best Pool Alarms motion detection
Guardline Wireless Driveway Best Pool Alarms system
Amazon Link
Design
98
Effectiveness
97
Price Range
98
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Has the ability to cover your entire property

Includes more than thirty unique chimes

Protects the pool, gate, or yard

Wireless range is as much as 500 feet

Has zone lights of flashing LED too

Not loud enough according to a few buyers

Sounded for no reason for some people

The Guardline Wireless Alarm Kit is weatherproof and will let you know of motion around and on your property dependably. It has been tested in many types of weather conditions and is simple to install in just a few minutes.

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Design

This wonderful alarm can be expanded to sixteen sensors and an unlimited number of receivers, plus has the ability to cover your entire property reliably. It includes more than thirty unique and fun chimes to pick from, and you can match the chime to the sensor for quicker detection of problems. Constructed of an industrial-grade housing of PVC, sunshade, and a weather-resistant rubberized seal, it operates on batteries or AC adaptor. It includes an adjustable and loud volume, a twelve-volt relay, and a battery backup. The wireless range is as much as 500 feet, and it has zone lights of flashing LED as well as the chiming alarm.

Effectiveness

This terrific product senses the movement of cars, animals, and people, as it protects the pool, gate, or yard. The many chimes that this alarm can sound are incredible. With more than thirty chimes, you can set each sensor to a different sound, so you know exactly where the intrusion is occurring.

Price Range

Having an above-average price, this outstanding alarm has the great features of detecting people and animals, having over thirty chimes, and possessing a range of more than 500 feet.

3. Pool Patrol PA-30

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96
Pool Patrol PA-30 Best Pool Alarms display
Pool Patrol PA-30 Best Pool Alarms spa
Amazon Link
Design
96
Effectiveness
97
Price Range
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$212.14

Pool alarm works in above and in ground pools

Simple to install and easy to use

Alarm is battery powered

Quality materials provide many years of use

Complete system ready out of box

Settings can be difficult to get just right for the sensitivity

Drains batteries very quickly

For use in both above ground pools and in ground pools, this is the perfect alarm to know if anyone enters the water. If anything enters the water it sends a signal to the solid state remote. Then an alarm will sound at both the home and at the pool. The house can be up to 200 feet from the pool and the alarm will still sound at the home. It features an on and off switch that is easy to use and allows you to enter the pool without sounding any alarms.

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Design

The design of the pool alarm is to keep everyone safe at all times. In the design the off and on switch features a light that lets everyone one when the alarm is activated. When the alarm has been deactivated and it is safe to swim the light will go off. Then it is safe to enter the water without any alarms sounding. The complete system is powered by 120 volts through a wall transformer.

Effectiveness

The alarm is controlled by a floating device that is always in the pool when it is activated the device monitors the surface of the water. When anything falls in the pool from a pet to a person it will create a wave and the alarm will sound. It does feature settings that allow you to control how sensitive the floating device is to the waves in the water. The settings can range from a pet to a child.

Price Range

A pool alarm is a wonderful purchase for any home that has any body of water. It keeps everyone in the home safe and helps prevent accidents. This pool alarm has been created to offer many years of use and has been constructed from quality materials. The price range of the alarm does reflect the quality materials and the simple design because of this the alarm comes in at the higher mid-range of the prices for these pool alarms.

4. PoolGuard GAPT-2

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
PoolGuard GAPT-2 Best Pool Alarms display
Amazon Link
Design
94
Effectiveness
93
Price Range
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$62.95

Resets automatically

Monitors the door or gate continuously

Comes with wire, a magnet for attaching, and a switch

Use on gates, fences, or doors that enter the pool

Indicates a low battery also

Was difficult to set up for a few people

Might not be able to distinguish some adults from kids

The Pool Guard Pool Gate and Door Alarm resets automatically and monitors the door or gate of your swimming pool continuously. If the gate is left open unintentionally the alarm will sound, and when there is a low battery, it will sound also.

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Design

This marvelous device uses a nine-volt battery for power that is not included with purchase. It comes with six feet of wire that is UL-approved, a magnet to attach to the gate, and a sensor switch. Use it on gates, fences, or doors that enter into the pool.

Effectiveness

It will sound after seven seconds when the gate is opened by a kid, as it can determine an adult and will not sound the alarm then. No unnecessary alarms will go off, but it will when it is needed.

Price Range

Having a below-average price, this great item from Pool Guard has the superb features of being flexible on where it can be attached, its reset ability, and capability to determine a child from an adult.

5. Poolguard DAPT-2 Water Hazard

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.7
Poolguard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Best Pool Alarms display
Amazon Link
Design
90
Effectiveness
92
Price Range
93
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$49.98

Sounds an 85-decibel horn at ten feet

Will sound in just seven seconds upon activation

Is constantly on and will reset on its own

Has a pass feature for adults

Has an indicator for a low battery

Can be loud and annoying

Some had troubles getting it to stay attached

Made in the USA and powered by batteries, the Pool Guard DAPT-2 Water Hazard Pool Door Alarm sounds an 85-decibel horn at a distance of ten feet and will sound until it is reset again. When the door is opened, the alarm will sound in just seven seconds.

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Design

It is constantly on and will reset on its own, plus it has a pass feature for adults where it will not sound at all. A screen door kit can be purchased separately to allow a glass door to be open and the screen door closed. It has an indicator for a low battery and comes with a one-year warranty.

Effectiveness

This superb alarm will sound even if a child opens and then closes the door behind them right away. It will not stop until an adult resets the alarm, thus causing them to come to the pool area to check it.

Price Range

This fantastic product has a below-average cost. it is valued for its continued monitoring in all conditions, indicator for a low battery, and pass feature for adults that enter the area.

6. Poolguard GAPT-2 Outdoor

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.3
Poolguard GAPT-2 Outdoor Best Pool Alarms display
Amazon Link
Design
88
Effectiveness
90
Price Range
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$62.95

Will reset under all conditions

Includes an adult pass feature

Has an indicator for a low battery

Always on and ready

Will not permit a gate to be left open

Sounded too long and too loud for some people

May go off unintentionally sometimes

The Pool Guard GAPT-2 Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm is perfect for outdoor use, is powered by batteries, and is made in the USA. It comes with a one-year warranty and sounds an alarm with 85 decibels up to ten feet away.

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Design

It is meant to be used on the pool gate, screen, or door and will reset under all conditions. It has an adult pass feature and an indicator for a low battery. Always on and ready, it will not permit a gate to be left open for others to come in. It includes a hook-up wire, a sensor magnet, and a sensor switch for operation.

Effectiveness

This trusty alarm is always on and ready to alert you of surprise guests near the pool or surrounding area. When the battery gets low, it will let you know that too, so it is always in working condition. If someone goes through the gate or door leading to the pool area and leaves it open, this terrific alarm will sound to let you know. This way kids can wander in unexpectedly without warning.

Price Range

With a below-average price, this fabulous item is valued for its adult pass quality, very loud alarm to alert adults, and its ability to reset automatically even when set off by a gate left open.

7. Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.3
Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Best Pool Alarms display
Amazon Link
Design
87
Effectiveness
85
Price Range
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link

No programming is required

One system can accommodate more bands

Works specifically on the child

Alerts you when they enter the water

Can be used at any swimming pool

New version of this product is made with softer plastic

Just salvia from the child’s mouth will set this off

No programming is required for the New Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm Kit. Just plug these in and they are ready to be used, plus one system can accommodate more bands for additional kids. Children want to wear these because of the fun designs, and they can be used on pets too.

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Design

These helpful devices are wristbands that the child wears which alert you when they enter the water. It works specifically on the child, so there are no worries with pool alarms that do not work properly. Many of these armbands can be hooked up to one monitoring system. This is ideal for large families and when relatives and friends come over for fun in the swimming pool.

Effectiveness

When the band gets wet on the child’s arm, the alarm will sound. Even if it only the arm is in the water, the alarm will still go off. These can be taken to family or friends houses and used there just as effectively.

Price Range

This is understandably the most expensive item that we feature on this page. The terrific features of this great alarm are that it requires no programming, can be used at any pool, and can be used on pets as well.

8. Lifebuoy Pool Smart Alarm Application Controlled

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.3
Lifebuoy Pool Smart Alarm Application Controlled Best Pool Alarms display
Lifebuoy Pool Smart Alarm Application Controlled Best Pool Alarms box
Lifebuoy Pool Smart Alarm Application Controlled Best Pool Alarms system alarm
Lifebuoy Pool Smart Alarm Application Controlled Best Pool Alarms complete system view
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Design
85
Effectiveness
85
Price Range
83
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$295.00

Revolutionary smart pool alarm system

Designed to alarm when a child or pet enters water

Features swim mode, alarm activates after 10 minutes of no movement in the water

Control and configure the system with Bluetooth

Includes state of the art technology

App and connection only work even if you are in the range of the system

LED on and off light is not very bright, hard to view

Pool safety is not new, every home that owns a pool or spa should have a pool alarm that helps keep everyone safe. This is a new alarm system that is on the market. It is a revolutionary system that features a warning system that makes pools safer than ever. It works as soon as someone or a pet falls into the pool and then the alarms are sounded. It is a versatile system that works well and has a long range.

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Design

What makes this system revolutionary is the design of the sensors. The sensors have multiple sensors that detect anything that hits that water plus the sensors also have a microprocessor that works right along the sensors to make sure that are the most reliable they can be. One of the best features of this alarm system is that it is smart. After 10 minutes if no one has been in the water the alarm will activate and will sound if any movement in the water has been detected.

Effectiveness

The most effective feature of this pool alarm is Bluetooth control. When the alarm is purchased and activated an application can be downloaded that completely controls the pool alarm system. From the app, the system can be accessed to change the length of the alarm, the sensitivity of the floats, and the range. The full control of the system is right there at your fingertips.

Price Range

Smart pool alarms do have a higher price range than the standard alarm with remote signals. This Bluetooth connection and microprocessor sensors are very reliable and versatile which causes the price of this alarm to fall in the higher price category. The alarm works with just about anybody of water in or around the home making it much safer for all.

9. PoolGuard DAPT-2

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81.3
PoolGuard DAPT-2 Best Pool Alarms display
Amazon Link
Design
83
Effectiveness
80
Price Range
81
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$49.98

Sounds in just seven seconds time

Has a feature to let an adult pass quietly

Includes an indicator for a low battery

Usable as alarm equipment for water hazards

Fits securely on the inside of the door

Was too loud for some buyers

Directions might be difficult to use at first

Sounding in just seven seconds time after the door is opened by a child, the Poolguard Pool Door Alarm has a feature to let an adult pass quietly. It includes an indicator for a low battery and is usable as alarm equipment for water hazards.

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Design

This amazing device fits on the inside of the door leading to the pool area. When the electronic connection is disturbed, the alarm goes off alerting you to the entrance issue of a child. Adults can pass by this alarm on the door quietly and easily because it has that particular feature. Thus, it will not sound for the many times that grown-ups pass through the door.

Effectiveness

Kids cannot reach the place where this alarm is attached to the door if it is placed high enough. That will make it more effective in preventing accidents in the pool.

Price Range

This terrific pool alarm has a below-average cost. it is valued for its quick alarm for an opened door, the indicator for a dying battery, and the simple installation process to put it in.

10. SafeFamilyLife Electronic

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
78.7
SafeFamilyLife Electronic Best Pool Alarms display
SafeFamilyLife Electronic Best Pool Alarms system alarm
SafeFamilyLife Electronic Best Pool Alarms box
Amazon Link
Design
77
Effectiveness
79
Price Range
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$138.73

Is lightweight, self-contained, and portable

Is a dependable system of monitoring

Sensors detect entry into the pool

Decreases drowning accidents

Cannot be deactivated easily

Was too loud for some people and their neighbors

The sleep mode cause problems for a few buyers

The alarm will sound when pets or kids fall into the pool unsupervised with the Pool Alarm Electronic Monitoring System. It is lightweight, self-contained, and portable, plus it attaches to a deck of the pool simply. Used mostly for in-ground pools, it will work for above-ground pools also and is easy to operate.

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Design

This is a dependable system of electronic monitoring that decreases drowning accidents in home pools. Terrific sensors detect entry into the pool, and then an alarm sounds at the device and in the home. It uses a wireless receiver remotely for as much as 300 feet away and includes a remote receiver.

Effectiveness

Two alarms will go off when this amazing alarm is tripped. It will sound at the device and in the home when someone or something falls into the pool and no one is around to help. This clever device cannot be deactivated easily. You must put it in sleep mode for it to not sound the alarm. If you do not do it correctly, the alarm will go off then too as a warning.

Price Range

With an above-average cost, this wonderful pool alarm is valued for its easy attachment, double alarms, and the long-distance capabilities of the wireless receiver that operates remotely.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Design

We feature the best products of any category in our informative buying guides to enhance your shopping experience and make searching for the perfect item for you and your family much easier. These are the best-rated and the most-reviewed products of this category of pool alarms. Customers have determined that they are the top items because they are overwhelmingly pleased with their purchases. We search through the customer feedback and comments on these highlighted items and the manufacturers’ details of each. This important data we put in our concise and beneficial summary sections to aid in your selection.

The pool alarm with the most reviews is the Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm, and the one with the highest rating is the Guardline Wireless Alarm Kit. Customers are truly pleased with these fine selections. Each of these devices is easy to put in and activate because they attach simply and operate on batteries. Once you look at the included manuals for precise directions, you should put in the batteries and install them. Because some of them come with the batteries needed for operation, you should be able to hook them up the same day you receive the devices. You will have instant protection for your property, your pool, and your children.

Effectiveness

Each of these alarms will sound off when a child nears or enters the pool. These all work a bit different, so it matters to which type you want. Some pool alarms attach to the gate or door leading to the pool. They will sound when the door or gate is opened by a child. the other main type of alarm is one that detects the movement of a large animal or person near or in the pool. These attach to the pool directly.

The third type, of which we only feature one product, is the wristband alarm. This goes on the child and will sound when the kid gets in the water. These are great when you have friends and family over or for events where more than just a few are needed. All of these alarms will sound when someone nears or enters the pool but in different ways.

Price Range

To give you an idea of where a product fits in with the others according to cost, we calculate an average with the given online prices and use it to compare each individual cost with it. We indicate whether an item is below-average, average, or above-average in price along with the best qualities or features.

This way you know in a glance what makes that item so special and worth the cost. The prices of these great pool alarms vary greatly with each model. Some of these are for in-ground pools, while others are for above-ground pools. Plenty of other differences in features, materials used, and the capabilities of these alarms are the reasons for the price variations. Please keep these in mind when comparing costs. The pool alarm with the highest cost is the New Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm Kit, and the one with the lowest price is the Techko S187D Safe Pool Alarm.

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Parents, Did You Know?

While Pool alarms are highly effective, they should not be used as a replacement measure for adult supervision.

Parents, Did You Know?

Many states require residential pools that contain water that is more than 36 inches deep to have a pool alarm.

Other Factors to Consider

Durability

These alarms will last for many years of use if they are properly taken care of by the users. The door and gate models are stationary and fixed to the doors, walls, gates, and fences. They are durable and in most cases, weatherproof too. The alarms that go in and around the pool and yard are durable and mostly weatherproof also.

These have a further range than the other door-type models. The wrist-type alarms should last a long time as well, depending on how children treat them while they are wearing them. All of these devices are meant for years of trusted use to be depended on to prevent accidents around and in swimming pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What makes these alarms work?

a:

Some of these alarms are motions detectors that will sound off when a person or large animal comes into the area. These can protect the yard as well as the pool. The ones that attach to the door or gate have a magnetic attachment that is separated to sound the alarm. One piece is on the door or gate and the other to the wall or fence. They remain together until the gate or door is opened by someone other than a knowing adult. When the door or gate opens, the magnetic pieces separate and set off the alarm.

q: Can a child easily deactivate these alarms or use the bypass option for themselves?

a:

No, for the ones that attach to the doors and gates, kids cannot usually reach these if they are placed high enough. The motion detector types of alarms will be triggered when anyone enters the pool area and can only be turned off by an adult. The wristband alarms for kids are not easy for children to remove themselves, so even these are quite tamper-resistant by children.

q: Are these all attached to the pool or do they attach to the door or gate to the pool?

a:

Most of these alarms are for the screens, doors, and gates that lead to the area where the pool is located. When the child opens the door or gate, the alarm will sound because the adult bypass is not triggered. Only a couple of them are alarms that attach to the pool at poolside to detect movement by the pool.

q: Are any of these portable to use on other pools too?

a:

Yes, there is one set of devices that attach to the children with wristbands. These can be used at any pool and can be increased to as many as you need by purchasing additional sets. This item is the New Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm Kit. These are set off when the child’s arm touches the water.

q: Do these all run on batteries?

a:

Yes, they do all operate on batteries, but a few of them do adapt to electrical outlets.

q: Are all of the alarms very loud? Are there any that are not so loud to stay in good with the neighbors?

a:

Yes, these are all quite loud, judging from the comments made by buyers in the customer feedback sections. The only one that had comments that it is not loud enough is the Guardline Wireless Alarm Kit. It has over thirty different chimes that you can set for the monitors. As for the others, they are loud because they need to be heard by an adult that is many feet away and possibly indoors.

Sources

  1. Inyo Pools, How do pool alarms work?, Online Article
  2. Diane Atwood, Important tips on making your pool a safe place to swim, Online Article
  3. Diane Atwood, Important tips on making your pool a safe place to swim, Online Article