Pool alarms are only one of the many layers of protection that should be implemented in and around the backyard swimming pool to decrease the chances of childhood drowning accidents. There are so many varieties of pool alarms on the market, though, that it may be difficult to know which one to choose. By considering the following information regarding pool alarms, you should be more prepared to make the best choice for the safety of the children in your life.
An Evaluation of Swimming Pool Alarms
An evaluation of swimming pool alarms conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2000 tested three different types of pool alarms: surface wave sensors, subsurface disturbance sensors, and a wristband sensor. Surface wave sensors float on the surface of the water. Subsurface disturbance sensors attach to the side of the pool, and a portion of the sensor is submerged below the water's surface. The wristband sensor is worn by the child and sounds an alarm if the device is submerged.
The CPSC's study included multiple tests of each device in 6 backyard swimming pools of varying shape and size. The goals of the study were "to determine whether the surface and subsurface wave sensors would alarm when a test object entered the pool, and to determine whether the wristband would alarm when exposed to pool water." Additionally, the study tested for false alarms that may be triggered by weather conditions such as wind and rain, and those that may be triggered by an object such as a beach ball or soccer ball.
According to the results of the CPSC study, the surface wave sensors did not perform as reliably as the subsurface disturbance sensors when a test object was thrown into the pool. The study concludes 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 submerged in pool water and each time it was exposed to other water sources, such as that from a faucet or hose.
Other Pool Alarms
The CPSC study did not include tests of infrared motion detection alarms, which are another type of swimming pool alarm system. Infrared motion detection devices sound an alarm if a child, adult, or object enters the beam path that surrounds the pool. Some alarm systems include a subsurface disturbance sensor in addition to the motion detection feature to increase the level of protection.
Features to Look For in a Pool Alarm
While pool alarms may come with many more features than are presented here, the following is a list of recommended features to look for when deciding on a pool alarm for your own backyard swimming pool:
Testing Your Pool Alarm
Once you decide which pool alarm is best for your backyard swimming pool, performing regular tests of the alarm's effectiveness will ensure that your alarm continues to function properly over time. The user's manual for each type of pool alarm should provide instructions for conducting your own tests.
Pool Alarms are Not Enough
No pool alarm is fail-safe no matter how many technologies and features are included and no matter what claims are made by the manufacturer. Pool alarms should be considered as one of many layers of protection in the effort to prevent children from drowning, along with protective barriers, door alarms, and safety pool covers. The first and most important way to protect children from drowning accidents, though, is to provide close and constant supervision by a responsible adult. A combination of safety measures is essential for creating a safe backyard environment for all of the children in your life.
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