Pool alarms
How effective are swimming pool alarms? Which type works best?
During 1999 and early 2000, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted a review of commercially available swimming pool alarm systems.
The surface wave sensors tested were priced between $149 to $200, and the subsurface sensors were priced between $190 and $250. The wristband alarm system cost $179 for one wristband and the remote alarm. (It is estimated that about 24,000 alarms are sold annually and that sales have doubled since 1994.)
Here are the conclusions of the review.
Test results showed that the subsurface pool alarms generally performed better. They were more consistent in alarming and less likely to false alarm than the surface alarms. When a test object, intended to simulate the weight of a small child, was pushed into the pool, the subsurface sensors detected it most reliably. The subsurface alarms can also be used in conjunction with solar covers, whereas the surface alarms cannot.
One surface alarm performed almost as well as the subsurface alarms. The wristband alarmed when submerged in pool water or exposed to another water source, such as tap water.
A pool alarm can be a good additional safeguard in that it provides an additional layer of protection against child drownings in swimming pools. Since pool alarms rely on someone
remembering to activate them each and every time the pool is in use, they should not be relied upon as a substitute for supervision or for a barrier completely surrounding the pool. A remote alarm feature that will sound inside the house is important to have with a pool alarm. Some alarms include this; with other alarms it has to be purchased separately.
The wristband can also provide an additional layer of protection. However, it relies on someone putting it on the child and, since children often reach the pool unexpectedly from the house, it would be important for a child to wear the wristband all the time. This may present some difficulties since it alarms when exposed to any water, e.g., when washing hands.
Click here for Pool Gear Plus's selection of surface alarms, wristbands, etc..
This information was edited by Chris Whitten based on source material from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
