Alarms & Locks: The Next Layer of Protection
Any door that grants access to the pool should be equipped with a high lock and an alarm.
Pool alarms can be classified into five categories. Each pool alarm is available to the public through various retail sources. While no alarm is a perfect solution, each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. No matter what type is chosen, pool alarms provide a necessary layer of protection in preventing drowning incidents. It is up to the homeowner to decide which method best suits their unique situation.
Surface Detectors:
Surface detectors, as their name implies, detect disturbances to the water’s surface. The idea is that should a toddler fall into the pool, the splash from her body would send ripples along the water’s surface and trigger the alarm. However, surface detection alarms are prone to false alarm. Any disturbance in the water’s surface will activate it, including branches, heavy rain, automatic pool cleaning devices, and your pool filter. The result is that you will be disengaging this kind of pool alarm fairly frequently. Failure to reengage the alarm renders it ineffective. Also, should your toddler gently crawl into the pool, and not create a splash, then your surface detection alarm may not go off. The major benefit of a surface detection alarm is the price. They tend to be fairly inexpensive with your best one capping at around $100. This alarm can suitable if you have already implemented multiple layers of protection and you can deal with the associated inconveniences.
Subsurface Detectors:
These alarms are designed to detect underwater movement created by a child walking into a pool slowly and causing little surface disturbance. While normally more expensive that a surface detection alarm, subsurface detectors are not nearly as prone to false alarm. As with the surface detection alarms and any pool alarm that relies on water disturbance as a trigger, a subsurface detection alarm must be disengaged when the pool is in use or the filter is running. Again, forgetting to reengage the alarm after you’ve left the pool renders it useless. Subsurface detection alarms have many benefits not found in surface detection alarms and may be more effective when used with additional layers of protection.
Sonar Alarm:
This is the same technology used by Naval submarines. This alarm creates a sonar net based on the acoustics of the water. There usually is little to no delay. These alarms are quite effective but can cost a lot more than the other options available. These alarms also usually require professional installation, inevitably adding to the cost. Sonar alarms are highly recommended.
Pool Perimeter Alarm:
Pool perimeter alarms work much like laser alarm systems seen in movies like Mission Impossible. Mirrors are positioned around the pool to create a continuous path for the laser around the perimeter of the pool. When the laser’s path is interrupted, the pool’s perimeter has been breached and the alarm sounds. Naturally, the alarm needs to be disengaged for servicing, but can be left on while the pool filter is running or even if the pool is in use.
Personal Immersion Alarm:
This alarm is the one alarm that nearly eliminates the possibility of a false alarm. It is usually worn directly on the child with a base station that is located in the house in a high location. When the alarm worn on the child enters the water, the base station sounds inside. Personal immersion alarms are normally less expensive than sonar and pool perimeter alarms and are activated by the situation of the child, not the pool. The majority of personal immersion alarms allow for portability. This means you can use it at a friend's, relative's, or public recreational facilities such as the beach or a community pool.
REMEMBER: Most alarms use batteries if they are not hard wired into the house. This requires periodically testing the alarm with manufacturing standards to ensure it is working properly. When choosing layers of protection, qualify products with these questions:
* Will it be on duty?
* Will it perform?
* Is it easy to use?
* Is it independent?
* Does it deny access to the water?
* Is there a delay responding?
When you ask yourself these questions, it is clear that pool fence is your best layer of defense right next to direct adult supervision.
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