Helping Every Child Become a Swimmer: How the Pool Industry Can Get Involved – PoolMagazine.com

Smart tech is changing how we protect our pools. In 2025, the latest generation of swim safety systems is more advanced, more accurate, and more essential than ever before. With AI-driven cameras, smarter sensors, and always-connected alerts, pool owners now have access to tools that can significantly reduce the risk of drownings—without compromising the way we enjoy our backyard spaces.

But even with all the innovation, one truth remains: no single device can replace supervision. What these products do best is buy you precious seconds in an emergency. They alert you when someone enters the water unexpectedly, can help detect motionless swimmers, and provide the backup your eyes might miss.

In this guide, we present a curated roundup of the top swim safety devices of the year—broken down into traditional alarms, wearables, and cutting-edge AI camera systems. We’ll also help you determine which ones are best for inground or above-ground pools, walk through the critical role these systems play in your overall safety plan, and what features matter most when shopping for a pool alarm or safety device.

Best Pool Alarm Systems

Non‑Camera Alarms & Detectors

PoolGuard Safety Buoy

This floating, sub-surface detection alarm is uniquely designed to float on the water while sensing disturbances below the surface. It’s one of the few floating alarms that meets NSF and ASTM F2208 certification standards. The system includes a tamper-resistant alarm and a remote in-house receiver with a range of approximately 200 feet. PoolGuard claims this device works in both inground and above-ground pools, including portable and soft-sided models.

● Detection by sub-surface disturbance (floating)
● Certified to ASTM F2208
● Remote receiver (≈200 ft)
● Suitable for inground & above-ground pools

PoolEye PE23 Immersion Alarm

The PoolEye PE23 uses an immersion or submersion sensor and mounts to either a pool deck or an above-ground pool’s top rail. Designed to detect objects over 18 pounds, it helps avoid false triggers caused by rain or debris. It is ASTM F2208 compliant and emits an alarm exceeding 85 dB at a 10-foot range, ensuring it captures attention quickly.

● Immersion / submersion sensor
● Mountable on inground deck or above-ground rail
● Certified per ASTM F2208
● Battery-powered with minimal false alarms

Black & Decker ASTM Swimming Pool Alarm

This ASTM F2208 certified system from Black & Decker uses electronic sensing to detect disturbances in water. It’s engineered to sense intrusions from children, pets, or anyone entering the pool. Because of its NSF-listed certification, it’s a top contender in municipalities where code compliance is mandatory.

● Electronic water-entry sensing
● ASTM F2208 certified
● Ideal for traditional inground pool installations
● Alerts via loud local alarm

PoolGuard (Deck-Mounted Sensor)

In addition to the floating Safety Buoy, PoolGuard also offers a deck-mounted sensor model (PGRM-2). This system features a submerged sensing arm and is installed directly on the pool deck. It meets NSF and ASTM F2208 standards and includes a 200-foot remote receiver. It’s designed to detect objects weighing 18 pounds or more entering the pool.

● Deck-mounted sub-surface sensor
● Certified to ASTM F2208
● Includes remote in-home receiver
● Best for inground pools, adaptable to some above-ground setups

Best Swimming Pool Cameras

Camera / AI / Alarm Systems

MYLO Virtual Lifeguard

MYLO is a fully AI-powered monitoring system with dual cameras—one above the water and one below. It continuously analyzes activity in the pool and escalates alerts if dangerous behaviors or motionlessness are detected. Always-on functionality ensures the system is active at all times, with alerts delivered via app and on-site siren. It’s compatible with both inground and above-ground pools.

● Dual-camera AI/vision detection
● Real-time behavior analysis
● Always-on with app + local alerts
● Works with inground and above-ground pools

SwamCam Pool Alarm

SwamCam features a wide-angle camera equipped with AI to identify human presence and risky behavior before or after someone enters the water. This ASTM F2208-certified system offers local and remote alerts and supports multi-camera expansion for complete pool coverage.

● AI-enhanced vision detection
● Sends local siren + app alerts
● Certified to ASTM F2208
● Supports additional cameras for larger pools

PoolScout Pro

This wired AI vision system distinguishes between people, pets, and non-threats using smart recognition technology. It sends both app and local alerts and is designed for permanent installation around inground pools. PoolScout’s wired design enhances reliability and reduces connection dropouts.

● Wired AI/vision-based detection
● Differentiates humans, pets, and objects
● Local siren + app notifications
● Designed for inground pools requiring fixed setup
● Wireless and battery operated PoolScout versions available.

2025 Pool Safety System Comparison Chart

Where Pool Alarms Fit in the Safety Equation

A strong pool safety plan includes multiple layers: fencing, supervision, safety covers, and rescue tools like flotation rings or poles. Alarms and detection systems don’t replace these—they enhance them. Their job is to alert you quickly if a child, pet, or unsupervised swimmer enters the water or shows signs of distress.

Many of the best systems today don’t just sound an alarm—they send push notifications to your phone, distinguish between people and pets, and use AI to analyze what’s actually happening in and around the pool. Whether it’s a floating sensor, a wearable wristband, or an overhead camera, these tools give families an extra line of defense when it matters most.

What to Look For in a Pool Alarm or Safety Device

Detection Method: Sensor or Smart?

One of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing between traditional detection systems and newer, smart-tech pool safety equipment. Traditional models use sub-surface sensors, floating alarms, or immersion detectors to sense splashes or movement in the water. They’re typically more affordable and easier to install. On the other hand, smart devices—especially camera-based systems—use artificial intelligence to detect specific behaviors like unexpected entry or motionless swimmers. These are more advanced, often more reliable, but can require more setup and calibration. The best choice depends on your pool environment and how much tech you’re comfortable maintaining.

Pool Type Compatibility: Inground or Above-Ground?

Not every alarm works with every pool. Some models are specifically designed for above-ground pools, with rail-mounted sensors or floating units that require no permanent installation. Others are better suited for inground pools, with deck-mounted sensors, cameras, or systems that rely on hardwiring. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s compatibility information before buying—and if you’re using a camera-based system, consider the layout of your yard and whether you have clean sight lines to the pool.

Alert Capabilities: Local, Remote, and Multi-Stage

A loud poolside alarm is great—but it’s not much help if no one is outside to hear it. The best systems send alerts directly to your phone, allow for multiple contacts, and can even escalate based on the type of activity detected. For example, some AI-enabled systems detect when someone enters the water, then sound a second alert if that swimmer becomes motionless—giving you a crucial warning of a potential drowning event. Consider how fast the device responds and whether its alerts are audible, visual, and mobile.

False Alarm Resistance: Smart Filtering Matters

Nobody wants an alarm that constantly triggers every time the wind blows or a leaf drops in. Look for systems that offer sensitivity adjustments, motion filtering, or AI-powered recognition to minimize false alarms. Some systems learn over time and can tell the difference between a dog, a toddler, or a shadow. If you’ve got water features, pets, or regular foot traffic near your pool, make sure your alarm is designed to handle that without driving you crazy.

Installation & Maintenance: Ease Is Key

Ease of installation can be the difference between a device that gets used and one that ends up in a drawer. Battery-powered, wireless models are typically more flexible, while wired systems offer more stability. Make sure the device you choose is easy to set up, easy to maintain (think battery life, firmware updates, or lens cleaning), and designed to stay “always on.” The best safety device is the one you’ll actually keep activated.

Backup Systems & Certifications

The most reliable devices have redundant safety features like backup batteries, tamper alerts, and self-check systems. They’re also certified to meet industry standards like ASTM F2208, which ensures a basic level of safety and reliability. If your municipality requires a certified pool alarm to meet building code, this designation is non-negotiable. Even if it’s not required, it’s still a helpful benchmark.

Final Thoughts & Safety Recommendations

Adding a modern pool alarm or safety monitoring device can meaningfully reduce the risk of unobserved pool entry or submersion by shortening the critical silent period. Many drowning tragedies occur in moments when no adult is watching — seconds make the difference, and faster alerts can tip the balance.

However, no alarm or camera system replaces human supervision or physical barriers. These devices should be viewed as supplemental layers in a redundant safety design. Here are best practices to combine with alarms:

1. Active supervision / water watchers: Always designate an adult to watch swimmers, especially children; never rely solely on devices.
2. Proper fencing & gates: Four-sided fencing with non-climbable bars and self-latching, self-closing gates remains one of the strongest deterrents to unsupervised access.
3. Pool covers & safety nets: Certified safety covers or nets provide physical barrier when pool is not in use.
4. Door / gate alarms: Many pool accidents begin when a door or gate is left open. Alarms on access doors or gates provide a first line of perimeter warning.
5. Rescue tools & training: Have life rings, reach poles, and ensure at least one responsible person is trained in CPR and water rescue procedures.
6. Swim lessons & education: Teaching children to swim, wear floatation gear when appropriate, and respect water is a human layer that no device can replace.

Ultimately, the best approach in 2025 is a layered safety architecture: start with fences and supervision, add engineered detection (alarms, cameras, wearables) for redundancy, and top with rescue tools and training. Among the devices listed above, choose the model that matches your pool type, budget, and installation constraints—and always ensure it remains active and maintained.