In-pool Alarms
Pool alarms are most commonly mounted on paving, overhanging the edge of the swimming pool. They work by detecting movement in the pool, and cost anywhere from €300 to considerably more than €1,300.
Immersion Alarms Do Not Prevent Accidents
So-called immersion alarms of ANY sort have one critical failing: they only sound AFTER a child has fallen in the pool. A child can drown in seconds, so that may very well be too late. Indeed, between summer 2005 and April 2006, 4 children drowned in French pools that were equipped with an alarm.
Alarm = Panic
Whilst these sorts of alarm may offer some day-to-day peace of mind, just think of the sheer panic you’re going to feel when the alarm sounds. Not to mention the horror if the worst happens, and you have to retrieve an unconscious child from the bottom of your pool.
Prone To False Alarms
Many pool alarms are also prone to sounding false alarms, either as a result of wind disturbing the water, or just because you forgot to turn it off (or it reset) before you climbed in the pool. Either way, it's a nuisance. But if the alarm is being triggered by the wind (i.e. all the time), we find most people just switch them off or take the batteries out!
Not A Moment's Peace
Lastly, any parent will tell you that toddlers are nothing if not adventurous. Take your eye off them for a second, and they're off. So, if you have no physical barrier preventing access to your pool, you will not be able to relax for a moment.
Du Toit says:
Installation of an in-pool immersion alarm is enough to meet your obligation under the law. But in our opinion, they are only suitable for pools which are never visited by children, or as a secondary back-up to other protection measures.
