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

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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

Product	Detection Method	AI / Camera	Pool Type	Alert Type	Certification
PoolGuard Safety Buoy	Floating sub-surface sensor	No	Inground / Above-ground	Local siren + remote receiver	ASTM F2208 / NSF
PoolEye PE23	Immersion / submersion	No	Inground / Above-ground	Local siren	ASTM F2208
Black & Decker Alarm	Electronic water disturbance	No	Inground	Local siren	ASTM F2208 (NSF listed)
PoolGuard Deck-Mounted	Sub-surface deck sensor	No	Inground	Local siren + remote receiver	ASTM F2208 / NSF
MYLO Virtual Lifeguard	Above & underwater cameras	Yes	Inground / Above-ground	App + local siren	–
SwamCam	Wide-angle AI camera	Yes	Inground / Above-ground	App + local siren	ASTM F2208
PoolScout Pro	Wired AI vision recognition	Yes	Inground	App + local siren	–

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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.

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a dull, stained pool surface turn bright and clean again after a good acid wash. It’s like hitting the reset button on a pool that’s seen better days. But as any seasoned pool pro knows, this powerful process comes with some serious risks. 

Acid washing uses muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid)—a chemical strong enough to dissolve mineral buildup, algae, and stains. That same strength, though, can cause burns, lung damage, and serious injuries if not handled the right way. Knowing how to stay safe isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for protecting yourself, your crew, and your customers. 

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Why You Can’t Cut Corners on Safety 

Muriatic acid is no joke. A splash on your skin or a breath of concentrated fumes can do real harm in seconds. It can also eat away at pool finishes and metal fixtures if it’s not used properly. The goal is to make the pool look better—not cause damage or danger along the way. 

When you follow safety protocols, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re building a reputation for professionalism and responsibility that customers notice. 

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Safety Basics Every Pool Pro Should Practice 

1. Paperwork Isn’t Just Paperwork 

Before you start mixing anything, make sure your Hazard Communication Program is up to date. Have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical you use, and double-check that all containers are clearly labeled. This may seem tedious, but if something goes wrong, this documentation can be a lifesaver—literally and legally. 

2. Dress Like You Mean It 

When you’re handling acid, jeans and sunglasses aren’t enough. You’ll need: 

● Acid-resistant gloves (rubber or neoprene)
● Chemical splash goggles and a face shield
● Long-sleeved acid-resistant clothing or a Tyvek suit
● Closed-toe, chemical-resistant boots
● A respirator with acid-gas cartridges if ventilation isn’t great

It might not be a fashion statement, but it’s definitely a safety statement. 

3. Let It Breathe

If you’re working in an indoor pool or a deep end, acid fumes can build up fast. Always use fans, open doors and windows, and wear a respirator if needed. OSHA even considers an acid-washing pool a permit-required confined space—so don’t take chances. When in doubt, step out and get fresh air.

4. Mix with Care 

There’s one golden rule every pool pro should memorize: Always add acid to water—never water to acid.  Doing it backwards can cause an instant, violent reaction that splashes acid everywhere. Mix outdoors, use plastic containers, and keep people (and pets) far away while you work. 

5. Be Kind to the Environment 

Once you’ve finished the wash, it’s time to neutralize the leftover acid with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Never let untreated acid flow into a storm drain or onto the lawn. Not only is that harmful, it can also get you in trouble with local environmental agencies. Take a few extra minutes to neutralize properly and practice disposal according to local rules. 

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Two Is Better Than One 

Whenever possible, don’t go it alone. Have another technician on deck while you’re in the pool. That second person can pass tools, monitor fumes, or call for help if something unexpected happens. It’s simple teamwork that makes the job safer for everyone. 

Be Ready for the “What-Ifs” 

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure you have: 

● An eye wash station or portable eyewash bottle within arm’s reach
● A fresh water source nearby for rinsing skin or eyes
● A neutralizing agent like baking soda ready to go
● Up-to-date first-aid training for handling chemical exposure

At Pool Troopers in Tampa, FL, for example, every employee is issued proper safety gear and trained on SDS procedures—an approach all pool companies can learn from. 

The Bottom Line 

Acid washing is one of the most dramatic makeovers you can give a pool—but it’s not something to take lightly. The right preparation, gear, and mindset make all the difference between a successful job and a dangerous one. 

If you’re looking to sharpen your safety skills, check out the OSHA 10 Course for Pool Pros that I offer through Space Coast Pool School. It’s a great way to stay informed, stay compliant, and most importantly—stay safe. 

Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages one to four in the United States. Yet for many years, the topic of drowning prevention was considered taboo in the pool industry. That narrative is changing, thanks to the work of organizations like Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) and advocates like Casey McGovern, who are helping bring the issue to the forefront through legislation, education, and collaborative industry support.

Backed by the International Swimming Hall of Fame, ECAS is a national initiative ensuring all children—regardless of income—have access to swim lessons and water safety education. At the heart of the program is a mission rooted in tragedy. For Casey McGovern, this work is more than a cause. It’s a personal mission rooted in her own family’s tragedy and her determination to turn grief into meaningful change.

From Tragedy to National Impact

On August 3, 2009, McGovern experienced what no parent ever should. She had just returned from the grocery store and placed her 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae, in a chair near the kitchen while she began putting away groceries. “She was in my line of sight,” McGovern recalled. But a brief distraction—stepping into another room to answer a question—was all it took. When she returned, Edna Mae was gone.

McGovern searched the house room by room before noticing the backyard slider was slightly ajar. “I wasn’t even thinking about the pool,” she said. “But then I caught a glimpse of her floating.” Despite having a pool fence, the gate hadn’t latched shut—a small oversight with devastating consequences.

Her husband immediately performed CPR, allowing the family one more week with Edna Mae in the hospital. But her injuries were too severe. “At the end of that week, she was left with no brain activity,” said McGovern. “We had to say goodbye.”

That moment reshaped her life. “I promised her I would commit my life to this. I haven’t stopped since.”

“I checked out of the supermarket at 3:46 p.m., and at 4:15 I was sitting in the emergency room watching my daughter fight for her life,” said McGovern. “Our world changed in 29 minutes.”

In the midst of that heartbreak, she made a vow to her daughter: to dedicate her life to preventing childhood drownings. That commitment eventually led her to a role at the Florida Department of Health, where she ran the state’s drowning prevention program for over eight years. But McGovern wanted to do more.

“I realized I was prepared to take it further,” she said. “One of my first initiatives was to work with the pool industry. These are the people building and servicing the pools where these tragedies can happen. At the time, many saw drowning prevention as taboo. But we started changing that.”

McGovern partnered with industry leaders like Dr. Bill Kent to help draft and pass Every Child a Swimmer legislation, beginning with Florida. The law requires schools to distribute water safety information and connect families to local swim lesson providers.

“I never imagined I’d be helping write and pass legislation,” she said. “But here we are. We’ve passed Every Child a Swimmer legislation in eight states so far, and we’re just getting started.”

Building a Scalable, Accountable Model

In addition to legislation, ECAS operates a national scholarship program to ensure access to swim lessons for families in need. Scholarships cover up to $500 per child and are paired with approved swim schools that meet strict quality standards.

“We track every child from start to finish,” said McGovern. “Our swim schools must report skill progress and maintain no more than a 6:1 class size ratio. Every scholarship goes to a child from a family earning less than $50,000 a year.”

Currently, ECAS partners with more than 370 swim schools across the country. Each is given a line of credit to support children in their communities.

“It’s not just a transaction. It’s a relationship,” McGovern explained. “Our partners know that we’re in it together.”

Transparency is core to the model. “Only 5% of our funding goes to administration. Ninety-five percent goes directly back into the program,” she added.

The Role of the Pool Industry

The support of the pool industry has been instrumental to ECAS’s growth. Builders, service pros, manufacturers, and distributors all have a role to play.

“Have the conversation,” said McGovern. “If you’re a builder, talk to clients about door alarms, fences, and supervision. If you’re a service tech, remind families not to leave toys in the pool. Simple tips can save lives.”

She encouraged companies to include water safety materials in welcome packets, invoices, and social media posts. “Make it part of your business. Normalize the conversation.”

Financial support is another avenue. “If you’re servicing pools, consider donating $1 per pool. If you’re building a pool, set aside $100 per project and ask the client to match it. It adds up, and it changes lives.”

A Vision for the Future

McGovern’s vision for ECAS over the next decade is clear: expand legislation, remove waitlists, and create broad-based access to swim education.

ECAS is currently advancing two legislative approaches: a school-based bill that requires schools to send water safety information home with students, and a hospital-based bill that ensures new parents receive drowning prevention education before leaving the hospital.

“We want legislation in every state—the school bill and the hospital bill,” she said. “We’re also looking at integrating pediatricians. Parents trust their doctors. We need to meet them where they are.”

She says ECAS also hopes to eliminate financial barriers entirely. “Our dream is not to turn away a single child. We want to provide lessons to every family that needs them. Maybe even expand to adults. Over 50% of Americans can’t swim well enough to save themselves.”

Normalizing the Conversation

Ultimately, McGovern believes the biggest shift will come when swim safety becomes as ingrained in our culture as fire safety.

“We all know stop, drop, and roll. We know to check our smoke detectors. But nobody talks about water safety,” she said. “That needs to change. We need to create a generation of swimmers.”

Formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. With a clear mission, a growing network, and the support of the industry, Every Child a Swimmer is working every day to make that vision a reality. To get involved, visit everychildaswimmer.org.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Casey McGovern on the Pool Magazine Podcast.