Picking a Pool Gate Guide

Last week I went over information about selecting a pool alarm in this post, Picking a Pool Alarm Guide. This week I am moving onto Pool Gate Alarms (versus actual in-pool water alarms) which can be used in place of Pool Alarms or in companion for a higher level of safety for children (as well as older folks, or even pets).




Here's a brief review of the statistics I gave last time:

-An average of 350 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools every year.
-In addition, an average of 2,600 children under the age of 5 are treated in hospital ER rooms for near-drowning incidents in swimming pools every year.
-About 79% of these incidents take place in home locations.
-Children between ages 1 and 2 are at the greatest risk for drowning in a home swimming pool.

Pool Gate alarms are much more straight forward than Pool Alarms. They will alert when a paticular gate, door, or window is opened to prevent unsupervised entry into your home backyard pool area.

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute says, “We recommend using both pool and gate alarms. The more layers of protection, the better,” says Todd Kent, GHRI’s senior test engineer. “Effective alarms are not lifesaving devices, but they can alert parents to an accident, giving them time to act.” GHRI conducted test trials on popular brand Pool Gate alarms being offered on the market today and the following products passed their rigorous standards:



1) SmartPool YardGard Programmable Gate, Door, Window Yard Guard Alarm System - YG18

According to Good Housekeeping Research Institute, "The YardGuard was the overall winner for the gate alarm. It alarmed with no delay when the gate was opened at 1 inch and 2 inches. This product offers a second reset button that can be placed on the inside of the gate, so an adult can easily exit without triggering the alarm. The main unit, placed on the outside of the gate, requires a 4-digit pass code to allow entry, making it more difficult for children or unwanted visitors to bypass. Of the products we tested, the YardGuard is the only device to have such a feature."

Price: $44.95 at PoolSupplyWorld.com (Free Shipping)



3) Poolguard Door Swimming Pool Alarm - DAPT-2

According to Good Housekeeping Research Institute,"Poolguard offers an indoor door alarm, DAPT, and an outdoor gate alarm, GAPT. The GAPT and DAPT have 7-second delays to help prevent accidental alarms. The alarms performed well, with the loudest alarm of all the products tested." The DAPT-2 is the indoor door alarm which can be easily installed and complies with all building codes. In addition, Poolguard is the only door alarm that is UL Listed under UL2017 for water hazard entrance alarm equipment.

Price: $44.95 at PoolSupplyWorld.com (Free Shipping)




4) Poolguard Gate Alarm - GAPT

The Poolguard Gate Alarm, GAPT, is the outdoor equivalent of the DAPT. While the DAPT guards regular indoor doors, the GAPT works on outdoor gates and fences. Like the DAPT, Poolguard GAPT is recommended by Good Housekeeping Research Institute and meets UL 2017.

Price: $59.99 at PoolSupplyWorld.com (Free Shipping)


Sources for Information on Pool Door/Gate Alarms:
CPSC.gov
GoodHousekeeping.com
PoolSupplyWorld.com