Some building codes may require swimming pool alarms, but it is always a good idea even if they don’t. Along with sturdy fences, they prevent kids from getting into your pool when you are not around, which could result in accidents you would be liable for.

Though the legal requirements range from city to city as far as pool alarm necessities go, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has a few basic advice:

• Pool alarms should be loud (minimum of 85 decibels) and different from other common household sounds such as telephones and smoke alarms.

• It is recommended to have alarms on the gates leading to the pool. Alarms should go off for at least 30 seconds when the gate is opened. (There should be a deactivation switch for adults that turns off the alarm for 15 seconds--this should be at least 54 inches above the ground so kids can't touch it.)

• The alarm should automatically reset.
You should also have a sturdy fence and a pool safety cover, besides swimming pool alarms. Typical pool covers are only designed to keep out debris and keep in the heat. Pool safety covers besides all these things can also support the weight of anyone that walks out onto the pool cover).