Swimming pool alarms are one of the best safety devices you can add to your swimming pool. While no swimming pool alarm replaces adult supervision, an alarm can help prevent a tragedy by alerting you as soon as an object falls into your pool.
Samuel Cottrell invented the swimming pool alarm. He developed an alarm for backyard swimming pools that would be activated if a child or pet fell into the water while no one was watching. The battery-powered device floated on the pool's surface. A ball rests on top of a central cone that contained a switch connected to an alarm. If someone fell into the water, the rippers rocked the ball off of the cone and would trigger the alarm.
When you want to use the pool, you simply enter your access code at the main unit's keypad or with the wireless remote, putting the system into swim standby.
A short while after everyone has left the pool, the system will automatically re-arm. Most of the main units have a large red visible LED that tells you if the unit is armed or in standby mode or if the battery is low. Whenever the system re-arms you will receive an audible via the main unit and the wireless remote.
A typical swimming pool alarm will cover a 32' X 16' rectangular or kidney shaped swimming pool. If the pool is larger or irregular shaped, then you will need 2 systems. When using 2 systems, they can be operated via one wireless remote for ease of use. A spa would require a separate system.
You can protect your loved ones from accidental drowning with an above ground pool alarm. The sensor discretely mounts inside the pool and detects when objects weighing 15 pounds or more enter the pool. You can also adjust the sensitivity. The alarm emits a loud siren at the control panel mounted on the outside of the pool or at a nearby location. .
In-ground swimming pool alarms protect you pool and eliminate false alarms due to wind and rain. The underwater sensor sounds an alarm when objects weighing 15-pounds or more fall into the pool and is adjustable to prevent false alarms. The alarm sounds at the pool and also at the remote receiver, which can be located up to 100-feet away. The in-ground swimming pool alarm will cover up to an 18' x 36' swimming pool.
In-ground swimming pool alarms can also guard your pool with two levels of protection. The motion detector located on top of the poolside alarm alerts you before anyone enters the water. The in-home remote will signal you with a voice alert when the perimeter alarm goes off. This alarm can cover up 180-degrees of area and up to 50-feet of range. The wave detector will alert you when objects weighing 15 pounds or more fall into the pool. Alarms will sound the swimming pool and also at the remote receiver that can be located up to 100 feet away. The alarm can also be adjusted for sensitivity so there are no false alarms caused by wind or rain.
Gate alarms mount on your poolside gate. The alarm comes with two magnetic switches, hookup wire and is battery operated. The alarm sounds within seven seconds of the gate opening and continues to sound even if the gate closes. The gate alarm features a delay switch that will allow passage through the gate without the alarm sounding. If the gate is accidentally left open the alarm will sound.
A new sensing method that requires no adjustments will not allow entry into the pool by children, pets or intruders without being detected by the unit's electronic sensor and will set off a loud, pulsating alarm both in the home and at the swimming pool. It is safe, simple and easy to operate. This type of alarm is battery operated and does not require tie-downs, ropes or wires. This type of system can also be used with a solar blanket on the swimming pool.
The electronic sensor is also available for above ground swimming pools and will also set off a loud, pulsating alarm. They are safe, simple and easy to operate, and are battery operated. These alarms can also be used with a solar blanket on the swimming pool.
Swimming pool wristband alarms for your children are also available. The wristband locks onto your child's wrist and if he or she falls into the water, a loud alarm will sound at the base station. The base station should be placed inside the house, within 100 feet of the pool or body of water. No installation is required inside the pool or gate area. Any number of wristbands can be used with one base station. Parents can use the wristbands anywhere their child is exposed to a fresh water hazard, such as a lake, a river or a public swimming pool. The wristbands can even be used on pets by purchasing the optional pet color that will adapt to fit on the animal's regular collar. This is ideal for smaller dogs that may not be able to climb out of the pool by themselves.
The wristband device also alarmed well but can be impractical because the caregiver must remember to put it on the child, and it alarms when exposed to any water source, even tap water.
Pool alarms should be used as an extra safeguard but should never be relied upon as the only line of defense in preventing a child from drowning in your swimming pool. The keys to preventing these tragedies are by placing barriers around your pool, closely supervising your child and being prepared in case of an emergency.
Resources:
WWW.CPSC.GOV
WWW.POOLCENTER.COM
WWW.SAFETYALARMS.COM
• Budget: The first decision that should be made when planning an outdoor kitchen is the budget. Making a budget allows a homeowner to use that bottom line number as a guide for what they will add to their design. It is important to remember to pick one or two items that are most important in the outdoor kitchen and design the rest around those. It is also possible for outdoor kitchens to be works in progress allowing homeowners to add things as they go and can afford them. Unless money is no object, homeowners should stick to their budget because it can be very easy to stray from it here and there and before you know it you've spend an extra $3,000 you hadn't planned on.
• Determine Available Space: Usually the next step after deciding on a budget is determining how much space you have available for the kitchen. Often time's homeowners add an outdoor kitchen under a covered patio, on a patio close to their swimming pool, and occasionally on a sturdy deck. Ideally the best place to add an outdoor kitchen is a flat level area such as an existing patio or concrete slab, outdoor kitchens can be added to wood decks but the deck has to be reinforced and be strong enough to handle all the extra weight.
• What Will the Space Be Used For: Ask yourself what the outdoor kitchen space will mainly be utilized for. Will it be a place where guests can sit and chat while you prepare food, will it strictly be an area for cooking and all preparation will still be done inside, or do you want your family and your guests to be able to utilize the outdoor kitchen just like they would the indoor kitchen. Answering those questions will help to figure out what type of outdoor kitchen will best suit your needs.
• What Type of Design: Homeowners should decide on whether they will go more for a simple outdoor kitchen or one that is more elaborate. Making a list of things you'd like to add to your outdoor kitchen is a good way to determine which design route you'll go in.
• Who Will Do the Labor: Another decision that will need to be made is whether a contractor will be hired to oversee the addition of an outdoor kitchen or if the homeowner will do it themselves. Outdoor kitchens that won't include much in terms of pluming, lighting, or wiring can easily be done by the homeowners but those that will be a little more complicated are better left to professionals or homeowners that are skilled in the areas of work to be done.
• Draw a Design: Making a blueprint or a drawing of how you'd like your outdoor kitchen to be arranged can really help in pulling things together for the project. If homeowners are working with a contractor he or she will likely help the homeowner in this design. Seeing the kitchen on paper and how things will be set up can help a homeowner see where things will be utilized in the outdoor kitchen.
• Grill: The grill is a great starting place when picking things out for your outdoor kitchen. Since the grill is usually what most outdoor kitchens are designed around. One of the first decisions regarding the grill is whether you prefer one that is built in or a freestanding grill. Built in grills appeal to the appearance of an outdoor kitchen but portable grill carts give the option for movement if needed. Built in outdoor grill models can usually be ordered through hardware stores or home improvement stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. Prices for portable grill carts can range from $150 to $2000 and over depending on the features that come on the grill cart. Built in grills and grill units can range from $1500 to $8000 or more depending on the options and features added to the grill.
• Refrigerator: Outdoor kitchens often include refrigerators. A common choice for an outdoor kitchen refrigerator is an under the cabinet model. These models take up half the space as a full size model and can be purchased with ice makers and frost free features. Generally these refrigerators cost between $400 and $1300.
• Countertop Space: Countertop space is an important feature in an outdoor kitchen. There needs to be adequate space for the preparation of food as well as the serving of it. Usually 36 inches of countertop space is needed in an outdoor kitchen. Countertop space can be custom built or it also comes prefabricated. Custom built spaces tend to be much more expensive then prefabricated countertops and can cost between $1500 and $6000. Prefabricated countertops can range from $500 to $3000.
• Storage Cabinets & Drawers: Another option to add to your outdoor kitchen is cabinets and drawers for storage of plates, cups, bowls, and other utensils. Cabinets and drawers can be custom made or can be purchased prefabricated as well. The cost will be determined on how much storage is needed. Typically the cost for cabinets or drawers ranged between $300 and $2000.
• Sink: The addition of a sink in an outdoor kitchen can really boost its convenience factor. Sinks only require a cold water line unless you plan to wash the dishes there and good quality stainless steel sinks can be purchased starting at $100.
• Stereo Equipment
• T.V.
• Patio Furniture
• Bar Stools
• Dishes
• Fire Pit
• Fountains
• Patio Heaters
• Beer Dispensers
• Lowe's or www.lowes.com: Lowe's is a great place to purchase building materials as well as appliances such as grills, refrigerators, and sinks. Their website offers a large variety of items as well.
• www.AllGrills.com: This website offers a large selection of grills as well as smokers, refrigerators, heaters, and accessories for outdoor kitchens.
• www.calspas.com: Before you hire a contractor check out this website. It offers several selections on totally prefabricated outdoor kitchens. These models are top of the line and come with tons of features.
• www.dcsappliances.com: This website offers several items to complete an outdoor kitchen such as grills, patio heaters, beer dispensers, warming drawers, and refrigerators.