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As summer temperatures rise and pool covers come off, families across the country are preparing for refreshing dips and poolside picnics. Some of my earliest memories include sunshine and swimming – in the pool, visiting the waterpark and splashing on the beach. But for those who aren’t strong swimmers, or worse, get caught in the undertow in the ocean, the water can become a fearful reminder of danger.

A sobering reality remains: drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of unintentional injury and death among children ages one to four years old, with home swimming pools being the most common cause of these tragedies. Our beloved pets may face similar risks, unable to escape pools once they've fallen in.

The good news is that proper safety measures can dramatically reduce these risks. Every pool owner should invest in protection, especially homes with children and pets. From a purely financial perspective, most homeowners insurance also requires certain pool protection products for coverage.

In the guide below, we outline a few of the critical pool safety products that may require an investment, but the protection they provide for children and pets is truly priceless.

(READ MORE: Drowning Does Not Look Like It Does On TV)

1. Pool fence

There are certain requirements needed to ensure a pool fence has the proper features to be child and pet safe.

1. Fence needs to be at least four feet high
2. Pool gates should close and latch automatically for security
3. Chairs and toys that can be used as climbing aids for children should be properly stowed a safe distance away from the fencing
4. Should use vertical bars or mesh to prevent climbing

Pool fence product options

WaterWarden Pool Fence

Price: $106.26, was $129.58 at Amazon (5 ft. x 12 ft.); $78.96, was $98.73 at The Home Depot (4 ft. x 12 ft.)

Features:

• To install: Will need to drill ⅝-inch holes for the poles; kit comes with drilling template, instructions, hardware, hooks and insert caps
• Made from stainless steel and mesh
• Best with: cement or concrete tiled decks. Not recommended for pavers.

Pair it with:

• Optional gate (4 ft. and 5 ft. options available on Amazon and The Home Depot)
• Drill Guide

WamBam Vinyl Yard And Pool Fence

Price: $138.33 (4 ft. x 7 ft.) at The Home Depot

Features:

• Made of white vinyl flat top fence
• Universal posts
• Kit comes with everything except final post and concrete
• To install: Dig 2 ft. deep holes, insert posts and pour concrete footings
• If installed on a patio or driveway, will require a steel surface mounting kit

Pair it with:

• Vinyl classic picket fence gate (4 ft. x 4 ft.)

2. Pool alarms

Some of the most popular pool alarms are designed to detect area or water disturbances, and surface movement. This is a crucial early warning if a child or pet enters the water unexpectedly.

There are four types of pool alarms:

1. Surface wave detection alarms: Float on surface of pools to detect disturbances in water.
2. Subsurface detection alarms: Attach to the edge of the pool or railing, these are a more permanent option. It also sets alarms off if there are disturbances in the pool water.
3. Gate alarms: These will sound if someone has entered the gate enclosure, attaching to the frame and the gate door. There may usually be a bypass system for adults.
4. Wearable water detectors: These are also referred to as immersion wristband alarms, which will alert you if your child enters a pool. They can be worn on the wrist or ankle.

Pool alarm product options

SwamCam WiFi Pool Alarm Camera

Price: $499.99 at Amazon

Features:

• Corded electric camera and alarm uses standard power outlet
• Keypad requires (2) AAA batteries
• Uses AI for human detection and “danger detection zone” that will sound an alarm
• ASTM Certified, according to company
• Photo notification and livestream will send push notifications or email with a photo as soon as someone enters the danger zone
• Auto re-arm for safety
• Wi-Fi is needed for set up

BCONE® System Pool Alarm by Lifebuoy®

Price: $280 at Amazon

Features:

• Smart feature “Swim Mode” to allow swimming with no alarm
• Connects to Alexa and Google Assistant
• Up to four pool units can be connected to one home unit
• Use: Install unit at a distance from pump outlets or skimmers to prevent unnecessary triggers

HENDUN Door Alarms (2-Pack)

Price: $21.49, was $29.99 at Amazon

Features:

• Pool, gate, and sliding door alarm with remote
• Can be disarmed from outdoors
• Magnetically triggered when windows or interior doors opened
• Remote controls to arm, disarm, panic or doorbell

Lunasea LunaSafe Wearable Water Safety Device

Price: $199.99 at Walmart

Features:

• Water activated audio/visual alarm
• Re-chargable
• Locking wrist strap for children
• Velcro strap for pets

3. Safety drain covers

Exposed drains can present serious danger referred to as suction entrapment to swimmers. This occurs when someone becomes stuck to a drain or suction fitting in a pool or spa, and small children may find it difficult or impossible to break away. Hair, body parts like fingers, toes, arms or legs, and items such as swimsuits and jewelry can cause entrapment. It’s even noted that evisceration or disembowelment could occur if sitting on a drain with strong suction.

It’s critical to replace missing, broken or old drain covers, and do not run your pumps at higher than recommended speeds.

Safety drain product options

WG1048E White Pool Main Drain Cover Replacement

Price: $17.99, was $19.99 at Amazon

Features:

• Compatible with a variety of drain models - be sure to measure your drain cover before purchase

Hayward WGX1048E 8-Inch White Cover Replacement

Price: $23.01, was $37.99 at Amazon

Features:

• Heavy duty replacement, comes with several stainless steel screws
• Works on many Hayward model types

4. Flotation devices

For kids (and adults) who may not be the strongest or most experienced swimmers, having the proper flotation devices handy will be critical for summer fun. The key is to make sure any life jacket or swim vest is fitted properly, and that pool noodles, kickboards or life preservers are within reach.

Flotation and life vest product options

Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest (Unisex)

Price: $35.02 at Amazon

Features:

• Two size options: 30-50 pounds, and 50-90 pounds
• US Coast Guard-Approved
• Nylon shell with PE flotation foam
• Three adjustable buckets, open sides, and leg strap

HeySplash Swim Vest for Kids

Price: $27.18, was $29.99 at Amazon

Features:

• Suitable for 20 to 50 pound toddlers and kids (suggested ages from 2-6 years old)
• Adjustable straps, high-density foam, double seams and anti-fading technology
• Comes with swim wings

Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket

Price: $18.61 at Amazon

Features:

• Sizes available: X-Small through XL
• Bright colors with reflective trim for low-light conditions
• Top rescue grab handle
• Front neck float for additional head support

USCG Approved Ring Buoy

Price: $83.83, was $90 at Amazon

Features:

• Solid closed-cell foam construction
• G-style life ring with webbing straps
• Ideal for boating and swimming

SLOOSH Foam Pool Noodles

Price: $35.99 at Amazon; $33.99 at Wayfair

Features:

• 6 foam pool noodles
• 48-inches long
• Weight limit up to 150 pounds

5. Pool cover pros and cons

A properly installed pool cover can offer a number of benefits, including water cleanliness and conserving energy, but if a child or pet accidentally falls onto the pool cover and becomes trapped, they may not be able to escape.

Many pool covers are not designed to support the total weight of a child or pet, and if they attempt to walk or play on the pool cover, it can lead to catastrophic failure and drowning. And in areas of heavy rainfall, pool covers may not be able to support the water weight, leading to cover collapse.

If you decide to purchase a pool cover, make sure a pool fence is properly installed and maintained for added protection.

More Product Reviews

As you get ready for a heated summer outdoors, you’ll need to be prepared with the proper skin and home protection. From sunscreen to UV protection sun shirts, check out more of our summer safety and essential product guides below.

• Beat The Heat (And UV) With These Popular Sun Shirts
• Best Sunscreen Of 2025: Our Top 10 Picks (Tested And Reviewed)
• 15 Sun Protection Essentials You Can Stash In Your Car, Backpack Or Purse
• Portable Air Conditioners: How They Work And Our Top Picks
• N95 Masks and Air Purifiers: Wildfire Smoke Protection

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.