Traditional landline auto dialers are becoming a thing of the past. The new Sensaphone Sentry can take their place with reliable cloud and cellular technology that ensures constant connectivity and real-time monitoring—no copper lines required.

With support for up to five external sensors, the Sentry system can monitor temperature, humidity, water presence, power status, etc. Plus, it sends instant alerts via phone, text or email. The system is remotely managed from the same cloud platform as other Sensaphone cloud devices and can be added to any existing account. Features include:

• Rugged aluminum housing
• Built-in power failure detection
• GPS tracking
• Rechargeable backup battery
• A supervised internet connection assures the Sentry is online and monitoring at all times
• Receive alarm notifications through a cellular connection
• Notifies an unlimited number of people by e-mail, text message or voice phone calls in the event of an alarm
• Up to five external sensors monitor temperature, humidity, water and more
• A cellular modem provides operation in locations where an ethernet connection is unobtainable
• Temperature sensing range of -109° to 115°F | -85° to 57°C
• Manage multiple units, make programming changes and access status conditions using a simple, powerful web-based interface
• Low cost subscription includes all online hosting, cellular connection fees, and unlimited text, phone and email alerts
• Made in USA
• Available in optional weatherproof NEMA 4X enclosure

Click here to learn more!

The post Revolutionary New Product! Sensaphone Sentry Remote Monitoring System first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

How Does a Whole House System Work?

A whole house water detection system has an automatic water shutoff valve on the main water supply pipe.  If a leak is detected anywhere in your home, it turns off the main water supply line so the entire house is protected.

Most whole house systems use sensors which could be either wired or wireless. They should be placed where leaks are likely to occur, like next to an appliance or in the basement or attic. WaterCop supports an unlimited number of sensors so you can monitor locations everywhere in the house.

Another type of whole house system, like the one by FloLogic. It uses a flow meter that monitors the level of water coming into the house. It shuts off the water main if the flow exceeds a preset limit.  (While very effective, this type of system does not monitor water leaks caused by non-plumbing issues, like a leaky roof.)

Top Causes of Home Water Leaks

Vacation homes and rental properties should have water detection system so the home can be monitored for leaks from top to bottom.  Here is a list of the most common sources of water leaks and reasons why they fail.  These are the places you will want to locate your water leak sensors.

1. Water Heaters — Water heaters that have passed their life expectancy (typically 10+ years) can start to rust or corrode. This can quickly turn into a leak.

2. Washing Machines — Washing machine fixtures may corrode and the connections can loosen due to time and movement, resulting in leaks.  Note that a leaking washing machine located on a main floor or higher can cause extensive damage on the levels below.

3. Dishwasher — An improper seal at the door or a build-up of deposits and chemicals can cause its seals to break down.  Leaks can be hard to detect because they are underneath or behind.

4. Refrigerators, freezers and icemakers — Leaking pipes and hoses are often overlooked because they’re behind or under the fridge or freezer.  A loose hose connection for the icemaker is another common cause of leakage.

5. Toilets — In a newer home, sudden toilet failure can be caused by a faulty supply line or fill valve.  Older homes are more likely to develop a slow, seeping leak.  Clogs are common problems in new and old toilets and causing messy overflows.

6. Bathroom sinks, tubs and showers — Forgetting to turn off the water is a big cause of bathroom floods!  So are clogged drains, broken plumbing behind walls, old or damaged caulk and grout, faulty drain pipes and cracked shower pans.

7. Attics, basements and garages — Leaks in these out-of-the-way places often go unnoticed until too late.  Causes include old or faulty plumbing, a leaky roof, cracked flooring or rising groundwater.

Alerts and Remote Control

A water leak “police” system is a favorite with absentee homeowners and landlords. It watches out for their property when they’re away.  A DIY water detection system part of a home automation system so you’ll get alerting and remote control features.

Depending upon the type of home automation controller you pick, your whole house water detection system can alert you via phone call, email and/or text message to let you know that a water leak occurred and the water main has been turned off.  You’ll also be able to remotely open and close your main water supply, so you can shut down the entire plumbing system from wherever you happen to be.

Additional Reading

Protecting your vacation home or rental property from water leaks is difficult when you aren’t around all of the time, which is why installing a water leak “police” whole house water detection system is one of the easiest and cost-effective decisions you can make.

When shopping for a water detection system, note that the diameter of your automatic water shutoff valves must be matched to the your pipe.  Most shutoff valves are available in standard diameters: 1-¼” The WaterCop system offers the widest range of sizes.  For more help in choosing a whole house water detection system, as well as information on automatic water shut off valves for a single appliance, go to How to Protect Your Home from Costly Water Leaks.

The post Water Leak Detection: Unsurpassed Protection for Your Home first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

Products to help you get ready for the summer:

Submersible Pool Cover Pump

Do-it-yourself pool and spa test kits

Automatic Pool Cleaner

rodent deterrent strobe light

The post Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer! first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

Inspect the Roof and Attic for Leaks

Winter wear and tear can take a toll on the roof, so grab a ladder and look for cracked or missing shingles. Its also important to inspect joints around chimneys and skylights where water can seep in. You should be able to repair your roof if it is less than 20 years old with minimal damage. If your home has an older roof, you may want to start saving for a replacement.

Now is also a good time to check your attic for leaks or water stains. If you see evidence of leakage, install a water alarm to monitor the spot and prevent expensive water damage. The Flood Screamer Wireless Water Alarm System allows you to monitor up to 32 Water Puck sensors that you can place at strategic points where water damage may occur. When a Water Puck sensor gets wet, it sends a wireless signal to the Flood Screamer, which sounds an alert and indicates where the problem is located.

Service the Air Conditioner

Before the first heat wave strikes, service your A/C units or system to improve efficiency and lower your energy bill. If your home has central air conditioning, call your HVAC professional early in the season before they get busy. To save even more on cooling costs, replace your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat . It can help minimize energy consumption by adjusting the temperature automatically when you’re at work or sleeping.

The Venstar T3700 Explorer Residential Digital Thermostat 2H/1C with WiFi or ZWave Capability can be set for seven day, single day, or five-and-two day programming. Smart home enthusiasts can choose how they want to connect via WiFi or Z-Wave and tap into the thermostat from inside or outside the house using a tablet or smartphone.

Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors

The National Fire Protection Association recommendations changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you changed the time on your clocks. If you missed it, it’s not too late to do it now. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries like the First Alert 10-Year Sealed-Battery Photoelectric Smoke Alarm are a convenient option for those who prefer an alarm with uninterrupted protection. The alarm’s sensor can detect slow smoldering fires while reducing the chances of triggering nuisance alarms. Or upgrade to hard-wired smoke detectors which will continue to operate on A/C power, even with a dead backup battery. These are considered safer because they are typically interconnected. This means all the smoke detectors in your home will go off simultaneously, no matter where the fire is located.

Get the Yard Summer-Ready

Prepping your yard and landscaping for summer is a must do for every homeowner. You’ll want to pick up fallen sticks, rake any remaining leaves and trim dead branches from trees. For a great-looking lawn, plan on seeding barren spots and fertilizing.

Upgrade Your Security with a Driveway Alarm

A driveway alarm or alert is a simple solution for protecting the first point of entry to your home or property.  These alarms feature a monitor that sends out an alert as soon as a vehicle enters or leaves the driveway. The driveway alert sensor gets triggered and its receiver sounds an audible beep or chime and/or flashes a light. You can choose the type of alert you need depending on what you want to monitor.  Most models are reasonably priced and easy to install. Visit us at DIYControls.com to view our full selection of home improvement devices. Our experts are happy to help you make your home summer-ready!

The post Reliable Spring Maintenance Tips Homeowners Need to Know first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

Even the smallest leak can become a major catastrophe for homeowners, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. Investing in a water alarm is one of the most effective ways to detect leaks. It helps with both plumbing and non-plumbing problems, from leak-prone appliances to a leaky roof.

FloodStop has just added a new option to its line of automatic water shutoff products. FloodStop shutoff valves prevent leaks by turning off the water at its source and sounding a local alarm. Now you can add the FloodStop WiFi Connect Module to your system and be alerted via text message and/or email whenever the alarm is triggered.

Adds WiFi Connectivity to Any FloodStop Device

This easy-to-use device connects to your home WiFi network and plugs into your FloodStop shutoff valve’s relay output. The module will send out alerts via text to up to two cell phone numbers and five different email addresses. No subscription is required, the purchase price covers everything.

The FloodStop WiFi Connect Module is compatible with any of FloodStop automatic water shutoff valves. You can buy valves separately or save by purchasing the valve and module together.

Pairs Easily with Other Water Detection Systems

Because it is triggered by a relay closure, the FloodStop WiFi Connect Module can be wired into other shutoff valve devices. It can pair with the FloodMaster Total Water Main Shut-Off and Alarm series, which is designed for localized leak detection. When a leak is detected, the unit will automatically shut off the water main supply line.

It will also work with FloodMaster Water Leak Detection & Alarm System, which sounds an audible alarm when its sensor puck comes in contact with just 1/16″ of any non-flammable liquid. The system plugs into any common wall outlet, and comes with a standard optional dry contact output to a home security panel, control room or appropriate relay. Just connect the module to the “Normally Open” output on the controller.

The FloodStop WiFi Connect Module is also compatible with Flood Screamer products like the Wireless Water Alarm System. It allows you to monitor up to 32 Water Puck sensors placed at strategic points where water damage may occur. When a Water Puck sensor gets wet, it sends a wireless signal to the Flood Screamer, which sounds an alert and indicates the location of the leak. Or combine the module with the Valve Screamer Wireless Whole House Kit. This is one of the easiest whole house water detection systems to install. It comes with a water main shutoff valve to turn off the water supply for plumbing leaks anywhere in the house, plus a Flood Screamer control unit and two Water Puck sensors.

Helps Avoid Costly Wastewater Backups

Wastewater backups and spills can result in property damage, odors and health hazards. The Detectit Hardwired Wastewater Backup Alarm Standard Kit comes with a sensor for the main drain line. It detects backups or slow draining waste water and sound a piercing alarm before a problem occurs. When you combine Detectit with the FloodStop Wifi Connect Module, you get text and email alerts when you are away from home. Have a kit with the full alarm panel? Simply connect the WiFi module to the outputs on the red alarm panel.

If you are looking for a way to prevent a minor plumbing or appliance failure from becoming a major problem, an automatic water shutoff system will help you safeguard your valuable property. When you want to monitor your property even when you are miles away, FloodStop WiFi Connect will give you 24/7 peace of mind.

The post Free Text and Email Alerts with FloodStop WiFi Connect first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

Programmable thermostats are convenient to use and can help with energy savings. But how do you know if it will work in your home? Not all programmable thermostats work with every HVAC system or the layout of every home. You need to consider the type of system you have, the number of stages, the voltage, and the wiring. Then you need to determine the best location for each thermostat in your home. Understanding the features will help you choose the programmable thermostat that is right for you.

Is the programmable thermostat compatible with your equipment?

 

Type of heating and cooling system

Check to see if you have a heat pump, boiler, furnace or electric baseboard. Pick a programmable thermostat that the manufacturer says will work with your system.

Some modern heating and cooling systems, like heat pumps, require specially-designed programmable thermostats. When a heat pump is in heating mode, setting back the temperature using a conventional heat pump thermostat can cause the unit to operate inefficiently. This would cancel out any savings achieved by lowering the temperature setting.

Number of heating and cooling stages

Determine how many stages you have by looking inside the old thermostat. How do you know if your furnace is 2 stage? Turn the power off to the unit. Open the bottom panel, and find the circuit board where the thermostat wires go to. For 2 stage heat you will have a W1&W2 terminals, likewise you’ll have Y1 & Y2 for 2 stage cooling.

Some programmable thermostats may ONLY be compatible with one-stage cooling and one- or two-stage heating.  If you have two or more stage heating and cooling, you may need an advanced multi-stage thermostat. The Venstar ColorTouch thermostat is compatible with most heating and air conditioning equipment, including heat pumps. It works with up to four heating and two cooling stages.

Learn more about how to use the Venstar ColorTouch Thermostat!

 

Voltage

The voltage and wiring of your new programmable thermostat and that of your heating and cooling system must be compatible.  Most modern HVAC systems are low voltage (24V), so most thermostats also operate on 24V.  However baseboard heaters and many totally electric heaters require a line voltage thermostat, like this one from Honeywell, that operates on the same voltage as the heater (usually 120V or 240V).

You can check the voltage of your thermostat with a voltmeter at the thermostat base. Pull the thermostat off the base and check between the R and C terminals on the base. These are probably red and black wires, but color codes are not always followed and are not completely standardized.  If you are uncomfortable doing this yourself, have a qualified service technician evaluate your system.

 

Wiring

Next, you will need to determine how your existing thermostat is wired to your heating or cooling system.  Begin by turning off the power supply to your furnace or A/C.  Remove the cover of your existing thermostat and examine the terminals and wires.  Make a list of each wire by color and the letter used to identify the terminal it is connected to.  Compare this list to the wiring diagram of the new thermostat youâ€ve chosen. Make sure that it has at least the same number of terminals as the old one. The Invita Wi-Fi Thermostat is great for replacing older two wire thermostats. Before buying, check the wiring diagram for the new programmable thermostat to make sure itâ€s compatible.  Diagrams can be found in the ownerâ€s manual, which is usually posted on the website of the manufacturer or distributor.

Most programmable thermostats have a clock that uses power from either the systemâ€s low-voltage control circuit or from a rechargeable battery.  If yours is battery-powered, make sure your HVAC system has a common C wire to charge the battery when the system is not running.  Otherwise, the thermostat may turn the system on and off to get power to charge the battery. This can cause your equipment to wear out prematurely.

 

Is the programmable thermostat compatible with your home?

 

Location of thermostats

The performance and efficiency of a programmable thermostat can depend on being in the right location.  Ideally, thermostats should be located where they are convenient for you to access and away from things like direct sunlight or drafts that will affect how the thermostat performs.

Thermostat location is very important for learning thermostats which use a built-in occupancy sensor to measure the familyâ€s activity to create a customized temperature schedule.  The learning thermostat needs to be in a high traffic location. If it is in an isolated place, the auto-program it creates will be inaccurate and ineffective. This could cause it to do things like turn off the heating or A/C when the house is occupied.

 

Number of Zones

Many homes have multiple heating/cooling zones. This allows you to control temperature in different sections of the house independently and heat or cool only the rooms you are using.  As each zone has its own thermostat,  you want to be able to program temperature in each zone. Therefore youâ€ll need multiple programmable thermostats.

Some advanced programmable thermostats, like those made by BAYWeb, allow you to control multiple zones from the thermostat you designate as master. That way you donâ€t have to spend time programming or changing individual thermostats.

 

Summary

A programmable thermostat can help reduce your energy bill by heating and cooling your house only when you really need to. Picking the wrong one can lead to wasted time and money, and possibly damage your equipment.  Make sure you choose a model that works with your current HVAC system and fits the layout of your house.

The post How to Choose the Right Programmable Thermostat first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

To prevent family fun from becoming dangerous, it’s essential to put the proper pool safety precautions in place. In addition to installing a fence, there are plenty of pool security devices to choose from. To help you narrow down the options, here are our top five pool safety devices for protecting kids and pets.

#1: Pool Gate/Door Alarm

A pool door or gate alarm is your first line of defense in preventing young children from entering the water. It sounds a piercing siren when someone opens the door or gate leading to the pool area. This gives adults ample time to intervene before the child gets to the water. The popular MagnaLatch ALERT Pool Safety Gate Latch with Alarm is easy to install on your gate posts. The Poolguard Door Alarm is a cost effective option to be notified if someone opens the door to a pool area.

#2: Personal Immersion Detector

Personal immersion detectors feature a special wristband the child wears while in the pool area. It sounds a loud alarm to one or more base stations the instant they come in contact with the water. This is a good secondary security system to provide extra protection for kids around a pool. The LunaSafe Child/Pet Immersion Pool/Water Alarm Kit is a top-rated personal immersion detector system. It is designed to protect non-swimmers or anyone who shouldn’t swim alone. You can even clip LunaSafe immersion tags to your pet’s collar to keep them safe, too.

#3: Immersion Pool Alarm

Surface-based motion alarms are popular pool safety devices. They are relatively inexpensive and can be used in both above and in-ground pools. These floating pool alarms use electronic signals to measure displaced water and waves created by objects of a certain weight.

The LifeBuoy BCone Pool Alarm System is based on advanced sensors and software algorithms. It provides maximum protection of children and pets with minimal user effort. You can monitor your pool from anywhere using your smartphone by receiving alerts when there is an alarm. It is easily portable and can be brought along on vacations. This is a great choice for protecting kids and pets.

If you’re not near the pool, a water immersion pool alarm is the next best option for keeping children and non-swimmers safe. With a pool alarm, anyone who gets past your fence and gate/door alarm will still be protected if he or she falls into the water.

The most advanced and effective pool alarms use a combination of technologies designed to improve the alarm’s ability to sense and trigger when anyone is in the water while minimizing false alarms. Poolguard Pool Alarms has great options for both in-ground and above-ground pools.

#4: SwamCam

The one-of-a-kind SwamCam Pool Alarm uses Artificial Intelligence to detect and alert you as soon as a child enters the pool area. When Armed, it continuously scans the pool area for the presence of people. When triggered, it sounds a local alarm as well as sending a notification via the SwamCam app.
The SwamCam app allows you to:

• Pull up a live view of the pool area
• Speak to anyone in the pool area
• Arm and disarm your SwamCam pool alarm
• Call 911 in case of an emergency

#5: Swim Aids & Flotation Devices

Outfitting kids with a swim aid or flotation device will ensure that they stay afloat while they are learning to swim or if they get into trouble or deep water. A popular product for young swimmers is the super-comfortable PoolMaster Learn-to-Swim Tube Trainer for children up to 35 pounds.

Flotation devices are helpful for pets, too! Your pets can be secure around water with their own life jacket. Dog life jackets come in different sizes to ensure a good fit for your pet.

Must-Have Emergency Equipment for Pool Safety

While these ingenious pool safety devices will alert you to people entering the pool area or the water, every backyard pool owner should keep basic emergency equipment on hand. You can have a ring buoy to toss quickly to anyone struggling in the water, as well as a reaching pole or a shepherd’s crook. Always keep a cell phone in the pool area in case you need to call for help in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to review the CDC’s guidelines on how to prevent child drowning.

The bottom line: if you have a pool, you need to take the proper precautions to keep kids safe while in and around it. DIY’s pool safety experts can help you find the right combination of products, at the right price, to help prevent accidents and give you peace of mind. Be sure to select an alarm designed for the type of pool you have, These comparison charts for above-ground and in-ground pools are a great place to start.

The post 5 Best Pool Safety Devices for Kids and Pets first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

What is LunaSafeâ„¢?

Introducing LunaSafeâ„¢, a compact and portable personal immersion alarm. LunaSafeâ„¢ (similar to the now obsolete Safety Turtle) uses a transmitter and receiver to alert you when someone that should not be in the water gets into the pool. LunaSafeâ„¢ is designed to protect children, non-swimmers, and pets from drowning.

What features does the new LunaSafeâ„¢ pool alarm have?

• Compact, streamlined portable base station
• Transmission range — up to 100 feet direct line-of-sight
• State-of-the-art water switch technology that helps reduce false alarms
• Low-battery indicator for when it’s time to replace the transmitter or the base station needs to be recharged
• Wireless charging pad for the base station can also be used to charge other wireless charging capable devices

How does LunaSafeâ„¢ work?

LunaSafeâ„¢ Pool Alarm uses a water-activated switch that is worn on your child’s wrist or attached to your pet’s collar. The wristband transmitter attaches securely to a child’s wrist using the locking wrist strap. When the transmitter is submerged in water, it triggers a loud alarm at the base station that you keep in the house or another central location. This alerts parents or caregivers that your child or pet is at risk of drowning. The alarm continues to sound until it is reset. The receiver has a built-in rechargeable battery that allows the system to go with you anywhere.

 

Where can I use my LunaSafeâ„¢ Pool Alarm?

The LunaSafeâ„¢ system is completely portable, so it can be used wherever your family will be swimming. In addition to your own backyard pool, you can bring your LunaSafeâ„¢ system with you to a hotel, swim club or neighborâ€s pool. You can also use it at a lake, in a river, or on a boat. LunaSafeâ„¢ works in any body of fresh water and in saltwater swimming pools, but not in the ocean. One LunaSafeâ„¢ base station can support an unlimited number of wristbands and pet collars. Since the LunaSafeâ„¢ has a rechargeable battery, it can be taken anywhere for use. It just needs to be charged every couple of days.

What are the main advantages of LunaSafeâ„¢ vs. other kinds of pool alarms?

LunaSafeâ„¢ provides continuous protection to the wearer with no risk that the unit has been deactivated while others are swimming or while the pool is being cleaned. This is the only product that watches the wearer and not the pool.

The top advantages of the LunaSafeâ„¢ immersion alarm are:

• As soon as a person or pet wearing a transmitter enters the water, the base station alarms immediately
• The LunaSafeâ„¢ system requires no setup or installation — just charge the base station and it is ready to go
• The same LunaSafeâ„¢ system protects both people and pets
• It’s completely portable and easy to pack, so you can take it with you on a boat or on vacation
• Unlike other types of pool alarms, LunaSafeâ„¢ works in all sizes of pools or spas and all types (i.e., above-ground and in-ground)

What are some additional ways to protect children and pets?

Most people buy a pool alarm to protect their own children, especially if they have babies or little ones who cannot swim. A traditional pool alarm like the Poolguard PGRM-2 mounts on the side of the pool and alarms when someone or something enters or falls into the pool. For extra protection, your child can wear the new LunaSafe™ wristband that triggers an alarm as soon as the child gets his or her arm wet.

Dogs, cats, and other animals are just as susceptible to pool accidents as children are. A good choice to protect lightweight pets and small wild animals is the Pool Patrol PA-30 or Lifebuoy. They float on the waterâ€s surface and alarm when anyone or anything heavier than 8 pounds falls into the water and makes waves. For dogs and cats of all sizes, the LunaSafeâ„¢  system offers special immersion tags that clip onto your petâ€s collar.

Summary

An estimated 300 children under the age of five drowning each year in backyard pools. Creating a pool safety plan with multiple layers of protection is critical to securing your backyard pool area. Installing a pool fence, pool alarm, and/or pool gate alarm will give you peace of mind, knowing you are providing the maximum amount of protection possible for children, pets, and non-swimmers.

The post The Best Investment in Pool Safety first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

Prevent Dehydration

Outdoor Pet Waterers

Outdoor animals need an ongoing supply of fresh water so they don’t succumb to dehydration. This is especially important when the weather is warm. Make sure your pet has an unlimited supply of cool, fresh water with an outdoor pet waterer that refills automatically.

The Sir Aqua II has a 1.8 gallon heavy duty stainless steel bowl that attaches to any garden hose. The built-in float and valve mechanism adds water as needed without overflowing.

During cold weather months, the electric K&H Stainless Steel Thermal Bowl keeps pets hydrated and prevents water from freezing.

If you prefer a bowl that can be mounted on the side of a wall or fence, consider the RPI TG40 1.5 Gallon Pet Waterer.  It’s ideal for dogs of all sizes, as well as all medium to large outdoor exotic pets, horses and other livestock.

Prevent Drowning

Pet Safety Products for Backyard Pools

If your yard has an in-ground swimming pool, keep unsupervised pets and stray animals out of the pool by enclosing it with a pool fence that’s at least 48-inches high. To receive an alert if the pool entrance is left open accidentally, install a gate alarm.

As an added precaution, get a pool alarm that sirens when a person or pet falls or jumps into the water. A water immersion pool alarm like the popular LunaSafe system activates when a special tag worn on your pet’s collar gets wet. This eliminate the possibility of false alarms caused by wind or falling branches.

Water Safety on Boats

If your dog likes to take a swim off of your boat, remember that swimming is hard work for dogs and many tire quickly.  A flotation device like the Pawz Pet Products Nylon Dog Life Jacket will protect your pooch while out on the water. It comes in a range of colors and sizes, from extra small to extra large. The LunaSafe immersion alarm can also be used on boats to notify if your pet falls in the water.

How will you keep your pets safe this summer?

The post Unbelievably Easy Ways to Protect Your Pets Outdoors This Summer first appeared on DIYControls Blog.

Many cities and states have pool safety laws. This may include requiring homeowners to have a pool fence, a pool door or gate alarm, and/or a pool alarm. Be sure to check with your local municipality to find out what is mandated in your community.

Regardless of local regulations, at DIY we urge all pool owners to install a triple layer of protection with a pool fence, gate alarm and pool alarm. Follow these three simple steps to maximize safety and peace of mind:

Step 1: Fence it In

A pool safety fence prevents unsupervised children and others from gaining access to your pool area. Install a fence at least 4 feet tall that separates the pool area from the house and yard. Avoid fences that children can easily climb. Look for self-closing and self-latching gates that open away from the pool area with latches located beyond a child’s reach.

A four-sided isolation fence that separates the pool area from the house and yard reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83%, compared to three-sided property-line fencing. DIY mesh pool safety fences like the Life Saver Systems DIY Pool Fence are affordable and easy to install.

Step 2: Install a Pool Gate/Door Alarm

Your pool fence gate and any household doors that open to the pool area can be a weak link in preventing young children from entering the water without supervision. A pool door or gate alarm adds another layer of safety. They sound a piercing siren when someone opens the door or gate leading to the pool area, giving you a chance to intervene.

Most gate and door alarms are battery-powered and easy to install. Some models fit only gates, like the popular MagnaLatch ALERT Pool Safety Gate Latch with Alarm which is easy to install to vinyl, metal or wood gate posts. It offers dual electronic warnings: bright, flashing LED lights plus an audible alarm that sounds if your gate is opened or left unlatched.

Other models fit both gates and doors. The Pool Patrol Door / Gate Alarm with Wireless Remote Receiver can be connected to a home security system as well as sounding an alarm inside and outside.

Step 3: Add a Pool Alarm

A pool alarm is one of the best investments you can make for any kind of backyard swimming pool. With a pool alarm, anyone who gets past your fence and gate/door alarm will still be protected if he or she falls into the water.

Here are a few tips for choosing a pool alarm:

It’s important to select an alarm designed specifically for the type of pool you have. These comparison charts for above-ground pools and in-ground pools are a great place to start.

There are a variety of detection technologies used in pool alarms: surface wave detection; subsurface detection; immersion detector wristband; and infrared perimeter detection. The most advanced and effective pool alarms use a combination of technologies designed to improve the alarms ability to sense when a person or pet is in the water and minimize false alarms caused by wind or falling objects.

An advanced immersion alarm like the PoolEye PE23 Alarm System mounts on the side of the pool and reads surface and subsurface waves, sounding when someone or something enters or falls into water. Many pool owners combine this with the LunaSafe Wristband Immersion Alarm to provide extra protection for kids. If a child wearing the special water-activated LunaSafe wristband falls into the pool, a loud alarm will sound at the nearby base station. A kit that includes a Velcro strap with a transmitter to attach to your pet’s collar is also available.

The LifeBuoy BCone Pool Alarm System, which floats on the water’s surface, is also a good choice for pet owners. It can notify you using a local alarm and on an app on your smartphone.

While these are all great go-to options for creating a multi-layered pool safety plan, there are dozens of other pool safety products to choose from in a variety of price ranges. Let DIY’s pool safety experts help you create a custom plan to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer.

The post Three Incredibly Simple Steps to Secure Your Backyard Pool first appeared on DIYControls Blog.