When summer comes around, the first thing you do is hit the pool to get out of the heat. It’s a staple of summer. But, the same thing that makes it such an enjoyable time of year can also be a serious danger, especially for families with young children. Toddlers and small children are curious explorers. So, leaving a pool unattended is a huge risk for families. If you’re looking for a way to childproof your swimming pool, a home security system just might be the answer. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk that comes with having a swimming pool.

Install a Sensor on the Pool Gate

If it’s surrounded by a gate, you’ve already taken the first step to childproofing your swimming pool. However, kids as young as two years old can start learning how to open and close doors. That’s why they call them the terrible twos! We recommend installing an outdoor sensor on the gate leading in and out of your pool area.

Now, if the gate is opened, you can receive a notification right to your phone. And if you’re really concerned, you can even have your security system announce that it was the pool gate and sound the alarm. It’s a simple piece of equipment that can be lifesaving.

Use Open Tones

An open tone is the sound that your security system makes when a door is opened. You can have it set up to make a unique sound that you recognize, or the system can actually speak which door has been opened. If you have a back door that leads to your pool area, you might want to set up an open tone that announces “back door open” so that you can quickly investigate. You can tie this concept into any doors in your home, including liquor and medicine cabinets, gun safes, and more.

Set Up Outdoor Cameras

Sometimes the best way to childproof your swimming pool is to see it with your own eyes. Outdoor cameras can be controlled right from your smartphone and will send you a live feed of what’s happening in real time. Plus, since outdoor cameras are motion activated, you can receive a notification when someone walks by.

These cameras are compatible with your favorite devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home Hub, which makes watching them a snap from anywhere in your home.

Bring it all Together and Childproof Your Swimming Pool

You don’t have to settle for just one thing when they work so well together. Home security systems do more than just keep your home safe from burglars. They help you stay aware and connected to the things in your life that matter most — your family.

Now that your pool area is childproofed and protected, go enjoy the rest of your summer with your family!