 A CPSC study looked at three types of pool alarms and found that the best performers were underwater alarms compared to the less reliable options of floating pool alarms or wristband alarms that you actually have your kids wear. Now, when purchasing a pool alarm, you always want to buy the type that includes a remote receiver so you can monitor the pool from inside the home, even with the door closed, the air conditioning on. You know, this way you really can hear what's happening.