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Sliding Door Alarms for Pool Safety: What Central Florida Homeowners Need to Know

  • Writer: Bob Duary
    Bob Duary
  • 4 hours ago
  • 3 min read

It's the law. It's easy to install. And it could save a life.

If you have a pool and a sliding glass door in Central Florida, you need to read this.


It's Florida Law

Under Florida Statute 515.27 (the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act), every residential pool must have at least ONE of these safety features:

"(a) The pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements... (b) The pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover; (c) All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet; (d) All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor."

Translation: You need either a pool fence, a safety cover, door alarms, OR self-closing/self-latching doors. Pick at least one.

For most Central Florida homes with sliding glass doors opening to the pool area, a door alarm is the easiest and most affordable option.

Failing to comply? It's a second-degree misdemeanor.


Why Door Alarms Make Sense

  • Cheapest option – Under $30

  • Easiest to install – 10 minutes, no tools needed

  • No permits required

  • Works on sliding doors and windows

A pool fence can cost $1,000–$5,000. A safety cover runs $500–$3,000. A door alarm? About $20–30 on Amazon.

Where to Buy

Look for alarms that:

  • Are 85+ decibels (required by Florida law)

  • Have a bypass button for adults

  • Include adhesive mounting (no drilling)

  • Are battery powered

Popular options include brands like Poolguard, Safety Turtle, and generic pool door alarms. Most are under $30.


How to Install (It's Super Easy)

Total time: 5–10 minutes

What you'll need: The alarm (that's it—most come with adhesive strips)

Steps:

  1. Clean the surface – Wipe down the door frame and the spot on the door where you'll mount the sensor. Use rubbing alcohol for best adhesion.

  2. Peel and stick the main unit – Mount it on the door frame (the part that doesn't move), about 4–5 feet up so kids can't reach the bypass button.

  3. Peel and stick the magnet – Mount this on the sliding door itself, directly across from the main unit. When the door closes, the magnet and sensor should be within ½ inch of each other.

  4. Insert batteries – Most use AA or AAA batteries.

  5. Test it – Open the door. The alarm should blast immediately. Close the door to silence it.

That's it. No wiring. No drilling. No electrician.


Already Have a Home Security System?

If you use ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, or another home security system, you may already have door/window sensors installed—or you can easily add them.

Here's the thing: Most standard security sensors are silent until the alarm is triggered (usually with a delay). Florida law requires the alarm to sound immediately when the door opens.

Your options:

  1. Check your settings – Some systems let you set specific doors to "instant alarm" mode with no entry delay. If your system supports this AND the siren is 85+ decibels, you may already be compliant.

  2. Add a standalone pool door alarm – Even if you have a security system, adding a dedicated $25 pool door alarm to your sliding door ensures you meet the legal requirement. Many homeowners use both.

  3. Ask your security provider – Call and ask if they offer a pool-compliant door sensor option.

Our recommendation: A standalone pool door alarm is cheap insurance. Even if your security system covers it, having a dedicated alarm on the pool door adds an extra layer of protection.


The Bottom Line

Florida law exists because drowning is the leading cause of death for young children in our state. A sliding door alarm won't replace adult supervision, but it gives you a critical alert when someone opens that door.

For under $30 and 10 minutes of your time, you get:

  • Legal compliance

  • Peace of mind

  • A loud warning when anyone heads toward the pool



Need Help With Your Sliding Door?

At Gators Sliding Doors, we handle repairs, replacements, and installations for sliding glass doors throughout Central Florida. If your door is sticking, hard to lock, or needs to be replaced, we can help.

A door alarm only works if your door works properly. If your sliding door doesn't close all the way or the latch is broken, that's a safety hazard AND a code issue.

Contact Gators Sliding Doors today – We serve Orlando, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and all of Central Florida.

 
 
 

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