Frequently asked questions

Tile and coping repairs from freeze damage typically run thousands of dollars depending on the extent of the damage, your pool size, and local labor rates. That doesn’t include draining the pool, re-plastering if cracks spread, or weeks without a usable pool. Pool Guardian costs {PRICE} one-time. The math is pretty simple.

On the subscription plan, you’ll receive a push notification the moment a sensor stops responding. The PG-1 controller monitors the power draw of the pump when turned on and will notify if no power is being drawn when it is triggered to drain. That gives you time to call a neighbor, your pool company, or a local service tech before water has time to freeze at the tile line. On the Free plan, the app will show a status if there is a pump failure only when you’re on your home WiFi.

If power is lost, the pump stops running. No device can operate without power. On the subscription plan, you’ll receive an offline alert as soon as the device loses power or connectivity. For most freeze events, outages are brief and the water level doesn’t rise significantly. If extended outages are common in your area, consider a backup power source for your home.

Pool Guardian works with in-ground pools that have a standard tiled waterline. It is not required for above-ground pools, pools without tile lines, or pools that do not require winterization, however it is a great addition for anyone who wants to automatically maintain a consistent level within their pool/spa.

You (or your pool service company) lower the water level below the tile line as part of your normal winterization. Pool Guardian’s job is to maintain that safe level throughout the winter, automatically draining whenever rain, snowmelt, or runoff causes the water to rise. However, you could use the PG-1 controller to lower your pool to your low-water mark if desired during closing.

That’s actually the most dangerous situation. Pools in mild climates are often less prepared for the occasional hard freeze. One unexpected freeze is all it takes. If your region ever drops below 32°F, Pool Guardian is worth it.

One device protects one pool. If your pool has an attached spa, you’ll want a second PG-1 kit, one for each body of water that needs to hold its level.

Two sensors (a high-water sensor and a low-water sensor) monitor your pool’s water level. When rising water reaches the high sensor, the pump activates and drains the pool. When the level drops to the low sensor, the pump stops. This keeps water safely below your tile line all winter.

No. Core protection is fully local. The sensors communicate directly with the control box, which controls the outlet for your pump. Internet is only needed for the optional subscription plan cloud monitoring features.

Lowering the water at closing is the right first step, but rain, snowmelt, and runoff can raise the level back above the tile line at any point. Pool Guardian continuously monitors and drains automatically whenever that happens.

About 15 minutes for most homeowners. You hang the sensor mounting kit over the coping, position the two sensors, drop the pump in the pool, plug in the pump to the PG-1 control box, and you’re done. No drilling, no electrician, no plumber and no tools! Check out the Set-Up guide for more details.

The high sensor should be at least 1 inch below your tile line, this is the safe winter level Pool Guardian maintains. The low sensor goes a few inches below, at the level that should stop drainage. Most pool cover warranties specify maximum stretching limits, so having your water level too low can result in damage to your cover. Check your pool cover manual for details.

No. Pool Guardian is designed for DIY installation. If you have a pool service company handling winterization, they can install it as part of that service. 

No. Each PG-1 kit provides full automatic sensor-based drainage at zero ongoing cost. The subscription plan adds remote cloud monitoring. Check our Pricing page for more details.

Both give identical sensor-based protection. Your pool is equally safe on either. The difference is visibility. Free shows device status only on your home WiFi. Subscription logs every drain event to the cloud, gives remote access from anywhere, and sends push notifications.

Yes. One-time purchase, no expiration. The device is yours. Subscription is optional if you want those features. 

Free plan: device status, current sensor readings, and manual pump control on your home WiFi. Subscription plan: all of that from anywhere, plus full drain event history with timestamps, push notifcations, and management of multiple locations.

Yes, and it does not require a subscription. There is an official Home Assistant integration, and Pool Guardian also publishes to any MQTT automation system. See Home automation for setup instructions.

Yes, both platforms are supported and available in each app store. We also offer a web-based online portal.

Control box with WiFi, high-water sensor, low-water sensor, mounting bracket and power cable.

Sensor-based protection continues working. WiFi is only needed for control and monitoring via the App. On the subscription plan, you’ll receive an offline alert so you can investigate.

It works with all in-ground pools and is ideal for ones with a tiled waterline. 

The Business plan gives your team a fleet dashboard to monitor all client pools, multi-user logins, notifications, and customer management. Pricing is based on the number of Pool Guardian units you intend to monitor with different plans to match your business. 

PG-1 kit will need to be registered to your business account for monitoring. 

Any defect in materials or workmanship under normal residential use within 12 months. If something fails due to a product defect, we replace it. No questions, no return shipping cost. Not covered: improper installation, misuse, or conditions outside the operating range.

30 days from purchase for unused, unopened devices in original packaging. Customer covers return shipping. If your device arrived damaged or defective, contact us and we’ll send a replacement at no cost.