Under a
Watchful Eye
From video doorbells to robot vacuums, modern technologies and artificial intelligence are gradually infiltrating our homes. But this is not necessarily a bad or scary thing, especially when they can save lives. In the financial year of 2023, it was reported that 29 people tragically drowned in swimming pools, 14 percent of whom were children between the ages of zero and four years. As the warm weather prevails for longer periods every year, there is a higher likeliness of such tragedies occurring; however, there is a new intelligent device on the market that has the ability to prevent this. Here, Emily Axford from Sydney Pool + Outdoor Design sits down with Adam Bugden, Director of BackyardHQ, to discuss the new PoolScout technology and how it has the potential to save many, many lives.
With three generations of pool building experience, the knowledgeable team at BackyardHQ have built every type of pool – from big commercial pools, to concrete and fibreglass pools, to spas – and are therefore experts in the industry. Not only does BackyardHQ offer construction, design and installation services, but it is also proud to be a one-stop-shop for all backyard and pool needs. BackyardHQ has an open showroom in Brookvale where you get to see the best equipment, design ideas and latest technology firsthand. As Bugden explains, “new technology in our industry is making pools easier to use, more enjoyable and safer and it is why we started BackyardHQ to showcase this.”
KEEPING AN EYE OUT
When you think of pool safety measures, you think of child proof fencing, swimming lessons or a stern-faced lifeguard waggling his finger at you and telling you not to run around the pool. Although the number of pool drownings have decreased since mandatory pool safety regulations came into place, these methods are not watertight, and it is still heartbreakingly easy for accidents to occur. “It’s ok to have a fence,” Bugden remarks, “but as we see every year, they are far from fool proof.” Bugden adds that with “heating now extending our seasons we are seeing pools getting used more and more each year so more drownings are inevitable, so it makes sense to do anything you can to keep it safe.”
This is where PoolScout comes in. Initially, PoolScout was released on the US market and has quickly become one of the biggest safety features in the pool industry worldwide. As Bugden explains, “PoolScout is another level of safety, it literally is watching your pool when you’re not”. Being a pool builder himself, Bugden concludes that “the last thing we want to see is anyone drowning in our pools so for us to get the opportunity to bring PoolScout here was a no brainer.”
Now accessible to the Australian public, all pool owners should consider buying the PoolScout device just to have that extra piece of mind, especially if you are pet owners or have little ones running around. Bugden also strongly encourages “builders to offer it for their builds as no builder wants to be responsible for a drowning in a pool they built.”
LOOK WITHOUT LOOKING
So, what does PoolScout actually do? How is it installed? The answers are surprisingly simple. PoolScout can be used at any property as long as it can be connected to the wi-fi and there is reception at the location of the camera. “Installation is as easy as mounting the camera facing your pool; once logged onto the wi-fi and linked to devices, you will map out the area you want monitored and off you go,” Bugden explains. The application on your mobile device will also guide you through the set up and mapping process, ensuring that the area you want to monitor is correct. “It can then identify what comes in the pool area and lets you know on your phone if it’s a person, toddler, or pet,” Bugden details.
PoolScout has many ingenious features that make it the best pool safety product around. Not only will it notify you via your phone if an adult, child or pet enters the pool area, but the application can also activate an emergency call if necessary. The device also comes with a wireless alarm to place somewhere inside your home, so it will definitely startle you when it goes off. “You have the option to disarm for when the pool is in use,” Bugden notes, and the device can ‘re-arm’ itself if you forget. Another feature is “a timeline you can check of all the actions that have occurred and a live feed you can go to at any time.” Additionally, you can share your account with others and all the devices added will get the same information and alerts to maximise on safety and increase the likeliness of someone responding in an emergency.
SEEING IS BELIEVING
Like Netfilx or your favourite pool magazine, PoolScout is run through a subscription service. The basic subscription includes all the main functions such as the automatic pool detection, notifications when a person or pet is near the pool, and the live stream and event recording. The premium subscription has added features such as unlimited additional devices, learning to differentiate between adult, child and pet, learning from false alerts and can detect unsafe situations. Currently, you receive six months of free premium subscription when you purchase the PoolScout Wi-Fi. Bugden acknowledges that technology is constantly progressing and advancing and therefore “all upgrades will be passed on so the system may potentially keep moving forward.”
Due to modern movie depictions of artificial intelligence taking over and ruling the world, some may feel understandably uneasy about having artificial intelligence in their home – especially ones that can learn. Likewise, if you struggle with understanding all these modern appliances, you may have hesitations about installing this device. But never fear, Bugden guarantees that “the AI is easy to use, and it does save lives,” but if you do have issues with the device then feel free to contact BackyardHQ or swing by their Brookvale showroom for assistance from the professionals.
Images courtesy of Freedom Pools