Before you buy
What does tile line freeze damage actually cost to repair? +
Tile and coping repairs from freeze damage typically run $3,000–$8,000 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 $249 one-time. The math is pretty simple.
What if the pump fails while I'm away and I don't catch it in time? +
On the Paid plan, you'll receive a push or email alert the moment a sensor stops responding or the device goes offline. 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 shows a local alert when you're on your home WiFi. For maximum peace of mind when traveling, we recommend the Paid plan — it's $8/month and pays for itself the first time you catch a problem remotely.
What if the power goes out during a freeze? +
If power is lost, the pump stops running. Pool Guardian can't operate without power — no device can. However, if you're on the Paid plan, you'll receive an offline alert as soon as the device loses power or connectivity, so you can take action. For most freeze events, power outages are brief and the water level doesn't rise significantly during the outage window. If extended outages are common in your area, a backup power source (like a generator or UPS) for the outlet is an option.
Is my pool compatible? What types of pools does this work with? +
Pool Guardian works with in-ground pools that have a standard tiled waterline — which covers the vast majority of residential in-ground pools. It is not designed for above-ground pools, pools without tile lines, or pools where the water level cannot be lowered as part of winterization. If you're unsure whether your pool qualifies, contact us before purchasing — we'd rather help you figure that out than have you return it.
Do I need to drain the pool myself first, or does Pool Guardian do that? +
You (or your pool service company) lower the water level below the tile line as part of your normal pool winterization — the same thing you'd do anyway when closing the pool. 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 back up. It doesn't perform the initial winterization drain.
I live in a climate that only rarely freezes. Is it still worth it? +
That's actually the most dangerous situation — pools in mild climates are often less prepared for the occasional hard freeze, and owners are less likely to act in time. One unexpected freeze event is all it takes for $3,000–$8,000 in tile damage. If your region ever drops below 32°F, Pool Guardian is worth it. If you truly never freeze (Southern Florida, Hawaii), you likely don't need it for freeze protection — though it still handles overflow from heavy rain.
How it works
How does Pool Guardian actually protect my pool? +
Two sensors — a high-water sensor and a low-water sensor — monitor your pool's water level. When rising water (from rain, snowmelt, etc.) 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, preventing freeze damage from ice expansion.
Does it need an internet connection to protect the pool? +
No — core protection is fully local. The sensors communicate directly with the control box, which runs the pump. Internet is only needed for the optional Paid plan cloud monitoring features.
How is this different from just lowering the water level once at closing? +
Lowering the water at closing is the right first step — and Pool Guardian requires it. But rain, snowmelt, and runoff can raise the water level back above the tile line at any point during the winter. Pool Guardian continuously monitors and drains automatically whenever that happens, all winter long, without any manual intervention.
Setup & installation
How long does setup actually take? +
About 15 minutes for most homeowners. You hang the control box on the coping, position the two sensors, drop the pump in the pool, plug in to a GFCI outlet, and you're done. No drilling, no electrician, no plumber. See our full 7-step Setup Guide for a complete walkthrough.
Where exactly do I position the sensors? +
The low sensor should be at least 6 inches below your tile line — this is the safe winter level Pool Guardian maintains. The high sensor goes a few inches above the low sensor, at the level that should trigger drainage. See the Setup Guide for a diagram showing exact positioning relative to the tile line.
Do I need a professional to install it? +
No — Pool Guardian is designed for DIY installation. If you have a pool service company handling your winterization, they can install it as part of that service. But it's not required. The only thing you need nearby is a GFCI-protected outdoor electrical outlet, which is standard for any pool area.
Plans & pricing
Do I need a subscription to use Pool Guardian? +
No. The Free plan is included with every device and provides full automatic sensor-based drainage at zero ongoing cost. The Paid plan ($8/month) adds remote cloud monitoring for homeowners who want to check in from anywhere.
What's actually different between Free and Paid? +
Both plans give you identical sensor-based protection — your pool is equally safe on either plan. The difference is visibility: Free plan shows device status only when you're on your home WiFi. Paid plan logs every drain event to the cloud, gives you remote access from anywhere, and sends push/email alerts when sensors trigger.
Is the $249 a one-time cost? +
Yes — one-time purchase, no expiration. The device is yours. You only pay again if you choose to add the Paid plan ($8/mo) or buy additional devices for other pools.
The app
What can I see in the app? +
Free plan: device status, current sensor readings, and manual pump control — available while on your home WiFi. Paid plan: all of the above from anywhere, plus full drain event history with timestamps, push and email alerts when sensors trigger, and management of multiple devices or properties.
Does it work with Home Assistant? +
Yes — Pool Guardian is compatible with Home Assistant on the Free (local) plan. No cloud account required. If you already use Home Assistant for home automation, Pool Guardian integrates directly.
Is the app available on iOS and Android? +
Yes, both platforms are supported. Download links are available after purchase.
Device & hardware
What's in the box? +
Control box with WiFi, high-water sensor, low-water sensor, submersible pump, mounting hardware, power cable, and a quick-start setup guide. Everything you need to protect your pool.
What happens if the device loses WiFi? +
Sensor-based protection continues working — WiFi is only needed for the Paid plan's cloud features. If you're on the Paid plan and the device loses WiFi, you'll receive an offline alert so you can investigate.
Does Pool Guardian work with any in-ground pool? +
It works with in-ground pools with a standard tiled waterline. Not compatible with above-ground pools or pools without tile lines. Contact us if you're unsure about compatibility before purchasing.
Pool professionals
I run a pool service company — how does the Business plan work? +
The Business plan gives your team a fleet dashboard to monitor all client pools, multi-user logins, technician alert workflows, and customer management. Pricing is custom based on fleet size. Visit the Pool Professionals page or contact us to get a quote — volume device discounts are available for 10+ units.
Can my pool company install this for me? +
Yes — many pool service companies offer Pool Guardian installation as part of their winterization service. If yours doesn't offer it yet, share the Pool Professionals page with them or install it yourself in about 15 minutes.
Warranty & returns
What does the 1-year warranty cover? +
Any defect in materials or workmanship under normal residential use within 12 months of purchase. If something fails due to a product defect, we replace it — no questions, no return shipping cost. Not covered: damage from improper installation, misuse, or conditions outside the device's operating range.
What is the return policy? +
30 days from purchase for unused, unopened devices in original packaging. Free return shipping both ways. If your device arrived damaged or defective, contact us and we'll send a replacement immediately.