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10 Listens: Experts say pool alarms can save lives

Pool alarms can save lives by letting parents know if their kids have hopped in without proper supervision.

Knoxville — Two toddlers drowned at a daycare in Knox County over the weekend.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office says there wasn't a pool alarm installed at the home.

It's those types of drownings Katie Beth's law hopes to prevent.

The law has mandated pool alarms for all new pools since 2011.

"I think that pools are meant to be enjoyed," Carley Wright said. "It's an investment toward your pool, and your children's safety."

Wright works for Aurora Pool, Spa and Billiards.

When someone falls in the alarm will let parents know, even if they're inside.

"A pool alarm is only going to insure, and give someone peace of mind," Wright said.

Aurora automatically installs one for every new pool it works on.

"It still seems to be something that most people don't know about or seem surprised about when they come to purchase a pool," Wright said.

Enforcing Katie Beth's law in Knoxville is left up to the building permit and inspections office during pool construction.

MORE: State: Babysitter watching twins who drowned previously operated unlicensed childcare center

"They just make sure it's installed per the manufacturer's installation instructions, and make sure that it's operational," Peter Ahrens said.

Ahrens is the director.

"We understand that our role is to ensure life safety for the public," Ahrens said. "And so that's definitely a key feature."

He says people understand how important the alarms are.

"The pool companies and pool installers all recognize the need for them as well, and the added security that that provides," Ahrens said.

Prices at Aurora are small compared to the price of the pool.

And experts say it's a small price to pay to possibly save a child's life.

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