LOUD

"LOUD?" I hear you asking as you scratch your head in confusion.

Well, yes. That blue land mine-like object resting on the stones between the chaises in the foreground is a pool alarm. When it is floating in the water, it will emit a nonstop earsplitting shriek the moment it senses any movement in the pool. It will go on rending the peaceful country atmosphere with its mega-decibels until someone (preferably stone deaf and wearing ear plugs) removes it from the water and turns it upside down.

Our local ordinances require swimming pool owners to surround the area with fencing at least four feet tall. All gate latches must be at least 54 inches from the ground, and any doors opening into the fenced area must be alarmed. In addition, the aforementioned floating alarm must be activated whenever the pool is not being used.

I'm not against protecting small children and animals from drowning, but I do think these regulations are a bit overdone ... there is a door on our barn that would open into the pool area IF it had a door knob (which it doesn't), and IF it weren't permanently bolted (near the top of the door, well over four feet from the ground) from the inside. However, because it is a door, we had to install an alarm. Keep in mind that any child or pet would have to exhibit superhuman strength in order to open the heavy overhead garage-style doors at either end of the barn before gaining access to this non-functioning but alarmed portal!

If we owned a pond or even a lake, we would not have to take any protective measures whatsoever. Go figure.