Is Your Pool’s Emergency Phone Compliant? Here’s How to Check (And What to Do If It Isn’t)

A pool phone is a crucial lifeline in the event of an emergency. Whether encountering a drowning incident, a medical emergency, or another urgent situation, having a reliable, code-compliant emergency phone helps to ensure the appropriate aid is always within reach. Many jurisdictions require them, but beyond compliance, pool phones provide peace of mind by protecting not only those using the pool but also property managers and building owners from unnecessary liability. A non-compliant or malfunctioning emergency phone could delay critical assistance and expose your property to legal and financial risks. Ensuring your emergency phone is up to code means you’re prioritizing safety while also safeguarding your responsibility as a property owner or manager. 

Making sure your pool’s emergency phone is compliant can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential for both safety and liability protection. This guide is designed to walk you through how to check compliance, test your phone, and take the appropriate next steps if further action is needed. Whether you need to verify your current system or explore a more dependable solution, we’re here to help you navigate the process and ensure uninterrupted access to emergency assistance. 

Understanding Pool Emergency Phone Requirements 

Many jurisdictions require pool emergency phones, not only for regulatory compliance but also to help protect both pool users and property managers from unnecessary liability. A non-compliant or malfunctioning emergency phone could delay critical assistance and increase risk exposure. Ensuring your emergency phone is up to code is essential to maintaining safety, reducing liability, and providing peace of mind. 

Pool emergency phone requirements vary by location, but key standards typically include: 

• 24/7 Access – Your emergency phone must be available at all times, including outside of pool hours. 

• Direct Connection to Emergency Assistance – The phone should automatically dial a designated emergency response center or monitoring service without requiring a coin, dial tone, or additional steps. 

• Proper Signage – Clear signage must be posted with instructions for use. 

• ADA Compliance – Emergency phones must be accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. 

• Weather-Resistant Equipment – Phones must be built to withstand outdoor elements without compromising functionality. 

For a breakdown of requirements specific to your region, visit our code compliance page. 

How to Ensure Your Cellular Pool Phone is Compliant 

With traditional landlines being phased out, cellular solutions have emerged as the best way to future-proof your emergency phone system at your pool. However, not all cellular emergency phones meet code requirements.  

If you currently have a cellular solution in place, ask yourself the following questions to determine if your solution is compliant: 

• Is the phone always powered on and operational? 

• Is it connected to continuous power with battery backup (which is required to provide four hours of continuous power in the event of a power outage)? 

• Is it under a current cellular service agreement? 

• Is it directly accessible without a twist handle or spring device? 

If you answered “NO” to any of the above, your solution is not code-compliant and may leave you exposed to unnecessary liability. Kings III offers a fully code-compliant all-inclusive cellular pool phone solution that eliminates these concerns. 

How to Test Your Pool’s Emergency Phone 

Preventative maintenance is your best defense against non-compliance, and testing is one of the most effective tools in your maintenance routine. It will allow you to proactively identify issues and ensure that your emergency phone remains operational, compliant, and ready to perform when needed. 

Routine testing ensures your emergency phone functions properly when it’s needed most. Follow these steps: 

1. Make a Test Call – Activate the emergency phone and confirm that it connects successfully. 
2. Check Audio Clarity – Ensure that both the caller and the emergency operator can communicate without static or delay. 
3. Verify Location Transmission – The answering party should be able to identify your location automatically, without requiring you to provide any details to be ADA-compliant. 
4. Inspect Physical Condition – Look for visible damage or wear that could affect performance. 

What to Do if Your Emergency Phone Fails Your Testing 

If your phone isn’t meeting code requirements—or isn’t working at all—it’s important to act quickly to avoid potential fines, liability, or service failures. Here’s how we can help: 

• For Non-Customers – If your emergency phone is outdated or non-compliant, Kings III provides a comprehensive emergency phone solution that ensures you meet all local and national regulations. Our phones include 24/7 emergency monitoring with highly trained operators who assess every call, provide immediate response, and ensure critical information is relayed efficiently.  Additionally, our solution includes free installation, lifetime maintenance, and cellular options that eliminate landline dependency. 

• For Current Kings III Customers – If you suspect an issue with your emergency phone, we’re here to help. Contact our service team at 800-766-2029 or email [email protected] to schedule a maintenance check and keep your system running smoothly. 

Help Ensure Compliance & Safety with Kings III 

Keeping your pool’s emergency phone compliant isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about ensuring reliable access to help when it’s needed most.  Imagine if an accident occurred at your pool without a working emergency phone—how would that impact your residents, guests, reputation, and bottom line? The consequences could include, but are not limited to: 

• Delayed emergency response – Lifeguards or bystanders may struggle to reach 911 quickly, increasing the severity of injuries. 

• Potential fines and legal fees – Non-compliance with safety regulations may result in costly penalties and litigation. 

• Reputational damage – A well-publicized incident could make residents and guests question the safety of your property. 

• Increased liability risks – Without a reliable emergency communication system, property owners could face legal consequences if an injured party claims negligence. 

Kings III specializes in emergency phone solutions that protect your property, your residents and guests, and your peace of mind by providing 24/7 professional monitoring, proactive maintenance, and industry-leading reliability. With decades of experience in emergency communications, we take the guesswork out of compliance, allowing you to focus on what matters most—keeping your pool area safe and accessible for everyone.  

Have questions about compliance or need an emergency phone solution? We’re here to help.

Tyler Williams – Digital Marketing Coordinator at Kings III of America. Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn.