Swimming pool and safety : Rules to follow

What are the authorized and legal solutions?

1/ Mandatory security since 2004

Since January 1, 2004, all private swimming pools, whether for individual or collective use (family swimming pool or reserved for residents, hotel swimming pools, campsites, country cottages, etc.), whose pool is totally or partially buried, must have a safety device in order to allow their use. Only above-ground, inflatable or removable pools are not affected by this obligation.

Expanded in 2006 and introduced into the Construction and Housing Code, these regulations also govern the control of the exterior layout of the swimming pool, such as its floor, its surround and its outline, which must not be slippery or present a risk. In addition, the hydraulic installation is also addressed (where it exists): water intake outlets, gutters or artificial wave generators must be installed with an emergency stop device which is easily accessible and visible.

These continuing measures have proven their effect: over the past 15 years, the number of drownings in private swimming pools has reportedly fallen by more than 30% in France.

2/ Shelter, alarm or pool cover?

To secure access to swimming pools, several solutions have been approved by the State: shelters, alarms (submerged or perimeter), and covers.

Depending on your budget and your expectations, one or other of these devices will allow you to enjoy your swimming pool without fearing the heavy penalty provided for by law of a fine up to €45,000.

Although a sliding shelter is certainly the most pleasing option, and the one that allows you to enjoy your pool (almost) all year round, it is also the most expensive and will even require a building permit should it be above 1m80 high.

The alarm, which can be submerged (notifying of a child's fall under water) or perimeter (notifying of a child's approach to the pool) will perhaps suit the most tech-savvy. Its advantage is that it remains concealed, so it will not taint the aesthetics of the pool.

As for the standard cover which is economical and practical, it must be installed in such a way as to prevent the involuntary immersion of children and withstand the crossing of an adult person up to 100 kg. Be careful, however, not to confuse it with the thermal cover, which is not recognized as a protection.

3/ The barrier

The installation of a barrier is compulsory for all swimming pools 60 cm deep or more, except for above-ground swimming pools whose walls exceed 1m20 high (in this case, it will only be necessary to fence the access point to the swimming pool, ladder or access from a terrace/patio).

This barrier must be more than 1m10 high and be installed approximately 1m from the pool. Its opening must be secure and lockable.

The equipment of your choice, whatever it is, must comply with the standards of the French Association for Standardization (Afnor) and meet French standards NF P90-306 to 309. It can be installed by you, the vendor or a professional fitter. In this case, the latter must also provide a technical note concerning the safety of the pool, which details the usefulness of the protection, how to use it properly as well as all the prevention instructions to be displayed around the pool.

Our advice: if the installation of one of these security devices represents an additional expense, know that it will also be an opportunity to offer added value to your exterior of your property at the time of the its sale.

What are the authorized and legal solutions?

1/ Mandatory security since 2004

Since January 1, 2004, all private swimming pools, whether for individual or collective use (family swimming pool or reserved for residents, hotel swimming pools, campsites, country cottages, etc.), whose pool is totally or partially buried, must have a safety device in order to allow their use. Only above-ground, inflatable or removable pools are not affected by this obligation.

Expanded in 2006 and introduced into the Construction and Housing Code, these regulations also govern the control of the exterior layout of the swimming pool, such as its floor, its surround and its outline, which must not be slippery or present a risk. In addition, the hydraulic installation is also addressed (where it exists): water intake outlets, gutters or artificial wave generators must be installed with an emergency stop device which is easily accessible and visible.

These continuing measures have proven their effect: over the past 15 years, the number of drownings in private swimming pools has reportedly fallen by more than 30% in France.

2/ Shelter, alarm or pool cover?

To secure access to swimming pools, several solutions have been approved by the State: shelters, alarms (submerged or perimeter), and covers.

Depending on your budget and your expectations, one or other of these devices will allow you to enjoy your swimming pool without fearing the heavy penalty provided for by law of a fine up to €45,000.

Although a sliding shelter is certainly the most pleasing option, and the one that allows you to enjoy your pool (almost) all year round, it is also the most expensive and will even require a building permit should it be above 1m80 high.

The alarm, which can be submerged (notifying of a child's fall under water) or perimeter (notifying of a child's approach to the pool) will perhaps suit the most tech-savvy. Its advantage is that it remains concealed, so it will not taint the aesthetics of the pool.

As for the standard cover which is economical and practical, it must be installed in such a way as to prevent the involuntary immersion of children and withstand the crossing of an adult person up to 100 kg. Be careful, however, not to confuse it with the thermal cover, which is not recognized as a protection.

3/ The barrier

The installation of a barrier is compulsory for all swimming pools 60 cm deep or more, except for above-ground swimming pools whose walls exceed 1m20 high (in this case, it will only be necessary to fence the access point to the swimming pool, ladder or access from a terrace/patio).

This barrier must be more than 1m10 high and be installed approximately 1m from the pool. Its opening must be secure and lockable.

The equipment of your choice, whatever it is, must comply with the standards of the French Association for Standardization (Afnor) and meet French standards NF P90-306 to 309. It can be installed by you, the vendor or a professional fitter. In this case, the latter must also provide a technical note concerning the safety of the pool, which details the usefulness of the protection, how to use it properly as well as all the prevention instructions to be displayed around the pool.

Our advice: if the installation of one of these security devices represents an additional expense, know that it will also be an opportunity to offer added value to your exterior of your property at the time of the its sale.