Swimming Pool Safety – Solutions To Stay Calm

The swimming pool safety law has reduced the number of domestic accidents linked to the possession of a pool by a third; at the same time, the number of people who equip themselves is constantly increasing.

Although the 2004 law imposes a security system on all owners of private swimming pools, it is not the miracle solution to prevent the tragedy: adult vigilance is irreplaceable.

Which swimming pools are affected by these safety devices?

Private swimming pools for individual or collective outdoor use (buried or semi-buried).

Examples: family pools or bodies of water reserved for residents, integrated into holiday villages, hotels, etc.

Swimming pools are not concerned:

• located in a building
• placed on the ground (inflatable or removable)
• Supervised, paying access (e.g.: municipal swimming pools).

Protecting your swimming pool: existing safety devices

In terms of securing swimming pools , 4 devices are currently available:  protective barriers , covers,  swimming pool shelters  and alarms. They must be installed, at the latest, at the end of the construction work.

2 main objectives: prevent access to the pool and alert in the event of a fall.

Prevent access to the basin

At your disposal, either:

1. A protective barrier at least 1.10 m high, ideally with an automatically closing gate: it must remain inaccessible to a child under 5 years old.
2. A safety cover to close the pool: rolling shutter, rigid cover… In the case of a motorized system, be sure to lock its operation using a code. Please note that this type of cover should not be confused with a simple weather protection tarp or an insulating cover.
3. A swimming pool enclosure that completely covers the pool: it must be impassable by children under 5 years old and must have a locking system at the entrance.

Prevent falling: 2 types of sound alarms

• The immersion detection alarm: alert in the event of a child falling into the water
• Perimeter detection alarm: alert when the child approaches the pool.

This system does not close access to the pool. The ideal is to pair it with one of the protections presented above.

Standard-compliant safety devices

1. It is up to the manufacturer of the safety device to guarantee that his product complies with the approved standards: as part of this self-certification, the manufacturer himself carries out the tests required by the standard.
2. Certification is issued by the National Testing Laboratory under the NF mark. Among other things, the certifier ensures “the commitment of manufacturers to train device installers”.
3. A pool owner can obtain proof of certification from the seller or installer. The standards can be purchased online on the Afnor website or in the regional delegations.
4. All safety devices must display:

• A marking signifying its compliance with the NF standard,
• The manufacturer’s contact details,
• The model and traceability.

Did you install a security device before the enactment of the 2004 law? 2 options:

• You ask a professional or a technical inspector approved by the State to certify the conformity of the installation.
• You provide the technical proof of compliance yourself.