Standards and obligations for securing a private pool

How to secure your private pool? You are or will be the owner of an in-ground or semi-in-ground pool and you have questions about safety standards and legal obligations? Read this article to find out more.

Each country adopts its own regulations and you are obliged to keep yourself informed of the law in force. Do not hesitate to ask your manufacturer, your local specialist shop or your Federation (in France this is the French Swimming Pool and Spa Federation (FFP)

Safety standards

There are four categories of safety devices and you are obliged to equip your pool with one of the following. Whatever the regulations in force in your country, it is important to remember that adult supervision is essential and remains the best safety measure.

1- Safety barriers around the pool/NF P90-306

It must be more than 1.10m high and have a gate with a secure opening. This barrier must be at least one metre from the edge of the pool to allow free movement of emergency personnel in the event of an accident.

2- Pool alarm/NF P90-307:

Most homeowners choose this option as it is the easiest to install and the least expensive. The price of an alarm varies from 50 to 800 euros depending on the model.

3- Secured covers/NF P90-308 standard:

There are different types of covers made of different materials: it must prevent the involuntary immersion of young children. It must be able to withstand the weight of an adult (100 kg) when closed and not cause injury.

4- Pool enclosures/NF P90-309

Like the covers, the shelters must be resistant and meet certain requirements. The closing system must be secure, windproof and snowproof. Children under the age of five must not be able to move it.