Safety device for private swimming pools for family or group use

Verified 19 March 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You have a private swimming pool for family or group use (or plan to have one) and you wonder if you need to settle a safety device to prevent drowning risks? We are taking stock of the regulations.

The obligation to settle a safety device concerns private swimming pools for family or group use, buried (partially or totally), new or existing.

Swimming pools placed on the ground, inflatable or demountable are therefore not not concerned by this obligation.

You must settle one of the following devices:

  • Protective barrier
  • Alarm
  • Security cover
  • Shelter

Protective barrier

The protective barrier must be settled in such a way as to prevent the passage of a child under 5 years of age without the help of an adult.

The protective barrier shall also withstand the actions of a child under 5 years of age, in particular with regard to the access locking system. This locking system shall not cause injury.

FYI  

Protective barriers complying with the NF P90-306 standard of theAfnor: titleContent shall be considered to satisfy those requirements. You can check that on the packaging of the equipment.

Alarm

The alarm shall be settled so that all activation and deactivation commands cannot be used by a child under 5 years of age.

Detection systems shall detect any crossing by a child under 5 years of age and trigger a warning device consisting of a siren.

The alarm should not be triggered inadvertently.

FYI  

Alarms complying with the NF P90-307 standard of theAfnor: titleContent shall be considered to satisfy those requirements. You can check that on the packaging of the equipment.

Security cover

The safety cover must be settled so as to prevent the unintentional immersion of a child under 5 years of age.

The safety cover must also be capable of withstanding the passage of an adult person and without causing injury.

FYI  

Safety covers complying with NF P90-308 standard of theAfnor: titleContent shall be considered to satisfy those requirements. You can check that on the packaging of the equipment.

Shelter

The shelter must be settled in such a way that when it is closed, the swimming pool basin cannot be accessed by a child under 5 years of age.

The shelter must not cause injury.

FYI  

Shelters complying with the NF P90-309 standard of theAfnor: titleContent shall be considered to satisfy those requirements. You can check that on the packaging of the equipment.

The safety device may be settled by yourself or by salesman or installer of your choice.

The seller or installer must provide you with a technical briefing note that includes the following:

  • Characteristics and conditions of operation and maintenance of the chosen safety device
  • General prevention and recommendation measures to avoid drowning risks

In case of drowning, if your pool is not equipped with a safety device, you can expose yourself to a fine of €45,000.

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