With an average of one hundred child drowning deaths each year, private swimming pools are considered by public authorities to be high-risk areas. This is because in 9 cases out of 10, these deaths could have been avoided because they result from a lack of surveillance… and a cruel lack of appropriate security.
« If you want to install a swimming pool in your garden – you will have to take these legal requirements into account and respect them under penalty of sanctions, in order to guarantee the safety of your own children and those of your loved ones as well as your neighborhood » explains Hervé Michel founder of ATEP.
Summary
Legal obligation and responsibilities
- According to the law implemented in January 2003, pool owners must equip their installation with one of the four prevention methods defined by the authorities concerned (find out more here: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/ dgccrf/Securite-des-piscines).
- This is valid for inground swimming pools as well as for spas and other jacuzzis.
- Any breach is liable to a fine of up to 45,000 euros.
- In the event of an accident, if the installation has no security, the owner will automatically be held responsible.
- Even today between 30 and 50% of private pools are not secure, which is irresponsible and constitutes a danger.
- It is advisable to choose equipment that is approved and complies with the standards defined by the State.
- Insurers categorically refuse to guarantee a pool that is not protected.
- The securities offered do not intervene at the same level, some are used to limit the children while others warn in the event of a problem.
The four types of security
Security barriers: whether they are made of wood or metal, they completely surround the pool to physically prevent access to children. They can be placed permanently or choose removable models. Whatever happens, they must absolutely reach 1.10m in height, and have no horizontal support that would facilitate their climbing. They are found at all prices on a scale of 30 to 300 euros.
The pool alarm: designed to identify movements and sudden immersion, it is activated at the slightest fall of an object or mass in the pool. It comes in the form of a kit comprising detector, sensor, charger, battery, remote control and others. The most efficient models are trading around 1000 euros. There are also infrared barriers.
The tarpaulin : its purpose is to cover the pool when not in use, in the evening or during the off-peak season. It prevents falls and protects the pool from possible dirt. Between 20 and 50 euros per square meter, the cover remains inexpensive. Be careful though, it must be able to support a load of about 100 kilos; and you should know that in the event of a faulty attachment, a child could fall and find themselves stuck below without the possibility of coming out.
The swimming pool enclosure
PVC, wood, aluminium, polycarbonate, the swimming pool enclosure, whether low or high, aims to cover the swimming pool as a veranda would. Telescopic, it is easy to handle, secures your bathing area by keeping it clean and warm. Count between 2000 and 40000 euros depending on the models, the surface to be protected, the materials and the closing devices.
Read also : Swimming pool compliance diagnosis
