In accordance with the safety regulations outlined by the decree of June 7, 2004, there are four essential safety devices that every swimming pool must meet to ensure the protection of young children:
Protective Barriers must be designed and installed to prevent children under the age of five from entering the pool area without adult assistance. These barriers should be sturdy enough to resist tampering by a child and include a secure access locking system. Additionally, they should not pose any risk of injury.
Pool Covers must be constructed to prevent the accidental immersion of children under five. They should be strong enough to support the weight of an adult stepping on them and be free from sharp edges or potential hazards.
Pool Enclosures need to ensure that the swimming area remains inaccessible to children under five when closed. They must be designed with safety in mind, avoiding any potential for injury.
Alarms must be equipped with controls that are inaccessible to young children. These detection systems should include a siren and be reliable, avoiding false alarms.
To ensure compliance, it’s important for pool owners to verify that any safety equipment they purchase or install adheres to approved safety standards.
The approved standards, last updated in December, have undergone further revisions based on feedback from trials and assessments. The Standards Committee, which includes manufacturers, consumer groups, and technical experts, has clarified or enhanced certain requirements.
On May 2, 2004, the French Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industry issued a notice in the Journal Official (NOR INDI0410046V) announcing the approval of the following revised standards for pool safety:
- Barriers: NF P90-306
- Alarms: NF P90-307
- Covers: NF P90-308
- Enclosures: NF P90-309
