Everyone should be aware of the law governing pool security in
France. It is the law and despite many arguments against it, all
In ground pools in France must comply by having one of the four
approved methods of security system in place by 1st January
2006. The fine for not complying with the law is €45,000.00.
An on ground or semi in ground pools are not affected by the law
and normally just rely on a security ladder or one that gets
taken away when the pool is not in use.
We hope to help clarify how you can comply with this new law, if
you already own, or are considering purchasing a new swimming
pool in France. It's been specifically put in place to protect
children under 5 years old but anyone with kids will understand
that NO security device, no matter how well approved can replace
the vigilance of a responsible adult at all times.
The law was originally passed on 1st Jan 2003. To comply with
the law, the standards for pool security systems have been set
by AFNOR (the body responsible for French safety standards) so
that any method of security fitted must conform to the
specifications set out in each category of security device.
There are four types of approved security system:
1. Security Barriers, AFNOR standard: NF P 90-306.
2. Pool Alarms, AFNOR standard: NF P 90-307.
3. Pool Covers, AFNOR standard: NF P 90-308.
4. Pool Abris, AFNOR standard: NF P 90-309.
It should also be pointed out at this stage that any security
device can either be self certificated by the manufacturer, who
declares that they have made the system in accordance with the
AFNOR standard, or, certificated by the manufacturer AND
certified and tested by the LNE (Laboritoire National d'Essai).
This is an AFNOR, recognised laboratory who are involved with
setting out the standards for pool security systems. Any device
tested by the LNE will be given it's own certification number,
it's considered to be homologated and will carry the NF mark.
Security Barriers.
There's dozens of types of pool security fencing now available
in France. There are flexible mesh barriers, metal barriers,
UPVC barriers, Perspex and transparent PVC paneled barriers or
wooden fences. Although not everyone's "cup of tea" a barrier is
one of the best options for pool security.
To clarify one point, no natural boundaries can be considered
as a security barrier e.g. hedges, banks, ditches etc., neither
will any other sort of fencing not specifically made as a pool
security system, no matter how impenetrable it is.
For collective usage pools (pools used by more than one family)
particularly gites, campsites, etc., there must be a self closing,
self latching gate which opens outwards away from the pool. Most
systems available have this type of gate as standard.
For private pools a barrier system can be fitted with a manually
operated gate, but it makes sense if you are going to have a go,
to fit a child proof latch, as high as you can out of reach of
little ones.
The main advantage of a barrier is that it needs very little
maintenance or testing, so once it's installed you can pretty
much forget about it. As long as any gate fitted is tested
occasionally it doesn't rely on anyone else doing anything apart
from opening the gate.
Another option for a barrier is of course, a wall. There are
important parts of the standard that must be adhered to, the
most important of these is the barrier must be further than 1
mtr from the edge of a pool, and be over 1.10 mtrs high, there
must be no foot holds so natural stone walls are a no, no but a
smooth rendered wall is quite acceptable.
The AFNOR standard also states that the barrier must not be so
far away from the pool so as to be ineffective, in other words
if you fit a wall all around your property it won't be deemed as
secure as the house is inside the protected area, it all gets
very complicated and in many cases the best thing to do is
protect the pool area only and make it a designated area for
swimming only.
Another great advantage of a wall is that it will keep a lot of
debris out of the water and really does define the pool area.
One disadvantage is that it does reduce visibility from outside
the pool.
Pool Alarms.
Alarms come in two main types, immersion detector or perimeter
alarm. The immersion detector senses a fall into the pool and
then must activate within 12 seconds. The perimeter alarm works
by infra red beams, when broken the alarm sounds. These systems,
although approved, are not the best option for pool security and
are best used in conjunction with another approved device.
There are many downsides to using this system, some alarms
require wristbands or keys to be worn by swimmers, others need a
"code" to be entered which disarms the alarm while people swim,
they don't work under a cover so need to be removed if you want
to winterize your pool.
There are also some grey areas, alarms must be tested monthly,
they are susceptible to false alarms and the AFNOR standards
state that a responsible adult must be able to respond to an
alarm in less than three minutes. Although a five year old
should have an adult with them at all times, if they don't and
there is a fatality ultimately the responsibility lies with the
pool owner.
The only benefit is cost. Obviously the cheapest option is
nearly always not the best one.
Pool Covers
As with everything else there are lots of different security
covers available, the main thing to remember is that whichever
sort of cover you choose, it must be put back on whenever your
pool is left unattended, so a cover which is easy to put on and
take off is important especially if you expect anyone else using
the pool to put the cover on when they aren't using it.
Any cover used to winterize your pool must also be AFNOR
approved (unless you have an alternative form of security), so if
your cover is more than three years old the chances are that it
won't be approved and needs changing.
There are covers which do the job of a security system, summer
and winter cover and are even available solar or mains powered
so all you have to do is turn a key to operate them.
Pool Abris
An abri looks a bit like a greenhouse, they are also available
in many shapes and sizes, fixed or telescopic. Apart from the
price, (this is about the most expensive option) there are many
advantages. As well as it being an approved security device, it
will help heat the water in your pool, keep out debris, reduce
chemical usage and evaporation, if you heat your pool, it
effectively turns it into an indoor pool you can use all year
round.
The main disadvantage to fitting an abris is the cost. A low
fixed abri although cheaper doesn't give a lot of room
underneath and can be considered claustrophobic, high abris,
normally up to 3 mtrs tall give plenty of space but also need a
great deal of room to install them.
Whichever system you choose, it should be practical and easy to
use, your local pool professional should be able to advise you
on the pro's and con's of each system and discuss the
suitability of each system in your particular application.
Whatever you choose, it's going to cost a lot less than
€45,000.00 !
© Lee Coleman, Property Services France,
www.propertyservicesinfrance.com
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