A swimming pool is a place for sharing and leisure. It brings family or friends together for a swim. However, it can also constitute a danger, especially for children. It is therefore important to consider equipping your pool with some safety devices to protect those who use it from domestic accidents and especially from drowning. The law also requires owners of established swimming pools to do so. So how can you secure your pool?
Why secure your swimming pool?
There are several reasons why it is important to secure your swimming pool . The main one is to minimize the risk of drowning.
Having a swimming pool on your property allows you to create a space for leisure and sharing with family or friends. However, water can also become a danger. Every year, swimming pools are the cause of several cases of deaths by drowning according to statistical According to these reports, between 2015 and 2018, the number of accidental drowning cases increased.
In addition to the risk of drowning, there are also risks of accidents, whatever their nature. Very often, children are exposed to the risk of drowning in the swimming pool due to the inattention of adults. But other users also face the risk of slipping or falling which could result in serious injuries.
Given all these dangers, since 2005, the law has required swimming pool owners to adopt safety devices to prevent danger. Even if you do not have children or even if your house is uninhabited, you are required to protect your pool if you have one.
Security measures to put in place
To help you secure your swimming pool, several security devices are available on the market.
Alarms
Pool alarms emit a loud signal when they detect movement. There are two forms: peripheral pool alarms which detect movements within the established security perimeter and submerged pool alarms which emit an audible signal when movement in the water is detected.
- The pros: Pool alarms are inexpensive. In terms of handling, they do not require much effort and are easy to install and maintain.
- The disadvantages: a swimming pool alarm does not warn of danger. It signals danger and is often 5 to 10 seconds late. It is a reactive device, a safety device that can also be triggered by the passage of wind or an animal within the security perimeter.
The law provides that the materials to be used for the installation of swimming pool alarms must be subject to standard NF P 90 307. This is a crucial element to take into consideration before choosing an alarm to secure your swimming pool.
Pool barriers
Pool barriers or even pool fences are devices that can be fixed, retractable or removable. They allow the perimeter of the pool to be fenced off, in order to prevent access.
The rules stipulate that such a barrier must be installed at least one meter from the swimming pool, to avoid falling into the water when stepping over the barrier. This distance also allows you to move easily around the pool.
Like most swimming pool protections, a swimming pool barrier must be subject to standard NF P 90 306. This standard relates to the different dimensions and the closing and opening mechanism.
- Advantages: swimming pool barriers prevent children under 5 years old from having access to the swimming pool. They are cheap, especially the basic models. They are also easy to install and require no budget for maintenance.
- Disadvantages: They require a lot of space for installation. In short, a swimming pool fence can change the decor of your garden and it is not always pleasant.
Pool covers
Swimming pool covers are quite common. They play a dual role. Firstly, they cover the water in the pool and for the occasion prohibit access to young children. Then, they constitute a simplified maintenance plan and facilitate water management.
- Advantages: they are the best in terms of protecting home ponds. They prevent intrusions and limit pollution. These are devices that last over time.
- Disadvantages: swimming pool covers require quite a bit of energy to put in place. Their installations are not always possible for above-ground swimming pools.
Swimming pool shelters
Swimming pool enclosures are also one of the essential arrangements around a swimming pool . They are required to comply with the NF 90 309 standard even if they vary greatly and exist in several models.
- Advantages: they protect swimming pools against pollution and prevent the risk of drowning. The installation of certain models brings real estate added value.
- Disadvantages: they require a large budget and are difficult to handle if they are manual.
