All in ground pools at any property in France must comply with the security laws by having one of four security systems in place at all times. If one of these security systems is not installed, you could be facing a fine of 45,000 Euros! These security laws have been put into place to protect children who are under five years old and are in danger of falling into a swimming pool when unsupervised and drowning.
The four types of security systems that are approved by the law are:
Security Barriers
Pool Alarms
Pool Covers
Pool Abris
The swimming pool at your property in France must have at least one of these features, and it must be approved according to the AFNOR standard, which is a recognized laboratory that sets the standards for pool security systems in France.
Pool Barriers
It is up to you which of these security systems you choose for the swimming pool at your property in France. If you decide to install a barrier, you will be able to choose between mesh barriers, UPVC barriers, wooden fences, transparent PVC, and other different materials. However, you cannot use natural boundaries such as hedges, banks and ditches as this does not meet the security required by law. There should also be a self-latching gate on the swimming pool barrier which opens outward.
Pool Alarms
Pool alarms are another option, as they use infrared sensors to detect when a child comes within the perimeter of the pool or when they fall in the water. However, this is not the most effective way to keep your pool secure because you will need to respond within three minutes to save the child if they have fallen in. Also, pool alarms can malfunction or cause false alarms, so they are best used in combination with another form of swimming pool security.
Pool Covers
If you choose a cover for the swimming pool at your property in France, make sure that it is easy to remove and put back on because you will need to place the cover over the pool whenever you are not using it. If your current pool cover is more than a few years old it might not be AFNOR approved, so it is a good idea to get it checked. There are mesh covers now available which are much easier to lift than the traditional cover which becomes full of water.
Pool Abris
This is the most expensive option for pool security, as it is a small greenhouse which is installed over top of your swimming pool. They have many other advantages as well, such as keeping heat in, keeping debris out, and reducing evaporation.
Although these security features will protect children from falling into the swimming pool at your property in France and drowning, they are still no substitute for responsible adult supervision. Always keep an eye on any children who are playing in or near the swimming pool at your property in France.
If you own a property in France with a swimming pool, these are the forms of protection which you are legally obliged to install.
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