Swimming Pool Security

Mar 24, 2024

french swimming pool law

The Raffarin Law was introduced in 2002 to cover the safety of domestic swimming pools, and this is a brief description of its requirements in relation to pool safety in France.

Please remember these legally required security precautions do not replace the need for vigilance and supervision poolside.

Understanding the French Raffarin Pool Security Laws

For Property Owners in France: as set out by AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation), pools covered by the Raffarin Law must be protected by at least one of the below safety measures.

Each safety measure has an NF number. This is an official mark of conformity. When fitting equipment, you must make sure it carries this mark.

The following types of pools are not affected by the law:

Indoor swimming pools
Ponds
Above ground pools

However, all open-air pools that do not fall into the above categories do need to comply.

safety barriers – nf p90-306

Any barrier to the swimming pool must be at least 1.10m in height.
Any access points, such as gates, must be self-closing and self-locking. They must entail at least two actions to be opened.
Any barrier must be made of a specified pool security fencing material.
Natural barriers such as hedges and ditches do not count.

pool alarm – nf p90-307

There are two main types of alarm available: immersion detectors and perimeter alarms.
Immersion detectors register a fall into the pool and an alarm must sound within 12 seconds.
Perimeter alarms work by using infrared beams, which trigger an alarm when broken.
Any alarm must be tested monthly.
A responsible adult must be able to respond to the alarm in under three minutes.

pool covers – nf p90-308

If this is the sole safety measure, the cover must be used whenever a pool is unattended.
If you already have a cover that you use over winter (and did so before the law was passed), this must also be AFNOR-approved and replaced if necessary.
If the cover is only used in winter, one of the other three measures must be employed during the summer months.

pool shelters (abris)

nf p90-309

This is a sturdier, more permanent cover as per the example in the photo.
Shelters can either be in a fixed position or fitted on telescopic rails. They can also be high or low-ceilinged.
This is the most expensive option, but will help with heating and cleaning costs as they keep warmth in and debris out.

See also our article about: Swimming Pool Heating, Privacy & Rules

FOR OWNERS

FOR GUESTS