How to secure an above-ground pool?

Safety ladder

The ladder is the main access point to your above-ground pool. A removable safety ladder or one fitted with a locking system is essential. Make sure it is stable, in good condition, strong enough to support the weight of two persons and prevents young children from gaining unsupervised access (for example, by removing the outside ladder as soon as the above-ground pool is no longer in use). Some models have non-slip steps and a handrail for a better grip.

Protective barriers

Although the elevation of an above-ground pool may seem like a natural barrier, it's not enough to guarantee the safety of the children. Installing a protective barrier (whether specifically designed for above-ground pools or not) significantly increases the level of safety. This is one of the types of equipment that is compulsory in France for securing in-ground and semi-inground pools, but can also be used for above-ground pools. Barriers are often modular and can be adapted to the shape of your pool.

The French standard NF P90-306, applicable to protective barriers for in-ground or semi-in-ground pools, is a good indicator of quality for above-ground pools too. Barriers complying with this standard must be sufficiently high (at least 1.10 m), have a secure locking system and be installed in such a way as to prevent direct access to the pool.

Alarms

Pool alarms are also one of the types of equipment approved in France for in-ground or semi-inground pools (governed by French standard NF P90-307), and can sometimes be installed on an above-ground pool. There are different types of alarm (homologated or not):

• Perimeter alarms: detect intrusion into the pool area.
• Immersion alarms: triggered in case of fall into the water.
• Motion detection alarms on the water surface.

It is vital to check that they are working properly on a regular basis. Alarms provide a warning but are not physical barriers, and are no substitute for active surveillance.

Note that the reliability of some models is not optimal, and not all are suitable for above-ground pools (particularly inflatable or self-supporting pools).

Safety covers

Standardised safety covers (standard NF P90-308) are an effective solution for securing your above-ground pool when you're not swimming. Whether flexible or rigid, they must be able to support the weight of a child without deforming or letting them fall into the water. Make sure they are correctly installed and handled according to the manufacturer's instructions. Winter covers can also offer a degree of safety, but it's important to check that they meet safety standards.

Please note that a bubble cover or summer cover is not considered to be a safety cover: its sole purpose is to maintain the water temperature and limit the entry of unwanted objects into the water (leaves or other dirt).

Also worth noting: some types of cover, such as bar covers, are not suitable for inflatable or tubular above-ground pools.

Pool shelters

Pool shelters, whether low, half-high or high, can be a complete safety solution for above-ground pools. As well as providing secure access to the pool thanks to a locking system, they extend the swimming season and make it easier to keep the water clean and maintain the temperature.

To find a model with all the safety guarantees, you can refer to the NF P90-309 French standard, which serves as a reference for in-ground and semi-inground pool enclosures.

Depending on the size of the shelter, the length of time the above-ground pool is to be in place and the local urban masterplan, planning permission may be required before installation.

The anti-drowning T-shirt

Although not a pool safety system like barriers or covers, the Floatee anti-drowningT-shirt offers additional active safety for children. It can be worn next to the above-ground pool, and helps prevent drowning if the child manages to access the water when it's not swimming time.

How does it work? It's a T-shirt worn by the child which doesn't restrict their movements, and which invisibly contains an inflatable lifejacket. The safety device is triggered automatically in the event of a fall into the water (unintentional or unauthorised, as the child is often unaware of the danger). In less than 3 seconds, the lifejacket inflates and brings the child back to the surface of the water, turning the child onto its back to keep the airways out of the water. It even works if the child is unconscious, whether he/she can swim or not.

This T-shirt stands out for its ability to act immediately and independently of adults, providing accessible, innovative and reliable additional protection for children who are not yet autonomous in the water. It is patented and certified according to a protocol based on the NF EN ISO 12402 standard for lifejackets, making it a category III (the highest) piece of personal protective equipment.

The importance of supervising children around the pool

The permanent and constant supervision of a responsible adult is the golden rule. A child must never be left alone near the pool, even for a few moments. Distractions (telephone, conversation, etc.) can have dramatic consequences.

Always appoint a single person to be responsible for supervision when several adults are present.

Wearing safety equipment does not dispense with this essential supervision.

Swimming education: why it's essential

Learning to swim from an early age is a vital skill. Swimming lessons enable children to familiarise themselves with the water, learn the basics of floating and swimming, and develop safety reflexes in the event of an accidental fall into water.

There are ‘anti-drowning schools’ that teach children to swim from a very early age, and at the very least the skills they need to save themselves. It's important to do this by limiting the use of buoyancy aids in the water, so that children can develop this skill in real-life conditions.

In the event of an accident, it's still possible that the child could suffer trauma or panic: wearing approved safety equipment is a valuable additional form of protection. But learning to swim can drastically reduce the risk of harmful consequences.

Setting family safety rules

Involve all members of the family in setting clear and simple rules for using the pool: no running around the pool, no unauthorised diving, no playing without an adult present, etc. Explain to children the potential dangers and the importance of respecting these rules.

Slippery surfaces and obstacles: accident prevention

The pool area can become slippery when wet. Use non-slip floor coverings and make sure there are no obstacles (toys, gardening tools, etc.) lying around the pool that could cause you to trip or fall.

Managing risky behaviour

Be alert to risky behaviour, such as rough play at the water's edge, attempts to dive into shallow areas or inappropriate use of floating equipment. Intervene quickly to remind people of the safety rules.

Safety standards to comply with

Even if your above-ground pool is not subject to the same strict obligations as an inground pool in France, it is strongly recommended that you comply with voluntary safety standards (NF P90-306 for barriers, NF P90-307 for alarms, NF P90-308 for covers, NF P90-309 for shelters). These standards guarantee an optimum level of safety. Contact your local council or professionals to find out about the regulations specific to your situation.

More information in our article: keeping children safe near swimming pools: what are the options?

Declaration regulations

In France, the regulations governing the declaration of swimming pools vary according to the type of work and the size and shape of the pool. For above-ground pools:

• Installation period of less than 3 months per year (or 15 days in a protected area): no declaration required unless there is a specific rule in the local urban masterplan.
• Pools installed for more than 3 months a year (or 15 days in a protected area): the rules are the same as for in-ground or semi-inground pools, depending on the surface area of the pool (and the size of the shelter, where applicable).

Failure to declare a swimming pool may result in administrative and financial penalties in France.

Liability in the event of an accident

As a pool owner, you are responsible for the safety of your pool in France. In the event of an accident, you could be held civilly liable if the appropriate safety measures have not been put in place. Appropriate civil liability insurance is therefore essential.

In the event of fatal drowning, the owner may also be prosecuted for gross negligence.

More information in our article: who is liable in the event of drowning in a private swimming pool?