Securing your buried or semi-buried swimming pool has been an obligation since 2004. Four devices are accessible to individuals, including the swimming pool barrier, a secure system which must meet the NF P 90-306 standard to be compliant. If this model interests you or, on the contrary, does not attract you much for its aesthetics, let’s take a look at its characteristics together to better support you in your choice.
The swimming pool barrier: what are the characteristics of this safety device?
Every individual is obliged to set up a safety device in order to limit the risk of drowning in his pool, if it is buried or semi-buried. This rule, in force since 2004, exposes any violator to a maximum fine of 45,000 euros.
To do this, four protection options are available:
- The swimming pool barrier, which forms an impassable barrier around the swimming pool and which must comply with the NF P 90-306 standard.
- The swimming pool alarm, which detects presence around the pool or submerged, and which must comply with standard NF P 90-307.
- The swimming pool cover, which must prevent drowning by supporting the weight of an adult and be equipped with an anti-lifting device, must in turn meet the NF P 90-308 standard.
- The swimming pool enclosure, which can be more or less high depending on the model and which covers the entire pool, while meeting the NF P 90-309 standard.
What are the technical characteristics of a secure pool barrier?
To meet the NF P 90-306 standard, your pool barrier must be at least 110 cm high, it must be equipped with a double-locking gate, it must be installed at least 1 meter from the edge of the pool and it must be able to resist being stepped over and attempted to be opened by a child under 5 years of age.
It is also imperative to ensure that the pool barrier is in good condition once in place and to repair or replace all its defective parts if necessary in order to preserve its usefulness and the safety of everyone.
Finally, it is quite obvious that the safety barrier in no way prevents the need to monitor your pool. It is indeed important to ensure that it is permanently kept closed and that a child cannot step over it with the help of an object located nearby.
What are the different models of swimming pool barriers?
If the safety barrier is not always successful because of its design considered unattractive, be aware that there are several more or less visible models in order to reduce its impact in the environment of the pool.
- The fixed barrier is a generally unattractive model in your garden. Indeed, being sealed in the deck of the swimming pool, it cannot be disassembled. Nevertheless, some materials are more elegant than others so as not to impact the beauty of your exterior too much. These models are also the most economical, with an average of 1,000 to 2,000 euros.
- The removable barrier is an intermediate solution that is visually comfortable, but impractical in use. This is a temporary barrier that is put in place when young children are present and can be removed immediately after their departure. Being temporary, aesthetics are less important, but you have to be able to put it on and take it off every time, which can take some effort. For these models, allow 2,000 to 3,000 euros on average.
- The retractable barrier is the most invisible and durable solution, which makes it the most popular barrier. The most efficient models slip into the ground for perfect invisibility. The top prizes simply fold. On the other hand, count between 8,000 and 12,000 euros for this equipment.
What materials are swimming pool barriers made of?
Each pool barrier model is available in several materials to meet everyone’s desires and needs.
- The wooden model is aesthetic. This noble material has been back in fashion for a few years and elegantly adorns the surroundings of your pool.
- The glass model is the most invisible and discreet, but also the most expensive.
- The wrought iron model can be very aesthetic, but it requires maintenance so as not to rust around the basin.
The swimming pool barrier: what are its advantages?
The pool barrier is an effective solution to protect the surroundings of your pool. Properly set up and locked, it forms a real wall that prevents children and adults from falling into the pool. It is therefore a solution of first choice to protect his family at lower cost, insofar as it is less expensive than other solutions forming a rampart, in particular the swimming pool enclosure.
Furthermore, you may have noticed that there are different types of barrier and different design materials. It is therefore easy to find a solution that will have little impact on the aesthetics of your garden, or even to select one that will satisfy you for its beauty and its harmony with your swimming pool.
Finally, the swimming pool barrier is an effective protection against plant waste and residues of all kinds that are near the pool. Your bathing water remains cleaner and healthier thanks to it.
The pool barrier: disadvantages?
Certainly, the pool barrier has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. It is a less expensive system than the swimming pool enclosure, but it remains more expensive than the cover or the alarm. It should however be noted that it is more effective insofar as it forms a direct rampart.
Unfortunately, to have an aesthetic and less visible model, you will have to pay the price. In addition, some models are very technical and require the intervention of a professional installer, which increases the amount of the invoice!