How do you make an above-ground pool safe?
Safety is just as important for an above-ground pool as it is for an in-ground one. But, what exactly does the law say when it comes to this type of installation? Which safety equipment and systems can you install to reduce the risk of drowning? Let's take a look at what you need to know to make your above-ground pool safe.
Pool safety: obligations
The French building and Housing Code requires owners of private and family in-ground pools to install standardized safety equipment. For above-ground pools, on the other hand, there are no specific regulations. These installations are, nonetheless, subject to a general safety obligation.
Even if the law is more flexible for above-ground pools, it's still essential to make your pool safe. And, even though above-ground pools often have a reputation of being a little safer than in-ground pools, they don't totally prevent accidents from happening.
What type of pool safety equipment should I choose?
Different types of equipment can be installed to make an above-ground pool safe.
Access ladder
As the ladder gives you access to the above-ground pool, it's the first item that needs to be made safe. First of all, you'll need to make sure you choose a good-quality, resistant model that will last over time, will bear the weight of two people and will feature steps with a non-slip cover.
Then, you'll have the choice between several types of ladder, each with their own safety systems. Some ladders have removable steps or steps that can be lifted upwards. Other models are equipped with a barrier with lockable gate. It's important to choose a safe ladder but it needs to be complemented by other equipment for extra safety.
The safety barrier
Installing a safety barrier that will prevent access to the pool is one of the surest safety measures for above-ground pools. It is in particular recommended when the pool surface area is quite big or when the pool sides aren't very high, in particular if you've also created decking around the pool. This is also the safety solution to choose when the pool has a deck connected to the home.
To ensure the safety barrier is perfectly safe, it should be equipped with a gate with automatic locking and should comply with the NF P90-306 standard. If you store your above-ground pool in winter, you can purchase a removable barrier.
Pool cover or tarp
A safety cover or tarp can protect your pool and prevent access to it, but this isn't the most optimal solution. The cover needs to be quite heavy so that a child won't be able to lift it on their own, and it needs to be very resistant. You can also go for a protection net, which is effective and often less expensive, made of metal or reinforced PVC. Finally, the bar cover is an approved system that's highly-effective but is only compatible with above-ground wooden pools.
Important: the bubble cover cannot be used to make a pool safe, it's only used as a means to heat the pool's water. It won't reduce the risk of drowning.
Pool alarm
Immersion alarms exist for above-ground pools. These alarms comprise a floating unit that you place in the pool and that, thanks to its sensors, detects falls in the pool. As this system is often overly-sensitive to water movement caused by the wind, it's not the best solution. An approved perimeter pool alarm that's compulsory for in-ground pools, will be more reliable. This expensive solution isn't, however, adapted to inflatable and free-standing pools, which are often the cheapest models of pools on the market and for which you probably don't want to invest much.
Above-ground pool enclosure
The pool enclosure is one of the most reliable safety systems, because when it's locked, it prevents access to the pool completely. Enclosures can be sliding or retractable to open up the pool in the summer. As well as making your pool safe, the enclosure will also mean you can enjoy your pool for longer throughout the year, as the water temperature will be stable and, what's more, it will protect your pool from accumulating dirt.
Some additional safety advice
Safety equipment is important when you have an above-ground pool, but your behaviour will also be key to preventing accidents. As such, familiarizing children with water and explaining the dangers of the pool to them is extremely important. Children should also always be equipped with armbands and/or floaters when they're near the pool and should always be actively supervised by an adult.
Last but not least, always keep emergency equipment such as a buoy and a pole by the pool, as well as emergency phone numbers to call in the event of drowning.
You can of course combine different safety systems and equipment to keep check on access to your above-ground pool. You should choose these systems and equipment based on the type of pool installed in your garden, as well as based on your needs. If you have young children, safety must be particularly reinforced.
