Safety device for family and collective private swimming pools

Verified 13 February 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

Does the presence of an uncovered buried swimming pool, whether for family or collective use but private (for example in a residence), require the installation of a safety device to prevent the risk of drowning? We're taking stock of the regulations.

All swimming pools buried not covered and private must be equipped with an effective safety device to avoid the risk of drowning.

This obligation concerns:

  • The new swimming pools
  • Existing swimming pools
  • Swimming pools for individual use
  • Pools for collective use (but private, for example in a residence).

It is recommended to have a pole, a buoy and a telephone near the swimming pool to quickly alert the emergency services in case of need.

Swimming pools for family or collective use but private, must be equipped with one of the following 4 devices:

  • Protective barrier
  • Alarm
  • Security Cover
  • Shelter.

Protective barrier

The protective barrier must be installed in such a way as to prevent the passage of a child under 5 years of age without the help of an adult.

It must also resist the actions of a child under 5 years of age, particularly with regard to the access locking system. This locking system must not cause injury.

FYI  

Protective barriers complying with the standard NF P90-306 of the French Association for Standardization (Afnor) are considered to meet these requirements. It is possible to check this on the packaging of the equipment.

Alarm

The alarm shall be installed so that all activation and deactivation controls cannot be used by a child under 5 years of age.

Detection systems shall identify any crossing by a child under 5 years of age and trigger a warning device equipped with a siren.

The alarm must not be triggered inadvertently, i.e. for no reason.

FYI  

Alarms complying with the standard NF P90-307 of the French Association for Standardization (Afnor) are considered to meet these requirements. It is possible to check this on the packaging of the equipment.

Security Cover

The safety blanket must be installed in such a way as to prevent the unintentional immersion of a child under 5 years of age.

It must also be able to withstand the crossing of an adult without causing injury.

FYI  

Safety blankets complying with the French Standards Association (Afnor) standard NF P90-308 are considered to meet these requirements. It is possible to check this on the packaging of the equipment.

Shelter

The shelter must be installed so that when closed, the pool pool pool cannot be accessed by a child under 5 years of age. It must not cause injury.

FYI  

Shelters complying with the standard NF P90-309 of the French Association for Standardization (Afnor) are considered to meet these requirements. It is possible to check this on the packaging of the equipment.

The safety device can be installed by the owner from the pool or the seller or an installer.

The seller or installer must provide the owner with a technical information note indicating the following:

  • Characteristics and conditions of operation and maintenance of the chosen safety device
  • General prevention and recommendation measures to avoid the risk of drowning.

Please note

In the context of a seasonal rental, devices such as security cover, shelter, protective barrier, must be installed and operational before the arrival of the tenant. For the alarm, the owner must ensure that it is activated and functional when making the housing available. The tenant must then take care not to deactivate or neutralize these devices during his stay.

The lack of safety features exposes the pool owner to a fine of €45,000.

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