Pool Safety Worldwide

We expect that even a casual reader of this website will have concluded that removable pool fencing has become the first choice in pool safety precautions for children in the USA. There is overwhelming evidence that a barrier of some kind is the most effective method of preventing accidents.

Other countries also have enacted laws to ensure pool safety, although interesting differences in enactment and methods have resulted.

France

France is currently the only european country with nationwide legislation regarding pool safety requirements, (the Raffarin Law).

As set out by AFNOR, pools covered by the Raffarin Law must be protected by at least one of the following safety measures:

Safety barriers (NF P90-306):

• If a pool is collectively used, for example at a holiday home, any barrier 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 alarms (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 infra-red 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 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
• Shelters can either be 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.

All open air pools need to comply. Failure to do so could result in a fine of €45,000.

Spain

Some areas of Spain have begun to enforce rules similar to the French system but currently no national legislation exists.

Australia

The 1991 Pool Fencing Legislation requires that all owners of swimming pools for houses, flats and home units install and maintain a pool fence. If a pool was built after 1 August 1990, then it is a requirement to have a child resistant pool fence that complies with Australian Standard 1926-1986 “Fences and Gates for Swimming Pools”.

If a pool was built before 1 August 1990 then the pool must be isolated from access from the street or from adjoining properties. The pool does not have to be separated from any residential building on the land, provided the means of access from the building to the pool is restricted at all times.

General Requirements:

• A fence that surrounds the swimming pool, separating the pool from your house and the neighbourhood.
  
• The outside of the pool fence has to be at least 1.2m high.
  
• No gap under the fence more than 10cm.
  
• All vertical (or near vertical) railings should be less than 10cm apart.
  
• All horizontal (or near horizontal) railings should be more than 90cm apart (to prevent children climbing the fence using the railings).
  
• Nothing that a child could use to climb over the fence nearby. Ensure that you fence is 1.2m clear of any large objects (such as trees, hedges, boulders, walls).
  
• The fence gate should open outwards (away from the pool), and automatically close and latch by itself from any open position.
  
• The gate latch release should be 1.5m above ground if located on the outside of the fence, and 1.2m above ground and covered by a shield if located on the inside of the fence.

Interestingly, mesh fence is not used for pool fence in Australia. The primary choice is aluminum railings and glass panels.

New Zealand

Current Legislation

• The pool has isolation fencing where possible
• No space under the bottom of the gate or fence is greater than 100mm at any point
• Horizontal rails are at least 900mm apart
• All fencing is at least 1200mm high at its lowest point
• There are no holes or gaps in the fence that may provide child access to the pool area. Nothing greater than 100mm
• Hinges, automatic closing devices and latches work properly at all times
• Gates and existing doors open away from the pool and automatically close and latch when released from a distance of 150mm from the open position
• Any windows in walls forming part of the pool fence that are less than 1200mm from the floor do not open more than 100mm
• Existing doors are fitted with a self-closer capable of latching the door shut from any position without the need for manual force and the latch is at least 1500mm above floor level
• If doors are not self-closing, additional layers of protection may be required. Contact your local authority or see NZS 8500:2006 for details
• The immediate (fenced) pool area does not contain a vegetable garden, clothesline, child’s sandpit, slide, swing or similar object
• There are no objects close to the pool fence or otherwise accessible that could assist young children climbing the fence.