French law is stringent in this area; the approval of systems only applies to this country.
An infinity pool is an aesthetic element in your garden. It offers an idyllic resting place for the whole family and delights with its modernity and design. But when installing a pool at home, it is essential to think about safety. As a source of joy and a place of recreation, your pool should not become a danger zone for you and your family. To avoid accidents and prevent drowning, it is therefore essential to install a pool safety system. There are several ways to protect your pool: automatic cover, alarm, fence. With our advice, find the best solution for you and discover how to secure an overflow pool without altering the landscape.
What you need to know before choosing a safety system for your infinity pool
If you want to, it is essential to protect your pool with a suitable safety system. However, not all devices are equally effective, and not all are suitable for infinity pools. Therefore, before you know how to secure your overflow pool, you need to take several factors into account.
Consider your criteria
Several aspects will come under consideration when choosing your pool security system :
- The aesthetic aspect : It is essential to choose a security system that does not detract from the landscape around your home and leave a nice unobstructed view of the pool. Cover, barrier, pool enclosure. How can you make your infinity pool secure while preserving its aesthetic qualities? It depends mainly on your tastes, the size of your pool and the location of your pool.
- The environmental aspect : The choice of the security system for your pool will also depend on the swimming area surrounding the pool. The nature of the terrain plays an essential role in the selection of the safety device. You also be noted that overflowing pools do not require the same type of safety installation as skimmer pools.
- The financial aspect : Are you wondering how to secure an overflow pool for cheap? Remember that the protection you choose for your infinity or zero edge pool will partly depend on your budget. The price of security systems differs according to the materials used and the models.
Pay attention to the law.
The regulation on swimming pool safety applies only to our readers living in France. In addition to your personal preferences and needs, you must ensure that you comply with the law before installing a safety system in your pool. Indeed, the law requires that all private swimming pools have to be equipped with a standardised safety device that can effectively prevent the risk of drowning. Four options are approved
- A pool cover (standard NF P90-309)
- An alarm (standard NF P90-307)
- A barrier (standard NF P90-306)
- A cover or automatic cover (standard NF P90-308)
If this regulation is not respected, the owner will have to pay a fine of up to 45 000 €. However, each of these systems has its advantages and disadvantages. Securing an overflow pool is not quite the same as installing a skimmer pool guard. So what is the best safety device for an infinity or a zero-edge swimming pool?
The systems that can secure an overflow pool.
How do you secure an infinity pool reliably and effectively?
First of all, study the four approved options. In addition to the other criteria mentioned above, your choice will also depend on who uses the pool daily. Do you have pets or small children? It is mainly for them that you need to secure your swimming area. Here are the characteristics of each in-ground pool safety device.
The pool enclosure
This safety system is very popular with pool owners and is very effective in preventing drowning and accidents. However, it is far from being a suitable solution for infinity pools. In addition to spoiling the aesthetics of your pool and the natural lagoon effect sought by those interested in this type of swimming pool, its installation is very complicated, as the cover walls must rest on the deck surrounding the pool. It is interesting to note that some zero-edge pools surrounded by a deck can then be equipped with a pool enclosure.
The alarm
The pool alarm remains the most basic solution among the security systems. It has the advantage of not interfering with the aesthetics and design of the pool and is attractive because of its discretion. This device is ideal for families without pets and young children. Note that there is a perimeter alarm (which is activated when someone approaches the pool within a given perimeter) and an underwater alarm activated as soon as there is movement in the water. However, the pool alarm system is only reliable if someone nearby can hear it and intervene quickly. Opt for an alarm with a remote siren and a minimum power of 100 decibels.
The barrier or fence
The barrier is erected around the swimming area to prevent access to the water outside of leisure time. Access to the pool is through a gate that can be locked when desired. There are two main types of swimming pool fences.
→ The net fence consists of a discreet mesh. It has the advantage of being economical.
→ The transparent fence consists of tempered glass walls and stainless-steel support structures. The advantage of this fence is its greater discretion and its modern appearance.
The pool cover
It is one of the most used pool security systems. To date, the installation of above ground or underwater pool covers on an overflow pool is not considered safety equipment by AFNOR. However, it is essential to remember that its primary function is maintaining the water temperature and preventing impurities from falling into the pool. For this reason, many owners combine the installation of a cover with an alarm.
Best security system for an overflow pool
After a brief overview of the different solutions to protect your private pool, it appears that another of the security systems suitable for infinity pools is the barrier or fence surrounding the swimming area. It provides an unobstructed view of the water and ensures that the swimming pool area and its deck are optimally secured. Note also that you can combine several security systems for greater efficiency and protection. For example, installing an alarm in addition to your fence will allow you to be alerted quickly if your children pass the fence when you are not nearby to supervise them. The choice of protection will depend mainly on the budget to be invested and the family’s composition.
Finally, it is essential to remember that the best way to avoid accidents for young children is not to leave them unsupervised in a house or garden, as there are many other dangers besides drowning. Constant adult supervision and early learning of swimming seem to us to be the best protection.
