Swimming pool shelters
A swimming pool shelter has three main functions : it concentrates the heat of the sun by its greenhouse effect, it protects the pool from dirt and it make the pool safe for children.
Since 01 January 2006, pool owners are obliged by law to install an approved security system around a new or old pool in order to protect children from drowning. Among the systems meeting the required security standards, pool shelters are the most efficient, but also the most expensive. But the length of time you can use the pool is prolonged by a shelter, thus compensating the increased expense. Not only does the shelter protect the pool from the cold, its greenhouse effect also concentrates the heat of the sun.
In terms of security, the law states that "The shelter must be built in such a way as to stop a child from climbing over the protection or to acceeding the means of opening it. The shelter should not contain elements that may injure the child that tries to open it : all risks of cutting, pricking, pinching, suffocation or strangling must be avoided.
"To open the protection, without risk for older people, the pool must possess a means of access too difficult to open for children under 5 years old, and should be safe for all users, whether adults or children. If a shelter contains mobile elements which allow access to the pool, these elements must be fitted with a blocking system which denies children access to the pool. " Five types of shelters, made of wood, metal, plastic or glass, conform to these strict security standards :
- tall fixed or veranda shelters : these are the most expensive, but also the most practical, as they give the user standing room, creating real living space around the pool ! They cost between 8,000 and 30,000 euros.
- telescopic shelters : these are less expensive, costing between 8,000 and 15,000euros. They are lower in height than the fixed shelters and are the most common ones used. The different parts slide into each other and allow you cover part of the pool.
- fold-away shelters : these are less expensive, but also less practical than the fixed high shelter, costing between 8,000 and 22,000 euros. These use a jack system which allows you to remove part or all of the shelter, depending on your needs.
- removable shelters : these are used for small pools, offering all the necessary security while at the same time allowing you to uncover the pool throughout the summer. These generally cost less than 8,000 euros.
- inflatable shelters : these are inexpensive, costing around 1,000 euros . They meet the security requirements but are not very durable.