What is BS EN 13451‑1 about?
BS EN 13451 discusses swimming pool equipment. BS EN 13451‑1 is the first part of the multi-series on swimming pool equipment that specifies general safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in swimming pools for public use as classified in EN 15288‑1 and EN 15288‑2.
Where specific standards exist, this general standard is not expected to be used alone. Special care is expected to be taken in applying this general standard alone to equipment for which no product specific standard has yet been published.
Who is BS EN 13451‑1 for?
BS EN 13451‑1 on swimming pool equipment is useful for:
- Architects who design swimming pools
- Contractors who construct swimming pools
- Installers of aboveground swimming pools equipment
- Manufacturers of aboveground swimming pools equipment
- Retailers of aboveground swimming pools equipment
Why should you use BS EN 13451‑1?
Swimming pools may sound like fun, but if constructed or installed improperly, may turn out to be a safety hazard. BS EN 13451‑1 applies to other equipment installed in pools for public use not specified in parts 2 to 11 of BS EN 13451.
BS EN 13451‑1 provides the safety requirements that need to be fulfilled for the safe use of the pool. BS EN 13451‑1 discusses structural integrity, handrails, barriers, safety barriers, surfaces, protrusions, edges, corners, entrapment, crushing, shearing points and slip resistance for swimming pool equipment. Users of public swimming pools will have a safe swimming experience with respect to pool equipment if BS EN 13451‑1 guidelines are followed.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13451‑1:2020 supersedes BS EN 13451‑1:2011+A1:2016, which is withdrawn.
The main changes in comparison to the previous version are as follows:
- Definition of “swimming pool equipment" revised
- The term "public use" added
- Requirements for structural integrity specified
- Material selection in steel, aligned with EUROCODE and former Annex F deleted
- Requirements for safety barriers revised
- Requirements for protrusions and their test methods revised
- Requirements for fittings specified
- Annex E for the determination of the slip resistance of inclined surfaces revised
- Editorial revision of the standard